When Sunday Riley launches a new cleanser, I’m all in. The brand’s reputation for lush textures and high-performance formulas precedes it, so I ordered the Sunday Riley Aquamarine Melt a few months after it dropped, fully expecting to fall in love. Sadly, it’s one of those relationships that began with promise but fizzled out over time.
What is it?
This is billed as a gel-to-oil cleansing balm designed to melt makeup, dirt, and SPF while keeping skin cushioned and hydrated.
What Do I Think?
On paper, it’s a dream with rinse-proof hyaluronic acid for moisture retention, malachite to detoxify and calm, cornflower and evening primrose oil for soothing and softness, and cocoa butter for nourishment. There’s even a sugar-based cleanser in the mix to keep things gentle.
The texture at first is heavenly, a striking, turquoise gel that glides over the skin before dissolving into oil. It smells distinctly of blue tansy, which I personally love but will absolutely divide the room. If you’re someone who prefers your skincare fragrance-free or doesn’t like blue tansy, this won’t be for you.
But the real problem came a few weeks in. The once-luxurious gel began to separate into a thin, watery oil. Sometimes it would be clear, sometimes faintly blue. No amount of shaking was able to bring it back to its former self. I can’t say whether it’s a stability issue or the result of summer heatwaves, but either way, the formula became a shadow of its original self. It stopped behaving like a gel cleanser and started behaving like a fussy oil that refused to rinse clean.
Even when it did behave, I always found I needed a second cleanse. It leaves a residue that feels less like a nourished skin and more like something clinging on past its welcome. The brand touts “rinse-proof hyaluronic acid,” which sounds impressive but, frankly, I suspect most of it ends up going straight down the drain when you’re forced to do a second cleanse.
Would I recommend?
In the end, I just didn’t find this stable enough that I’d repurchase or recommend to anyone. When I first used it, it was lovely. But then it felt like a different product entirely. For the price and the brand’s pedigree, that’s disappointing.
Brands Product Description
Sunday Riley Aquamarine Melt is a glossy gel-balm melts into a silky cleansing oil, effortlessly dissolving makeup and impurities. As it cleanses, evening primrose oil and a Hyaluronic acid derivative deeply hydrate for a plumped, glass skin glow. Cocoa butter locks in moisture, while malachite and cornflower detoxify and soothe.
Key Ingredients
- Rinse-Proof Hyaluronic Acid (Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate – Adheres to the skin by an ionic process so that it doesn’t easily rinse away, enriching the skin with water for a dewy, plump look.
- Malachite – Deep green gemstone rich in copper, may help to detoxify + balance the skin. Associated with the metaphysical properties of transformation + protection.
- Cornflower – Deep blue flower that is historically used to calm + soothe the look of the skin.
- Evening Primrose Oil – Rich in a rich source of Gamma Linoleic Acid (GLA) + Vitamin E, this oil delivers deep moisture.
- Cocoa Butter – Locks in hydration for a soft, cushioned finish.
- Sugar-Based Cleansers – Gently cleanse while respecting skin’s natural moisture barrier.
How I Use It
I used this as an evening first cleanse. I’d apply to dry skin, massage in and then rinse before going in with a second cleanse of something that would remove the oil residue.
Would I Repurchase/Buy?
No, not unless they can sort out the unstableness.
How Much?
£38.00 for 180ml
