CLAY+essence
  • Olive Oil Skincare Company Naturally Nourished Hand Cream
    body,  Olive Oil Skincare Company

    Olive Oil Skincare Company Hand Cream

    the claim The Olive Oil Skincare Company Naturally Nourished Hand Cream claims be smooth, creamy and quickly absorbed to revive and moisturize, leaving hands soft, silky and deeply hydrated.     the science As anticipated, Olive Oil and all its derivatives are the star ingredients in the formulation. Olive Oil contains three powerful antioxidants: vitamin E, polyphenols and phytosterols which help to protect against premature ageing by restoring skin smoothness and protecting against ultraviolet light. It penetrates deeply to provide both cleansing and moisturising effects. Bi-products of olives and olive oil play a huge part in this product. Ethylhexyl Olivate is a natural ester of skin-conditioning fatty acids derived from…

  • Heimish All Clean Green Foam
    Heimish,  second cleanse

    Heimish All Clean Green Foam

    the claim The Heimish All Clean Green Foam claims is a gentle, low pH cleansing gel for everyday use. It is said to maintain the skin’s optimal pH balance while effectively removing impurities on the skin to leave a balanced, soothed and moisturised face.     the science A relatively short ingredient list of 18 is dominated by water. Surfactants and cleansing agents feature prominently in the formulation, well represented by Potassium Laureth Phosphate, Soap Bark Extract, Potassium Cocoyl Glutamate and Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate. These have been chosen for their gentle nature, giving the product satisfying foam generating capacity and washing ability. A good amount of humectants are added to…

  • Coast Sydney Botanicals Nephelium Strengthen 2
    Coast Sydney Botanicals,  moisturize

    Coast Sydney Botanicals Nephelium Strengthen 2

    the claim The Coast Sydney Botanicals Nephelium Strengthen 2 claims to be a highly concentrated strengthening skin booster with the texture of a lotion. Combining eastern ingredients with western technology, 2% Nephelium extract upon which this product is based is said to reduce fine lines plus smooth and tighten skin after 28 days of use.     the science In a formula free of water, Camomile Hydrosol is found at the highest concentration. Camomile flowers are used to produce a gentle distillate. The resultant hydrosol exhibits anti-inflammatory and soothing properties so is a perfect choice for inflamed, acneic or generally problem skin. It sets the base for a relatively short…

  • Heimish Hydrogel Eye Patch
    eye,  Heimish,  mask

    Heimish Bulgarian Rose Water Hydrogel Eye Patch

    the claim The Heimish Bulgarian Rose Water Hydrogel Eye Patch claims to soothe tired eyes by brightening dark under eye circles, firming the skin and adding hydration.     the science The highlight ingredient of the formula is in the product title, Bulgarian Rose Water. Rose water is simply water scented or distilled with essential oil from the Bulgarian Rose plant (the hydrosol is steam distilled and more potent in delivering benefits). It exhibits soothing, cooling and anti-inflammatory properties, ideal for sensitive skin or that suffering acne, redness and irritation. Astringent behaviour helps to tighten pores and reduce their appearance. Furthermore, benefits are provided in a pH balanced solution. Second…

  • Style Korean Glowing Clover Set
    Abib,  Benton,  body,  first cleanse,  Heimish,  HelloSkin,  Hyggee,  mask,  second cleanse,  Style Korean

    Style Korean Glowing Clover Set

    the set The Style Korean Glowing Clover Set comprises products from leading Korean skincare brands. The set includes the following five items:   Abib, Hand Crème Type V Fragrant Tube Benton, Tea Tree Cleansing Water Heimish, ph 5.5 All Clean Green Foam HelloSkin, Jumiso First Skin Lightening Mask     Abib Hand Crème Type V Fragrant Tube The Abib philosophy is to take skin that has been exposed to and suffered the effects of pollution and other stimuli and return it to a natural state. The Crème Type V  focuses on the hands and is defined by a scent inspired by Vincent van Gogh. It starts off with a strong…

  • So Simple Plump + Hydrate
    serum,  So Simple

    So Simple Plump + Hydrate

    the claim The So Simple Plump + Hydrate claims to be a lightweight face serum that regenerates, protects and rejuvenates whilst firming and lifting the skin. It has a delicate floral scent, feels great and isn’t insane money.     the science Free of water and having a pH of 5.6, Cornflower Hydrosol forms the ideal base of the formulation. Derived from dried cornflower petals which are steam distilled, it contributes a slight flowery aroma to the serum and delivers a host of benefits. Astringent properties assist to reduce the appearance of pores and better control excess facial oils. Anti-ageing is realised through the promotion of cell regeneration, collagen production…

  • Akuka,  body

    Akuka Seaweed Body Moisturiser

    the claim The Akuka Seaweed Body Moisturiser claims to be a decadent body moisturiser with nutrient rich Seaweed to soften and rejuvenate the skin while Jojoba and Coconut Oils provide long-lasting hydration.     the science The first thing that struck me about this product is that it is waterless, instead, liquid primarily represented by Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, a soothing and moisturising powerhouse replacement. Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, one of its strengths lies in its ability to neutralise free radicals and heal skin damage. It displays excellent anti-ageing properties. Due to its ability to be deeply penetrated, aloe can trigger enzymes to stimulate collagen production and assist to…

  • Hivita Luminous White Age Defy
    Hivita,  moisturize

    Hivita Luminous White Age Defy

    the claim The Hivita Luminous White Age Defy is a luxury moisturiser formulated with a patented blend of 100% natural ingredients to deliver a skincare system clinically proven to decrease pigmentation, reverse sun damage, lighten age spots, reduce wrinkle and protect against pollution.     the science Within a 100% natural formulation, following water which is present at the highest concentration is Jojoba Seed Oil, a unique oil composed of 97% wax esters. This oil/wax resembles human sebum ensuring easy absorption into the skin for superior moisturisation without clogging pores. Additionally, this characteristic helps regulate sebum production and balance facial oils. Important for skin cell regeneration, it is rich in…

  • Jeffrey James Botanicals The Light
    Jeffrey James Botanicals,  serum

    Jeffrey James Botanicals The Light

    the claim The Jeffrey James Botanicals The Light claims to accelerate the skin’s natural repair process and fight ageing for a fresh and radiant appearance.     the science Represented at the highest concentration is an ingredient called Organic Herbal Blend. It is not surprising that the EWG database raises a flag against it since the nature of the blend is not declared. After all, some herbs shouldn’t go near your face. The unknown factor makes it impossible to decipher. Update: After contacting Jeffery James Botanicals, the herbal blend was disclosed and is discussed in detail in the review of The Mask. So moving on to the ones we can…

  • Trilogy Rosehip Oil
    oil,  Trilogy

    Trilogy Rosehip Oil

    the claim The Trilogy Rosehip Oil is 100% organic and claims to contain a minimum of 80% essential fatty acid (Omega 3 and Omega 6) and non-essenial Omega 9, to deliver all-over nourishment and repair for optimum skin health. It is said to be highly effective for reducing scars and stretch marks and other skin concerns including dehydrated and ageing skin.     the science Trilogy Rosehip Oil is certified organic and sourced from seeds of wild rosehips found in the mountainous regions of Chile in South America and Lesotho in southern Africa where growing conditions are ideal. The rosehips are hand harvested by surrounding village communities assuring a sustainable…