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Huxley Sweet Therapy Scrub Mask
exfoliate,  Huxley

Huxley Sweet Therapy Scrub Mask

the claim

The Huxley Sweet Therapy Scrub Mask claims to slough away dead skin cells and impurities using the natural power of prickly pear seed oil and white sugar. The result, clear, smooth skin.
 

Huxley Sweet Therapy Scrub Mask

 

the science

Commonly known as Sahara Cactus or Prickly Pear and used medicinally for hundreds of years, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Extract is today recognized for its skin firming properties and ability to protect, smooth, and moisturize. In addition to being antioxidant-rich, it is a competent humectant, displaying exceptional moisture retention to keep skin hydrated. Anti-aging properties result from a vitamin rich composition effective at preventing free-radical damage.

The oil from the prickly pear, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Seed Oil, is moisturizing and soothing. Abundant in vitamin E and antioxidants, it’s a super skin food. Prickly pear contains 88% unsaturated fatty acids, essential to stimulate healthy cell production and turnover. It also boasts the highest level of tocopherol, (Vitamin E) of any beauty oil, making it an outstanding free radical scavenger. In summary, the prickly pear’s moisturizing and protective properties assist to prevent premature ageing and keep skin well hydrated.
 
Huxley Sweet Therapy Scrub Mask Texture
A natural sugar, Sucrose effectively delivers both a physcial and chemical exfoliation to the skin. A glycolic acid source (alpha hydroxy acid), it penetrates to encourage cell turnover whilst its grainy physical texture also makes it an excellent topical exfoliant. It assists to achieve a fresher, younger looking complexion. As a humectant, it supports the most prominent ingredient, Glycerin and Diglycerin to attract and retain moisture helping to keep skin hydrated.

As you might expect, Walnut Shell Powder provides a gentle abrasiveness to the formula strengthening physical exfoliation. Some argue that walnut shell particles retain sharp edges and can lead to microscopic scrapes and tears in the skin. Rich in antioxidants, Luffa Fruit can help to slow the ageing process as well as rejuvenate skin and accelerate healing.

A few emollients round the formula to enhance skin texture while fragrance and natural colour are included to boost sensory experience.
 

the ingredients

Glycerin, Sucrose, Peg-32, Polyglyceryl-10 Behenate/Eicosadioate, Diglycerin, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Opuntia Ficus-Indica (Prickly Pear) Stem Extract, Opuntia Ficus-Indica (Prickly Pear) Seed Oil, Juglans Regia (Walnut) Shell Powder, Luffa Cylindrica Fruit, Chromium Oxide Greens, Silica, Water, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Hydroxide, Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, 1,2-Hexanediol
 

the packaging

The Huxley Sweet Therapy Scrub Mask comes in a gorgeous cylindrical package, revealing a typical plastic squeeze dispensing tube with flip top cap. When new, it has a foil seal over the opening.
 
Huxley Sweet Therapy Scrub Mask Packaging
 

the analysis

The analysis proves relatively clean, although both the CosDNA and EWG reports return warning flags against Fragrance, Preservatives and pH adjuster Potassium Hydroxide.
 
Huxley Sweet Therapy Scrub Mask CosDNA Analysis
 

the application

Massage the scrub in circular motions onto clean damp skin avoiding the eye area. Rinse with lukewarm water.
 
Huxley Sweet Therapy Scrub Mask Texture
 

the scent

Huxley describes the scent of this product quite elaborately, green, rose, lily, jasmine, spicy, narcotic, coniferous and fruiting layers contributing to an ultimately strong floral fragrance. A detailed description can be found within the Anti-Gravity Cream review.
 

the cost

A 120ml tube of the Huxley Sweet Therapy Scrub Mask costs approximately AUD$40.00.
 
Huxley Sweet Therapy Scrub Mask
 

the availability

Huxley products are available online for Australian customers and at a range of boutiques like iHerb. I purchased mine from Style Korean.
 

the expiry

The product has an estimated shelf life of three years and probable expiry of 12 months after opening, (I could not find any usage duration on the packaging).
 
Huxley Sweet Therapy Scrub Mask Expiry
 

the performance

Huxley do great packaging. This is certainly no exception, able to make a simple plastic squeeze tube look ultra sophisticated with an elegant cylindrical outer casing which additionally protects the tube from damage. I love the clear plastic used on the product itself too as it allows you to easily detect remaining volume and to squeeze in the right places to get the last of it out. When new, the foil over the opening enhances product freshness.

I have grown quite accustomed to the Secret of Sahara scent so although I prefer my skincare to be fragrance free, I’m so used to this particular range that it no longer bothers me. It’s quite a strong scent so I’d advise those with fragrance irritation to patch test this before using.
 
Huxley Sweet Therapy Scrub Mask
The scrub itself has an attractive appearance, the colour enhanced by Chromium Oxide Greens, a mineral pigment. The texture is a grainy, thick gel. To use, I apply it to a damp face and gently rub in circular motions. I do tend to scrub harder than necessary as I am a little addicted to the smoothness physical exfoliants achieve but in this case, I definitely had to tone it down as the texture is quite abrasive if you use too much force. With a light massage however, it’s very satisfying. The particles in this scrub can be sharp and leave your skin with micro-tears so a light hand is a must.

It rinses off cleanly and easily with cold or warm water to reveal really fresh and bright skin, the dead cells definitely shifting, making way for new ones. Furthermore, a big hit of glycerin ensures the formula is not at all drying, the skin feeling plump and smooth and the tone brighter upon completion of the treatment. So, it definitely fulfils its claims.
 

the conclusion

Although many argue that physical exfoliants, particularly those with walnut shell, are responsible for micro tears and abrasions in the skin, I think the way you use them can encourage or prevent such outcomes. You’re not meant to scrub with vigor when using them. The freshness, brightness and smoothness they achieve when used in a gentle manner is quite addictive. This product is no exception, successfully delivering on its claims.

If you don’t like topical exfoliation and are particularly against the use of walnut shell powder in skin products, I suggest you give this a miss. If not however, give it a try but don’t rub too hard (which is a guideline worth implementing for all physical exfoliants). Provided you do this and apply no more than 1-2 times a week, it will keep your skin looking radiant.
 
Huxley Sweet Therapy Scrub Mask
 
 

the summary

Pros Cons
Successfully sloughs dead skin cells Only available online in Australia
Leaves skin bright and fresh looking Strong fragrance
Doesn’t dry the skin Contains walnut shell powder, a somewhat controversial physical exfoliant
Smooths skin texture Contains mineral derived colour
Suitable for all skin types

 

the references

Style Korean website
Opuntia Ficus Indica Stem Extract Bellatorra
Ingredient Spotlight: Prickly Pear Seed Oil MŪN Skin Care
Prickly Pear Seed Oil and the Skin Billie A. Leyendecker
Walnut Shell Powder Paula’s Choice Skincare Ingredient Dictionary
Do exfoliating scrubs do your skin more harm than good? Natalie Reilly
Luffa facts and health benefits Health Benefits Times

 


the disclaimer

Please read in context with my disclaimer.
 
 


 

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