I’ve been trialing SAMI’s skincare range for a few months now (including a soon to launch Nourishing Oil Cleanser) and have collected my full, honest thoughts for this review.
My first introduction to the Australian made brand SAMI was through skinterest, one of Australia’s leading labs for skincare formulation and innovation.
The head chemist, Saul Pyle, works to make completely bespoke products that don’t exist on the market yet, working closely with brand founders to make their vision come to life.
Usually tight lipped thanks to NDAs, I had a rare peek behind the scenes at the process of creating a range truly from scratch, and with that, a deeper understanding of what SAMI was about, and their high impact on skin, low impact on earth ethos.
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A Bit About SAMI
Founded by Sammie Walsh, a busy mum and full-time PR whiz, SAMI (pronounced SAH-MEE, not Sammy) was created from a want for high impact skincare that didn’t hurt the earth.
I found their approach refreshing- products that were a new take on multi-taskers but didn’t feel like lots of the no-frills, not very cute 5-in-1s available.
Aligned with their approach to skincare, and having a huge soft spot for science-backed, women owned brands that give back, I wanted to trial the range and know more.
The products had to work for my fussy skin, there’s was no way around that. Plus, the brand had a different approach, insisting you could in fact use their cleansers without water.
I think there’s something for everyone in their range, but feel it’s also strongly targeted towards people who want skincare that gives results, and aren’t fussed with the 12 step routine.
The range is travel friendly thanks to its double seal, and their packaging uses 100% Post-Consumer Recycled Plastic (PCR), and their cartons are FSC Certified.
Image: Extra seal on the SAMI range nozzles for no-spill travel.
For the waste they do make (they’re realistic about how making a brand does cause waste), they partner with Plastic Bank to remove waste from river beds and bodies of water.
SAMI No-Rinse Hydrating Cream Cleanser, $48.00
Shop: SAMI No-Rinse Hydrating Cream Cleanser, $48.00
Quickly becoming a daily favourite, and my top pick from the range, the no-rinse hydrating cream cleanser helps me start my morning routine much earlier than usual.
No hate to micellar waters, but if you’ve ever found them drying or irritating, or have very sensitive skin around your eyes (I often get flare ups there), this one is for you.
It works in a similar way to micellar waters, and I made sure to ask the chemist, Saul, about how no-rinse cleansers work.
He shared;
“No-rinse cleansers, whether micellar waters, cream cleansers, or oil cleansers all work on the same basic principle: using mild surfactants or oil-compatible solvents to lift, soften, and dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and daily residue without needing a traditional foaming wash.”
The low-level surfactants act as solubilisers, which is an important part of the cleansing process.
“These ingredients surround and lift oil and makeup particles so they can be easily wiped away. They’re mild and convenient, so perfect for light cleansing or a morning refresh…” Saul explained.
So yes, they do work, and the cream format is a hydrating and calming alternative to micellar water.
Image: No-Rinse Hydrating Cream Cleanser texture.
I’ve personally found the no-rinse format fantastic when I’m not always able (or willing) to do the bird-bath-face-wash at the start or end of the day, which usually lags my morning routine to be early-afternoon.
The texture of the hydrating cream cleanser is plush but non greasy, and appropriate for even the most sensitive skin types. There’s no film left on the skin, but there is obvious hydration left behind.
Because you don’t rinse this off, ingredients like Gotu Kola (centella asiatica), Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerine stay behind to keep skin hydrated.
Read: Cica, AKA Centella Asiatica. What is it And Why You Should Have it in Your Skincare Routine.
When using this, I usually follow up with my sunscreen if I’m heading outside, as I don’t feel I need any extra steps. If I’m staying home, I just leave the skin as is after using the no-rinse cleanser.
It’s more than enough to get off sebum build up, dust and sweat from the night.
SAMI Refining AHA + BHA Exfoliating Toner, $49.00
Shop: SAMI Refining AHA + BHA Exfoliating Toner, $49.00
A refreshing, hard working exfoliating and refining toner- big on the refreshing! Pineapple Fruit Extract helps enzyme exfoliation, alongside gentle AHA in the form of Lactic Acid, as well as oil-soluble Salicylic Acid.
I enjoyed this as a one and done “active” step in my PM routine, and took out the “picking between exfoliants” that sometimes I have to do (as some are better at working hard on the pores and sebaceous filaments, and sometimes others are better at overall glow).
Image: Texture image of SAMI Refining AHA + BHA Exfoliating Toner, a thin watery consistency that leaves a thin layer of hydration.
It’s a product that brings results as well as the experiential aspect, and smells softly of pineapple. I reach for this 3 nights a week and feel that gives plenty of results.
Image: The back of my hand after using the SAMI Refining AHA + BHA Exfoliating Toner
If you prefer toners that leave your skin feeling completely bare or tight, this one won’t be for you. It leaves a silky, hydrated layer behind.
I do personally prefer being able to feel a bit of what I’ve applied after using a toner.
SAMI Nourishing Oil Cleanser, $56.00
Shop: SAMI Nourishing Oil Cleanser, $56.00
Soon to launch, their Nourishing Oil Cleanser melts away everything (including stubborn waterproof makeup).
Cleansing can be a stressful time for your skin, so I appreciate the hydration and calming-first approach this cleanser has.
Image: Texture of the Nourishing Oil Cleanser. A luxe oil blend that isn’t overly runny.
Personally I like to emulsify my first cleanse (making it milky) – but you don’t need to – and yes I went out of my way to test this. I tend to prefer to emulsify in general, but didn’t mind the waterless approach for when I don’t want to do a full routine.
It’s great for getting into the hairline which I appreciated, and melted my very heavy event makeup, with waterproof mascara.
Image: Using the Nourishing Oil Cleanser without water! Yes it works, especially when you’re in your PJs and getting off crusty event makeup (like in the above photo). Designed to follow up with another cleanser, which I do.
The luxe oil blend of Sunflower Seed Oil, Macadamia Oil, Squalane, Oat Kernel Oil, and Jojoba Seed Oil works to break down films of reapplied SPF and makeup.
SAMI Organic Cotton & Bamboo Reusable Rounds, $24.00
Shop: SAMI Organic Cotton & Bamboo Reusable Rounds, $24.00
Silky with a cute finger hold, the quality and price of these are amazing.
There’s only so much you can say about reusable cotton rounds, but these don’t tug on your skin or overly absorb / waste product like sometimes plusher alternatives can.
They wash like new thanks to the material blend and have a little bag that holds them.
Image: SAMI Organic Cotton & Bamboo Reusable Rounds with little finger pocket.
This is an easy pick up that makes the routine much easier (no need for wipes or disposable cotton rounds). I’ve found it best to spot rinse these after using and leave them to dry in the bathroom for the next use if you’re running low.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the range is lovely and doesn’t irritate my sensitive, acne-prone skin. More importantly, I’ve been enjoying the experience and results a lot, with the hydrating cream cleansed being a highlight.
Anything that helps someone be consistent with their skincare is a huge thumbs up in my book, and on many occasions the range has helped me start my routine earlier, and stay consistent.
Although this article isn’t sponsored, it’s worth noting I’ve worked with SAMI before, and have been using their range for months.
I asked SAMI for a code for our readers (not commission, just save some $$). Feel welcome to use WRS20 for 20% off. Feel welcome to shop the range at samisunskin.com here.
Let me know if this range sounds like something you’d enjoy.
Minnie xx
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