Glossier’s Milky Jelly Cleanser Has Been Reformulated. I Take a Look
Image – Courtesy of writer
When I heard that the cult Milky Jelly Cleanser by Glossier (£22 for the standard 177ml size from Sephora UK /$22 from Sephora US) had been reformulated, I was a bit confused. Having been a fan of the old formula, I was worried it didn’t really need a change. But then again, there were certain elements of it that always irked me – the smell, in particular.
To be honest, like with another recent Glossier reformulation, I bizarrely haven’t been able to find much information on what has actually changed, apart from the removal of a couple of ingredients. Call me crazy, but it’s as if Glossier want to sweep their pattern of altering formulas (which angers many of their fans) under the carpet.
So, based on what I experienced with the original version, here is what I really thought of its re-jig. Was it worth it? And is it better, worse or just the same as before on my oily skin?
image – Courtesy of writer
The product details
This cleanser has a balmy-milk texture, is suited to all skin types and aims to leave skin soft and, according to the website, ‘never stripped’. It can be used twice a day, is non-comedogenic, vegan, cruelty free and contains rose water to give it a rosy scent.
The bottle with pump comes in four sizes – 15ml (£5 from Glossier UK /$5 from Glossier US), 60ml (£12 from Glossier UK /$12 from Glossier US), the standard 177ml size, and 300ml (£30 from Glossier UK /$30 from Glossier US).
First impressions
Truthfully, if I was going to re-vamp a product, I might consider the convenience factor of the original packaging first. Because I used to find it really annoying when using it with wet hands. It was slippery and also fiddly, thanks to its tiny pump. The new packaging is just the same. What a missed opportunity!
As I clumsily pumped it out onto my hand (did I mention it’s fiddly?), I was greeted with the same formula as before – white, glossy, balmy, milky – not much had changed, only perhaps this one was ever so slightly thinner.
image – Courtesy of writer
I know other users had mentioned the scent had changed, so I gave it a smell and was pleasantly surprised. It wasn’t overbearingly rosy, just very subtly so and really pretty. A huge improvement on the original version’s fragrance which I thought smelt a little clinical.
As always, you can apply it to either dry or damp skin. I used to apply it on damp skin, so I did the same with this one too. As soon as I massaged it around my face, it felt the same – ok, perhaps a teeny bit thinner and runnier – but I’m being picky and nothing major had really changed.
I then applied it as my second cleanse on dry skin and, again, it was much the same as before. It felt hydrating as always and I loved how its balmy texture just melted into my skin.
It rinsed off well (both times) and made my skin feeling anything but stripped, and the new smell was a really nice addition.
My results (and confusion)
I’m a bit confused about what has actually changed here, except for the smell and maybe the consistency of the balm, but even that’s tenuous because when you apply it doesn’t feel much different. Except maybe a little quicker to spread around your face.
image – Courtesy of writer
Die-hard fans of the product may disagree, but to me the only way I can separate the new from the old is that it just smells different. I’ve heard that consumers are blaming the new scent for breaking out after using the reformulation. I didn’t experience this but it’s a shame if that is the case.
Personally I think it’s still a beautiful cleanser and one that I enjoy using, particularly if my skin is feeling a little bit sensitive and I need a gentle cleanse. Overall, it might be better for people who don’t wear a lot of makeup though as it’s quite lightweight. Those who wear lots of makeup might feel they need a more heavy-duty product like an oil for example. This was also the case before its reformulation though.
image – Courtesy of writer
But as an avid wearer of makeup myself, using it for a double cleanse is plenty to take my whole face of makeup off at the end of the day and it leaves my skin feeling super soft and fresh too, with zero dryness or tightness. And I haven’t experienced any breakouts since I started using the new formula either.
Was it worth a whole reformulation though? I’m not so sure.
What other users are saying
A lot of users still love this classic cleanser. Sumayyah K says, “The Milky Jelly Cleanser is an experience – not just a face wash! It is effective and affectionate. The scent is light and airy but it is not irritatingly fragranced. This is the best, my holy grail, the only product I truly could not live without.”
But some people are upset about the new formulation. “I loved this cleanser,” says Ruth R. “One of the very few formulas that didn’t aggravate my rosacea prone skin. And now they’ve changed the formula…the fragrance/perfume/rose irritates my skin and I feel less confident again. Please change it back.”
And Susanna has experienced breakouts. “I’m so disappointed with the new formulation of my old favourite cleanser. It’s just broken me out completely. Pores all blocked. I’m gutted.”
Overall value for money
Luckily, this cleanser is available in four sizes so you can spend according to how much you love it.
If you’re unsure, particularly about the risk of breakouts and/or dryness that some people have experienced, then go for a smaller size first. £30/$30 is only realistic to spend on a cleanser if you know you really love it.
The takeaway
Reformulated or not, to me, this is a lovely, gentle cleanser that feels good on the skin and there’s nothing stripping about it. But a reformulation? I’m not sure there was much point.
It’s kind of annoying Glossier didn’t address the packaging during their re-jig but, to be fair, the smell has massively improved, and for me it isn’t too heavy or sickly.
I’m not quite sure why Glossier felt there needed to be a change since the original was so popular – after all, it provides my skin with the same results and experience as before. But then again, I have oily skin. So, I may not notice what those with dry skin might notice.
If you want to try it out for the first time, or you’re nervous it won’t live up to the old version, I suggest you go for the smaller sized products first. Or, how about trying a dupe instead? I’ve heard popular ones include Fresh Soy Face Cleanser as well as Bubble’s Soft Launch Cleanser and Bliss’ Makeup Melt Jelly Cleanser which, conveniently, also smells of rose.
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