When I did my big cleanser round-up a couple of years ago, I had bought a full-size bottle of Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel and I wasn’t impressed. It’s possible this was my reaction to the hype surrounding that cleanser, as especially the UK-based bloggers used to rave about it on a daily basis. Or maybe my preferences/my skin were in a place at that time where this cleanser wasn’t the best fit.

Fast forward to this March and I got a travel size of the cleanser as part of the huge Space NK gift with purchase package. Small sizes are in heavy rotation in my stash, because I use them in the gym and of curse also when I travel. As a consequence, I’m almost done with my little tube of Oskia (although it has a decent amount of product at 35 ml) and I like it much better this time around.

It’s called a gel, but to me it’s more of a balm, albeit one with a lighter, slightly jelly-like texture. It removes makeup well and leaves the skin feeling comfortable. I think the main reason I enjoy it is its versatility: it really is great for travel, because it works well both as a makeup remover and as a skin cleanser – there are lots of nice ingredients (pumpkin enzymes, vitamins A, B, C and E, starflower oil, etc) that elevate it above a utilitarian balm. It’s rich enough for an evening cleanse and light enough for a morning one, so you don’t need to take two products with you. I like the smell as well, it’s slightly medicinal and not strong.

So here you go. It does happen that I change my mind about products and if it’s a significant change, I will try to let you know. I will also update the original post and refer to this review. There is another reason why I’m writing about this cleanser now: if you are used to ordering your skincare from Cult Beauty, Space NK and other UK-based stores, you may want to put in an order now – who knows what will happen after April 12.