In Two Minds Facial Cleanser
In Two Minds Facial Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
A gentle, gel-based facial cleanser formulated for combination skin. Blends Witch Hazel, Salicylic Acid, and Sage Leaf to cleanse and decongest without stripping natural oils, leaving skin purified, soft, and refreshed with a fresh herbaceous aroma.
Botanical Blend
Witch Hazel, Sage Leaf, Rosemary, and Lavender work together to soothe, purify, and balance combination skin without irritation.
Texture & feel
SENSORYBotanical Blend
Witch Hazel, Sage Leaf, Rosemary, and Lavender work together to soothe, purify, and balance combination skin without irritation.
Gentle BHA Exfoliation
Low-concentration Salicylic Acid provides mild chemical exfoliation, helping to unclog pores and promote healthy cell turnover.
Non-Stripping Formula
Mild surfactant system cleanses thoroughly without disrupting the skin barrier or leaving skin feeling tight and dry.
Sensory Experience
A signature fresh, herbaceous aroma from lavender, rosemary, and sage essential oils elevates your daily cleansing ritual.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains Salicylic Acid (BHA). While at low concentration in a rinse-off product, most dermatologists recommend caution. Consult your doctor before use during pregnancy.
Not fungal acne safe. Contains Polysorbate 80 and PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, which can feed malassezia yeast and worsen fungal acne.
Rated 1/5 for comedogenicity. No known pore-clogging oils or heavy emollients. Very low risk of causing breakouts from clogged pores.
All Aesop products are vegan and cruelty-free. Certified by PETA and Choose Cruelty Free.
Contains Lavender, Rosemary, and Sage essential oils plus Linalool and Limonene. May irritate very sensitive or reactive skin. Patch test recommended.
Safe to use with most actives. The low Salicylic Acid concentration is unlikely to cause over-exfoliation when combined with retinol or Vitamin C in separate steps.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSWitch Hazel Water ~2%Proven
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water is a natural astringent with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Helps tighten pores, reduce redness, and soothe irritated skin.
- Function: Anti-inflammatory, astringent, antioxidant
- Research: Demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity through inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators in skin cells
- Concentration: Estimated 1.9–2.3% based on ingredient position
Salicylic Acid <0.5%Proven
A beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) known for its ability to penetrate pores and exfoliate from within. Helps unclog pores, reduce breakouts, and promote smoother skin texture.
- Function: Chemical exfoliant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial
- Research: Well-documented efficacy for acne and congestion at 0.5–2% concentrations in leave-on products
- Note: Concentration is low in this wash-off cleanser; primarily provides gentle pore clarification rather than deep exfoliation
Sage Leaf Oil <0.5%Promising
Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Oil has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Traditionally used to help purify skin and control excess sebum production.
- Function: Antimicrobial, antioxidant, sebum-regulating
- Research: Sage extract has shown antibacterial activity against acne-causing bacteria in vitro studies
Lavender Oil <1%Proven
Lavandula Angustifolia Oil provides calming, soothing properties along with antimicrobial benefits. Also contributes to the product's signature herbaceous scent.
- Function: Antimicrobial, calming, aromatic
- Research: Demonstrated antimicrobial effects and wound-healing support in peer-reviewed studies
Rosemary Leaf Oil <0.5%Promising
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil is a potent antioxidant and antimicrobial agent that helps purify and protect the skin while contributing a fresh, energizing scent.
- Function: Antioxidant, antimicrobial, aromatic
- Research: Rich in carnosic acid and carnosol, which demonstrate strong antioxidant activity
24 ingredients
Water (Aqua), Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sorbitol, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Sodium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Polysorbate 80, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Sodium Gluconate, Ormenis Multicaulis Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Citric Acid, Salicylic Acid, Coconut Acid, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Oil, Benzoic Acid, Tocopherol, Linalool, Limonene.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse twice daily, AM and PM. Follow with In Two Minds Facial Toner and In Two Minds Facial Hydrator for the complete combination skin regimen.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Face
Splash lukewarm water over your face and neck to dampen the skin. This helps the gel spread evenly and lather gently.
Dispense & Lather
Pour approximately half a teaspoon of gel into clean, damp hands. Rub palms together to create a light lather.
Massage
Gently massage the cleanser over your face and neck in small circular motions for 30–60 seconds, focusing on oily or congested areas.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse away completely with warm water, ensuring no residue remains. Pat dry with a clean towel and follow with toner.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have combination skin with an oily T-zone and drier cheeks
- You want a gentle cleanser that won't strip natural moisture
- You deal with occasional congestion and enlarged pores
- You enjoy a botanical, herbaceous scent experience
- You prefer luxury, plant-forward skincare formulations
- You want mild BHA exfoliation in your cleansing step
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry or dehydrated skin (may feel too clarifying)
- You have fungal acne (contains Polysorbate 80)
- You are pregnant and want to avoid any salicylic acid
- You are sensitive to essential oils or fragrance
- You need heavy makeup removal (use a double-cleanse first)
- You are on a strict budget (premium price point)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESSpecifically formulated for combination skin. Balances oily T-zone without over-drying cheeks. The ideal target audience for this cleanser.
Effectively removes excess oil and helps decongest pores. May not feel deep-cleansing enough for very oily skin types.
Works well for normal skin as a gentle daily cleanser. The mild BHA and botanicals offer light maintenance without irritation.
May feel too stripping for dry skin, especially in winter. Users report it can feel drying on already-parched areas. Pair with a rich moisturizer.
