Image via Dermelect

We've all heard by now that one of the secrets to Madonna's skin success is at-home oxygen facials (that and like, five hours of yoga a day), and I think I've stumbled upon the poor man's version of oxygen for the masses. Last week I wrote a glowing review of Dermelect's Pore Evolution and T-Zone Mattifier and promised I'd follow up with an investigative foray into their Detoxifying Oxygen Facial Commission cleanser. After using it just a few times, I'm confident that it works wonders. Perhaps my T-zone is simply so fabulously shine-free that I'd give anything a good review at this point (Wanted, what a great film!), but I really do like this cleanser, and a lot.

My skeptical side finds it awfully hard to believe that one pump of this stuff releases enough oxygen molecules to "detoxify and invigorate" your skin, but the combination of ingredients, including sodium PCA, a non-greasy humectant, antioxidant vitamin C in powerful BV-OSC form, brightening licorice and evening rice bran, definitely gets something right, and my skin really, truly did look brighter and balanced after washing with this stuff. I also like how a small amount lathers beautifully, and you can leave it on for a few extra minutes as a deep-cleaning mask, and it even doubles as a shaving cream in a pinch. At $48, this stuff doesn't come cheap, but the 3.3 fluid ounces is a more generous amount than many comparable cleansers, and like I said, a small dollop goes a long way. Besides, a cleanser that makes your skin look like you just used a miraculous serum? Practically priceless.