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Andalou Naturals Rosewater Mask
Andalou Naturals,  mask,  wash off

Andalou Naturals Rosewater Mask

the claim

The Andalou Naturals Rosewater Mask claims to be a revitalizing mask with alpine rose stem cells which delivers essential hydration and dermal vitality to soothe and nourish sensitive skin. Pomegranate uplifts tone while hyaluronic acid and aloe vera help revive skin’s moisture barrier for a flawless looking complexion.
 
Andalou Naturals Rosewater Mask
 

the science

PhytoCellTec™ is the name of a relatively new biotechnology that researchers from Mibelle Biochemistry have used to generate and cultivate plant stem cells. This enables cosmetics companies such as Andalou Naturals  to include exclusive, often rare and near extinct plants that contain especially valuable ingredients in their formulations since only a minute amount of plant material is required to produce large quantities of high quality actives. It is a highly sustainable technology. The Rosewater Mask implements the potent power of the PhytoCellTec™ Alp Rose, Malus Domestica and Solar Vitis in its formulation.

PhytoCellTec™ Alp Rose is derived from the stem cells of alpine rose leaves found in the Swiss Alps. This plant is said to have extremely potent water retention properties due to the presence of dehydrin, a stress protein that makes it highly resistant to drought. PhytoCellTec™ Malus Domestica is a liposomal active ingredient based on stem cells from the rare and bitter Uttwiler Spätlauber apple. This fruit is known for its longevity, keeping for long periods without spoiling. PhytoCellTec™ Solar Vitis is based on stem cells of the Gamay Teinturier Fréaux grape from Burgundy, characterised by an extremely high content of polyphenols for UV protection. Together, this powerful combination promotes the vitality and longevity of skin stem cells, strengthening the skin barrier to keep it hydrated and protecting against environmental stresses.
 
Andalou Fruit Stem Cells (Credit: Andalou Naturals)
The Soothing Complex incorporated in the formulation of this mask is a combination of Sodium Hyaluronate, Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract and Boswellia Serrata (Boswellin) Extract. Sodium Hyaluronate is found in many skincare products. It is the salt form of Hyaluronic Acid, one of the Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF) found naturally in the skin, said to hold 1000 times its weight in water. As such, it contributes hydration to the soothing complex. Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract contains magnolol and honokiol, two compounds demonstrating strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity which help to slow the ageing process. Studies have shown that these compounds may also reduce skin redness and improve hydration. Finally, Boswellia Serrata Extract helps to create youthful looking, soft skin and even skin tone.
 
Andalou Naturals Rosewater Mask
There are several additional, notable ingredients which also contribute hydration. Included at the highest concentration in the formula is organic Aloe Barbadensis (aloe vera) Leaf Juice. Packed with goodness, it possesses strong anti-ageing, antioxidant, antimicrobial, moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties to help soothe, heal and hydrate the skin.

Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Distillate is also known as rose hydrosol and rosewater and is derived from distilled rose buds. Its antibacterial properties help to balance skin.

Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Fruit Oil  is nature’s retinol, high in vitamin A it accelerates cell turnover and abundant in essential fatty acids it binds the skin cells to give a more taut and youthful appearance. It will effectively moisturize dry skin without greasiness. Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil  is high in polyphenols, a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and fatty acid source, particularly beneficial in skin regeneration, repair and cell renewal. Camellia Sinensis (White Tea) Leaf Extract is a strong antioxidant source, much like green tea. It keeps skin looking younger by protecting it from oxidative stress. Similarly, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract is a powerful antioxidant which inhibits elastin degradation helping to improve skin elasticity and reduce the signs of ageing.

According to Andalou Naturals, their Bioactive 8 Berry Complex helps support dermal vitality as fruit juice enzymes gently dissolve and exfoliate dull, dry surface cells for a brighter complexion.

The scent of the mask is achieved from Pelargonium Graveolens (Rose Geranium) Flower Oil and Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil. Many other ingredients contribute moisturizing properties.
 

the ingredients

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Purified Water (Aqua), Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Distillate, Vegetable Glycerin, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Fruit Oil, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil, Stearic Acid, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Plant Stem Cells (Alpine Rose, Malus Domestica, Solar Vitis) and BioActive 8 Berry Complex, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Juice, Panthenol, Allantoin, Soothing Complex: [Sodium Hyaluronate, Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract, Boswellia Serrata (Boswellin) Extract], Tocopherol, Bisabolol, Camellia Sinensis (White Tea) Leaf Extract, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Phenethyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Rose Isolates, Vanilla Isolates, Pelargonium Graveolens (Rose Geranium) Flower Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil
 
Andalou Naturals Rosewater Mask Ingredients
 

the packaging

The Andalou Naturals Rosewater Mask comes in a plastic jar with protective inner cap and screw top lid.
 
