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Warming Honey Cleanser

Warming Honey Cleanser

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

A rich, luxurious treatment cleanser formulated with 40% pure honey, royal jelly, propolis, papaya enzymes, and Japanese green tea extract. Delivers a unique warming sensation on contact while deeply cleansing, gently exfoliating, and leaving skin ultra-hydrated, soft, and balanced.

Paraben-Free Fragrance-Free Sulfate-Free Silicone-Free Cruelty-Free Pregnancy Safe Enzyme Exfoliant Dermatologist Tested
Pregnancy
Yes
Fungal Acne
No
Comedogenic
2/5
Size
120 mL / 4 oz
Type
Treatment Cleanser
Effect
Self-Warming
Hero Ingredient
40% Honey
Ingredients
14 Total
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Warming Sensation

Unique self-warming formula heats gently on contact, helping to open pores and soften sebum for a deeper cleanse. Warmth intensifies with massage.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Thick Honey Gel
Scent
Natural Honey
Absorption
Rinse-Off (2–5 min)
Finish
Clean & Soft

Warming Sensation

Unique self-warming formula heats gently on contact, helping to open pores and soften sebum for a deeper cleanse. Warmth intensifies with massage.

Enzyme Exfoliation

Papaya-derived papain enzymes dissolve dead skin cells and protein bonds without harsh physical scrubbing, revealing smoother and brighter skin.

Triple Bee Complex

Raw honey, royal jelly, and propolis work together to deliver antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant benefits while deeply nourishing the skin.

Barrier-Friendly Cleansing

Cleanses thoroughly without stripping natural ceramides. Glycerin and honey humectants keep skin hydrated and comfortable post-wash.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Free from retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, and chemical sunscreen filters. No known teratogenic ingredients. Consult your OB-GYN for personalized advice.

Not Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe

Contains Olive Oil PEG-7 Esters and Polysorbate 80, both of which may feed Malassezia yeast. Myristic Acid (a fatty acid) is also a potential trigger. Avoid if you have active fungal acne.

Low Irritation Potential

Formulated with only 14 clean ingredients. Free from parabens, sulfates, fragrances, silicones, and harsh alcohols. Uses Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, a mild surfactant gentler than traditional sulfates.

Bee Product Allergies

Contains honey, royal jelly, and propolis. If you have a known allergy to bee products, perform a patch test first or choose an alternative cleanser.

Low Comedogenic Risk (2/5)

While Myristic Acid and Polysorbate 80 can be mildly comedogenic, this is a rinse-off product with short skin contact time, significantly reducing pore-clogging risk.

Not Vegan

Contains bee-derived ingredients (honey, royal jelly, propolis). iS Clinical states their honey is ethically and sustainably sourced from responsibly maintained hives.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Honey (Mel/Miel) ~40%Proven

The star ingredient — raw, sustainably sourced honey provides powerful antibacterial, antifungal, and humectant properties. Packed with amino acids, vitamins, and antioxidants that help visibly improve blemish-prone skin and maintain hydration.

  • Antibacterial: Natural hydrogen peroxide production helps combat acne-causing bacteria on the skin surface.
  • Humectant: Draws and retains moisture in the skin, preventing post-cleanse tightness and dryness.
  • Wound Healing: Studies show honey accelerates skin cell healing processes and reduces inflammation in blemish and eczema outbreaks.
Raw honey is a natural exfoliator that removes dull surface cells, revealing brighter skin underneath.

Papain (Papaya Enzyme)Proven

A proteolytic enzyme extracted from papaya fruit that provides gentle chemical exfoliation. Dissolves the protein bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be sloughed off without harsh scrubbing or irritation.

  • Exfoliation: Breaks down keratin protein on the skin surface for smoother, more refined texture.
  • Anti-Inflammatory: Helps calm redness and irritation while promoting even skin tone.
  • Wound Healing: Contains natural glycine and Vitamin A that support skin repair processes.
Papain can be mildly irritating for very sensitive skin. Start with 1–2 minute application time and build up gradually.

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (Green Tea)Proven

Japanese green tea extract rich in polyphenol antioxidants (EGCG, ECG, GCG, EGC) that help protect the skin from environmental stressors and free radical damage while calming inflammation.

  • Antioxidant: Polyphenols neutralize free radicals that contribute to premature aging and skin damage.
  • Anti-Inflammatory: Helps soothe redness and calm reactive or stressed skin.
  • Antibacterial: Catechins in green tea may help reduce acne-causing bacteria on the skin.

