Honest Empties: What’s Worth It in Recent Aussie Skincare & Haircare?

When I finish a product, it means I either really loved it, or I had to see it through just to form a real opinion- this is usually the case with hair care. 

This round-up features everything from cult cleansers and sensitive scalp saviours, to old-school face mists and a few random picks that might surprise you. 

If you’re curious about what’s actually worth finishing, read on!

FRESH Soy Face Cleanser, $59.00 / 150ml

Shop: FRESH Soy Face Cleanser, $59.00 / 150ml

The Fresh Soy Face Cleanser is one of those products I’ve used for years and always come back to, even if it’s not a constant in my routine. 

It’s gorgeous, with a fresh cucumber scent that I love, and a gentle jelly texture that leaves skin feeling clean but never stripped.

The only reason it’s not always on my shelf? It’s on the pricier side. 

Most people, myself included, don’t want to splurge on cleansers- especially with so many solid pharmacy options like CeraVe or Dermal Therapy. 

High-end cleansers sometimes add active ingredients that can irritate skin, especially with daily use, but this Fresh cleanser takes the skin supporting, bouncy route which I love, and stays gentle and effective. 

It’s a classic for a reason, and worth trying at least once! Comes in plenty of sizes too. 

Yours Only SLEEK Hair Conditioner $42.00 / 500ml

Shop: Yours Only SLEEK Hair Conditioner $42.00 / 500ml

SLEEK by Yours Only is a real standout, especially if you have a sensitive scalp. 

The 500ml pump bottle makes application easy. 

The formula is ever so slightly smoothing, but never weighs hair down or makes it greasy- but you’re probably not opting for this one just for the hair results.

If you deal with scalp irritation, it’s the pick for you.

My scalp can get red and sensitive, especially when I’m testing new products or just overthinking my hair care. 

SLEEK soothes and calms things right down- plus, it’s from a woman-owned Aussie brand, and I love how they showcase real customers with real skin and scalp needs. 

I’ve gone through a bottle and bought a backup, so I hope that says a lot.

It doesn’t have to be your main conditioner, but lovely to have in your shower for those uncomfortable scalp days.

NOUGHTY Frizz Magic Serum $18.99 / 75ml 

Shop: NOUGHTY Frizz Magic Serum $18.99 / 75ml 

NOUGHTY’s Frizz Magic Serum is a bit of a sleeper hit. It took me ages to finish, but that just means you get plenty of value. 

Smells like Fruit Tingles which makes me ridiculously happy and makes my hair routine fun, leaving everything smelling fresh but not too strong.

If you struggle with frizz and want something lightweight and sweet-smelling, this is worth a try. 

It’s the sort of product you don’t think you need until it’s gone, and then you suddenly miss it every time your hair decides to puff up. 

Hairification Pure Grow Intensifying Hair Growth Serum $28.00 / 50ml 

Shop: Hairification Pure Grow Intensifying Hair Growth Serum $28.00 / 50ml 

Hairification’s Pure Grow Serum gets points for innovation, but it wasn’t my personal holy grail. 

I love their Pure Grow Leave In Growth Intensifying Spray (currently 50% off at the time of writing this) for promoting hair growth and soothing my roots, but this concentrated serum didn’t wow me in the same way. 

Maybe I didn’t get the application quite right, or maybe my hair needs something different at the moment.

That said, it’s lightweight, easy to massage in, and I know people who’ve had great results using it consistently. 

If you prefer a direct-to-scalp serum over a spray, it could be worth a go- especially if you’re keen on hair growth boosters. 

For me, though, I’d love a bigger bottle and a bit more spreadability.

It is worth noting it goes 50% off often and is probably just worth trying at the chance it really gets along with your hair. 

Avene Thermal Spring Water $11.99 / 300ml

Shop: Avene Thermal Spring Water $11.99 / 300ml

Avène Thermal Spring Water is one of those cult favourites that people either “get” or they don’t. 

It’s literally just water in a can, but if you deal with redness or stressed-out skin, you’ll know how soothing, softening, and instantly calming it is.

It’s especially welcome after cleansing or a flare-up.

Some say it’s a luxury, but I keep coming back to it because it really does help take the heat out of irritated skin. 

Picking up two bottles from Chemist Warehouse is the way to go for the best deal, which is usually only in person. 

