Andalou Naturals Age Defying Apricot Probiotic Cleansing Milk

A creamy, antioxidant-rich cleanser formulated with nourishing sunflower and apricot oils, fruit stem cells, and probiotics to replenish moisture while gently removing impurities.

Performance Rating: 4.3

This formula represents a high-quality Cream Cleanser or Cleansing Milk. Instead of harsh foaming agents, it utilizes a rich base of Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil and Apricot Kernel Oil to dissolve makeup and debris without stripping the skin’s lipid barrier. The addition of Sucrose Cocoate provides very gentle cleansing action. Uniquely, this cleanser is packed with bio-active ingredients including Fruit Stem Cells, Resveratrol, CoQ10, and Vitamin C (Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate), offering significant antioxidant support, although the rinse-off nature of the product limits the absorption time of these actives. The inclusion of Aloe and Panthenol ensures the skin feels hydrated and sootbed post-wash.

Safety Rating: 4.0

The profile is free from sulfates, parabens, and harsh detergents, utilizing mild preservatives like Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin. However, the presence of Natural Fragrance (even if plant-derived) can be a potential sensitizer for users with hyper-reactive skin or rosacea. Additionally, Octyl Palmitate (Ethylhexyl Palmitate) is considered moderately comedogenic and could potentially clog pores in those with very acne-prone skin, although this risk is lower in a wash-off product compared to a leave-on cream.

Final Rating: 4.2

This is a superior product for Dry, Sensitive, or Mature skin types. It excels at barrier protection while cleansing, distinguishing itself from standard cleansers through a complex blend of Superfruit antioxidants and Probiotics. It functions as both a cleanser and a conditioning treatment. The rating is slightly adjusted due to the inclusion of Fragrance and potential pore-clogging ingredients which might make it unsuitable for oily/acneic skin types, but for its target demographic, it is an excellent formulation.

Verdict

This formulation represents a classic cream-based cleanser (or cleansing milk) that prioritizes barrier repair over deep degreasing. By utilizing Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil and Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil as the primary solvents, the product works to dissolve makeup and debris without stripping the skin of its natural lipids. This makes it significantly gentler than surfactant-heavy gels, leaving the face feeling conditioned and soft rather than tight. The inclusion of Borage Oil is a notable touch, offering Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) to help soothe inflammation and restore elasticity in compromised skin.

The ingredient list reads more like a serum than a face wash, boasting an impressive array of bio-active ingredients. The Fruit Stem Cell Complex (Apple and Grape), combined with Resveratrol and CoQ10 (Ubiquinone), targets signs of aging by neutralizing free radicals and supporting cellular energy. Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, a stable form of Vitamin C, provides a brightening effect, while the BioActive Berry Complex (Aronia, Acai, Goji) adds a further layer of antioxidant protection. Additionally, the presence of Bacillus Coagulans introduces a probiotic element intended to support a healthy skin microbiome, which is crucial for maintaining skin immunity.

While excellent for dry skin, this product has limitations for other types. The formula relies on Stearic Acid and Glyceryl Stearate for texture, creating a rich consistency that might feel too heavy or potentially clogging for oily or congestion-prone skin. It is also unlikely to produce a lather, which may not satisfy users who prefer a foaming wash. Finally, the inclusion of Natural Fragrance—though likely derived from botanical sources—can still pose a risk of irritation for those with extreme sensitivity or compromised barriers. Overall, it is a high-quality, nutrient-dense cleanser specifically engineered for dry, thirsty, and mature complexions.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents / 溶剂

🧪 Aqua/Water/Eau / 水

Purpose: Solvent base for the formula

Concerns: None

Notes: The primary carrier for other ingredients

📁 Emollients & Moisturizers / 润肤剂与保湿剂

🧪 Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil / 向日葵籽油

Purpose: Emollient, repairs skin barrier

Concerns: None

Notes: Rich in linoleic acid, good for barrier repair

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant (attracts moisture)

Concerns: None

Notes: Standard, effective moisturizing ingredient

🧪 Octyl Palmitate / 棕榈酸辛酯

Purpose: Emollient, texture enhancer

Concerns: Potentially comedogenic

Notes: Also known as Ethylhexyl Palmitate; provides a dry-slip feel

🧪 Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride / 辛酸/癸酸甘油三酯

Purpose: Emollient, dispersing agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Derived from coconut oil and glycerin, very stable

