Aesop In Two Minds Facial Cleanser

Aesop

In Two Minds Facial Cleanser

face neck gel cleanser

Added Last edited

Fit by skin type

General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.

Dry
63%
Combination (dry)
63%
Balanced
93%
Combination (oily)
77%
Oily
77%

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24
Ingredients
6
Benefits
2
Actives
Find Dupes

Clarify and refresh your complexion (combination skin, we're looking at you) with the In Two Minds Facial Cleanser (200ml) from Aesop. This gel cleanser gently remove excess oil, make up, and surface impurities to reveal skin that is soft, refreshed and radiant. How? With exfoliating salicylic acid and witch hazel, it works to unclog pores and balance any excess oil, all without drying the skin or stripping it of its natural oils. What's more, sage, lavender and rosemary leaf oils grant a beautiful, uplifting scent while nourishing skin and maintaining much-needed moisture. We're not in two minds about this...

Key Insights

Benefits

6
Anti-Acne
Anti-Aging
Blackhead Reducing
Evens Skin Tone
Hydration
Soothing

Active Ingredients

2
AHA BHA

Risks

1
Allergen

About In Two Minds Facial Cleanser

Overview

In Two Minds Facial Cleanser is a lightweight gel cleanser from Aesop. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 24 ingredients, each broken down in full below.

Texture and finish

By its ingredient list the formula reads as light: water and humectants lead, with emollients kept lower in the order. Hydration is handled by Water, Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil and Sorbitol, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.

What the formula does

Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Water, Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sorbitol and Sodium Gluconate.

Who it suits

On richness alone it suits Balanced skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) skin. Several ingredients carry irritation flags. If your skin is reactive, this is one to patch test carefully or approach slowly.

What it does not target

The formula contributes little or nothing on barrier support, antioxidant protection, oil control and brightening and tone. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it.

What is not in it

Reading the full list, the formula is no drying alcohol, paraben-free, silicone-free, microplastic-free, sulfate-free and dye-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging. It does contain fragrance and essential oils, worth knowing if your skin reacts to any of them.

Where it fits in a routine

It can be used morning and evening. In a routine it goes first step. Use on damp skin and rinse thoroughly. Follow with a toner or essence while skin is still slightly damp.

This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.

Pros and cons

Drawn purely from the ingredient list

Pros

  • No drying alcohol
  • Silicone-free
  • No microplastics
  • Strong humectant content for hydration

Things to know

  • Contains fragrance or declared fragrance allergens
  • Contains essential oils, a common source of reactivity
  • 3 ingredients could feed malassezia (fungal acne)
  • Contains ingredients usually flagged for review during pregnancy
  • Several ingredients carry irritation flags

Which skin types it suits

Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.

Suitable for

  • Balanced skin

May suit

  • Combination (oily) skin
  • Oily skin

Less suitable for

  • Dry skin
  • Combination (dry) skin

Sensitive skin

Several ingredients here carry irritation flags. If your skin is reactive or you have rosacea, introduce this slowly, or ask a dermatologist first.

Skin concerns

Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.

Helps with

  • Hydration 4 ingredients

    Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy

  • Anti-Aging 2 ingredients

    Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

  • Anti-Acne 1 ingredient

    Targets breakouts by reducing bacteria and unclogging pores

  • Blackhead Reducing 1 ingredient

    Helps unclog pores and reduce blackheads for clearer skin

  • Evens Skin Tone 1 ingredient

    Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance

  • Soothing 1 ingredient

    Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin

Does not target

Dark Spot Fading Oil Control Pore Minimizer Smooths Bumpy Skin

None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.

Key ingredients

The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.

1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.

Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water

Hydration

4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Castor oil (Ricinus communis), hydrogenated, ethoxylated (40 mol EO average molar ratio)

Hydration

5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

D-Glucitol

Hydration

14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Sodium gluconate

Hydration

17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid

18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Salicylic acid

Anti-Acne Anti-Aging Blackhead Reducing

22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-ol; .alpha.-tocopherol; Vitamin E

Anti-Aging Evens Skin Tone Soothing

Formula analysis

Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.

Hydration High

Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin

Barrier support None

Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity

Antioxidant support None

Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution

Oil control None

Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine

Brightening None

Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks

Soothing None

Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity

Cell renewal Low

Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover

Firmness signalling None

Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support

Active and supporting ingredients

"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.

Active ingredients (2)

Supporting ingredients (22)

Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.

Water Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Sorbitol Hamamelis Virginiana Water Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate Sodium Chloride Phenoxyethanol Peg-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate Polysorbate 80 Lavandula Angustifolia Oil Sodium Dehydroacetate Sodium Gluconate Ormenis Multicaulis Oil Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil Coconut Acid Salvia Officinalis Oil Benzoic Acid Tocopherol Linalool Limonene

What is and is not in it

Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.

Free from

  • No drying alcohol
  • Paraben-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Microplastic-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Dye-free
  • Oil-free
  • No animal-derived ingredients

Contains

  • Fragrance

    Linalool, Limonene

  • Essential oils

    Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Salvia Officinalis Oil, Linalool, Limonene

What to layer it with

Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.