MECCA MAX X-ZIT STRATEGY Clarifying Mask $25.00 / 50ml

Shop: MECCA MAX X-ZIT STRATEGY Clarifying Mask $25.00 / 50ml

This face mask is a staple in my routine. 

MECCA MAX X-ZIT STRATEGY Mask uses 5% sulphur and lactic acid in a gentle clay formula that helps with blemishes and oil control, without the typical sulphur “egg” smell. 

It dries down comfortably and isn’t too crumbly or messy.

Sulphur is such a great ingredient for calming breakouts and preventing new ones. 

At about $25, it lasts for ages and I keep repurchasing it. 

If you struggle with acne or congested skin and want something that works but doesn’t irritate, this is fantastic. 

Dermal Therapy Overnight Face Repair $18.99 / 40g

Shop: Dermal Therapy Overnight Face Repair $18.99 / 40g

Dermal Therapy Overnight Face Repair is a budget-friendly gem for dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin. 

It’s a rich, spreadable cream with Japanese honeysuckle, urea, ceramides and peptides- made to bring a soft, calm face by morning. 

The 40g size lasts longer than you’d think, and it layers beautifully without feeling heavy.

It’s the kind of cream you reach for when you want maximum comfort and hydration, especially if your skin is both dry and breakout-prone. 

The subtle scent is calming, sweet, and not overpowering- the price point is great for what you get.

The Ordinary Niacinamide 5% Face and Body Emulsion $22.20 / 100ml

Shop: The Ordinary Niacinamide 5% Face and Body Emulsion $22.20 / 100ml

The Ordinary’s Face and Body Emulsion with 5% niacinamide is the definition of versatile and affordable. 

The big 100ml bottle goes a long way, and the lightweight, milky texture (emulsion) absorbs quickly without breaking me out. 

I use it generously on my face, neck, and even on dry patches elsewhere.

If you’re after a fuss-free, budget-friendly serum that works for both face and body, this is it! 

Plus, it’s made for and perfect for dark spots and scars left from ingrown hairs and the odd scratch. 

The niacinamide concentration is effective but gentle, making it a good choice for sensitive or breakout-prone skin.

Face Theory Blemicalm Azelaic Acid 10% Clarifying Serum $48.00 / 30ml

Shop: Face Theory Blemicalm Azelaic Acid 10% Clarifying Serum $48.00 / 30ml

I was on a hunt for an azelaic acid that I didn’t hate and that worked well with my skin. 

This one from Blemicalm is a 10% formula with colloidal oatmeal, which is super calming. 

If you’re someone who gets that itchiness with azelaic acid, or your skin is a bit on the sensitive side, you might find this serum just right. 

For me, it was a bit too gentle (my skin sometimes only wants battery acid), but that’s not a bad thing for everyone. 

If you need a calming, clarifying serum that won’t irritate, this is a fantastic pick for super-sensitive souls. 

There’s a 15% concentration that I prefer but it is a bit more gritty. 

Face Theory Porebright Niacinamide 10% Refining Serum $32.00 / 30ml 

Shop: Face Theory Porebright Niacinamide 10% Refining Serum $32.00 / 30ml 

When it comes to niacinamide serums, I’m fussy- I want something effective, gentle, and easy to use that isn’t really expensive because I reach for them both AM and PM. 

Porebright’s 10% Niacinamide Refining Serum is great, and has Salicylic acid for help gently exfoliate. 

The texture is lightweight and slightly oily- but it spreads really well.

Niacinamide at 10% is a great amount- but I do tend to prefer the 20% formulation from Face Theory (instead of Salicylic acid it has Azelaic Acid) because of my personal skin needs and wants. 

If you’re after a solid, no-fuss niacinamide serum, this one is a great addition to your routine.

Probably don’t use it daily like me if your skin is sensitive!

Final Thoughts

That’s a wrap on this round of empties! 

Some products wowed me, some were just “meh”, and a few have earned permanent spots in my routine.

Have you tried any of these, or have a holy grail empty I should test next? 

Let me know! My beauty routine is always evolving, and I love finding new favourites.

Are you a visual learner? Watch the YouTube video “Australian Skincare & Haircare Empties | Dermal Therapy, Yours Only, Avene & More”

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