My prejudice against all-in-ones started somewhere back in my childhood with Pert Plus shampoo/conditioner/does-absolutely-nothing-er and has since been solidified by the marketed marriage of hair care and body washes across the board. But my incessant traveling, nonfunctional (yet SO stylish) luggage and duty to BeautyXpose have collectively broadened my beauty horizons. So when limited luggage space inevitably questioned my judgment — bring along an adequate array of footwear, or pack my shaving cream, exfoliant, toner, cleanser, anti-wrinkle cream and moisturizer? — I conceded. It’s a good thing! The Wondeux Wonderbar, surprisingly, does wonders for your skin.

The tiny detox bar is packed with the essence of over 700 herbs and plants, 300-year-old Heilmoor clay, and four different organic algae. It’s marketed as ideal for all skin types, because continued use will bring skin back to its natural pH level – which, according to the brand, is 5.65. Oily skin becomes less oily, dry skin becomes less dry…you get the picture. Because of its pH level, the Wonderbar cannot be categorized as a soap. So instead, let’s just call it a multi-tasking miracle for problem skin.

To use, simply work the bar into wet hands. Apply the lather to your face (and neck, and legs, and elbows and bikini line) and let it dry for at least four minutes twice a day. Don’t try to do this in the shower, as it will never dry. If you like what you’re seeing, you can try leaving it on longer as a mask treatment, but I would suggest testing it out on the back of your hand first. Sure, the Wonderbar might smell like something from Aveeno…but it’s far more powerful, so be careful!

Be warned: There is an inherent “healing crisis” risk that comes along with the use of this product, because you know it sounded too good to be true. According to the brand, the dryness and breakouts that may occur “indicate the Wonderbar is doing what your skin needs.” Healing a skin crisis with another skin crisis? Sounds a little crazy at first, but it does makes sense. The bar is altering your skin’s pH level, and depending on what products you’ve used in the past, it may take some time to bring it back to “normal.” It should be noted that some people never experience this healing crisis at all, while others might endure it for weeks on end. For me, it was a dramatic three days of uncomfortable dryness that led to less visible pores and more visible radiance. Consistency is key – don’t give up.

If you’ve got troubled skin, a little hope and a lot of useless products, the Wonderbar should be added to your wish list. You can purchase your own online at Wonderbar USA; $40 will get you a 6-8 week supply, $105 will get you a 3-4 month supply and $140 will get you a 5-6 month supply. Perhaps a bit pricey, but you won’t really need anything else (save a pure hydrating moisturizer, perhaps, with no AHA).

Have you tried it? Are you trying it? Will you try it? Let me know how it’s working for you…even if you just need some moral support through your own healing crisis!