Royal JellyPromising

A nutrient-rich secretion produced by worker honeybees, containing amino acids, B vitamins, minerals (calcium, zinc, iron), and powerful antioxidants including ferulic acid and quercetin.

  • Anti-Aging: Ferulic acid and quercetin provide antioxidant protection against photoaging.
  • Antibacterial: Helps support wound healing and skin barrier repair.
  • Nourishing: Rich in sulfur, calcium, zinc, iron, and B vitamins essential for skin health.

Propolis ExtractProven

Also known as bee glue, propolis offers potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and antioxidant properties. The flavonoids found in propolis are especially effective at fighting bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

  • Antimicrobial: Studies show propolis fights bacteria, viruses, and fungi — beneficial for acne-prone skin.
  • Anti-Inflammatory: Helps reduce redness and calm inflamed breakouts.
  • UV Defense: A 2020 study found propolis may help reverse UV-induced skin damage.

GlycerinProven

One of the most effective humectant ingredients, naturally present in healthy skin. Attracts and retains moisture in the upper skin layers, strengthening the skin barrier and providing long-lasting hydration.

  • Humectant Power: A 2016 study found glycerin to be more effective than AHAs and hyaluronic acid as a humectant.
  • Barrier Support: Low molecular weight allows deep penetration to hydrate and reinforce the skin barrier.
  • Antimicrobial: Research shows glycerin has antimicrobial and antiviral properties.

14 ingredients

Glycerin, Honey/Mel/Miel, Myristic Acid, Olive Oil PEG-7 Esters, Papain, Polyglyceryl-10 Behenate/Eicosadioate, Royal Jelly, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Polysorbate 80, Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, Propolis Extract [Extrait de Propolis], Triethanolamine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol.

FREE FROM: Parabens, Added Fragrances, Sulfates (SLS/SLES), Silicones, Harsh Alcohols, Common Allergens, Phthalates, Mineral Oil, Synthetic Dyes, Formaldehyde Releasers
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Makeup Remover
2
Warming Honey Cleanser
3
Toner
4
Serum
5
Moisturizer
6
Sunscreen (AM)

Use as your primary cleanser or as a second cleanse in a double-cleansing routine. Can also be left on for 3–5 minutes as a treatment mask for deeper exfoliation. Best used on damp skin, AM and/or PM.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Moisten Your Face

Lightly dampen your face with warm water. For a stronger warming effect and better lather, you can also apply to dry skin and add water to your fingertips.

2

Apply a Small Amount

Squeeze a pea-sized amount onto your fingertips. A little goes a long way — the thick honey texture spreads easily once warmed between your hands.

3

Massage Gently

Massage evenly over face and neck in circular motions, avoiding the immediate eye area. The warming sensation will increase with time and friction.

4

Leave On or Rinse

For daily cleansing, massage for 1–2 minutes then rinse. For a deeper treatment, leave on for 3–5 minutes as a mask before rinsing thoroughly with warm water.

5

Pat Dry & Continue

Gently pat skin dry with a clean towel. Follow with your toner, serum, and moisturizer. Skin should feel soft, clean, and hydrated — never tight or stripped.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have combination, blemish-prone, or congested skin
  • You want gentle enzyme exfoliation without harsh scrubs
  • You enjoy a luxurious, spa-like cleansing ritual
  • You struggle with enlarged pores and uneven texture
  • You want a cleanser that hydrates while it cleans
  • You are pregnant and need a safe, effective cleanser
  • You prefer clean, short ingredient lists

Consider alternatives if:

  • You have a known allergy to bee products (honey, propolis, royal jelly)
  • You have active fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
  • You prefer a foaming or lathering cleanser
  • You want a quick rinse-off cleanser (this works best with 1–5 min contact)
  • You are strictly vegan (contains bee-derived ingredients)
  • You are on a tight budget (premium price point at ~$49/4 oz)
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Good

Helps reduce excess oil and refine pores. Enzyme exfoliation unclogs pores effectively. Non-foaming texture may feel different from what oily skin types expect.

Dry Skin
Good

Glycerin and honey provide excellent hydration while cleansing. Leaves skin soft, never tight. Ideal for dry-skin users who struggle with flaking. Use 3–4x per week.

Combination Skin
Excellent

The top-rated skin type for this product. Balances oily T-zone while hydrating drier areas. Enzyme exfoliation evens out texture across all face zones.

Sensitive Skin
Good

Fragrance-free with only 14 ingredients. Many sensitive skin users report zero irritation. Patch test recommended, especially if reactive to bee products.

Acne-Prone Skin
Excellent

Antibacterial honey and propolis actively combat acne-causing bacteria. Papain unclogs pores without over-stripping. Highly recommended by estheticians for blemish-prone complexions.

