Aesop Purifying Facial Exfoliating Paste

Aesop

Purifying Facial Exfoliating Paste

face neck lips exfoliator

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Fit by skin type

General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.

Dry
70%
Combination (dry)
70%
Balanced
100%
Combination (oily)
70%
Oily
70%

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21
Ingredients
4
Benefits
1
Actives
Find Dupes

A beautiful, cream-based exfoliant developed to polish and purify most skin types (except the very easily aggravated), Aesop’s Purifying Facial Exfoliant Paste stars ultra-finely milled river-bed quartz suspended in a lactic acid-rich emulsion. Delivering both chemical and physical resurfacing, the quartz particles gently ‘scrub’ the skin – stimulating circulation to oxygenate healthy cells, and lightly slough away dirt and debris – while lactic acid simultaneously breaks the bonds which bind dulling dead cells to skin’s surface, leaving your face feeling velvety smooth and soft. Ideal for congested, lacklustre complexions, this eliminates pore-clogging grime which in turn, reduces likelihood of breakouts – skin quickly looks clearer and brighter, with refined texture and renewed luminosity.

Key Insights

Benefits

4
Anti-Aging
Evens Skin Tone
Hydration
Soothing

Active Ingredients

1
AHA

Risks

1
Allergen

About Purifying Facial Exfoliating Paste

Overview

Purifying Facial Exfoliating Paste is a cushioning exfoliator from Aesop. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 21 ingredients, each broken down in full below.

Texture and finish

By its ingredient list the formula reads as moderately cushioned — emollient enough to feel like a cream, without the heaviest occlusives near the top. The oils in it point to a dewy, emollient finish rather than a matte one. Hydration is handled by Glycerin, Water and Glyceryl Stearate SE, 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 Glycerin, Water, Glyceryl Stearate SE and Cetearyl Alcohol.

Who it suits

On richness alone it suits Balanced skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry), Combination (oily) and Oily skin. A few ingredients carry irritation flags, so reactive skin should patch test before using it on the whole face.

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

Use it in the evening. In a routine it goes after cleansing, before serums. Start at once or twice a week and build up only if skin stays comfortable. Wear sunscreen the next morning — fresh exfoliation raises UV sensitivity.

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)

Which skin types it suits

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

Suitable for

  • Balanced skin

Less suitable for

  • Dry skin
  • Combination (dry) skin
  • Combination (oily) skin
  • Oily skin

Sensitive skin

A few ingredients here carry irritation flags. Reactive skin should patch test on the jawline for a few days before using it on the whole face.

Skin concerns

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

Helps with

  • Hydration 7 ingredients

    Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy

  • Anti-Aging 4 ingredients

    Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

  • 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

Anti-Acne Blackhead Reducing 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.

Water

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
Glyceryl Stearate SE

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

Octadecanoic acid, reaction products with 1,2,3-propanetriol (1:1), neutralized

Hydration
Cetearyl Alcohol

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

Alcohols, C16-18

Hydration
Rosa Canina Fruit Oil

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

Rosa Canina Fruit Oil is an oil from the Hip Rose, Rosa canina L., Rosaceae

Hydration Anti-Aging
Glycerin

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

Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane

Hydration Anti-Aging
Oenothera Biennis Oil

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

Oenothera Biennis Oil is the fixed oil derived from the seeds of the Evening Primrose, Oenothera biennis, Onagraceae

Hydration Anti-Aging Soothing
Lactic Acid AHA

10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-

Anti-Aging Evens Skin Tone Hydration

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 Low

Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity

Cell renewal None

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 (1)

Supporting ingredients (20)

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

Water Quartz Glyceryl Stearate SE Cetearyl Alcohol Rosa Canina Fruit Oil Ceteareth-20 Glycerin Oenothera Biennis Oil Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate Coconut Alcohol Ormenis Multicaulis Oil Phenoxyethanol Sodium Hydroxide Lavandula Angustifolia Oil Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil Disodium Edta Methylchloroisothiazolinone Methylisothiazolinone 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
  • No animal-derived ingredients

Contains

  • Fragrance

    Linalool, Limonene

  • Essential oils

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

  • Facial oils

    Rosa Canina Fruit Oil

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

Evening
  1. Cleanse
  2. Exfoliate
  3. Treat
  4. Moisturise

This product is the "Exfoliate" step.

  • Start at once or twice a week and build up only if skin stays comfortable.
  • Wear sunscreen the next morning — fresh exfoliation raises UV sensitivity.

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
Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not clearance — ask your doctor about anything you use daily.
Fungal acne (malassezia)
3 ingredients could feed malassezia: Glyceryl Stearate SE, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil. That is about the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that you will break out.
Sensitive and reactive skin
A few ingredients here carry irritation flags. Reactive skin should patch test on the jawline for a few days before using it on the whole face.
Recorded ingredient risks
Allergen

Ingredients by function

Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 21 ingredients on the label.

