I Tried Olay’s New Water-Activated Cleansing Melts

Our writer was given a complimentary sample of Olay Cleansing Melts to put to the test. Keep reading for our full product review.

Earlier this year, Olay launched its Cleansing Melts—water-activated facial cleansing pads that sud up and dissolve with a little water from the sink. The product’s unique format immediately sparked intrigue online (just look at the TikTok reviews). The facial cleanser is available in three varieties–vitamin C, retinol, and hyaluronic acid—each targeting different skincare concerns. But regardless of your ingredient preference, all of the melts are designed to gently cleanse and refresh your skin without leaving it dry or tight. Considering how innovative and fuss-free the Cleansing Melts sounded, I knew I wanted to put them to the test. Read my full review, ahead.

About My Skin: Sensitive, combination skin

I have combination skin. Depending on the season, my stress levels, and my diet, my face can get extremely oily, especially around my t-zone. However, there are also times when my skin can also get excruciatingly dry. The first sign of dryness usually shows on my chin and around my mouth.

Other than these triggers, my skin is sensitive. I typically reach for fragrance-free products with hydrating properties. For cleansers, I prefer products that can deep clean without drying my skin, which is a tricky balance to strike. As a former lifeguard who spent hours in the sun without properly prioritizing SPF, I previously experienced hyperpigmentation on my forehead. Vitamin C-based products have helped me reduce dark spots and enhance my skin’s radiance over time—another reason I was excited to try the Cleansing Melts.

How To Use: Quick and easy cleansing

Since the melts are meant to cleanse and tone, I used them as the first step in my skincare routine for ten days. Olay recommends using the melts in the morning and evening before treatments or moisturizers. Because my skin dries out easily, I only cleansed with them once a day. 

The brand instructs you to soak the pad in water for three seconds, activate it by rubbing it together in your hands, and then massage it onto your face. Watching the pads dissolve in your hands and turn into a frothy cleanser is fascinating. However, through my testing period, I learned to be careful when adding water. Adding too much water can cause the pad to slip out of your hands and travel down the train (which happened to me a couple of times).

The Feel: Rich, velvety foam

Once activated, Olay describes the Cleansing Melt texture as rich and creamy. This claim is valid as the pads turn into a thick, foamy lather. You can really notice the velvety, frothy texture as you massage the cleanser onto your skin. Aside from the pleasing feel, the scent piqued my interest. The other two Cleansing Melts with retinol and hyaluronic acid are fragrance-free, but the vitamin C formula has a subtle citrus scent, which reminds me of the brand’s staple lotions.

The Results: Radiant, refreshed skin

After rinsing the cleanser off, my skin immediately felt clean and refreshed. I am prone to dark circles under my eyes, and I noticed they were reduced after consistently using the melts. However, while the product visibly enhanced the radiance of my skin, I felt it wasn’t hydrating enough for my often dry skin (I’m eyeing the Cleansing Melts with hyaluronic acid for this reason). Overall, this cleanser worked the best on the days I went makeup-free. On days when I wore a full face of makeup, I needed to wash my face more than once to feel like my skin was thoroughly cleansed.

The Value: Affordable and accessible

Each box of Cleansing Melts comes with 32 dissolving pads and sells for $10. If you were to cleanse twice daily, as the instructions suggest, one pack would last 16 days. Meaning, you’d likely spend around $20 per month if this were your go-to cleanser. Aside from the relatively affordable price point, these pads are easily accessible as they are available at retailers like Target, Walmart, and Amazon.

Similar Products: You’ve got options

Mediheal Vitamide Brightening Pad: These daily treatment pads can help improve luminosity and tone. The Vitamide Brightening Pads contain radiance-boosting sea buckthorn (high in vitamin C), blemish-fighting niacinamide, and essential vitamins.

Rodial Vitamin C Cleansing Pads: These cleansing pads contain pure Vitamin C, 0.5% salicylic acid, and 1% fruit acid complex. The Vitamin C Cleansing Pads’ potent ingredient blend helps refresh, resurface, and retexturize your skin.

Our Verdict: Worth trying

Olay’s new Cleansing Melts are formulated to cleanse, refresh, and tone, and they tick all those boxes. The vitamin C-infused pads help illuminate your skin gently while removing dirt and oil. Due to their compact size, ease of use, and liquid-free formula, I can see the Cleansing Melts being a part of my travel skincare kit.