For OliveTalk’s Best Cleanser contest, I’m writing about the cleanser that never lets me down. I own a handful of face washes, and my number one is still the Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser. I like Round Lab’s Dokdo Cleanser too, but COSRX keeps the top spot in my routine. https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT6wt5Tfy/ Posted a review on tiktok too go watch🫶 What makes it my #1 is simple: the low-pH formula feels gentle and non-irritating. With sensitive skin, I care less about a “squeaky clean” feel and more about how my face feels afterward. With this cleanser my skin feels clean, comfortable, and lightly hydrated, so it’s safe for daily use. Texture and cleanse It’s a clear gel that isn’t heavy. With water it builds into a soft, light foam—not super bubbly, but smooth and satisfying. It spreads easily without feeling sticky or slimy. The finish is fresh and lightly hydrated rather than stripped, which is why I love it in the morning. Reliability I’ve repurchased it multiple times. I like trying new cleansers, but I keep coming back to this one. Whether my skin is going through a sensitive phase or feeling stable, it behaves. For quick, refreshing morning washes, it’s a staple. When my skin was irritated During a rough breakout cycle when my skin felt reactive, this didn’t make things worse. It gave me a calm, steady cleanse so my skin could settle down again. Three reasons it’s my pick The low-pH formula is gentle and dependable for sensitive skin. The gel texture gives a clean yet soft, refreshing wash. It’s a true staple I’ve repurchased and rely on daily. A couple of drawbacks It isn’t strong enough to remove heavy makeup on its own. It shines as a second cleanser; use an oil/balm first for long-wear looks. There’s a light tea tree scent. I don’t mind it, but if you prefer completely fragrance-free, it may not be your favorite. Bottom line This cleanser doesn’t promise flashy extras, but that’s exactly why it’s a holy-grail daily wash for me gentle, consistent, and comfortable. I’d love to do well in the OliveTalk contest, but more importantly, I hope more sensitive-skin folks try it. In my morning routine it’s a reliable companion, and that’s why the Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser is my ultimate pick. 💧✨

I’m in my early 30s with year-round dryness (hello office AC and winter heaters), so I’m always hunting for something that tops up moisture without disturbing makeup. I picked up CNP Laboratory Propolis Energy Ampoule Mist after hearing it’s basically the brand’s propolis serum in a spray an on the go glow hit for parched skin. First impression: the mister is fine. No splotchy droplets, just a soft cloud that settles evenly. The bottle comes in multiple sizes; mine is 100 ml for my bag, but I’ve seen minis and larger desk sizes too. Formula and feel It leans on propolis extract (that honey-adjacent, antioxidant-rich ingredient) with hyaluronic acid, panthenol, and betaine for cushiony hydration. It’s gentle on my barrier and, based on ingredient lists I checked, free of harsh alcohols and sulfates. The scent is light and a little honeyed but fades fast. No stickiness, no tight film just a soft, dewy layer that makes skin look less thirsty and a bit bouncier. How I use it Morning under SPF : Two passes after toner, before sunscreen, give me a comfortable base so foundation doesn’t cling to dry patches on my cheeks. Makeup sandwich : A quick mist between thin layers helps everything melt together; another mist at the end adds a healthy, glassy sheen without greasing up my T-zone. The spray is fine enough that it doesn’t disturb concealer. Mid day rescue : On heater days or after a flight, three slow sweeps reset that dull, tight feeling. On “too tired for a full routine” nights, it’s mist + ceramide cream and done. Results after ~3 weeks By midday my skin looks more awake, with fewer flaky spots around my nostrils and chin. It won’t replace a proper serum if you’re extremely dry, but it bridges the gap between steps beautifully and makes everything else play nicer. If your dullness is dehydration not heavy oiliness, you’ll probably love the soft glow it leaves. Packaging notes Travel sizes work for bags and desks, the larger bottle is basically a desk humidifier in a can. Mister output is consistent, though a brand-new bottle may need a few priming pumps to get that airy cloud. If you’re sensitive to any scent at all, the initial sweetness might register but disappears within a minute on me. Bottom line CNP Propolis Ampoule Mist is a low effort, high comfort step that quietly improves how your skin looks and how your routine feels, especially if you’re dry, sensitive, or stuck in climate-controlled air. It layers without pilling, plays well with SPF and base makeup, and gives that “I drink water” sheen without crossing into greasy. Keep your rich moisturizers and night serums, but let this ride shotgun your mid day skin (and selfies) will thank you. Quick take : fine mist, dewy comfort, zero stickiness, makeup friendly. A yes for dry-skin days and travel kits. Not a replacement for heavy hitters, but the perfect in-between that keeps everything balanced.

