I stumbled on Rilastil Aqua Face Cleanser during a trip to Italy a couple of years ago. A pharmacist in Florence recommended it, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
It’s not just another face wash, it’s gentle, hydrating, and leaves my skin feeling like it can breathe.
This review covers what makes this cleanser special, how I use it, and why it’s become a staple in my routine.
If you’re after clean, soft skin without that tight, stripped feeling, keep reading.
Table of Contents
What’s Rilastil Aqua Face Cleanser?
Rilastil Aqua Face Cleanser is a 200 ml tube of gentle, moisturizing goodness from an Italian skincare brand. It’s designed for all skin types, even sensitive ones, and promises to clean without drying you out.
The formula uses hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and omega 6 to hydrate and balance your skin.
It’s part of the Rilastil Aqua line, which is all about keeping your skin plump and fresh. The cleanser works solo or pairs with their face creams and masks for extra hydration.
I love that it’s not fussy, it just does its job well.
Key Ingredients and Why They Matter
The ingredients in this cleanser are what make it stand out. Here’s the breakdown of the heavy hitters:
- Hyaluronic Acid (High and Low Molecular Weight): This stuff is a hydration magnet. High molecular weight stays on the surface to keep things soft, while low molecular weight sinks deeper to plump from within.
- Ceramides (NP, AP, EOP): These are like the glue that holds your skin barrier together. They lock in moisture and protect against irritation.
- Evening Primrose Oil (Omega 6): Packed with fatty acids, it soothes and nourishes, especially if your skin’s feeling rough or sensitive.
- Shea Butter and Vitamin E: These add extra moisture and antioxidant protection, keeping your skin calm and shielded from daily stress.
The formula avoids harsh soaps, using gentle surfactants like sodium lauroyl sarcosinate and coco-glucoside.
It’s got a mild fragrance, which I barely notice, but if you’re super sensitive to scents, check the ingredients on the tube.
How I Use It
I use this cleanser morning and night, and it’s simple. I squeeze out a pearl-sized blob. Seriously! A little goes far, and rub it onto damp skin. I massage it in circles for about 30 seconds, then rinse with lukewarm water.
It’s thick but not greasy, and it spreads easily without foaming too much.
After rinsing, my skin feels clean but never tight.
I follow with a lightweight moisturizer in the morning and something richer at night.
My Skin’s Story: Before and After
My skin’s combination, oily in the T-zone, a bit dry on the cheeks. Before Rilastil, I used cleansers that left my face squeaky clean but parched, especially in winter.
Makeup removal was a chore, and I’d often need a double cleanse.
When I started using this cleanser, I noticed a difference within a week. My skin felt softer after washing, not like it was screaming for moisturizer. It took off my sunscreen and light makeup without a fight.
After a month, my skin looked brighter, and those dry patches on my cheeks were gone. My nose, usually a bit oily by midday, stayed balanced longer.
Now, after using it for over a year, my skin feels smoother and more even, with fewer random flakes or shiny spots.
It’s not a miracle worker – don’t expect it to zap acne or erase wrinkles – but it sets up your skin to feel good and play nice with other products. For me, that’s enough to keep it in my bathroom.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of It
Here’s what I’ve learned to make this cleanser work even better:
- Use Sparingly: A tiny amount is enough for your whole face. Overdoing it just wastes product.
- Lukewarm Water: Hot water can dry you out, and cold doesn’t rinse as well. Lukewarm is the sweet spot.
- Pair with a Moisturizer: This cleanser hydrates, but a cream seals the deal, especially for dry skin. I use a hyaluronic acid serum and a lightweight cream after.
- Remove Heavy Makeup First: If you’re wearing waterproof mascara or heavy foundation, use a micellar water first. This cleanser handles light makeup fine but isn’t a heavy-duty remover.
- Store It Right: Keep the tube in a cool, dry spot. I had one get a bit goopy when I left it in a steamy bathroom.
If you’re new to gentle cleansers, give your skin a couple of weeks to adjust.
You might not get that “squeaky clean” feel, but that’s a good thing, it means your skin’s not being stripped.
Who Should Try It?
This cleanser is for anyone who wants clean skin without the dryness. It’s great if you’ve got sensitive skin, since it’s gentle and packed with nourishing stuff like ceramides. If your skin’s dry or combination, it’ll help balance things out.
Oily skin folks might like it too, since it controls shine without being harsh. But if you’re dealing with active acne, you’ll probably need something with salicylic acid for pore-clearing power. This one’s more about hydration and keeping your skin barrier happy.
If you hate fragrance, double-check the ingredients, as it’s got a light scent. I don’t mind it, but I know some folks are picky about that.
Alternative Suggestions
If Rilastil’s not your vibe, here are a couple of other gentle cleansers I’ve tried:
- CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser: Similar vibe with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, but it’s a bit creamier and widely available. Good for dry or sensitive skin.
- La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser: Another fragrance-free option that’s super soft on skin. It’s pricier but great for sensitive types.
- The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm: If you prefer a balm-to-milk texture, this one’s hydrating and great for makeup removal, though it’s not as lightweight.
Each has its perks, but Rilastil’s balance of hydration and lightness keeps me coming back.
