December 13, 2017

Physicians Formula Charcoal Detox Cleansing Stick Review & Swatches

I purchased this item and I receive a small commission if you shop using the links in this post.

Physicians Formula Charcoal Detox Cleansing Stick ($9.95) is a new pore cleansing stick that contains charcoal to draw out dirt, oil, and impurities. At a glance, this reminded me a lot of Tarte Frxxxtion Stick 3-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser which I really love. It’s absolutely nothing like that formula though.

None the less Physicians Formula is busy getting into skincare at the moment as they have a new Lip Scrub that’s upcoming and also launched a new Refreshmint Cooling Stick that can be under eyes or all over your face for a quick hydrating pick me up.

Let’s take a look at the Physicians Formula Charcoal Detox Cleansing Stick.

As I mentioned above I had visions of this stick being a more affordable version of Tarte’s but sadly, it is anything but. I expressed how dense it was and how it tugged during application and that’s exactly what you get with the Charcoal Detox Cleansing Stick.

This reminds me of the consistency of a dense, hard lip balm or Chapstick. The instructions say you should apply it on a dry face and apply water after. But I struggled so hard to apply it on my face. It’s just really dense and actually hurts to rub it across my skin. I got a little to transfer onto my skin but it was a struggle. After I applied a little water and started to massage. It breaks down easy enough and lathers up lightly. It apparently contains bamboo charcoal to draw out dirt and oil with natural exfoliating minerals. It doesn’t have any grittiness so, I didn’t feel like it acted as a physical exfoliater at all. I give it props for breaking down easy enough once I got water onto it but without it proves really difficult to apply to drier skin.

I wouldn’t use it as a cleanser but it might work to draw out dirt and oil as charcoal has unique absorption properties that act as a magnet to draw out grossness from our skin. As a sole cleanser though? Not really. I wouldn’t feel my face was completely clean using something like this. I also, didn’t love how dry and tight it left me feeling. And I surely did feel like my skin looked or felt cleaner by any means.

So far, these new Physicians Formula skincare picks have been a waste of money for me!

Didn’t like this one at all.

Physicians Formula Charcoal Detox Cleansing Stick is available now at drugstores and ulta.com.

Tried it?

Do share!

I purchased this item and I receive a small commission if you shop using the links in this post.

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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