For the Olivetalk Gentle Cleanser Contest, I wanted to share a full review of one of my long-time favorites, the Round Lab Dokdo Cleanser 💕 I’ve mentioned this product a few times before, but this is the perfect chance to write down my thoughts in detail. As someone with sensitive skin, I’m always cautious when it comes to cleansers. Anything too harsh leaves my skin tight, dry, and irritated. The Dokdo Cleanser, however, has been gentle yet effective enough for me to keep repurchasing. It played a huge role when my skin was going through a rough, reactive phase, which makes me feel especially attached to it. The packaging also deserves a mention. The box features a cute illustration related to Dokdo, and honestly, it makes me smile every time I see it. Little design touches like this add a layer of charm beyond functionality, and it’s something that makes the brand stand out The texture strikes a nice balance it’s not too watery, but not overly firm either. Once mixed with water, it creates a soft, cushiony foam. Unlike many low-pH cleansers that barely foam up, the Dokdo Cleanser produces a surprisingly rich lather, which makes the cleansing process feel much more satisfying. What impressed me most, though, was how my skin felt afterward. The cleanser doesn’t over-strip or weaken the skin barrier. Instead, it leaves my skin feeling clean but not tight, fresh yet comfortable. Since my skin reacts badly to squeaky-clean finishes, I really appreciate how balanced this cleanser feels. If I had to summarize the key highlights of this product, it would be these three points Low-pH & gentle → Safe and soothing, even for sensitive skin. Foamy, refreshing texture → Soft and rich lather for a pleasant cleanse. Cute packaging → The Dokdo-themed design adds an extra touch of charm. Put together, these qualities make the Round Lab Dokdo Cleanser one of those reliable, everyday cleansers you can count on. While its gentleness is the biggest win for me as someone with sensitive skin, I think it’s versatile enough for most skin types to enjoy as a daily cleanser. Since the Olivetalk contest is all about finding the best “gentle cleanser,” this feels like the perfect entry. My skin has felt much calmer and more comfortable with consistent use, and it has truly become a non-negotiable part of my skincare routine. Of course, it would be amazing to win a prize, but more than that, I just hope more people get to experience the strengths of this cleanser 💧✨.

