Is Herbivore Pink Cloud Cleanser Worth the Hype? Here’s What I Think

Last Updated on June 1, 2025 by Giorgia Guazzarotti

Let’s be real: the skincare world is flooded with cleansers claiming to be “gentle yet effective.” Every brand promises to remove dirt, oil, and makeup without messing up your skin barrier. Herbivore Botanicals decided to throw their hat into the ring with this Pink Cloud Rosewater + Tremella Creamy Jelly Cleanser – a mouthful, but it looks like a dream on your sink.

I picked this up because I was curious about how a brand known for its plant-based, minimalist vibes would handle something as simple (but essential) as a face wash. Spoiler alert: It’s not all roses and mushrooms. There’s a lot to unpack here. From the ingredient list to the packaging to the actual experience of using it, I’m here to spill every detail. Get cozy and let’s get started with this Herbivore Pink Cloud Cleanser review:

Key Ingredients in Herbivore Pink Cloud Cleanser: What Makes it Work?

DECYL GLUCOSIDE AND SODIUM LAUROYL LACTYLATE

Don’t let the chemical-sounding names scare you off. These are the cleansing agents (the stuff that removes dirt and grime from your face!) – and they’re very gentle.  Decyl Glucoside is a super gentle surfactant derived from sugar (glucose, technically) and is often used in baby shampoos and sensitive skin cleansers because it’s non-stripping. It works by breaking down oil and grime so it can be rinsed away, without making your skin feel tight. Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate is another mild cleansing agent and emulsifier that helps break down makeup and dirt. It’s less intense than sulfates (which are super harsh), and it even has some moisturizing properties, so your face doesn’t feel squeaky clean in a bad way.

GLYCERIN

A classic humectant. It pulls water from the air and deeper skin layers into the top layer of your skin, keeping it hydrated. The cleansing process, no matter how gentle it is, can always feel a little stripping. A little Glycerin can help restore the balance. It’s in practically every skincare product for a reason – it works.

The Rest of the Formula & Ingredients

• Aqua/Water/Eau: The main solvent in the product, it helps to dissolve other ingredients.
• Rosa Damascena Flower Water: Derived from the flowers of the damask rose via steam distillation, it softens skin. Its fragrant components may cause irritations.
• Squalane: Super moisturising, it strengthens the skin’s protective barrier and makes skin softer and smoother.
• Glyceryl Caprylate: An emollient that makes skin softer and smoother.
• Xanthan Gum: It thickens the texture of skincare products.
• Glyceryl Stearate:  Its an emollient and an emulsifier. It makes skin softer and smoother and helps the ingredients blend together seamlessly.
• Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract: This superfood mushroom has humectant properties that helps attract and bind water to the skin for extra hydration.
• Caprylhydroxamic Acid: A chelating agent, i.e. an ingredient that neutralises the impurities in the water before they can spoil the formula. 
• Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract: A.k.a. green tea, it has powerful antioxidant properties… that are lost in a cleaner. It just ends up down the drain.
• Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice: It has hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Citric Acid: It helps to adjust the pH of the formula. 
• Eclipta Prostrata Extract: A plant extract with skin-calming properties.
• Sodium Hyaluronate: It attracts and binds to your skin up to 1000 times its weight in water.
• Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract: Another plant extract with antioxidant properties that are wasted in a cleanser.
• Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil: It makes skin softer and smoother and strengthens its protective barrier.
• Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Juice: The powder form of coconut water, it’s loaded with amino acids and sugars that make it very hydrating.
• Tapioca Starch: It stabilises emulsions and helps create gel textures.

Stop wasting your time and money on stuff that doesn’t work. Click on the image below to download “Skincare That Works” and finally get your best skin day – every day.

Texture

Here’s where Pink Cloud earns some points. This stuff is GORGEOUS. It’s a thick, almost jelly-like texture that feels super plush when you pump it out. It spreads easily on dry or damp skin and doesn’t drip all over the place like some watery gels do. When you add a bit of water and massage, it turns into a very light lather. Don’t expect a foamy face wash, because this one keeps the bubbles to a minimum.

