Huxley Fresh and More

Huxley Fresh and More is a fast absorbing moisturising gel cream formulated with 56% Sahara cactus seed oil to help heal stressed and damaged skin.
 

 

Prickly Pear Extract is the star ingredient of the brand’s Secret of Sahara range. Sourced from Morocco and present at a dominant concentration of 56%, it has been used medicinally for centuries. The 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 is moisturising and soothing. 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 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 moisturising and protective properties assist to prevent premature ageing and keep skin well hydrated.

Ceramides (Ceramide 3) help to restore and maintain the skin’s protective barrier. As we age, naturally occurring ceramides in skin cells become less effective at achieving hydration, giving way to dryness, fine lines and wrinkles. Reinforcing this supply fortifies the skin’s natural barrier resulting in increased hydration for more smooth and youthful looking skin. Similarly tasked, Bamboo Juice is packed with amino acids and flavonoids which allows it to provide antioxidant protection against UV radiation as well as reinforce the moisture barrier to reduce bacteria penetration which can lead to acne.

In addition to being an excellent antioxidant source, soothing Purslane Extract contains omega-3 fatty acids, making it effective at stimulating cell regeneration. High levels of Vitamins E, C and beta carotene help it to brighten skin tone and reduce sun induced damage.

Perilla Extract demonstrates excellent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities due to an abundance of linoleic acid. Rich in omega-3, flavones and polyphenols, it is able to soothe, hydrate, protect and repair.
 

Beta Glucan is a polysaccharide sugar derived from various mushrooms, plants, algaes, yeast or oats. It is able to stimulate collagen production, accelerate wound repair, soothe and calm irritated and inflamed skin, moisturise and fight the signs of ageing. Its humectant effect is supposedly 20% more hydrating than hyaluronic acid, able to lock in moisture while simultaneously preventing transepidermal water loss. Birch Sap is derived from birch trees. It is a rich source of amino acids, enzymes, antioxidants and minerals that help skin retain moisture and protect the skin barrier function. Like Beta Glucan, it’s also said to provide more hydration to skin than hyaluronic acid. Also present, is the ingredient hydrators tend to be compared against, Sodium Hyaluronate. One of the Natural Moisturising Factors (NMF), it’s found in skin and helps to prevent water loss, drying and flaking. It protects the moisture barrier, plumps the skin and gives the appearance of reduced wrinkles and fine lines.

Finally Grapefruit Seed Extract introduces ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) to the skin which helps break the bonds that dead skin can have with the living skin on your face for a gentle exfoliating and brightening effect.
 

Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Water, Glycerin, Glycereth-26, Cyclohexasiloxane, Trisiloxane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Seed Oil, Ceramide NP (Ceramide 3), Phyllostachis Bambusoides (Bamboo) Juice, Betula Platyphylla Japonica (Birch Sap) Juice, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Acorus Gramineus Root/Stem Extract, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Perilla Frutescens Leaf Extract, Beta-Glucan, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Dimethiconol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 60, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Carbomer, Propanediol, PEG-40 Stearate, Palmitic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Stearic Acid, Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polysorbate 80, Potassium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance
 

Huxley Fresh and More comes in clean, frosted glass screw top jar with plastic protective inner cap.
 

 

The analysis proves moderate CosDNA and EWG ratings, returning a red flag against Fragrance since it is is a known irritant as well as a some yellow alerts.
 

 

Every morning and night, after using an essence, apply an appropriate amount of cream onto palms and spread it along the skin texture.
 

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.

 

A 50ml jar of the Huxley Fresh and More costs approximately USD$35.00.
 

Huxley skincare is now sold in-store in Australia at department stores like Myer. I purchased mine from Style Korean.
 

The product has a shelf life of three years and expiry of 12 months after opening.
 

 

One of the things that attracted me to this brand is their sophisticated minimalist packaging. This gel cream is no exception, presented in a frosted glass jar with screw top plastic lid and inner protective cap. The Huxley Secret of Sahara scent is present in all the products of this line. It’s strong but pleasant, 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 found the floral smell very strong (some comparing it to freshly cut lawn). I had this jar opened for around 6 months and noticed that the smell actually faded over that period of time, at the end nowhere near as potent as I recalled upon first use which made it far more tolerable. Having used several Huxley products, I have to say, I am now a little sick of this overwhelming smell, even though technically, it is a lovely scent. I’m just a bit tired of it being on my face! A candle or perfume are far better ways of imparting this garden fragrance.

Back to the gel cream… It’s a bright white colour and retains a glossy texture, peaks forming and holding easily as you gently pull product from the jar. Lightweight in texture, it has a silky finish and glides on effortlessly for easy application. Only a small amount is required to sufficiently cover face and neck.
 

Upon application, it absorbs quickly and leaves a tacky residue that dissipates with dry down which happens in a few minutes. Skin immediately feels moisturised and fresh. Once the tackiness fades, a very slight seal is left on the surface of the skin, there to lock in moisture and prevent transepidermal water loss. I would suggest that this is primarily achieved because of a good concentration of dimethicone in the formula, a common film forming silicone. It doesn’t leave a suffocating layer on the skin, in fact, it’s barely noticeable to me unless I run a finger over my face, then I feel a bit of resistance. With a layer of sunscreen or foundation, the sensation is totally eliminated.

For a gel cream, it packs a decent hydration punch. I found my face felt moisturised throughout the day. It might be a little light for those with super dry skin or perhaps a bit lightweight in the winter when a heavier cream may be warranted. However, as a summer moisturiser, it’s perfect for normal to combo skin day or night. I think those with oilier complexions will love its light consistency and results. Anyone sensitive to fragrance might want to give this one a miss.
 

The Huxley Fresh and More gel cream is a delightful inclusion to the summer routine. Apart from a strong fragrance, it really is a pleasure to use. It keeps skin hydrated for several hours, its resultant seal protecting it from both moisture loss and environmental stressors. As such, I believe it adequately satisfies the brand’s claims. It’s a lovely product that I’d recommend to those seeking an effective lightweight moisturiser.
 

 

Pros	Cons
Beautiful packaging	Strong fragrance
Lightweight, refreshing gel consistency	Moderate EWG/CosDNA rating
Hydrating and moisturising	May be a little light for very dry skin
Perfect as a summer cream
Fast absorbing
Ideal for all skin types

 

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
Benefits of Perilla Frutescens Megan Ashton
Beta Glucan is the Future of Skincare Mack In Style
Do You Know The Skincare Benefits of Purslane? The Skincare PharmD
Sodium Hyaluronate in Skincare Products Nicki Zevola Benvenuti
Benefits of Perilla Seed Oil for Skin School of Natural Skincare
 

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Please read in context with my disclaimer.
 
 

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