5
Surfactant

Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together

4
Emollient

Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells

4
Texture agent

Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula

3
Preservative

Keeps the product free of microbial growth

3
Solvent

Dissolves and carries everything else

2
Fragrance / colour

Changes how the product smells or looks

2
Humectant

Draws water into the upper layers of skin

2
pH adjuster

Sets the acidity the formula needs to work

1
Active

Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels

1
Chelator

Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula

1
Exfoliant

Loosens or dissolves dead surface cells

1
Occlusive

Forms a film that slows water loss

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
2 Quartz Exfoliant
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Exfoliant

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

Quartz is a mineral consisting chiefly of silicon dioxide

3 Glyceryl Stearate SE Surfactant
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

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

Octadecanoic acid, reaction products with 1,2,3-propanetriol (1:1), neutralized

Hydration
4 Cetearyl Alcohol Emollient
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient, Surfactant, Texture agent

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

Alcohols, C16-18

Hydration
4 scientific references
  • CosmeticsInfoorg, Accessed March 2021, ePublication
  • FDA Cosmetic Labeling Claims, August 2020, ePublication
  • Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea, June 2009, pages 103-110
  • Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 1988, pages 359-413
5 Rosa Canina Fruit Oil Emollient
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient

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

Rosa Canina Fruit Oil is an oil from the Hip Rose, Rosa canina L., Rosaceae

Hydration Anti-Aging
5 scientific references
  • Fresenius Environmental Bulletin, 2018, pages 744-748
  • International Journal of Molecular Sciences, June 2017, pages 1–37
  • International Journal of Toxicology, 2017, pages 51S-129S
  • African Journal of Biotechnology, May 2010, pages 2, 709-2, 716
  • Czech Journal of Food Science, 2009, pages 178-184
6 Ceteareth-20 Surfactant
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

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

C16-18 alcohols, ethoxylated (20 mol EO average molar ratio)

7 Glycerin Humectant
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Occlusive, Texture agent, Solvent

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

Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane

Hydration Anti-Aging
6 scientific references
  • Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation, March 2021, pages 223-231
  • International Journal of Toxicology, November/December 2019, Volume 38, Supplement 3, pages 6S-22S
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, August 2016, ePublication
  • British Journal of Dermatology, July 2008, pages 23-34
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, June 2007, pages 75-82
  • Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, June 2003, pages 7, 360-7, 365
8 Oenothera Biennis Oil Emollient
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient

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

Oenothera Biennis Oil is the fixed oil derived from the seeds of the Evening Primrose, Oenothera biennis, Onagraceae

Hydration Anti-Aging Soothing
2 scientific references
  • Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, January 2016, pages 188-193
  • Annals of Dermatology, December 2014, pages 706-712
9 Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate Surfactant
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Fatty acids, coco, 2-sulfoethyl esters, sodium salts

10 Lactic Acid Humectant
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Active, pH adjuster

10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-

Anti-Aging Evens Skin Tone Hydration
9 scientific references
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, April 2020, pages 116-126
  • International Journal of Dermatology, March 2019, ePublication
  • Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, October 2018, pages 491-497
  • International Journal of Dermatology, September 2018, ePublication
  • Molecules, April 2018, ePublication
  • Journal of the American Dental Association, April 2016, pages 255-263
  • Cutis, January 2016, pages E9-E11
  • Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, November 2010, pages 135-142
  • The Journal of Dermatology, January 2006, pages 16-22
11 Coconut Alcohol Emollient
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient, Surfactant, Texture agent

11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Alcohols, coco

12 Ormenis Multicaulis Oil
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line

12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

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

13 Phenoxyethanol 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.

2-Phenoxyethanol

14 Sodium Hydroxide pH adjuster
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
pH adjuster

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

Sodium hydroxide

15 Lavandula Angustifolia Oil
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.

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

Allergen
16 Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
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 Disodium Edta Texture agent
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent, Chelator

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

Disodium dihydrogen ethylenediaminetetraacetate

18 Methylchloroisothiazolinone Preservative
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Preservative

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

5-Chloro-2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one

19 Methylisothiazolinone Preservative
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Preservative

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

2-Methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one

20 Linalool Fragrance / colour
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Fragrance / colour

20th 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
21 Limonene Solvent
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Solvent, Fragrance / colour

21st 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 Purifying Facial Exfoliating Paste?

WATER, QUARTZ, GLYCERYL STEARATE SE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, ROSA CANINA FRUIT OIL, CETEARETH-20, GLYCERIN, OENOTHERA BIENNIS OIL, SODIUM COCOYL ISETHIONATE, LACTIC ACID, COCONUT ALCOHOL, ORMENIS MULTICAULIS OIL, PHENOXYETHANOL, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA OIL, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS LEAF OIL, DISODIUM EDTA, METHYLCHLOROISOTHIAZOLINONE, METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE, LINALOOL, LIMONENE.

What are the active ingredients in Purifying Facial Exfoliating Paste?

LACTIC ACID.

How do I use Purifying Facial Exfoliating Paste?

Dispense half a teaspoon of Purifying Facial Exfoliant Paste into the palm of your hand. Work over face and neck, including the lips. Avoid the immediate eye area. Allow the Quartz and Lactic Acid to gently exfoliate by employing minimal pressure. Rinse thoroughly with warm water, then follow with your preferred Aesop toner and hydrator.

What skin types is Purifying Facial Exfoliating Paste 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), Combination (oily), Oily skin.

Is Purifying Facial Exfoliating Paste 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 Purifying Facial Exfoliating Paste fungal acne safe?

3 ingredients could feed malassezia: Glyceryl Stearate SE, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that they will cause a breakout.

Can I use Purifying Facial Exfoliating Paste while pregnant?

Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not medical clearance — check anything you use daily with your doctor or midwife.

Is Purifying Facial Exfoliating Paste fragrance free?

No — it contains Linalool, Limonene.

Does Purifying Facial Exfoliating Paste contain alcohol?

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

Is Purifying Facial Exfoliating Paste silicone free?

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

Does Purifying Facial Exfoliating Paste contain essential oils?

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

Is Purifying Facial Exfoliating Paste paraben free?

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

What can I layer with Purifying Facial Exfoliating Paste?

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 Purifying Facial Exfoliating Paste?

Use it in the evening, after cleansing, before serums.

How many ingredients does Purifying Facial Exfoliating Paste have?

It lists 21 ingredients, of which 1 are recorded as actives.

Who makes Purifying Facial Exfoliating Paste?

Aesop.

Brand
Aesop

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