2024 Review: e.l.f. Skin Holy Hydration Daily Cleanser

Disclaimer: I am not a dermatologist, just a skincare enthusiast. Seek professional advice if necessary.

If you are anything like me, you don’t give second thoughts to cheap products. I mean, why are they cheap?

Most are unreliable, low quality and less durable.

I have to admit, this was my first reaction with the e.l.f. Skin Holy Hydration Daily Cleanser. But how wrong was I?

First things first. This cleanser is not cheap. 

It’s packed in small quantities which makes its price cheap. But ideally, it has a similar price per ounce ratio with most mid-range products.

And secondly, it’s performance is pretty decent, which caught my attention.

Packaging

You only get 3 ounces of product with the e.l.f Skin cleanser. It’s not by accident, it was designed this way.

In case you end up not loving it, you don’t have much to lose. Pretty thoughtful of e.l.f to be honest.

The cleanser comes in a tiny, travel-friendly, plastic bottle which is perfect for when you’re on the move and don’t have access to your products.

Texture & Scent

E.l.f Holy Hydration is more of a foaming cleanser.

Its texture is clear and lightweight and it foams a lot. By a lot, I mean a lot. So much that if your skin is dry, you may need a cloth to wipe it off.

But it’s heavenly for oily skin. 

It is smooth and absorbs real quickly. You only need to apply a dime size portion and your face will feel so clean.

The scent is mild and gentle, and smells a lot like hair dye. But it doesn’t bother me, and more importantly, my sensitive skin doesn’t react to it.

Formula

This cleanser is 100% vegan, cruelty-free and free from sulfates and parabens. 

It’s notable ingredients include:

Phytosphingosine, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Phytosphingosine, Glycerin, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phytosphingosine, and Cholesterol.

Water is a universal solvent, meaning it will dissolve dirt, oil, makeup, and other impurities from the skin. It makes it easier to wash them away.

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 are used for their anti-ageing properties. They stimulate collagen production and improve the skin’s firmness and elasticity.

Glycerin attracts moisture from the environment and keeps the skin soft, smooth, and supple.

Ceramides help replenish the skin’s lipid barrier and ensure it remains intact and healthy after cleansing.

All these ingredients work side by side to ensure they get rid of all dirt and maintain the skin’s health.

Compatibility

The e.l.f Holy Hydration Cleanser is advertised for all skin types.

From my experience though, it works best with oily and combo skins. I wouldn’t recommend it for dry skin since it foams a lot.

If you have dry skin, I recommend settling for another option. (Tip: I’ve highlighted an alternative at the end of the post).

Takeaways

If your budget doesn’t lend itself to buying expensive, or even mid-range skincare products, the e.l.f. Skin Holy Hydration Daily Cleanser is an excellent choice.

You’ll love it if you wear lots of makeup and want something to deep cleanse and wash all that crap away.

I don’t mind its mild scent as it doesn’t react to my skin. And I love its travel-friendly packaging.

Apart from the fact that you get little product, there’s nothing really to complain about with this purchase.

Any Alternatives?

The beauty industry is not short of products or quality – and there’s always something for everyone.

As stated, the e.l.f Skin Holy Hydration Daily Cleanser may not be the best choice for those with dry skin. If this is you, consider the THE Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foam Cleanser.

You can also check out our review of the best affordable facial cleansers for a wider collection.