Last Updated on October 16, 2026 by Giorgia Guazzarotti
Vichy Purete Thermale 3 in 1 One Step Cleanser is a multitasker that acts as:
- Cleansing milk to melt away makeup
- Eye-makeup remover to get rid of stubborn makeup
- Toner to leave skin feeling toned (whatever that means…)
I admit I don’t care for toners, but I’m always all over cleansers I can use both on my face and eyes. Because, why waste money on two products when the one will do? But does this cleanser deliver? It’s made for sensitive skin after all, and this skin type can’t tolerate too much cleansing… In this review, I’ll share with you whether it works and what results you can expect:
The Verdict
My rating: 4/5
Best for: Sensitive, dry skin that needs a gentle cleanser to remove light, everyday makeup.
Skip it if: You have oily, acne-prone skin or wear heavy, waterproof makeup.
What I like: Milky, non-greasy texture. Removes everyday makeup without much pulling or tugging. Leaves skin soft, smooth, and moisturised.
What I don’t: Doesn’t remove stubborn makeup well. You need several cotton pads to get everything off. May cause breakouts on oily skin.
Bottom line: A lovely, gentle cleanser for sensitive skin that doesn’t need much cleansing in the first place. It does its job without stripping your skin dry, but if you wear a full face of makeup, you’ll need something with more muscle.
Key Ingredients In Vichy Purete Thermale 3 in 1 One Step Cleanser: What Does The Science Say?
ETHYLHEXYL PALMITATE
Ethylhexyl Palmitate is an oily ingredient that helps get rid of makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil. How? Oil dissolves oil. It loosens all that greasy gunk so you can wipe it away without scrubbing your face like you’re cleaning a dirty pan.
That’s good news for sensitive skin. Harsh cleansing agents can mess with your skin barrier and make irritation worse. Ethylhexyl Palmitate does its job without foaming or stripping away all your skin’s natural oils. Plus, it leaves skin feeling soft, not tight and dry.
There’s one catch, though. Ethylhexyl Palmitate has a reputation for clogging pores and causing blackheads. But does it deserve it? Not necessarily. A lot of those scary comedogenic ratings aren’t as reliable as you think. So, if you have acne-prone skin, keep an eye on how your skin reacts, but don’t write off a cleanser just because it contains this ingredient.
Related: Should You Avoid Sulfates In Skincare?
Personal Use & Opinion
Vichy Purete Thermale 3 in 1 One Step Cleanser has a milky, non-greasy texture that doesn’t lather. You need to use a cotton pad with this. At first, I was applying it with bare hands and washing it off with lukewarm water. But when I followed up with exfoliating pads, I realised half of my makeup was still on my skin! Ewwwww!
Since then, I always use a cotton pad. I need at least two for my entire face and an extra one for my eyes. It does a wonderful job at removing everything but the most stubborn of makeup without too much pulling and tugging. If you’re wearing as much makeup as a Kardashian with a big dollop of waterproof foundation, you’ll better off with an oil cleanser like Squalane oil. It’s a cleanser on steroid but still super gentle.
Vichy Purete Thermale 3 in 1 One Step Cleanser is more for minimal makeup. You know what I’m talking about… sheer foundation, a dab of blush, non-waterproof makeup. It melts all that away while leaving skin soft and smooth. If you’ve got sensitive skin and a compromised skincare barrier, a full face of makeup isn’t recommended, anyway. This cleanser will suit you fine.
Unless your skin is oily, you don’t have to wash it off. The cleanser will do a better job at moisturizing your skin if you leave it on. Me, I need to get it off my skin. If your sebaceous glands pump out a bit too much oil here and there, this cleanser has the potential to break you out.
Overall, it’s a great option for women with sensitive skin who are looking for a gentle cleanser that removes the little makeup they have without pulling, tugging, and irritation. Other skin types may find it wanting. But then, it’s wasn’t made with them in mind.
Does Vichy Purete Thermale 3 in 1 One Step Cleanser Live Up To Its Claims?
| CLAIM | TRUE? |
|---|---|
| Removes make-up. Tones. Hydrates. | It removes light makeup and hydrates. It doesn’t really tone (whatever that means). |
| Colorant free Sulfate free EDTA free BHT free Hypoallergenic |
True. It doesn’t contain any of this stuff. Hypoallergenic, though, means nothing. There’s no regulation that decided what it means. Heck, even water causes allergic reactions in some people! |
Price & Availability
$14.99 at Boots, Face The Future and Look Fantastic
Ingredients
Aqua / Water, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Parfum/Fragrance
Hi! I have very sensitive very dry skin with small bumps across my forehead and chin. I have a dairy intolerance that has contributed to my skin’s sensitivity and redness. I would assume that I can’t use lactic acid on my skin, but I still need to exfoliate. I also don’t wear makeup. Could you recommend a few cleansers/serums I could use to address these problems?
Sofia, try salicylic acid. You can find my fave picks for oily skin here: https://www.beautifulwithbrains.com/3-ways-to-exfoliate-sensitive-skin/