Fragrance

Ah, the rose scent. Look, this is subjective. If you like rose water, you’ll probably love it. It’s subtle, not a punch in the face. But if floral scents aren’t your jam, you might find it a little too much. It’s from natural rose hydrosol, so it’s not an artificial perfume bomb, but it’s definitely there. And, if you have super sensitive skin, it could potentially irritate your skin.

How to Use It

Herbivore Pink Cloud Cleanser is marketed as a dual-purpose cleanser, meaning you can use it to remove makeup or as a regular morning or night cleanser. Herbivore recommends:

1. For light makeup: Massage 1-2 pumps onto dry skin to break down makeup, then rinse with lukewarm water.
2. For daily cleansing: Apply to damp, wet skin, massage for 30-60 seconds, then rinse.

Personally, I found it works okay for light makeup, but for heavy foundation or waterproof mascara? Meh. You’ll want to double cleanse with an oil-based remover first or follow up with micellar water. And once you’re done, proceed with the rest of your skincare routine.

Packaging

Gorgeous. That’s the only way to describe it. The glass bottle is thick and feels fancy, and the pump dispenses just the right amount of product. However, the pump isn’t recyclable (mixed materials), which is a bummer if you’re all about that zero-waste life. Still, the glass can be recycled once you remove the pump, so points for at least partially sustainable packaging.

Performance & Personal Opinion

Honestly, this cleanser is a chill, no-fuss kind of product. It’s great for taking off daily grime and a bit of sunscreen, but if I’ve gone heavy with makeup, it’s not cutting it on its own. I definitely have to bring in a makeup remover or oil cleanser first. It leaves my skin feeling soft, not tight or dry, which I love. No weird squeaky-clean feeling. Just comfortable, hydrated skin. It’s basically the easy-going friend in your routine, not the one that’s gonna deep clean your pores or strip your face.

I also love that it’s a pH-balanced formula (5.5, if you’re wondering), so it keeps my skin feeling happy and calm, instead of all thrown off like some cleansers do. But the downside is it doesn’t have strong preservatives in it, so it can spoil faster than some other products. You kinda have to keep an eye on it. If it starts to smell funky or the texture changes, it’s time to let it go. If you’re into a light, gentle cleanse that won’t mess with your skin, this is solid. Just don’t expect it to be your hero on days you’re packing on the foundation – and make sure to use it up before it goes bad.

What I Like About Herbivore Pink Cloud Cleanser

✅ Super gentle formula, great for sensitive skin or those who hate that tight feeling after cleansing

✅ Hydrating and soothing

✅ Non-foaming, creamy jelly texture that feels luxurious and doesn’t make a mess.

✅ Aesthetically pleasing, pale pink packaging – seriously, it looks so good on the shelf.

What I Don’t Like About Herbivore Pink Cloud Cleanser

❌ It’s a bit pricey for a cleanser, especially since you need a few pumps to get a thorough cleanse.

❌ The rose water might be a dealbreaker if floral scents aren’t your thing or you have sensitive skin.

❌ Not the best for removing heavy makeup – you might need a separate oil cleanser for that.

❌ Goes bad quickly.

Who Should Use This?

• Dry or sensitive skin types – you’ll appreciate the gentle, hydrating formula
• Minimal makeup wearers
• Anyone looking for a mild, everyday cleanser that won’t strip their skin.

If you’re super oily, acne-prone, or need something to tackle waterproof makeup, this might not be your best bet.

Does Herbivore Pink Cloud Cleanser Live Up To Its Claims?

Price & Availability

$28.00/£27.00 at Cult Beauty, Herbivore Botanicals, Look Fantastic, Revolve and Sephora

The Verdict: Should You Buy It?

There you have it, your Herbivore Pink Cloud Cleanser Review. Should you buy a bottle? If you’re in the market for a gentle, hydrating cleanser that looks as good as it feels, this facial cleanser is worth checking out. It’s great for dry, sensitive, or combo skin. Just don’t expect it to handle heavy makeup or deep pore-cleansing on its own. It’s more of a “nice hug for your face” than a deep-clean detox. If you’re a skincare minimalist who appreciates plant-based ingredients and a luxurious feel, this might be your new best friend. If you’re a skincare junkie who wears heavy makeup and likes that squeaky clean feeling? You might want to pass.