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Physicians Formula Bright Booster Elixir Oil
oil,  Physicians Formula

Physicians Formula Bright Booster Oil Elixir

the claim

The Physicans Formula Bright Booster Oil Elixir is a lightweight, fast absorbing oil that leaves skin feeling silky, soft and never greasy. It visibly reduces the appearance of the signs of ageing and leaves skin smoother, more radiant, revived, rejuvenated and nourished instantly.
 
Physicans Formula Bright Booster Oil Elixir
 

the science

Camellia Seed Oil is known as the beauty secret of geishas. Cold pressed from seeds, it is rich in vitamins A, B and E, polyphenols and essential fatty acids. It is highly compatible with skin’s sebum, helping it to penetrate deep into the dermal layers without clogging pores or leaving a greasy residue. Camellia seed oil is one of the highest naturally occurring antioxidant sources, protecting against free radical damage caused by the environment and the sun. Antioxidants also stimulate cell regeneration to help prevent premature ageing. Camelia seed oil additionally contains Phytasualens and squalene which are especially good for dry skin because they restore and enhance the protective barrier. The resultant water retention nourishes and hydrates, leaving the skin supple, smooth and glowing. Enhanced moisture balance and elasticity are great for dry and ageing skin types. Due to its high Oleic acid content, it is not suitable for oily skin types when used alone, rather in combination with oils high in Linoleic acid (Omega 6), as presented in this formulation.
 
Physicans Formula Bright Booster Oil Elixir
Similarly, Sunflower Seed Oil is another great antioxidant source, high in Vitamin E, acting as a protector against environment stressors and ageing. Sunflower seed oil contains rejuvenating essential fatty acids to boost skin cell production, promoting soft yet firm skin. Carotenoids help to balance skin oils and sebum production making it an excellent acne treatment. Sunflower seed oil is also an effective emollient, assisting to retain moisture in the skin.
 
Argan Oil comes from the Moroccan argan tree. A high content of essential fatty acids including linoleic and oleic acids and tocopherol (Vitamin E), assure it is both hydrating and protective against free radical activity and hence slowing the formation of the signs of ageing.
 
Jojoba Seed Oil is light, odorless and rich in vitamins and minerals. Like Camellia seed oil, it resembles sebum, ensuring easy and deep skin penetration without oily residue. This assists to strengthen the skin barrier and prevent moisture loss while a high ceramide content ensures skin cells remain hydrated. Furthermore, jojoba seed oil makes an effective acne treatment due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It is non-comedogenic (doesn’t clog pores) and assists skin from secreting excessive oils. Antibacterial behaviour contributes to the reduction of inflammation and thus helps to heal skin disorders such as eczema, rosacea and psoriasis. Adding to a potent list of benefits, since Jojoba seed oil is high in Vitamin E, it is also considered an effective anti-ageing oil. Continuous topical application has been shown to decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
 
Grape Seed Oil also displays strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and moisturising effects as well as contributing to the natural preservation of the product. It too is easily absorbed into the skin without residue. The presence of malic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), delivers a gentle exfoliation and promotes moisture restoration.
 
Lavender is able to stimulate blood circulation making it a great healer. It helps to calm irritated or damaged skin, accelerate repair following acne and is beneficial at treating age spots and fine lines. Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antifungal properties in lavender oil make it a nourishing and hydrating treatment for problem skin. It has been shown to be an effective treatment for eczema and also acne, fighting the bacteria that causes it as well as helping to regulate sebum production.
 
Physicans Formula Bright Booster Oil Elixir
Mongongo Oil is another rich source of vitamin E as well as containing linoleic acid, Omega 6, iron, copper, magnesium and calcium. It forms a protective, emollient layer on the skin surface for the prevention of moisture loss. This in turn smooths skin texture helping to diminish the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. The presence of Linoleic acid also makes this a calming oil, able to treat inflammation and promote cell repair, particularly useful for redness and eczema.
 
Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract is known as the anti-ageing herb. It contains powerful antioxidants called proanthocyanidins which are also found in grape seed, cinnamon, bilberry and green tea, all known for their protective properties. Its outstanding benefits are comparable to those of vitamin C. As such, Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract encourages firmer skin and the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.
 