08

Results timeline

MONTH 2–3
Day 1

Immediate Softness & Glow

Skin feels noticeably softer, smoother, and more hydrated right after the first use. Many users report a visible brightness boost the morning after their first evening use.

90% noticed after first use
Week 1–2

Smoother Texture & Reduced Flaking

Enzyme exfoliation begins to dissolve surface dead skin cells consistently. Rough patches and dry flakes diminish. Pores appear cleaner and less congested.

75% noticed improvement
Week 3–4

Refined Pores & Clearer Skin

Continued use shows visible pore refinement and reduced blackheads. Blemish-prone skin sees fewer active breakouts. Overall skin tone appears more even and radiant.

65% noticed visible pore refinement
Month 2–3

Balanced, Healthy-Looking Complexion

Long-term users report well-balanced oil production, stronger skin barrier, and a consistently clearer, brighter complexion. Many describe their skin as "glowing" and "healthy."

80% reported overall skin improvement
09

Ratings by platform

1K+ REVIEWS
Amazon
4.4
Rating
850+
Reviews
Main complaint: Thick consistency is hard to squeeze out and difficult to rinse off for some users
Dermstore
4.7
Rating
200+
Reviews
Main complaint: High price for a 4 oz cleanser; some feel it doesn't last long enough
LovelySkin
4.5
Rating
100+
Reviews
Main complaint: Some users did not experience the warming sensation as expected
iS Clinical (Brand Site)
4.8
Rating
150+
Reviews
Main complaint: Non-foaming texture takes getting used to; not a typical cleanser feel
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Luxurious spa-like sensory experience with warming effect and natural honey scent
  • Skin feels incredibly soft, smooth, and hydrated after use — never tight or stripped
  • Gentle enough for sensitive skin yet effective for acne-prone and blemish-prone types
  • Clean, short ingredient list with only 14 ingredients and no parabens, fragrances, or sulfates
  • Can double as an exfoliating mask for deeper treatment (leave on 3–5 minutes)
  • Visible brightening effect noticed after just one or two uses
  • A pea-sized amount goes a long way — one tube can last 6–9 months with daily use
  • Pregnancy safe and recommended by estheticians for all skin types

Criticized

  • High price point at ~$49 for 4 oz — premium positioning may not fit all budgets
  • Thick, paste-like consistency can be hard to squeeze from the tube
  • Does not foam or lather — unfamiliar texture for those used to gel or foam cleansers
  • Can be tricky to rinse off completely; needs thorough rinsing with warm water
  • Some users report little to no warming sensation, contrary to product claims
  • Not suitable for fungal acne sufferers or those with bee product allergies
  • Not vegan — contains honey, royal jelly, and propolis derived from bees
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
82% Match
Farmacy Clean Bee Ultra Gentle Facial Cleanser
$29.00
Budget Pick

Also uses honey, propolis, and royal jelly with hyaluronic acid. Foaming gel texture is easier to rinse. Larger size (5 oz) at a lower price. Lacks the warming effect and enzyme exfoliation, and contains essential oil-based fragrance.

68% Match
COSRX Full Fit Propolis Synergy Liquid Turnover Cleanser
$15.00
Budget Pick

Propolis-focused K-beauty cleanser with gentle cleansing and antibacterial benefits. Much more affordable but lacks the warming sensation, high honey concentration (40%), and papaya enzyme exfoliation. Lighter gel texture.

65% Match
Nuxe Reve de Miel Face Cleansing Gel
$20.00
Budget Pick

French pharmacy honey-based cleansing gel. Gentle, non-stripping, and affordable. No warming effect, no enzyme exfoliation, and no propolis or royal jelly. Doubles as a body wash for travel convenience.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE

Farmacy Clean Bee Cleanser

Key Ingredient Honey Extract + HA
Size 5 oz / 150 mL
Exfoliation None
Warming Effect No
Pregnancy Safe Yes
Fragrance Essential Oils
Ingredient Count 40+
The Deep Cleanse Exfoliating Cleanser
Key Ingredient Japanese Luffa Fruit
Size 5 oz / 150 mL
Exfoliation Natural Fruit Extracts
Warming Effect No
Pregnancy Safe Yes
Fragrance Added Fragrance
Ingredient Count 30+
Soy Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser
Key Ingredient Soy Proteins + Rosewater
Size 5.1 oz / 150 mL
Exfoliation None
Warming Effect No
Pregnancy Safe Yes
Fragrance Added Fragrance
Ingredient Count 25+
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep tube tightly sealed after each use to maintain the honey-based formula's efficacy.

