Pause Hydrating Cleanser is a daily morning-and-night face wash from Pause Well-Aging, the wellness-led skincare brand created specifically for skin experiencing hormonal change. The lightweight, creamy formula lifts impurities, makeup, and excess oil without stripping the skin’s natural moisture. A gentle amino-acid + coconut-derived surfactant blend (Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate) cleanses while Glycerin, Organic Aloe Vera, and Chamomile help skin feel soft, supple, and comfortable post-rinse. Sized at 105 ml / 3.5 fl oz.
Key benefits
- Cleanses without stripping — Uses milder amino-acid and coconut-derived surfactants rather than the harsh sulfates (SLS/SLES) found in many face washes.
- Suitable for all skin types — Sensitive, dry, normal, combination, oily — the formula is gentle enough to work across them. Particularly suited to mature or reactive skin.
- Hydrating during cleansing — Glycerin and Aloe Vera bind water to the skin, so you finish rinsed without that tight squeaky feeling.
- Calming botanical support — Chamomile Flower Extract (Chamomilla Recutita) is a well-tolerated soothing botanical traditionally used for reactive skin.
- Daily use, AM and PM — Mild enough for twice-daily use; gentle enough to follow with acid toners or retinol-containing routines.
- Designed for skin experiencing hormonal change — Pause Well-Aging built this formula for the perimenopausal and menopausal demographic, where barrier care matters most.
Hero ingredients
- Amino-Acid + Coconut Surfactant System — Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, and Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate. A cushioned cleansing system that lifts grime without disrupting the skin’s lipid layer.
- Organic Aloe Vera — Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder. A traditional calming and moisture-binding humectant that helps the skin feel cooler and more comfortable after cleansing.
- Chamomile Flower Extract — Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria). One of the longest-used soothing botanicals in cosmetic formulation.
- Glycerin — A workhorse humectant that helps the skin retain water during the cleansing process.
- Gluconolactone — A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) used at very low level for the gentlest possible exfoliating support, better tolerated than AHAs by reactive skin.
How to use
- Wet your face and neck with warm (not hot) water.
- Dispense a small amount of cleanser onto your fingertips.
- Massage gently in circular motions across face and neck for 30–60 seconds, paying attention to the T-zone and any makeup-heavy areas.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry with a soft towel.
- Follow with your toner, serums, and moisturizer.
- Use morning and night.
Tip: pair as the AM cleanse with an oil cleanser or balm at night for a complete double-cleanse routine on makeup-heavy days.
Who it’s for
- Anyone wanting a gentle, non-stripping daily face wash.
- People navigating perimenopause and menopause, where the skin barrier becomes more reactive.
- Sensitive or rosacea-prone skin (patch-test first if highly reactive).
- Routines that include acid toners (AHA/BHA/PHA), retinoids, or vitamin C — gentle cleansing protects barrier tolerance.
- Travel — the 3.5 fl oz size fits TSA carry-on rules.
Specifications
- Brand: Pause Well-Aging
- Product: Hydrating Cleanser
- Size: 105 ml / 3.5 fl oz
- UPC: 850005029076
- Format: Creamy face wash, rinse-off
- Skin type: All skin types — particularly sensitive, dry, mature
- Use frequency: Morning and night
- Surfactant type: Amino-acid + coconut-derived (no SLS/SLES)
Full ingredient list
Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Glycerin, Gluconolactone, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder (Organic Aloe Vera), Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract.
Note: fragrance-free formulation. Always verify the printed batch on your unit if you have specific contraindications.
Frequently asked questions
Is this cleanser sulfate-free?
Yes — there is no SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) or SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) in the formula. The surfactant system uses milder amino-acid and coconut-derived ingredients.
Can I use this with retinol or AHA toners?
Yes — the cleanser is gentle enough to use alongside active treatments. In fact, a gentle cleanser helps your skin tolerate retinoids and acid toners better than a stripping wash would.
Will it remove makeup?
It will lift everyday makeup including foundation and water-based products. For heavy or waterproof makeup, do a double-cleanse: oil cleanser or balm first, then this hydrating cleanser to finish.
Is it fragrance-free?
Yes — the INCI list does not include added fragrance (Parfum). The mild natural scent comes from the plant extracts.
How long does the bottle last?
With a pump or pea-sized amount twice daily, a 105 ml bottle typically lasts 2–3 months.
Is it cruelty-free?
Pause Well-Aging publishes its cruelty-free position on its corporate website; we don’t restate brand-level claims that may change over time. Check the brand’s current ethics page for the most up-to-date status.
How is this different from the Pause Cooling Mist?
The Cooling Mist is a refreshing, alcohol-based facial spray designed for an instant cooling sensation throughout the day. This Hydrating Cleanser is a creamy, rinse-off face wash for the cleansing step of your routine. They serve different roles and can be used together — wash with this cleanser, then mist throughout the day as needed.
Is it gentle enough for daily use?
Yes — it’s formulated for twice-daily use across all skin types. The mild surfactant system and humectant base make it suitable for regular use without over-cleansing concerns.