Andalou Naturals Rosewater Mask Packaging
 

the analysis

Both the CosDNA and EWG reports are highly favourable.

As the name suggests, Andalou Naturals ingredients are 98% naturally derived, vegan, gluten free and cruelty free.
 
Andalou Naturals Rosewater Mask CosDNA Analysis
 

the application

Apply evenly to clean, dry or damp skin. Leave for 10-20 minutes. Rinse with cool water.
 
Andalou Naturals Rosewater Mask Texture
 
Andalou Naturals Rosewater Mask Description
 

the scent

As you would expect, this mask has a sweet, soapy rose scent.
 

the cost

The Andalou Naturals Rosewater Mask costs USD$14.95 for a 50g jar.
 

the availability

Andalou Naturals is a US brand, widely available overseas but only offered to Australian customers online at skincare boutiques, health stores and eBay etc. I picked mine up from iHerb.
 

the expiry

The Andalou Naturals Rosewater Mask expires within 12 months of opening and has a shelf life of approximately 3 years.
 

the performance

The Andalou Naturals Rosewater Mask is elegant in design, a vibrant pink colour making it highly recognizable, not unlike several of the other ranges within the brand. The jar is elegant and although it does not come with a spatula for more hygienic dispensing, it appears to stay sufficiently preserved to last the 12 months past opening. The mask has a gel cream consistency, feeling more like a moisturiser than a treatment. It’s soft pastel pink in colour.
 
Andalou Naturals Rosewater Mask appearance
The fragrance is typical of its name, very much rose scented. It’s not too strong but it doesn’t completely dissipate after application. It’s not overwhelming so might only irritate those highly sensitive to scent. The gel absorbs quite quickly into the skin and has the benefit of being matte and non-detectable once on, so no one would know that you’re wearing it.
 
Andalou Naturals Rosewater MaskI have combination skin that’s not at all sensitive, so my results may not be sufficiently indicative of its efficacy for the target user group.

Application is simple. The mask glides onto dry or moist skin just like a moisturiser. Then you wait 10-20 minutes for it to do its thing. I like to leave masks on for the maximum time, often longer when the mask is gentle. This one is so non-intrusive that I have often left it on for over half an hour.
 
Rinsing and patting dry reveals an effortlessly achieved, completely satisfying smoothness and elevated level of hydration. I don’t notice any brightening effect with this product or increased vitality. My skin looks like it did prior to application, only more hydrated so a little plumper and bouncier. The effects are instant but not long lasting but then again, every product needs continuous application to reap constant benefits. Also, my skin does tend to absorb moisture and hydration readily but loses it just as easily.

I have read very mixed reviews on this mask, some loving it others claiming strong irritation from it. I found it extremely gentle, almost too gentle to feel like it was actually achieving anything. But the proof is in the results. My skin feels instant hydration after using this mask which is simply nice.
 
Andalou Naturals Rosewater Mask
 

the conclusion

I love a good and memorable mask experience. This one is good but not memorable. It doesn’t wow me but it does add hydration to my skin in a very gentle way and sometimes, this is just what your face needs. This would be particularly useful after skin has undergone an abrasive treatment or exfoliation.

It’s designed for sensitive skin, but I interpret this as being suitable for even those with sensitive skin. Mine is combination. I bought it however as I wanted to try something that would give my skin an instant yet gentle hydration boost. This mask appears to fit that criteria. Anyone suffering dryness might also appreciate its immediate effects.
 

the summary

Pros Cons
98% Natural and paraben free Only available online in Australia
Gentle formulation ideal for sensitive skin May be too gentle for some
Non greasy
Matte transparent finish on application
Well priced
Subtly soothes and hydrates skin

 
Andalou Naturals Rosewater Mask
 

the references

Andalou Naturals website
What is PhytoCellTec™? PhytoCellTec
The Beauty Benefits of Rose Emilie Davidson Hoyt
Magnolia Bark: Natural Beauty For Your Skin PhaMix
Boswellia for Skin, the Ancient Ingredient that Helps Reduce the Appearance of Wrinkles and Oily Skin Annmarie Skin care
Rose Hip Oil Benefits Health Ambition
Benefits of Pomegranate Seed Oil Dr Mahers
Why is White Tea Extract Beneficial for Your Skin? Audrey Kunin, MD
Hibiscus Extract Lotion Crafter

 


the disclaimer

Please read in context with my disclaimer.
 
 


 

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