IMESO Citron Bubble Foam Cleanser with Salicylic Acid & Betaine 150ml | Pro Backbar

What makes a cleanser suitable for the treatment room? We read the INCI before the label.

Most practitioners hear “cleanser” and expect a harsh, stripping wash. The INCI shows a water-based wash led by Dipropylene Glycol, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate and Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, with Allantoin and Salicylic Acid behind them. We would use it as the first step of a facial for clients who wear makeup and sunscreen every day. Read the list below the way a supplier would: what is there, in what order, and what that suggests about the feel on the skin.

At a glance

• Cleanser, 150ml backbar bottle.
• Betaine and Methylpropanediol are listed for hydration.
• Allantoin is listed.
• Exfoliating ingredients listed: Salicylic Acid.
• Fragrance is listed.

Reading the formula

Order of the list. The list opens with Water, Dipropylene Glycol, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate and Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, so this is a water-based cleanser. 33 ingredients are listed in full below, and we describe only what the INCI shows.

Wash base. PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate and Sodium Sulfate form the cleansing base. It is a surfactant system, so rinse thoroughly and follow your usual cleansing protocol.

Comfort. Betaine and Methylpropanediol add a moisture-rich, comfortable feel.

Soothing side. Allantoin adds a calming, comforting feel.

Smoothing. Salicylic Acid gives a refining, smoothing feel. Follow the usual cautions for exfoliating ingredients.

Ferments. Lactobacillus Extracellular Vesicles, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate and Lactobacillus/Clover Flower Ferment Extract are listed as supporting ingredients.

Care points. Fragrance (or fragrance allergens) is listed; Salicylic Acid is an exfoliating or active ingredient. Check your market rules and patch test sensitive clients.

Which clients

Closest fit, in her own words:

• “I want a clean start to the facial that is not harsh.”
• “I wear makeup and sunscreen every day.”

Less suited: clients with a damaged skin surface or recent exfoliation, clients who avoid fragrance, reactive or irritated skin and clients straight after a procedure. For that last group, follow your own aftercare protocol.

In the treatment room

• Storage: keep the bottle closed, away from direct sunlight and heat, and follow the storage line on the pack.
• Opening date: write it on the bottle when you open it.
• Patch test: test on a small area and wait 24 hours before a full-face first use.
• Where it fits: the first step of every facial, with the product name written on the menu so clients can ask for it again.
• Backbar handling: use a clean pump for each client and keep the bottle closed.

Product details

Full ingredients (INCI): Water, Dipropylene Glycol, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cocamide DEA, Butylene Glycol, Arginine, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Sulfate, Allantoin, Betaine, Hexadecene, Tetradecene, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citrus Junos Seed Extract, Coptis Japonica Root Extract, Lactobacillus Extracellular Vesicles, Methylpropanediol, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Taraxacum Officinale (Dandelion) Leaf Extract, Lactobacillus/Clover Flower Ferment Extract, Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract, Chrysanthemum Morifolium Flower Extract, Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Flower Extract, Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Castanea Crenata (Chestnut) Shell Extract, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Fragrance

FAQ

What size is it?
150ml, a backbar bottle.

Does it contain fragrance?
Yes. Fragrance or fragrance allergens are listed in the INCI.

Does it contain exfoliating ingredients?
Salicylic Acid and Salicylic Acid are listed in the INCI. Patch test and follow the brand guidance.

Choose the treatment your clients need, not the ingredient. A client who says “I want a clean start to the facial that is not harsh.” does not need a product name. She needs the first step of a facial she can feel, and a reason to book the next visit. Make it a named step in your menu and the rebooking follows.