Bottom Line

Pond's Luminous Clean Daily Exfoliating Cleanser cleanses and exfoliates skin in one step. The formula is very gentle and removes dirt and makeup effectively. It's not recommended for use around the eyes due to the microbeads it contains. The cleanser is best for combination to oily skin.

Performance

Gentle exfoliation. Editors at Allure magazine say Pond's Luminous Clean Daily Exfoliating Cleanser is gentle enough to use on a daily basis, something that many users appreciate. It's much gentler than other formulas -- so much so that some reviewers wonder if it's actually working. The formula contains microbeads for gentle exfoliation and shea butter for added moisture. Editors at Allure magazine say that in addition to sloughing off dead skin cells, the cleanser also does a good job of cleansing skin and removing makeup. Skin-care expert Paula Begoun warns, however, that it's tricky to use around the eyes due to the polyethylene beads it contains. She adds that a scrub like this is not necessary. AHA- and BHA- exfoliants do a better job and have more benefits to the skin. A washcloth also works just as well.

Feel and Smell

Silky smooth with a lot of lather. Reviewers say Pond's Exfoliating Cleanser has a pleasant texture. Begoun describes it as creamy with a lot of lather. One user at Amazon.com says the formula is "extremely silky and smooth." The scrub contains a small amount of fragrance -- not likely enough to be of concern, according to Begoun. Some users appreciate the light floral scent, but others say it's too heavy.