After an excellent experience with their Deep Cleansing Oil (see review below), I was curious about the other skin care products DHC has for my skin type (normal to dry and sensitive). I've been using these products for the past several weeks and have been fairly pleased with their simple but dependable level of care.

Mild Soap ($12)
Let's first be very clear - this is a soap. Normally I am not a fan of soap, but I tried a sample and was surprised that my skin did not dry out. Glycerin, olive oil, and honey make it easier on the skin, and it rinses easily with no residue or taut feeling. Since my skin tends to be on the drier side, I like to pair the soap with the cleansing oil (oil first, soap after) for that extra layer of protection against irritation. If soapy, lathering cleansers are what you prefer, this is one of the gentlest ones around.

Mild Lotion ($34 for 6oz)
I have mixed feelings about this toner. I really like that it's very mild and soothing, thanks to glycerin and cucumber juice. I know I can count on it when my skin is dry or irritated to make it feel normal again. The one drawback? I think $34 is a bit steep for what you are getting. I suppose if price is no object and you'll do anything for great looking skin, you may not mind, but I think $12 or less would be more reasonable.

Ceramide Quick ($28 for 4oz)
This unusual liquid seems like a toner but is actually a liquid moisturizer that you pour into your hand and pat on. It is chock full of ingredients that draw water to the skin and hold it in: soybean germ extract, glycerin, serine (an amino acid that draws water to the skin), saccharide isomerate (another water-binder), allantoin (soothes irritation). I wouldn't recommend this extra step for everyone, just for someone with very dry skin who wants an extra layer of moisture under her regular cream.

Hydrating Nighttime Moisture ($28 for 1oz)
I'm definitely taking the layered approach this winter! This lightweight gel is another great layering moisturizer if you have dry skin and it needs more attention than a basic moisturizer can provide. If you have oily or combination skin that needs moisture in the winter, you could wear this alone under makeup or a tinted moisturizer. Hydrating Nighttime Moisture is also full of water binders and anti-irritants (glycerin, hydrolyzed elastin, allantoin) to plump up the skin with water and keep it hydrated. I also like this gel around my eyes to help plump up those pesky fine lines.

Extra Nighttime Moisture ($30 for 1.5oz jar)
Dry suffers, say hello to your new best friend. I love this cream because it works and it's not ridiculously expensive. Olive oil, squalane, royal jelly, vitamin E, and vitamin A make this an ideal cream for skin that needs something rich and emollient. You only need a small dab for your whole face, and it makes the skin supple without excess greasiness. DHC says it's good for all skin types, but I think it's too rich for skin with any extra oiliness.

For these and lots of other great DHC products, visit DHC online or on Sephora.com.

review: 1/02

After trying and liking the cleansing oil from Shu Uemura, I remembered that DHC has a similar product that I guessed would probably be less than $40. I went to their site and found their olive-oil based Deep Cleansing Oil for a heck of a lot less - $22 for 6.7oz. I couldn't resist buying a bottle and now it's my new favorite fall/winter cleanser. When my skin is worn out and looking tired at the end of the day, this oil really lifts off all the makeup, rinses off surprisingly well, and leaves my face feeling clean and hydrated.

With my order I was invited to choose four samples, so I picked Baby Soap ($7.50 for full size) for my 3 month old. It's a clear, unscented bar with palm oil, honey and olive oil. It does a nice job on his delicate skin and I would definitely consider buying the full size bar. For myself, I got samples of Olive Virgin Oil ($36 for one ounce), Facial Scrub ($14 for 4.9oz) with apricot seed powder, and Mild Cleansing Cream ($14 for 4.9oz) mineral-oil based cream cleanser. I like feel of the Olive Virgin Oil - light and fast-absorbing - but I have to wonder, is this the same stuff I use to cook with? The only ingredient on the label is "olive oil"... I did not like the Facial Scrub as much as the Shu Uemura one; the apricot seed powder is a little rough, since the seeds can be uneven in texture and irritating to the skin. Compared to the cleansing oil, the Mild Cleansing Cream did nothing for me - it's fine if you are a die-hard cream cleanser fan, but it just doesn't rinse as cleanly as the oil, believe it or not.

You can find DHC products at DHCCare.com and Sephora.com.