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When testing the hundreds of grooming products I’m sent each month, I have to quickly discern if something feels like an experience. Often that means I’m hoping to experience the promised results; in other words, is the product effective? But in terms of simple products—like a cleanser or moisturizer—I’m also largely looking for some sort of positive, memorable interaction with the product or brand. An exploration. A good vibe.
Take cleansers, specifically. Most cleansers work just fine. It’s extremely easy to purchase a nourishing, oil-lifting formula and slap your label on it. But what I look for is a product that elevates an otherwise rote, standard-fare step in every person’s regimen (you are washing your face every day, right?). Which brand can put its own point of view into something as commonplace as a face wash? Here’s one: Atwater, with its exquisite—and slimy-green—exfoliating cleanser.
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No, it’s not the deep green hue (my favorite color) that hooks me, though I love knowing that the green comes from anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ingredient chlorophyll. But when I use this product, I feel the difference. It’s gently exfoliating in two ways:
Sure, with the above, I’m describing the task of exfoliation, but may I add that I truly, palpably feel it with this product? Like, I feel it working on my skin—not aggressively, more like… happily? And I feel and see the results after the fact. Noticeably softer-feeling skin, extremely refreshed. I don’t pin a lot of expectations on a single baseline-regimen product like this, except on its ability to make me feel great and replenished instantly. And I should not be noticing downstream things, like acne and dull, dry skin. Atwater clears all those bars, and leaves my skin buzzing. Talk about elevating something simple into an experience.
My skin isn’t the only thing buzzing, though. Whenever I post about this product on my social media channels, I get the kind of feedback every brand should hope for: glowing praise. From guys in every corner of the U.S. More than I’ve seen for any other product I’ve put in my stories. Some of those guys call it an “all-time” best product—and I’d agree with them. Atwater’s entire assortment is top-shelf quality, and makes it easy to focus your regimen on your exact skin needs. But if I was forced to pick the brand's single best product, it’s this slimy-green wunderkind. Please, experience it for yourself, slime hue and all.
Related: Best Face Wash for Men in 2024, According to Skin Type
