Dark Angels Facial Cleanser

I'm going to start this review with a disclaimer as I feel it necessary to warn people before they read this; As I have said time and time again, in one way or another, this blog is solely about my experiences and my opinions on Lush products. 

When it comes to each and every product available, there is not a definitive type of person it is aimed at. And as I'm buying and testing every vegan product on their site, there is bound to be some items that just don't work for me, whereas these same products may perform miracles for other customers. Please don't let anything I say on here put you off trying it out for yourself.

When I purchased a tub of Dark Angels, I already had my suspicions that this might not be the facial cleanser for me. After all, it's aimed at people with greasy complexions and my face is at the opposite end of the spectrum.  

Dark Angels is one of their 'solid' cleansers, and while not exactly as solid as the soaps, it is a flaky consistency that is closer to being a solid as opposed to a liquid. One positive aspect of this is that this, along with all of Lush's facial cleansers, are made with far fewer preservatives than liquid cleansers. Win!

So far I've tried Herbalism, Angels of Bare Skin, Let the Good Times Roll and Buche De Noel and really liked them, and aside from the former, they cleanse and care for my skin really effectively.

Dark Angels was invented as an alternative to the bestselling Angels on Bare Skin for those with oilier skins. And much like every other Lush product available, it has been designed so that every ingredient plays a part in caring for your skin. 

The main ingredient is Rhassoul mud which is known to be good for the skin, helping to condition the pores and reduce oiliness. The next ingredient, and perhaps the most prominent one, is charcoal, which has been added due to it's absorbency. Black sugar acts as a natural exfoliant, helping to remove dead skin cells, and perhaps adds a sweetness which takes away from the harshness of the charcoal scent.

To counteract the possible harsh exfoliating and oil-absorbing effects of these ingredients, the cleanser contains avocado oil and vegetable glycerine which help to soften and moisturise the skin. It also contains sandalwood and rosewood oils, which contribute to the fragrance and are cooling and antiseptic. 

Like with other Lush cleansers, you're supposed to take a small pinch, mix it with a little water and rub it on your face. As Dark Angels is rather gritty, I wouldn't recommend rubbing it too harshly as I can imagine it might cause damage to your skin. 

It is a little messy as well; I suggest doing it over a sink or as part of your usual  shower as it's almost impossible not to drop at least some of it on the floor. Given that it's black, it can make quite a mess and may even stain light-coloured carpets/bath mats etc...

The problem I have with this cleaner, is that it actually made my skin feel really greasy once it was on, and even more so when I had rinsed it off under the shower. For a cleanser that's supposed to banish greasy, oily skin, I fail to see how this would do anything other than the opposite. However, I do recognise that this cleanser is most likely not working because my skin is the completely wrong type.

As it is a gritty consistency, much like Let the Good Times Roll, I can imagine using it daily might cause some form or irritation or skin damage, although I have no proof of this.  

For £6.25, Dark Angels is no dearer than any other Lush cleanser available. However, unlike most of the other cleansers, I think this one is solely aimed at those with greasy skin, and doesn't work as effectively on other skin types. I am really interested to hear about other people's experiences with Dark Angels. If you've used it yourself, please let me know how it worked on your skin. 

Quantitative Ingredients: Rhassoul Mud, Organic Cold Pressed Avocado Oil, Glycerine, Powdered Charcoal, Black Sugar, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Perfume, *Linalool, Sandalwood Oil, Rosewood Oil.

Vegan?: Yes