Recently a lesser known brand came to my attention. Skincare from Duoro Valley in Portugal. The Douro Valley is a monumental landscape that combines man’s work and nature in it’s pure state. It stands out by its geographical, climatic and mesological features, so private and unique, that irreproducibly come together for the cultivation of olives, almonds, cherries, figs, grapes and… most important of all Wines.
According to the company’s concept and mission, they explore and take advantage of the natural resources of the Douro region, known for its vineyards, grapes and wines varieties, sources proven to be rich in phenolic antioxidant compounds, with anti-aging properties.
The scientific activity of Douro Skincare focuses on the antioxidant potential of bioactive flavonoids, naturally present in varieties of grapes native of the Douro. The concept sounds similar to Caudalie that harnesses the goodness from grapes vineyards.
I trialled the Light Harvest line Grape Floral Water Facial Tonic and Grape Power Dynamic Day Emulsion which focuses on radiance, that combines grape derivatives with a combination of natural extract.
D’vine skincare products are manufactured complying with all the requirements of the EU Cosmetic Regulation.
Grape Floral Water Facial Tonic Claims: Tightens the pores, tones, calms and purifies the skin by removing impurities from the skin’s surface that remained after the first cleansing step.
Ingredient Speak: The formulation would suit most skin types however sensitive skins would need to tread carefully. The formula is hydrating but the addition of added fragrance and colour may not be for sensitive skins.
In saying so, the hydrators include Castor oil, Glycerin, Rapeseed extract, Chamomile extract, Linden flower extract, Cucumber extract, and unusual addition of Lactic acid and Salicylic acid. Although the acids are listed after preservatives the effectiveness wouldn’t be as noticeable. I perceive it as basic, effective, calming mist, or as second tone after acid.
The scent is very peculiar of grape flavored bubble gum and packaged in simple see through plastic bottle with a lid. I went ahead and added a spritzer to make daily use simpler.
Moving onto Grape Power Dynamic Day Emulsion Claims: An anti-aging day care that stimulates the natural processes of skin’s repair and renewal, preserving its beauty and youth.
- An anti-aging care with a fluid, moisturizing and mattifying texture, especially suitable for normal to combination skins, with tendency to oily and stains/spots – True, I used under makeup and didn’t make my face oily. Makeup stayed put, no slipping and sliding
- Absorbs excess sebum production and excess shine of the oily or unbalanced skin and helps reduce hyperpigmentation and the appearance of brown spots – Didn’t experience absorption of excess sebum, however shine and excess oil production was under control. Reduce hyper pigmentation and appearance of brown spots didn’t improve either
- Sunscreens help to protect the skin but this this care still requires the use of appropriate sunscreen – Agreed, I’ve always used my Biore sunscreen separately
- A exceptionally divine care, which gives the skin a porcelain look – Ermmmm No! Far fetched claim.
Ingredient Speak: Whilst the second and third ingredient is most commonly used in sunscreen, doesn’t make this a sun protection emulsion. Wearing a separate sunscreen is recommended by the brand. The next couple of ingredients are silicones followed by Great Mullein extract, Olive oil, Grapeseed oil, Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin e, Shea butter, Grape seed extract, Cranberry fruit powder, finishing off with some preservatives. Again the addition of colour is noted with CI 16255 and CI 42051.
The colour is veryyyyy faint grey purple and smells like grapes dissolved in plastic. I realize this sounds horrible but actually the scent is quite pleasant. The texture is not as runny as typical emulsion, but more like a thicker lotion. The tiniest bit goes a long way and absorbs well in skin. Some days I have applied dual layer and haven’t noticed any piling. Packaged in a glass bottle with a pump and retails for EUR 67 for 50ml= USD 73, not sure if its worth that much. However for a niche Portuguese brand its worth that much. Personally I would invest $73 in a decent serum, just my personal preference.
Hope you enjoyed my take on a lesser known skincare brand in the Western world, but always a joy to experiment with brands not commercially available in USA, UK or Australian market.
HHW.com
xx
Hidden Harmony World 