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Not Sponsored: Hey Everybody! I always like to review a skincare collection at the beginning of the year, so for 2025 it is Shani Darden. In 2023, I reviewed Shani Darden's Hydration Peptide Cream (Revolve, Sephora) and ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT! I made a reel on Instagram and people were thoroughly impressed with my results. I continue to use it as a day moisturizer and makeup primer. It makes my skin and makeup look beautiful. With such Supersweet results, I vowed to review other products in her skincare collection. So, here we go! Let's get started!
Shani Darden's Cleansing Serum (Revolve, Sephora). This cleanser is truly unique, because it is a SERUM. It's not a foam, gel etc. If you're looking for a really good cleanser, that will work for all skin types, look no further. This cleanser CLEANS without drying the skin out or stripping it. This CLEANSER REMOVES MAKEUP VERY WELL. That was my experience. This cleansing serum lathers up, does its job and leaves you with great looking skin. As described by her website, it removes dirt & oil, hydrates, plumps and soothes. You can use it twice a day, with no problem. It's also cruelty free, vegan, paraben free and fragrance free. IT WORKS! This cleanser contains Sodium Hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid), which "helps skin attract and retain moisture, leaving it plumper and smoother"; Olive + Chicory Leaf Extracts "help lessen inflammation and calm stressed skin"; and Oat Bran Extract "helps strengthen skin's natural barrier to better defend against moisture loss". I highly recommend this cleanser. Let me briefly talk about packaging. It is very chic! I love the color and font. It will look great on your counter or shelf. I must warn you, that the packaging is heavy. I kept saying, how would I take this if I traveled? Well, Shari Darden also has a Travel Size Cleansing Serum and Cleansing Coins! The Cleansing Coins are travel friendly cleansing pads that expand into full-size cotton washcloths. So I thought that was COOL and resolves that issue. Also, because the packaging is heavy, it has the propensity to nick if you drop it (as you will seen in my Boost Plumping Serum review. I accidentally dropped it and it nicked in a couple of areas on the bottle.
Full Disclosure: I must also honestly disclose, that after using this cleanser for a month, I will not be using it for myself. The reason I won't, is because I am personally prone to adult acne and (just like with other cleansers I have tried in the past) acne began creeping out on my face towards the end of this month (using this cleanser). I didn't have a reaction to this cleanser! I just have an issue with acne. Shani Darden does have a Clarify Salicylic Acid Foaming Cleanser, I may try later this year. But I don't have a lot of acne, and despite it saying its gentle I'm a little apprehensive. The only cleanser that keeps my acne under control is REN Skincare's Gentle Cleansing Milk. So I will stick with my REN cleanser, which is on my 32 Skin, Body & Oral Care Products For Dry & Sensitive Skin. If you don't have an acne problem, this cleanser should work for you (normal, oily, sensitive, dry).
Shani Darden Cleansing Serum is Sweet