By the virtue of oils, their versatility goes beyond just cleansing. Despite them being marketed and sold as oil cleansers, we need to pause and review the ingredient to assess their use and applicability. These extra special treats can also be used for a nice deep facial massage with second cleanse, mix a few drops with clay or mud masks to avoid skin from drying, mix a couple of drops in your moisturizer for an oomph factor. Also finish off the routine and seal the skin with an oil. For those odd days when we have a spot or two or three, heal it with kindness aka oil.
As for the cleansing oils we have lined up here, I’ve used them as treatments for skin. The price range is uber expensive to inexpensive. Catering to all price points, inci lists, geographic regional availabilities and of course skin types. I wanted to round up some ‘cleansing oils’ and share some accidental discoveries and ways I’ve been using them. The common theme across all these oils are they’re all non emulsifying blend of carrier and essential oils and sold as cleansing oils. However, depending on composition and formulation, I see them more as treatment oils, and super travel friendly (subject to packaging) as ‘one oil does it all‘.
First up in this category is the MV Organics 9 Oil Cleansing Tonic. With an addictive aroma, claimed to be an instant pick up for tired, dehydrated and sun damaged skins. Packed with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant rich plant and essential oils. I’ve used this oil in every way possible and cannot fault it. Been through two bottles myself and it lasts a while. Personally I like to massage it into the skin and leave it. Wiping it off with warm wash cloth, feels like I wiped off all the goodness off my face. This oil would be particularly good for inherently dry and surface dry skins to press it in the skin. The simplicity of the ingredient list really enforces the message of keeping it basic and fuss free while being effective.
Ingredient List: Camellia (Camellia Oleifera) Oil *, Avocado (Persea Gratissima) Oil *, Infused Centella (Centella Asiatica Extract) Oil, Vitamin E – non GM (Tocopherol), Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis) Extract * With essential Oils of: Bitter Orange, Lavender, Geranium, Sandalwood, Rosewood and Carrot Seed (*Organically Grown)
Next up is Alyssum Alchemy’s Divine Oil which I consider to be the Rolls Royce of oil in this category. It is an extra special treat in terms of ingredients and formulation. The first ingredient is handcrafted solar infusion of Calendula which is incredibly calming to irritated skin. It also features a base of precious oils of hemp, camellia, jojoba, pumpkin, rosehip and argan and handcrafted herbal solar infusion of vanilla. This blend of oils are rich in lineolic acid (great for oily congestion prone skins) which help to balance the acid mantle of oily, congestion prone problem skins.
What’s more interesting in this bottle of goodness is the infusion with Australian Rose Quartz (from the Harts Ranges in the Northern Territory) on a Full Moon and blessed with Reiki. Also enhanced with carefully selected gem and flower and essences: red rose, Chicago peace rose, briar rose, crabapple, pink flannel flower, white rhododendron, crystal rose quartz, clear quartz, rhodochrosite, gold.
Honestly, I don’t have a complete appreciation of the intangible energies bottled here but what I can appreciate here, is the oil on my skin and how it feels and performs. I prefer using this oil to finish off my routine and add to clay or mud masks. It properly nourishes the skin without the heavy icky feeling on skin.
Ingredient List: Calendula Officianalis (Calendula) infused Helianthus annus (Sunflower)*oil, Camellia Sinesis (Camellia) seed oil*, Argania Spinosa (Argan) oil*, Vanilla Planifolia (Vanilla) Bean* Infused in Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil*, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Oil*, Cannabis Sativa (Hemp) seed*, Cucurbita Pepo Styriaca (Pumpkin) seed*, Tocopherol (vitamin E)**, Essential oils of Lavendula Angustofolia (Lavender)*, Cananga odorata (Ylang Ylang)*, pelargonium graveolens (geranium)*, Santalum Spicatum (Australian Sandalwood)*, Citrus Bergamia (Bergamot) Peel oil (Bergapten-Free), Citrus limonum (lemon)*, Gem and Flower essences.
Discovered the next gem through the Boxwalla box, H is for Love Rapha Harmonizing Cleanser. Naming it as a cleanser, I feel is undercutting its performance abilities. It claims the foundation infuses nutrient-rich oils with herbs complimented by antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and highly soothing essential oils. Rapha contains a CO2 extraction of German Chamomile which is known for its high levels of matricin. Highly anti-inflammatory, matricin is a powerful agent of healing. While I thoroughly enjoy using this is as my second cleanse or morning cleanse, I adore its performance in a basic clay mask. Killing spots with kindness is right up this oil’s alley. Also, the earthy scent is something to ravel in, it smells very different to Alyssum Alchemy’s Divine Dew or MV Organics. The scent is not pretty or delightful, it’s earthy and grounding. Ingredients like Calendula, German and Roman Chamomile, Turmeric and Frankincense….these are powerhouse calming and anti inflammatory agents.
Ingredient List: Olive Oil*, Hemp Seed Oil*, Pumpkin Seed Oil*, Castor Bean Oil*, Mixed Tocopherols (Non-GMO Vitamin E), Chamomile*, Calendula*, Essential Oils Of: Roman Chamomile*, Lemon*, German Chamomile CO2*, Frankincense*, Rosemary Antioxidant CO2*, Turmeric CO2*, Lavender* (*Certified organic).