Packaging

Squeeze tube (120 g / 4 oz). Thick formula may require firm squeezing — warm the tube in your hands for easier dispensing.

Travel Friendly

Yes — 4 oz / 120 mL is over the TSA 3.4 oz liquid limit, but the thick paste consistency may qualify as a solid. Consider decanting for carry-on travel.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Yes. The Warming Honey Cleanser is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, benzoyl peroxide, or chemical sunscreen filters — the ingredients most commonly flagged as unsafe during pregnancy. Its clean formula of 14 ingredients relies on honey, glycerin, and papaya enzymes, all of which are pregnancy-compatible. However, as with any skincare product, consult your obstetrician or midwife before use for personalized guidance.

No. This cleanser is not considered fungal acne safe. It contains Olive Oil PEG-7 Esters and Polysorbate 80, both of which can feed Malassezia yeast and potentially worsen fungal acne. Myristic Acid, a fatty acid, is also present and may be a trigger for some individuals. If you are dealing with fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis), look for a cleanser without esters, polysorbates, and fatty acids.

Yes, with some caution. Since this cleanser contains papain (a mild enzyme exfoliant), layering it with strong AHAs or BHAs in the same routine may cause over-exfoliation. It pairs well with retinol and vitamin C serums applied after cleansing. If you use prescription-strength retinoids or high-percentage acids, consider alternating nights or using the Warming Honey Cleanser on non-exfoliation days to avoid irritation.

This cleanser is best suited for combination and acne-prone skin types, but it works well across all skin types. The antibacterial properties of honey and propolis make it particularly effective for blemish-prone skin, while glycerin and honey keep it hydrating enough for dry skin. Sensitive skin users report excellent tolerance thanks to the clean, fragrance-free formula. Oily skin benefits from the pore-refining enzyme exfoliation.

Most users notice softer, smoother skin immediately after the first use. Within 1–2 weeks of consistent use, you should see reduced flaking, smoother texture, and cleaner-looking pores. By weeks 3–4, visible pore refinement, fewer breakouts, and a brighter, more even skin tone become apparent. Full benefits — including balanced oil production and a consistently clear complexion — typically develop over 2–3 months of regular use.

Use it as your primary cleanser (Step 1) or as the second step in a double-cleansing routine after an oil or balm cleanser removes makeup and sunscreen. Apply to damp face, massage for 1–2 minutes, then rinse. Follow with toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM). It can also be used as a 3–5 minute treatment mask for deeper exfoliation 2–3 times per week.

The comedogenic rating is approximately 2 out of 5 (low risk). While ingredients like Myristic Acid and Polysorbate 80 have some comedogenic potential in leave-on products, this is a rinse-off cleanser with very short skin contact time, which significantly reduces any pore-clogging risk. Most acne-prone users report no increase in breakouts, and many see improvement in pore congestion thanks to the enzyme exfoliation.

The product has a 12-month Period After Opening (PAO). In terms of how long the tube lasts with regular use, many users report that a pea-sized amount per use makes the 4 oz tube last 6–9 months with once-daily use. Some reviewers who use it more sparingly (2–3 times per week) have reported their tube lasting up to a year. Store in a cool, dry place and keep the cap tightly sealed.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.5 / 5 ★★★★★

Verdict: The iS Clinical Warming Honey Cleanser is a standout treatment cleanser that combines a truly luxurious sensory experience with real clinical results. Its unique self-warming formula, 40% raw honey concentration, and gentle papaya enzyme exfoliation deliver a deep cleanse that leaves skin soft, bright, and hydrated — not stripped. The ultra-clean 14-ingredient formula is a refreshing departure from complex, overly formulated cleansers. It excels for combination and acne-prone skin types and is pregnancy safe, making it a versatile choice. The premium price point is the main drawback, but the small amount needed per use means one tube lasts far longer than expected. Not suitable for fungal acne sufferers or those with bee product allergies.

Product Overview

question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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.

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Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 2 ingredient(s):
Royal Jelly Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
brightening Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Glycerin
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 3 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Royal Jelly Propolis Extract
ache Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
Propolis Extract
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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!

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Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
1
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
42% 7% 50%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 14 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
2 A
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
brightening Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
1 Unknown
Honey
Humectant, Flavoring Agent, Moisturising
1 A
Myristic Acid
Perfuming, Fragrance, Emulsifying, Opacifying, Sufactant
0 Unknown
Olive Oil PEG-7 Esters
Emollient, Emulsifying
0 Unknown
Papain
Skin Conditioning
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS