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Huxley Anti-Gravity Cream
Huxley,  moisturize

Huxley Anti-Gravity Cream

the claim

The Huxley Anti-Gravity Cream is an antioxidant cream that protects against environmental stressors, smoothing rough and dull skin to reveal healthy, resilient and nourished skin.
 
Huxley Anti-Gravity Cream
 

the science

Commonly known as Sahara Cactus or Prickly Pear, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Extract is sourced from Morocco and present at a dominant concentration of 51% in the formulation of this cream. Used for hundreds of years medicinally, it is more recently recognized for its skin firming properties and ability to protect, smooth, and moisturize.
 
Prickly PearThe plant is hand picked and cold-pressed to procure maximum benefit.

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 seed, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Seed Oil, is moisturizing and soothing, also historically used medicinally. It is abundant in vitamin E and antioxidants, making it a super skin food. Prickly pear contains 88% unsaturated fatty acids (including 60% linoleic, 20% oleic and 14% palmitic) which are essential to stimulating healthy cell production and turnover. It also boasts the highest level of tocopherol, (Vitamin E) of any beauty oil (150% more than argan oil), making it an outstanding free radical scavenger. Polyphenols also assist to fight oxidative stress. Additionally, water-binding phytosterols help the skin retain moisture, enhancing the skin barrier. In summary, the prickly pear’s moisturizing and protective properties assist to prevent premature ageing and keep skin well hydrated.

Squalene is found naturally in human sebum, responsible for approximately 10-12% of the skin’s oil. It is noncomedogenic, easily absorbed and often used medicinally to treat skin problems. Squalene acts as a natural emollient and antioxidant, locking in moisture to assist with the prevention of fine lines and dryness. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene. The former is lighter, ideal for oily and acne-prone skin while that latter is more beneficial for dry and mature skin.

A host of natural extracts including those from Perilla Leaf, Peony Root, Sage Leaf and Gardenia Fruit deliver potent antioxidant activity to help prevent free radical-induced damage to skin cells. Meanwhile, the occlusive properties of Safflower Extract, Shea Butter and Birch Juice enhance the formulation’s moisturizing capability.

Rounding off the primary players in this cream is Sodium Hyaluronate, one of the Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF) found in skin which helps to prevent water loss, drying and flaking. It protects the skin barrier, plumps the skin and gives the appearance of reduced wrinkles and fine lines.
 

the ingredients

Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Lauryl Esters, Squalene, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Pentaerylthrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Diisostearyl Malate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Jojoba Esters, Water, Behenyl Alcohol, Clyceryl Stearate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Adenosine, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Seed Oil, Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa (Peony) Root Extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius Flower (Safflower) Extract, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Betula Platyphylla Japonica (Birch) Juice, Sodium Hyaluronate, Beta-Glucan, Cyclopentasiloxane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Cetearyl Alcohol, PEG-100 Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Ceterayl Glucoside, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Propanediol, Carbomer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyglyceryl-10 Pentasterate, Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dextrin, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Hydrogentated Lecithin, Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Tromethamine, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance
 

the packaging

The Huxley Anti-Gravity Cream comes in clean, frosted glass screw top jar with plastic protective inner cap and dispensing spatula.
 
Huxley Anti-Gravity Cream Packaging
 

the analysis

The analysis proves relatively clean, although both the CosDNA and EWG reports return warning flags against Fragrance since it is is a known irritant.
 
Huxley Anti-Gravity Cream CosDNA Analysis
 

the application

Use morning and night after cleansing and toning. Take a pea sized amount and gently spread evenly onto skin in an upward and outward motion, patting it in for better absorption.
 

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. It incorporates musk undertones, a floral body and finishes with invigorating sea and fresh herbal top notes. A surprisingly extensive and creative description is supplied on the Huxley website:

The green floral fragrance is a poem complementing the natural beauty of a spring garden. The first impression is like stepping from inside a house into a lush green garden. The young leaves are still glittering with chilly morning dew at their tips, emitting a fresh green scent to welcome you. White flowers are enticing you with their scents along your morning walk. Hints of sensual jasmine and sweet gardenia are catching your attention from hidden corners, while soft roses and narcotic lilies are inviting you to take a seat next to their carefully planted flowerbeds. The serenity and beauty of this garden is completed by the powdery scent of white musk.

 

the cost

A 50ml jar of the Huxley Anti-Gravity Cream costs approximately USD$35.00.
 
Huxley Anti-Gravity Cream
 

the availability

Huxley is one of the hottest newcomers to take the Korean skincare market by storm. It can be found online for Australian customers and at a range of skincare boutiques. I purchased mine from Style Korean.
 

the expiry

The product has a shelf life of three years and expiry of 12 months after opening.
 
Huxley Anti-Gravity Cream Expiry
 

the performance

The brand has successfully delivered a sleek product line, complementing solid skincare with sexy, chic packaging. This cream is no exception. A spatula is provided to minimise the possibility of contamination that a large opening may invite. Once you’re past the appealing presentation, the next thing that hits you like a tonne of bricks is the fragrance. Clearly, Huxley have put a lot of energy into delivering a product with a strong scent intended to transport you to the serenity of a spring garden. They have collaborated with LUZI, a Swiss fragrance company to achieve this. As I am an advocate for fragrance free skincare, I think the marketing angle is over the top. I found the floral smell very strong (others comparing it to freshly cut lawn), however, I’m prepared to overlook fragrance if a product delivers on efficacy.

It’s dense in texture although retains plenty of slip for easy application. It’s ever so slightly grey-green in colour and the pea sized amount recommended is sufficient to provide full face and neck coverage. Any more and it leaves a greasy/oily layer on your skin. This application amount ensures it will last a long time even with twice daily use, so you definitely get value for your money with the 50ml jar.
 
Huxley Anti-Gravity Cream Texture
It applies smoothly and absorbs well leaving a tacky feeling in the short term which dissipates within around 15-30 minutes. This might impede morning routines which follow up with makeup, unless sunscreen eliminates this sensation to provide a smooth canvas. My skin instantly feels nourished but the test is in the longevity of this sensation. Although I do use a hydrating toner, essence and sometimes a hydrating serum in the same routine, I did find the addition of this cream sealed the moisture achieved by all three products very well for long lasting hydration. It doesn’t feel overly occlusive or heavy on the skin either. When I apply this cream in my morning routine, my skin feels soft and supple throughout the day, although due for replenishment by the evening routine. The plumpness is retained throughout the night when this is my chosen p.m. sealant.

The Huxley Anti-Gravity Cream is a comforting cream for dry and mature skin and seems to work on my combination skin too. It might be a little rich for oily skin and perhaps as a day cream for some. A better option might be the Fresh and More cream. The strong fragrance would irritate those sensitive to scent.

Regarding the anti-gravity claims… Well as with most products that declare anti-ageing effects, I think this is delivered through the perceived reduction gained from skin plumping. Lines are not reduced but perhaps the acceleration with which they form is slowed as a result of better hydration.
 

the conclusion

I am pleased that my first impressions of this cream were quickly proven incorrect. I initially wanted to close the lid as the fragrance emitted was strong and overwhelming. I thought the Huxley hype was just a fad, an excitement surrounding the new kid on the block. However, I persevered to experience a stunning turnaround. The scent which was initially overwhelming and unpleasant is now less noticeable and well tolerated. This was encouraged by the excellent efficacy of the cream. However personally, I find fragrance eventually irritates my skin, so can only tolerate it when added in a single layer and not over the long term.

In finishing, I really enjoy using this product. It leaves my skin soft and hydrated. It’s dense consistency is satisfying. It is particularly suitable for winter, replenishing moisture effectively.
 
Huxley Anti-Gravity Cream
 

the summary

Pros Cons
Lasts a long time as a little goes a long way Only available online in Australia
Sleek packaging and presentation Strong fragrance
Hydrating and moisturising May be too rich for oilier skin types
Plumping delivers anti-ageing benefits
Excellent winter cream
Great choice for dry skin types

 

the references

Style Korean website
Opuntia Ficus Indica Stem Extract Bellatorra
What’s Squalene and Why Should You Care? Lexy Lebsack
21 Shea Butter Benefits and Uses Wellness Mama
Ingredient Spotlight: Prickly Pear Seed Oil MŪN Skin Care
Prickly Pear Seed Oil and the Skin Billie A. Leyendecker
Benefits of Perilla Frutescens Megan Ashton
Sodium Hyaluronate in Skincare Products Nicki Zevola Benvenuti

 


the disclaimer

Please read in context with my disclaimer.
 
 


 

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