ÉMINENCE Charcoal Exfoliating Gel Cleanser, Unscented, 5 Oz Review
Our verdict
Eminence's Charcoal Exfoliating Gel Cleanser pairs charcoal with vitamin E and antioxidants in an unscented, all skin types formula, and its 4.8 star average across 154 ratings is one of the strongest scores in this category. It suits anyone who wants a gentle daily exfoliating step without added fragrance.
Check price on AmazonBest for
All skin types who want an unscented exfoliating gel cleanser with charcoal and antioxidants built in.
Skip if
You are looking for a high volume, budget priced cleanser, since this one sits at a premium price point with a modest monthly purchase count.
- Priced 113% above the category median ($19.99 across 238 tracked models)
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.8/5
4.8 average across 154 owner ratings
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Popularity0.9/5
154 owner reviews, fewer than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other women's everyday face care: moisturizers, face mists, facial kits, rollers, cleansing brushes and steamers we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
Eminence built this gel cleanser around charcoal, a popular ingredient for drawing out surface impurities, and paired it with vitamin E and antioxidants to help balance the exfoliating feel. The unscented formula is labeled for all skin types, which makes it a reasonable pick for anyone who wants to avoid added fragrance in a face wash.
It comes in a 5 ounce tube, about 150 milliliters, sized for daily use rather than a special occasion treatment. The organic material features listed on the product suggest a formula that leans toward simpler, plant based sourcing, which lines up with the brand's general positioning.
With 154 ratings averaging 4.8 stars, the feedback on this cleanser is unusually strong, though the low monthly purchase count of around 5 suggests it moves slowly compared to bigger mainstream cleansers. That combination points to a smaller but clearly satisfied group of repeat users.
Pros
- 4.8 star average across 154 ratings is an exceptionally high score for this category
- Charcoal formula combined with vitamin E and antioxidants
- Unscented, so it suits fragrance sensitive skin
- Labeled for all skin types
- Organic material features per the product listing
Cons
- Priced higher than most drugstore gel cleansers
- Low monthly purchase volume compared to bigger sellers
- 5 ounce tube is on the smaller side for daily use
Performance notes
Charcoal is included here as a surface acting ingredient that may help with the look of everyday grime and excess oil, while vitamin E and the listed antioxidants are meant to help offset any dryness that can come with an exfoliating wash. Since the formula is unscented, it is a reasonable option for people who want the exfoliating benefit without fragrance.
What buyers say
A 4.8 star average from 154 ratings is a very high score, and it holds up well even though the review count is smaller than some mass market cleansers. The modest monthly purchase count suggests this is more of a niche, loyal following product than a runaway bestseller.
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Frequently asked questions
Is this cleanser too harsh for daily use?
It is labeled for all skin types and formulated as an unscented exfoliating wash, which many people use daily, but anyone with reactive or very dry skin may want to start with a few times a week and watch how their skin responds before using it every day.
Will the charcoal leave residue in the tube or on skin?
Charcoal cleansers are designed to rinse clean, and the gel format here is meant to lather and wash away rather than sit on the skin, so residue should not be a concern with normal use.
Is this a good option for sensitive skin?
The unscented formula is a plus for sensitive skin, though the exfoliating nature of a charcoal gel cleanser means it is still worth patch testing first, especially if your skin reacts to active cleansing ingredients.