The Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Cleanser is a cult classic among skincare enthusiasts. This clinically-backed foaming cleanser combines a face wash and exfoliator in one to leave your skin fresh, smooth, and radiant.

In this honest review, I share whether the Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Cleanser lived up to my high expectations, whether it improved the appearance and texture of my skin, and whether it’s worth checking out.

About the Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Cleanser

The Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Cleanser contains exfoliating acids to reveal a soft, fresh, and glowing complexion. This gentle cleanser is designed to get rid of skin debris without leaving the skin feeling stripped, tight, or dry. It also claims to visibly improve skin texture and pore size.

It can be used in the morning and the evening. You can use it as a first or second cleanse in your evening skincare routine, as the cleanser is designed to dissolve dirt, oil, and makeup. Apply a small amount to a wet face and neck, and massage gently for 30 seconds. Rinse and gently pat dry.

In an independent clinical study of 34 people, 94% reported that the cleanser thoroughly cleanses dirt, oil and makeup after 1 use. 94% said it leaves skin soft and refreshed after 1 use. 94% reported pores feel thoroughly clean and purified after 7 days.

Notably, the cleanser features the alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) glycolic acid and lactic acid. Glycolic acid gently exfoliates to renew the skin’s surface — improving texture, tone, fine lines and pigmentation — while also boosting hydration, resilience, and potentially helping protect against UV damage. Lactic acid helps gently exfoliate dead surface skin cells, while also hydrating, brightening, improving texture and tone, strengthening the skin barrier, and reducing pigmentation.

Honest review

The Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Cleanser has absolutely lived up to my expectations.

Firstly, this cleanser has a lovely, subtle fruity scent. It’s not overpowering and disappears once washed off. I love fragranced skincare and have never had sensitivity issues, but this cleanser contains some natural fragrant components, so that’s something to be mindful of if you’re not a fan of scented skincare or are sensitive to it. Although it’s worth noting that because you wash a cleanser off your skin, it’s not as sensitising.

I’m a big fan of the texture. It’s thick, creamy, and smooth. When activated with water, the cleanser works into a gentle, creamy lather that’s not drying at all. A grape-sized amount of product is more than enough to cover your entire face.

But most importantly, this cleanser delivers excellent results.

As a cleanser, it’s hydrating, doesn’t strip the skin, and leaves skin feeling fresh. I use this as the second cleanse in my evening skincare routine and look forward to using it each evening.

As an exfoliator, this product gently exfoliates to reveal brighter, smoother, and more radiant skin. Since using this cleanser, my skin texture is more even, and my pores appear smaller in size.

Rating: 5 stars

Overall, this is a fantastic exfoliating cleanser that helps make skin soft, bright, smooth, and clean. It’s definitely one of my fave cleansers, and I’ll happily repurchase it. This is 100% worth checking out.