Compatible with

  • Azelaic acid
  • Copper peptides
  • Bakuchiol
  • Niacinamide
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Ceramides
  • Signal peptides
  • Panthenol
  • Sunscreen

Use with caution

  • Retinoids (retinol, retinal)

    Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.

  • Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

  • AHAs (glycolic, lactic)

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

  • BHA (salicylic acid)

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

  • PHAs (gluconolactone)

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

  • Benzoyl peroxide

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

Where it fits in a routine

Morning Evening
  1. Cleanse
  2. Toning
  3. Treat
  4. Moisturise
  5. Protect

This product is the "Cleanse" step.

  • Use on damp skin and rinse thoroughly.
  • Follow with a toner or essence while skin is still slightly damp.

Safety and suitability

Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Contains Salicylic Acid, usually reviewed with a doctor during pregnancy.
Fungal acne (malassezia)
3 ingredients could feed malassezia: Peg-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Polysorbate 80, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil. That is about the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that you will break out.
Sensitive and reactive skin
Several ingredients here carry irritation flags. If your skin is reactive or you have rosacea, introduce this slowly, or ask a dermatologist first.
Recorded ingredient risks
Allergen

Ingredients by function

Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 24 ingredients on the label.

7
Surfactant

Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together

4
Preservative

Keeps the product free of microbial growth

3
Solvent

Dissolves and carries everything else

2
Active

Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels

2
Fragrance / colour

Changes how the product smells or looks

2
Chelator

Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula

2
pH adjuster

Sets the acidity the formula needs to work

2
Texture agent

Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula

1
Antioxidant

Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution

1
Soothing

Calms visible redness and irritation

1
Humectant

Draws water into the upper layers of skin

1
Emollient

Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells

1
Exfoliant

Loosens or dissolves dead surface cells

Ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.

1 Water Solvent
Estimated level
30–80%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.

Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water

Hydration
3 scientific references
  • Skin Research and Technology, May 2015, pages 131-136
  • Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, November-December 1999, pages 344-351
  • Journal of Cosmetic Science, September-October 1993, pages 249-262
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant, Solvent

2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate is the sodium salt of the sulfonate ester of a mixture of hydroxypropyl laurylmonoglucoside and hydroxypropyl lauryldiglucoside

Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant, Texture agent

3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

1-Propanaminium, N-(3-aminopropyl)-2-hydroxy-N,N-dimethyl-3-sulfo-, N-coco acyl derivs., hydroxides, inner salts

Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Castor oil (Ricinus communis), hydrogenated, ethoxylated (40 mol EO average molar ratio)

Hydration
4 scientific references
  • CosmeticsInfoorg, Accessed July 2021, ePublication
  • https://cosmeticsinfoorg/ingredient/peg-40-hydrogenated-castor-oil
  • Toxicological Research, June 2015, pages 105-136
  • https://wwwdeepdyvecom/lp/pubmed-central/safety-evaluation-of-polyethylene-glycol-peg-compounds-for-cosmetic-dV2e45HAp7?articleList=%2Fsearch%3Fquery%3DPEG-40%2Bhydrogenated%2Bcastor%2Boil
5 Sorbitol Humectant
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant

5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

D-Glucitol

Hydration
7 scientific references
  • International Journal of Pharmaceutics, January 2019, pages 175–183
  • Clinical Medicine and Research, January 2017, pages 75–87
  • Frontiers in Microbiology, December 2017, ePublication
  • 3 Biotech, June 2012, pages 115-125
  • The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, August 2011, pages 31-49
  • Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, July-September 2004, pages 321-336
  • https://wwwcir-safetyorg/sites/default/files/Mannitol, %20Sorbitol, %20Xylitol_0pdf
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Soothing

6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Hamamelis Virginiana Water is an aqueous solution containing natural volatile oils obtained by the distillation of twigs, bark and leaves of of the Witch Hazel, Hamamelis virginiana L., Hamamelidaceae

Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate is the sodium salt of the coconut fatty acid amide of N-methyltaurine. It conforms generally to the formula

8 Sodium Chloride Texture agent
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent

8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Sodium chloride

9 Phenoxyethanol Preservative
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Preservative

9th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

2-Phenoxyethanol

Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-hydro-.omega.-hydroxy-, ether with methyl d-glucopyranoside 2,6-bis[(Z)-9-octadecenoate] (2:1) (120 mol EO average molar ratio)

11 Polysorbate 80 Surfactant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

11th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Sorbitan, mono-9-octadecenoate, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivs., (Z)-

Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Lavandula Angustifolia Oil is the volatile oil obtained from the flowers of the Lavender, Lavandula angustifolia, Labiatae. ISO 8902:2009

Allergen
13 Sodium Dehydroacetate Preservative
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Preservative

13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Sodium 1-(3,4-dihydro-6-methyl-2,4-dioxo-2H-pyran-3-ylidene)ethanolate

