CLAY+essence
Olive Oil Skincare Company Facial Scrub
cleanse,  exfoliate,  Olive Oil Skincare Company

Olive Oil Skincare Company Facial Scrub

the claim

The Citrus Revival facial scrub from the Olive Oil Skincare Company claims to decongest pores and lift impurities, leaving skin soft and ready for moisturisation.
 
Olive Oil Skincare Company Facial Scrub
 

the science

The Citrus Revival facial scrub contains only eco-friendly, natural ingredients, reducing the likelihood of irritation for all skin types. There are some clear star ingredients in this scrub.

A healthy amount of Kaolin is present, a clay with natural absorbency properties. Kaolin helps to control oil production by absorbing excess sebum whilst also reducing the appearance of pores. Its detoxifying abilities assist to remove impurities such as grime, dirt, pollution and germs. A slightly abrasive texture also makes it a good exfoliant, wiping away dead skin cells for a smoother, softer and more radiant appearance. Jojoba Beads also assist exfoliation with their ever so slight gritty texture whilst the oil of the jojoba seed soothes and enhances the skin’s restorative properties. Physical exfoliation is complemented by the chemical variety with the inclusion of Lactic Acid, an AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid). By stripping away dead surface cells, anti-ageing benefits are observed as lactic acid additionally promotes skin renewal and collagen production.

Lubricants and moisturisers help to balance the scrub’s exfoliating and cleansing properties. Shea Butter reduces water loss and retains moisture by forming a barrier on the skin’s surface. In doing so, it lessens the appearance of rough patches and dry flakes. Apart from its well publicised moisturising properties, Olive Oil is incredibly restorative and renewing due its ability to penetrate the skin’s surface. It complements kaolin’s pore cleansing strength by helping to prevent clogging.

Other natural oils play an important role also, helping to clear and brighten skin. Orange Peel Oil is packed with Vitamin C to combat free radicals whilst Petitgrain Oil, sourced from the leaves, twigs and unripened fruit of the orange tree, is a natural antiseptic which fights bacteria and other microbes to help keep skin clear of blemishes and acne. Patchouli Oil has excellent anti-ageing and antibacterial properties, promoting new cell growth, smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and proving effective at treating irritated skin.

Finally, it’s worth noting that Cetyl Alcohol is not a drying alcohol but rather a fatty alcohol with emollient and occlusive properties. It has the vital role of stopping oil and water components of an emulsion from separating, giving it good spreadability. Limonene, Linalool and Citral are added for fragrance.
 

the ingredients

Olive Oil Skincare Company Facial Scrub ingredient list

 
Kaolin, Water (Aqua), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Cetyl Alcohol, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil, Lactic Acid, Gluconolactone, Sodium Benzoate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Amara (Petitgrain) Oil, Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Oil, Limonene, Linalool, Citral
 

the packaging

The Citrus Revival Facial Scrub is elegantly packaged in a clear glass 100ml jar with brushed chrome-look plastic screw top lid. The transparency of the glass implies it is not light sensitive. There is no spatula or tool included for dispensing, rather, the packaging encouraging you to apply it with your fingers.
 

the analysis

Given that this scrub is derived from all natural ingredients, it is not surprising that the CosDNA analysis rates it as safe and effective. A red flag is raised against Citral, which is a naturally occurring fragrance derived from plants, for its potential to irritate sensitive skin. Furthermore, the EWG Cosmetic Database gave this scrub a near perfect rating of 1.

The facial scrub is additive free and contains no ingredients considered harmful with no sign of palm oil, sodium laurel sulphates (SLS), parabens, artificial fragrances or agents of any kind. The Olive Oil Skincare Company‘s philosophy when it comes to ingredients is that ‘less is more’. This scrub certainly adheres to that way of thinking.
 
Olive Oil Skincare Company Facial Scrub CosDNA Analysis
 

the application

Massage the product onto the face using a gentle, circular motion, then rinse with water. The Olive Oil Skincare Company advises weekly use or as desired.
 
Olive Oil Skincare Company Facial Scrub texture
 

the cost

The 100ml jar sells for AUD$24.99.
 

the availability

The Citrus Revival scrub can purchased directly from the company’s website. At time of publishing this post, there was no stockist list on their site, however, I did purchase this product from Priceline.
 

the expiry

This scrub lasts for 12 months after opening and should be stored below 30 degrees Celcius.
 

the performance

This is my first experience using any of the products from the Olive Oil Skincare Company‘s line. It’s wonderful to see another organisation, particular a home grown one, creating all natural skincare.

The packaging is fairly standard. Although the large opening invites contamination, it is unlikely if the product is used within the recommended 12 months after opening. Natural preservatives keep it from harboring bacteria. The scrub is scented by citrus oils which are added for fragrance and antibacterial/antiseptic function. The smell is light and for me personally, non-irritating. Citrus oils are known to be potentially sensitizing, however given this is a wash off product and only on the skin for a few minutes, it is unlikely that these would cause irritation for most.

I followed the application directions and applied it to a dry face. Little slip is generated if insufficient product is used so it’s best to either dampen your skin first or apply a thick amount to aid spreadability. Massaging it in circles is satisfying and provides some feeling or confirmation that it does in fact do as claimed. There is no lather and the jojoba beads deliver a really gentle exfoliating effect whilst the clay lifts the dirt out of the pores.

It is easily removed by continuing to massage with additional lukewarm water. Patting the face dry leaves skin soft, clean and smooth without any sense of tightness or feeling of being stripped. This indicates that the moisturizing properties of the shea butter, olive and jojoba oils are a perfect balance for the potential drying effects of kaolin. So all up, the application was easy and enjoyable, the removal likewise and the after effect, pleasing.

I use this scrub once or twice a week. It gives me the same positive outcome each time. It’s not harsh like a sugar scrub for instance, granules being minute and non-irritating upon massage. The objective of the scrub is to cleanse pores and it relies primarily on kaolin to achieve this. It does provide some light exfoliation but this is quite subtle.
 
Olive Oil Skincare Company Facial Scrub and packaging
 

the conclusion

If you are looking for an all natural pore cleanser that also offers gentle physical exfoliation, I would not hesitate to recommend this one. If however, you crave a deeper exfoliation that say a sugar mask might deliver, this is probably going to be too gentle.

An Australian made all natural product with a fair price, very pleasant to use and a satisfying outcome, surely gets my tick of approval.
 

the summary

Pros Cons
Natural composition Added citrus oils may be sensitizing
Cleanses pores gently
Delivers a subtle physical exfoliation
Elegant packaging
Doesn’t dry out the skin
Suitable for all skin types particularly oily/combination

 

the references

Olive Oil Skincare Company Website
Butyrospermum parkii (shea butter) Truth In Aging
Jojoba Oil Paula’s Choice Cosmetic Ingredients
Lactic Acid and Skin The Skin Care Clinic
Cetyl Alcohol The Truth In Aging
4 Uses For Olive Fruit Oil Trusted Health Products
Gluconolactone The Dermatology Review
Health benefits of Petitgrain essential oil Ayuvedic Oils
Patchouli Oil My Natural Skin

 


the disclaimer

Please read in context with my disclaimer.
 
 


 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Shares