Contains essential oils and salicylic acid which may irritate reactive or rosacea-prone skin. Patch test first. Some users with sensitive skin report irritation.
Low comedogenic rating and BHA help manage congestion. However, salicylic acid concentration is too low for treating active acne alone.
Results timeline
MONTH 2–3Immediate Clean Feel
Skin feels noticeably clean, soft, and refreshed after each use without tightness. The herbaceous scent provides a pleasant sensory experience.
90% noticedReduced Oiliness
T-zone appears less shiny throughout the day. Witch hazel and sage begin to help regulate oil production and reduce visible shine.
75% noticedClearer Pores & Improved Texture
Pores appear less congested and skin texture feels smoother. Mild salicylic acid helps reduce blackheads and prevent new breakouts from forming.
65% noticedBalanced Complexion
Combination skin feels more balanced overall. Oily zones are more controlled while drier areas maintain hydration when paired with appropriate moisturizer.
60% noticedRatings by platform
200+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Gentle formula that cleanses without stripping or tightening
- Effectively controls oil in the T-zone throughout the day
- Beautiful herbaceous scent that feels luxurious and spa-like
- Keeps breakouts at bay for combination-prone skin
- Vegan, cruelty-free, and free from harsh sulfates
- Leaves skin feeling soft, refreshed, and purified
- Best-rated formula among Aesop's cleanser lineup
Criticized
- Premium price (~$43/200ml) for a daily cleanser
- No pump dispenser on the 200ml bottle (messy)
- Herbaceous scent is polarizing — some find it unpleasant
- Too drying for very dry skin, especially in cold months
- Salicylic acid concentration too low for treating active acne
- Not suitable for fungal acne sufferers
- Contains essential oils that may irritate sensitive/reactive skin
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Fragrance-free gel-to-foam cleanser with ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. Lacks the botanical actives and luxurious scent but offers superior barrier support at a fraction of the price.
French pharmacy gel cleanser targeting oily and combination skin with zinc pidolate for oil control. More clinical approach, fragrance-free. No salicylic acid or botanicals but excellent at oil removal.
Contains 2% salicylic acid — significantly higher concentration for more effective BHA exfoliation. Simpler formula without the botanical complexity, but delivers stronger pore-clearing results.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep bottle tightly closed between uses to preserve essential oil potency.
Amber PET bottle (recyclable). 200ml without pump, 500ml with pump dispenser. Amber color protects ingredients from UV degradation.
100ml size is TSA/carry-on approved. The 200ml exceeds the 100ml liquid limit for carry-on luggage.
Frequently asked questions
FAQUse with caution during pregnancy. This cleanser contains Salicylic Acid (a BHA), which is generally advised against during pregnancy, particularly at higher concentrations or in leave-on products. While the concentration here is low and it is a rinse-off product, most dermatologists recommend erring on the side of caution. During breastfeeding, the risk is considered lower as the product is washed off quickly. Always consult your doctor or midwife before use.
No, this cleanser is not fungal acne safe. It contains Polysorbate 80, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, and PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate — all of which are known triggers for malassezia (fungal acne). If you suffer from fungal acne, look for a simpler cleanser without polysorbates or PEG compounds.
Yes, generally. Because this is a rinse-off product with very low salicylic acid concentration, it is safe to use alongside retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, and other BHAs applied in subsequent steps. The cleanser is washed away before you apply leave-on actives, so there is minimal risk of over-exfoliation. However, if you experience irritation, consider alternating your actives or simplifying your routine.
This cleanser is specifically formulated for combination skin — where some areas are oily (typically the T-zone) and others are normal to dry. It also works well for normal and oily skin types. It may be too clarifying for very dry skin and the essential oils may irritate sensitive or rosacea-prone skin. Not recommended for fungal acne-prone skin.
You will notice a clean, refreshed feeling immediately from the first use. Visible improvements in oil control and reduced shine typically appear within 1–2 weeks of consistent use. Clearer pores and improved skin texture can take 3–4 weeks. For a noticeable overall improvement in skin balance, expect to use the product consistently for 2–3 months as part of a complete routine.
This cleanser is the first step in your skincare routine (or the second step if you double cleanse with an oil cleanser first). Use it morning and evening. Follow with the In Two Minds Facial Toner, then your serum, moisturizer (In Two Minds Facial Hydrator pairs perfectly), and sunscreen in the morning. Aesop also recommends pairing with In Two Minds Facial Masque for weekly deep cleansing.
This cleanser has a very low comedogenic rating of 1/5. It contains no known pore-clogging oils or heavy emollients, and the presence of salicylic acid actually helps to keep pores clear. As a rinse-off product, ingredients spend minimal time on the skin, further reducing any comedogenic risk. It is very unlikely to clog pores.
The shelf life is 12 months after opening (12M PAO). The 200ml bottle typically lasts 2–3 months with twice-daily use (using half a teaspoon per wash as recommended). Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and keep the cap tightly closed to maintain freshness and essential oil potency.
Verdict: Aesop In Two Minds Facial Cleanser is a refined, botanical-rich gel cleanser that excels at what it promises: gently cleansing combination skin without stripping it. The blend of Witch Hazel, Salicylic Acid, and Sage creates a thoughtful formula, and the sensory experience is quintessentially Aesop — luxurious and herbaceous. However, the salicylic acid concentration is too low for meaningful exfoliation, the essential oils may not suit everyone, and the premium price is hard to justify when effective alternatives exist at a fraction of the cost. Best suited for combination skin types who value the Aesop ritual and can look past the price tag.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.