🧪 Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil / 杏核油

Purpose: Emollient, nourishing

Concerns: None

Notes: Lightweight oil rich in Vitamin E

🧪 Borago Officinalis (Borage) Seed Oil / 琉璃苣籽油

Purpose: Anti-inflammatory, emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: High source of Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA)

🧪 Cetyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡醇

Purpose: Emollient, thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: A fatty alcohol, not drying like ethanol

📁 Surfactants & Emulsifiers / 表面活性剂与乳化剂

🧪 Glyceryl Stearate / 甘油硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Emulsifier, skin conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps blend oil and water

🧪 Stearic Acid / 硬脂酸

Purpose: Emulsifier, thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Fatty acid used to stabilize the formula

🧪 Sucrose Cocoate / 蔗糖椰子酸酯

Purpose: Mild surfactant, emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Derived from sugar and coconut acid; very gentle cleanser

🧪 Lecithin / 卵磷脂

Purpose: Emulsifier, skin-restoring

Concerns: None

Notes: Natural phospholipid

📁 Active Ingredients & Antioxidants / 活性成分与抗氧化剂

🧪 Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice / 库拉索芦荟叶汁

Purpose: Soothing, hydrating

Concerns: None

Notes: Great for calming irritation

🧪 Bacillus Coagulans / 凝结芽孢杆菌

Purpose: Probiotic

Concerns: None

Notes: Supports skin microbiome balance

🧪 Malus Domestica (Apple) Fruit Cell Culture Extract / 苹果果实细胞培养物提取物

Purpose: Anti-aging

Concerns: None

Notes: Plant stem cell technology

🧪 Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Cell Extract / 葡萄果实细胞提取物

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: Protects against environmental damage

🧪 Aronia Melanocarpa (Black Chokeberry) Fruit Extract / 黑果腺肋花楸果提取物

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: Rich in polyphenols

🧪 Camellia Sinensis (White Tea) Leaf Extract / 茶(白茶)叶提取物

Purpose: Antioxidant, soothing

Concerns: None

Notes: Contains catechins

🧪 Euterpe Oleracea (Açaí) Fruit Extract / 蔬食埃塔棕(巴西莓)果提取物

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: Superfruit extract

🧪 Lycium Barbarum (Goji) Fruit Extract / 宁夏枸杞果提取物

Purpose: Antioxidant, skin conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Promotes skin health

🧪 Pichia/Resveratrol Ferment Extract / 毕赤酵母/白藜芦醇发酵产物提取物

Purpose: Antioxidant, brightening

Concerns: None

Notes: Bioavailable form of resveratrol

🧪 Ubiquinone (Co-Enzyme Q10) / 泛醌 (辅酶Q10)

Purpose: Antioxidant, energy production

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps fight signs of aging

🧪 Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) / 泛醇 (维生素原B5)

Purpose: Humectant, soothing

Concerns: None

Notes: Strengthens skin barrier

🧪 Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C) / 抗坏血酸磷酸酯镁 (维生素C)

Purpose: Brightening, antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: Stable form of Vitamin C

🧪 Allantoin / 尿囊素

Purpose: Soothing, skin protectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Reduces irritation

🧪 Tocopherol (Vitamin E) / 生育酚 (维生素E)

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: Protects oil ingredients from oxidation and benefits skin

📁 Texture Modifiers & Stabilizers / 质地调节剂与稳定剂

🧪 Xanthan Gum / 黄原胶

Purpose: Thickener, stabilizer

Concerns: None

Notes: Natural fermentation product

🧪 Isomalt / 异麦芽酮糖醇

Purpose: Humectant, stabilizer

Concerns: None

Notes: Often used to carry stem cell extracts

🧪 Maltodextrin / 麦芽糊精

Purpose: Stabilizer, absorbent

Concerns: None

Notes: Binding agent

🧪 Carbomer / 卡波姆

Purpose: Thickener, gel-forming agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Controls viscosity

📁 Preservatives & Fragrance / 防腐剂与香精

🧪 Ethylhexylglycerin / 乙基己基甘油

Purpose: Preservative booster, skin conditioner

Concerns: None

Notes: Alternative to parabens

🧪 Phenoxyethanol / 苯氧乙醇

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Low risk of irritation in sensitive skin

Notes: Common cosmetic preservative

🧪 Sodium Benzoate / 苯甲酸钠

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: None

Notes: Food-grade preservative

🧪 Natural Fragrance / 天然香精

Purpose: Scent

Concerns: Potential allergen

Notes: Makes the product smell pleasant but can irritate sensitive skin