14 Sodium Gluconate Chelator
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Chelator

14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Sodium gluconate

Hydration
3 scientific references
  • International Journal of Toxicology, May/June 2019, pages 5S-38S
  • Journals of Materials Research, February 2006, pages 343-348
  • https://wwwepagov/sites/production/files/2019-08/documents/support_document_for_proposed_designation_of_d-gluconic_acid_sodium_saltpdf
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Ormenis Multicaulis Oil is the volatile oil obtained from the herb Moroccan Chamomile, Ormenis multicaulis, Compositae

Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil is the essential oil obtained from the flowering tops and leaves of the Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis L., Lamiaceae

17 Citric Acid Active
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Active, Chelator, pH adjuster

17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid

Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Active, Exfoliant, Preservative

18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Salicylic acid

Anti-Acne Anti-Aging Blackhead Reducing
10 scientific references
  • Experimental Dermatology, July 2019, pages 786-794
  • European Commission Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, June 2019, pages 1-70
  • Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, April 2018, pages 245-251
  • Journal of Cosmetic Science, January-February 2017, pages 55-58
  • Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, August 2015, pages 455-461
  • Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, November 2010, pages 135-142
  • Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, September 2008, pages 170-176
  • Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, April 2007, pages 651-663
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, February 2000, pages 21-52
  • Seminars in Dermatology, December 1990, pages 305-308
19 Coconut Acid Emollient
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Emollient, Surfactant

19th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Fatty acids, coco

Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

20th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Salvia Officinalis Oil is the essential oil derived from the herbal plant the Sage, Salvia officinalis L., Lamiaceae

21 Benzoic Acid Preservative
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Preservative, pH adjuster

21st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Benzoic acid

22 Tocopherol Antioxidant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Antioxidant

22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-ol; .alpha.-tocopherol; Vitamin E

Anti-Aging Evens Skin Tone Soothing
4 scientific references
  • Journal or Agricultural and Food Chemistry, June 2010, pages 7013-7020
  • Journal of Investigative Dermatology, November 2001, pages 1212-1217
  • Canadian Family Physician, July 2006, pages 855-856
  • Dermatologic Surgery, April 1999, pages 311-315
23 Linalool Fragrance / colour
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Fragrance / colour

23rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

3,7-Dimethyl octa-1,6-diene-3-ol

Allergen
24 Limonene Solvent
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Solvent, Fragrance / colour

24th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

1-Methyl-4-Isopropenylcyclohexene; dipentene

Allergen

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Frequently asked questions

What ingredients are in In Two Minds Facial Cleanser?

WATER, SODIUM LAURYLGLUCOSIDES HYDROXYPROPYLSULFONATE, COCAMIDOPROPYL HYDROXYSULTAINE, PEG-40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, SORBITOL, HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA WATER, SODIUM METHYL COCOYL TAURATE, SODIUM CHLORIDE, PHENOXYETHANOL, PEG-120 METHYL GLUCOSE DIOLEATE, POLYSORBATE 80, LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA OIL, SODIUM DEHYDROACETATE, SODIUM GLUCONATE, ORMENIS MULTICAULIS OIL, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS LEAF OIL, CITRIC ACID, SALICYLIC ACID, COCONUT ACID, SALVIA OFFICINALIS OIL, BENZOIC ACID, TOCOPHEROL, LINALOOL, LIMONENE.

What are the active ingredients in In Two Minds Facial Cleanser?

CITRIC ACID, SALICYLIC ACID.

How do I use In Two Minds Facial Cleanser?

Dispense into clean hands, massage over the face and neck, then rinse thoroughly with warm water.

What skin types is In Two Minds Facial Cleanser good for?

Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Balanced skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) skin.

Is In Two Minds Facial Cleanser good for sensitive skin?

Some ingredients here carry irritation flags, so sensitive skin should patch test on the jawline for a few days before applying it to the whole face.

Is In Two Minds Facial Cleanser fungal acne safe?

3 ingredients could feed malassezia: Peg-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Polysorbate 80, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that they will cause a breakout.

Can I use In Two Minds Facial Cleanser while pregnant?

It contains Salicylic Acid, which are usually reviewed with a doctor during pregnancy. Ask your doctor or midwife before using it.

Is In Two Minds Facial Cleanser fragrance free?

No — it contains Linalool, Limonene.

Does In Two Minds Facial Cleanser contain alcohol?

No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.

Is In Two Minds Facial Cleanser silicone free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.

Does In Two Minds Facial Cleanser contain essential oils?

Yes — it contains Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Salvia Officinalis Oil, Linalool, Limonene.

Is In Two Minds Facial Cleanser paraben free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.

What can I layer with In Two Minds Facial Cleanser?

It layers well with Azelaic acid, Copper peptides, Bakuchiol, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides. Take more care combining it with Retinoids (retinol, retinal), Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide — use them in separate routines or on alternate days.

When should I apply In Two Minds Facial Cleanser?

Use it morning and evening, first step.

How many ingredients does In Two Minds Facial Cleanser have?

It lists 24 ingredients, of which 2 are recorded as actives.

Who makes In Two Minds Facial Cleanser?

Aesop.

Brand
Aesop

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