Hi!! I have been using this cleanser for a couple of years now and it's my favorite BE cleanser!! Try using almost a half and half mix of cleanser/water and see if that helps. I use a little water and mix it to form a paste/mask substance. The exfoliating shouldn't feel like something tearing your skin but when you take it off you should feel the smooth layer of skin that's left and it should have a luminosity to it. I sometimes leave it on while I shower and then take it off at the end or other times I use it as a traditional wash then rinse cleanser. I would just suggest playing around with the amount of water you use and see if using a little less or more water helps. Also, this cleanser is not going to tear/rip the skin like something with big grains would, as that is not healthy for your skin. Sorry to be such a long answer but I hope this helps; much luck to you!!!!