Alaffia Skin Recover Facial Cleanser (Neem & Shea)
Alaffia Skin Recover Facial Cleanser (Neem & Shea) is a unique, ethically-sourced cleanser designed to purify and soothe the skin through traditional botanical wisdom. Formulated with Alaffia’s signature handcrafted unrefined shea butter and potent neem extract, this cleanser aims to restore the skin's natural balance while removing impurities. Neem is renowned for its antibacterial and calming properties, making it a standout choice for those looking to address skin distress naturally. The texture is that of a traditional liquid soap, utilizing saponified oils like Sodium Shea Butterate and Sodium Palm Kernelate to create a gentle lather. Decyl glucoside, a mild non-ionic surfactant, ensures the cleansing process remains gentle on the skin barrier. While the formula is rich in fatty acids intended to nourish the skin, its heavy oil base provides a creamy, moisturizing feel that avoids the 'tight' sensation often associated with foaming cleansers. This product is ideal for those seeking a Fair Trade, plant-based approach to skincare.
Our Analysis
Our analysis of the Alaffia Skin Recover Facial Cleanser shows a low overall comedogenic risk, though it contains one ingredient of concern for acne-prone individuals. The formula includes Sodium Palm Kernelate (saponified palm kernel oil), which carries a comedogenic rating of 4/5. Like coconut oil, palm kernel oil is high in lauric acid, a known pore-clogger. While the saponification process alters the oil, those with highly reactive or congestion-prone skin should be cautious. The presence of neem oil and shea butter provides excellent soothing benefits, but the palm kernel derivative may trigger breakouts in sensitive users.
Skin Type Recommendations
This cleanser is best suited for dry, dehydrated, or combination skin types that benefit from the moisturizing properties of shea butter. It is not recommended for oily or severely acne-prone skin due to the high comedogenic rating of palm kernel oil, which may lead to clogged pores and congestion.
Flagged Ingredients
Similar to Coconut Oil; high in Lauric Acid and clogging.
Want Deeper Analysis?
Run our MACR (Multi-Axis Comedogenic Risk) analysis to get a comprehensive 5-axis risk assessment. This AI-powered analysis evaluates ingredients for Plugging Risk, Barrier Damage, Fungal Acne Risk, Oxidation Risk, and real-world User Reports — giving you personalized scores for your skin type.