With Aveda’s Tulasara Radiant Oleation Oil, I discovered dry brushing for face. Facial dry brushing helps to promote microcirculation, nourish and restore skin’s radiance. The brush itself is very gentle on skin and with appropriate pressure control, it can be even gentler. Typically I dry brush my skin in the morning, to get the blood circulation moving after a night’s rest and inactivity. The ritual of dry brushing and oleation oil is inspired from an ayurvedic technique called Garshana (with dry brush) and Abhyanga (with warm oil). This technique basically involves massaging the body with warm oil and they say the effects of Abhyanga are similar to the feeling of being saturated with love. Anyway I completely digress with all about Ayurveda….back to the oil.
The blend consists of apricot kernel, sunflower, jojoba, rosehip, sweet almond and ayurveda’s most widely used oil, the sesame oil. The oil itself is very light and allows for nice massage or use in a mask, I wouldn’t want to finish my routine with this oil. But surprisingly does a decent job at removing makeup too (not the heavy makeup and waterproof mascaras).
Ingredient List: Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil , Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride , Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil , Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil , Coco-Caprylate/Caprate , Cetearyl Isononanoate , Rosa Canina (Rose) Fruit Oil , Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil , Isostearyl Alcohol , Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil , Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Oil , Jasminum Grandiflorum (Jasmine) Flower Extract , Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Flower Oil , Cholesterol , Tocopherol , Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract , Fragrance (Parfum) , Farnesol , Linalool , Benzyl Salicylate , Citronellol , Citral , Benzyl Benzoate , Geraniol
The Superfacialist Una Brennan Rose Miracle Makeover Facial Oil is such an excellent product, I just wish it was easily available outside UK. Can be used as pre cleanse, massage and masking session, or to finish off the routine and seal the skin. Easily absorbed, smells divine (as the name would suggest with Rose) and all round a happy and satisfying experience with this oil. On my second bottle now, and there is nothing I could fault with this oil, packaging or performance. Anddd at a decent price point. What more could you ask for?!
Ingredient List: Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) seed oil, Persea gratissima (Avocado) oil, Prunus amygdalus dulcis (Sweet almond) oil, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Rubus idaeus (Raspberry) seed oil, Cucumis sativus (Cucumber) seed oil, Pelargonium graveolens (Geranium) oil, Lavandula hybrida (Lavandin) oil, Eugenia caryophyllus (Clove) leaf oil, Pogostemon cablin (Patchouli) oil, Mentha arvensis (Peppermint) herb oil, Rosa damascena (Rose) flower oil, Acacia dealbata (Mimosa) oil, Viola odorata (Violet) leaf oil, Tocopheryl acetate, Calendula officinalis (Marigold) flower oil, Laminaria ochroleuca extract, Beta-carotene, Daucus carota sativa (Carrot) root extract, Daucus carota sativa (Carrot) seed oil, Ascorbyl palmitate, Citral, Citronellol, Eugenol, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool.
A relatively new oil by French Girl Organics Rose Oil formulated with sunflower, jojoba, olive, castor, argan oils. Smells utterly beautiful with notes of rose geranium and sweet orange. The beauty of this oil lies in its simplicity. I don’t stop at my face with oil, extends to my scalp and body too. With all the goodness of oils I like pressing it in my skin instead of moving and wiping it off.
Ingredient List: Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Oil* Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil* Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil* Ricinus Communis (Castor) Oil* Argania Spinosa (Argan) Oil* Rosa Mosqueta (Rosehip) Oil* Cannabis Sativa (Hemp) Oil* Calophyllum Inophyllum (Tamanu) Oil* Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Oil, Essential Oils of Pelargonium Graveolens (Rose Geranium) Oil* Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Sweet Orange)*
And lastly we have Monastery Made Sage Oil, also relatively new to me but one that has moved up the ranks rather quickly. Herbaceous, crisp and sharp is one way to describe the scent but light in texture. Moves nicely, massages beautifully and works really well in masks for its addition of Blue Yarrow known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Ingredient List: Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Vitis Vinifera Seed (Grapeseed) Oil, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Oil, Salvia Officinalis (Sage Dalmatia) Oil, Coriandrum Sativum (Coriander) Oil, Achillea Millefolium (Blue Yarrow) Oil, Juniperus Communis (Juniper Berry) Oil, Chamaecyparis Obtusa (Hinoki Japanese Cypress) Oil, Pinus Sylvestris (Forest Pine Scots) Oil, Lavendula Angustifolia (Lavender) Absolute
Ultimately the point is we don’t need several oils, we need one well formulated, ethically sourced quality ingredients product. Sadly the marketing pushes us to get oils for different purposes, but no one is pausing to review the ingredient lists properly to understand it applicability to different uses and skin conditions.
HHW.com
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This is where my love affair with Mahogany Naturals began. Hair Mask with Rhassoul Cocoa, Honey Deep Hair Treatment. Its rich, delicious, intoxicating, intriguing texture had me all over it. Admittedly slightly heavy for my hair type (fine, thin and flat), but I can see this would be deeply adored with very dry and brittle hair. I carefully glanced at ingredient listing and decided to use as face mask! Fabulous deeply moisturizing for skin. Have a closer look at this decadent pot of lushness.
My personal favorite skincare range from this brand is truly de-stressing component of my skincare regime. It really uplifts my mood from the shittiest day in the history of my existence. If asked to choose one product from this line up, I would walk away from all three because I cannot choose. Its all or nothing.
Hidden Harmony World 