Why I Bought It Cleansing milks keep popping up in my feed for a reason, they sit between balm and gel, perfect when you want a gentle cleanse without heavy slip. I’m in my late 20s with combination, sometimes-sensitive skin, and I’ve liked S.Nature’s Aqua line for being unfussy and barrier-friendly. When I saw the Aqua Rice Cleansing Milk, I grabbed it to test as my “lazy-night but still effective” cleanser. Packaging & First Impressions It’s a big 280 ml pump, which is hygienic and easy to control mid-routine. Two to three pumps is perfect when I’m bare-faced; three to four when I’m removing sunscreen and tint. The pump-and-go format means no jar digging or juggling caps when I’m half asleep. What It Is A modern take on rice-water cleansing : lift makeup and daily grime while keeping skin cushioned and comfortable, not tight or squeaky. On the face it massages like a light lotion, warms into a silkier milk, then rinses clean without the heavy film some oils leave behind. How I Use It Apply to a dry face with dry hands, massage to melt sunscreen or base, then rinse with lukewarm water. For waterproof mascara or long-wear liner, I use a separate eye remover first. On light-makeup days, one pass is enough; on heavier days, I either pre-remove eyes or do a quick water-based second cleanse. Texture, Scent, and Rinse-Off It’s a true milk. More fluid than a cleansing cream, less oily than a balm. It spreads quickly with just enough slip for a calming massage and loosens sunscreen without feeling suffocating. There’s no added perfume, it smells neutral and doesn’t linger. On my skin there’s no stinging and no tight dry down. It rinses without a waxy cast. After-Feel (Combo Skin POV) My cheeks get tight if I over cleanse, while my nose and chin need real decongestion. This leaves my cheeks soft and relieved and my T-zone clean without that squeaky alarm bell. In the morning it gives a smooth canvas for SPF. At night—even after the gym or on humid days—I still feel properly reset. If I’ve layered a stubborn, water-resistant sunscreen, I massage longer or follow with a quick foam cleanse. The finish is fresh, not filmy, and my barrier feels unbothered. Who It Suits It’s a mild, pH-balanced daily cleanser that won’t throw off your oil-water balance. If fragrance upsets your skin, the no-added-fragrance approach helps. If you’re oily and acne-prone and rely on your cleanser for a strong acid hit, this isn’t that step, use targeted treatments later in your routine. Makeup-Removal Reality Check Everyday sunscreen, skin tints, and cream blush come off easily. Waterproof mascara or long-wear matte lips do better with a dedicated remover first. That’s typical for cleansing milks right tool for the job. Little Extras Some retailers bundle a konjac sponge with this milk. A damp konjac can add a touch of gentle manual exfoliation if you like a spa-style extra step, though I’m fine with just my hands. What I Liked Most The stress-free rinse. Some milks leave a film that forces a second cleanse every time; this leaves me soft and comfortable while still feeling actually clean. The big pump also nudges me to use enough product, which genuinely improves results. On nights when my skin is temperamental, it keeps things calm so I can go straight into serum without firefighting irritation. What I’d Tweak I’d love a “plus” version with a bit more makeup-melting power for stubborn sunscreen and long-wear looks. Until then I’ll keep a separate eye remover on hand. At 280 ml, it’s not travel-friendly decanting into a mini pump is worth it. Bottom Line If you’re riding the cleansing-milk wave and want one that respects combination, sometimes-sensitive skin, S.Nature Aqua Rice Cleansing Milk fits the brief. It’s a big, easy pump of comfort that keeps the barrier happy while removing daily grime no drama, no tightness, no heavy film. It’s my nightly soft reset and an easy morning cleanse before SPF. If you wear waterproof makeup daily, pair it with a targeted remover. otherwise, this milk can absolutely be one-and-done on easy days.

I’ve had blackheads on my nose forever, so when I saw the Ilso Sebum Cleaner + Nose Pack, I thought it might finally be the fix. The two-step idea even sounded kind of fun and “skincare ritual” cute, you use the cleaner first to prep your pores, then the strip to pull everything out. When I tried the Sebum Cleaner, it actually felt like it was doing something. My skin warmed up a little, felt smoother, and I could almost see my pores opening. That gave me hope the strip would really pull things out. But honestly, the Nose Pack was a huge letdown. When I peeled it off, I expected to see blackheads stuck on the strip. Instead, there was barely anything just peach fuzz and some skin flakes. My pores looked the same as before: still clogged, still rough. I gave it a couple more tries since sometimes products take a few uses to show results, but the outcome never changed. My nose still looked congested, and a few times it even felt irritated after peeling the strip away. Overall : This set feels like it might be doing something, but the results just weren’t there for me. Cute idea, not much payoff.

I’ve always struggled to find a cleanser that doesn’t leave my skin tight or overly stripped. My skin is on the sensitive, combination side, dry on my cheeks but prone to congestion around my T-zone. That’s why I decided to try the CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser, and I’m glad I did. This review is part of my OliveTalk contest entry, but everything here is based on my real experience. The packaging is simple and practical, with a pump that makes it easy to use. The formula starts off as a lightweight cream, then turns into a soft foam once mixed with water. It’s not super bubbly, but it feels gentle and cushioned on my skin. After rinsing, I don’t get that uncomfortable tightness I usually have with foaming cleansers. Instead, my skin feels refreshed and balanced cleaned without losing all its moisture. I’ve been using it morning and night. In the mornings, it gives me a light, fresh cleanse. At night, it removes sunscreen and light makeup easily, though I still use an oil cleanser for heavier makeup. I also love that it’s fragrance-free—no irritation, no artificial scent. After a few weeks, my skin looks calmer, with fewer dry patches and less redness overall. I think the mix of ceramides and hyaluronic acid in the formula really helps strengthen my skin barrier while keeping it hydrated. Final thoughts: If you have dry, sensitive, or combination skin and need a gentle everyday cleanser, this one’s a solid pick. It won’t give you that squeaky-clean, super foamy feel but that’s exactly the point. It cleans while keeping my skin comfortable, and honestly, out of all the OliveTalk contest products, this one’s my favorite.