Finally, Rosemary Leaf Extract has antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties which make it ideal for treating minor wounds, burns and problem skin. The oil helps to keep skin moisturised and also stimulates cell renewal.
 
Every component of the formulation contributes to a potent mix of calming, protective, anti-ageing and moisturing behaviours. In theory, this is a powerhouse oil.
 

the ingredients

Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Lavandula Intermedia Flower/Leaf/Stem Oil, Schinziophyton Rautanenii Kernel (Mongongo) Oil, Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
 

the packaging

The oil comes in an opaque plastic bottle to protect the oil elixir from light damage with a chrome dropper lid for dispensing.
 
Physicans Formula Bright Booster Oil Elixir packaging
 

the analysis

Both the CosDNA and EWG reports are perfect, completely without any hazard warning, confirming a safe formulation.
 
Physicans Formula Bright Booster Oil Elixir CosDNA Analysis
 

the application

Apply oil every morning to boost radiance. Can be used on face, neck, hair, and nails. Can also be used at night before bed.
 
Physicans Formula Bright Booster Oil Elixir dropper
 

the scent

The scent of this oil elixir is herbal with no added fragrance included.
 

the cost

A 30ml bottle of this oil blend has a recommended retail price of US$14.95.
 

the availability

The Physicans Formula brand is widely available from pharmacies, department stores and online. I picked up my bottle from iHerb.
 
Physicans Formula Bright Booster Oil Elixir
 

the expiry

I have been unable to locate this information on the Physicans Formula website or the product packaging. However, iHerb has an expiry on the product description three years into the future so it is quite stable and has a long shelf life. I would suggest using it within 6-9 months of opening.
 

the performance

There are many things to like or even love about this oil elixir. The first thing that people notice is of course, the packaging. This is the product’s main (and probably only) flaw. The bottle itself is plastic with a thick handled dropper dispenser. It is opaque which ensures it is protected against light degradation however, it is also impossible to gauge the volume of elixir remaining. The presentation is very old fashioned, more suited to my grandmother’s dressing table than my bathroom shelf. The bottle design is okay, but the artwork reminds me of a tapestry. However, since it is basically printed on a tight fitting plastic film, it is able to be ripped off, leaving a simple, more palatable pearl white finish. The box it is packaged in could use some serious improvement! The stenciled opening and artwork does not do the product justice. It is reminiscent of the items in the cleaning isle of the supermarket, not the sophisticated oils of the beauty store, where it actually belongs.
 
Physicans Formula Bright Booster Oil Elixir, clean skin
The dropper itself is a little chunky. It doesn’t draw much product into the pipette, although sufficient for one application. I have used around half the 30ml bottle and am concerned that drawing the elixir out may become a problem as the volume drops further. Nonetheless, if it’s good enough (which indeed it is), ways will be found!
 
Packaging aside, let’s get into the good bits. The few ingredients that comprise this elixir are naturally derived with 99.5% being organically sourced. They deliver considerable protective and healing properties which make this gentle product an excellent choice for problem skin, whether it be acne prone, ageing or that subjected to conditions such as eczema. I personally fit into the middle category, using this to enhance my maturing skin. Physicans Formula suggest that with continued use, this oil blend promises beautiful, radiant skin.
 
The natural scent of this oil blend is exhilarating. I absolutely love it. It smells very herbal, reminding me of the distinctive fragrance dried twigs of oregano release when crunched in your bare hands. After application, absorption is fast, so the scent dissipates quickly. Its texture and colour are also light. You only need 2-3 drops to cover the entire face. If you apply too much, it can leave a greasy film. My skin is combination, tending to be dry along the jaw line and oily on the forehead, nose and chin. I apply it by spreading lightly and pressing it into both cheeks but use it sparingly on the T-zone, otherwise it doesn’t seem to fully absorb and leaves my face oily. When you master the balance your skin requires, it sinks right in.
 
Physicans Formula Bright Booster Oil ElixirSo, how does it actually perform? Let me first outline the environmental trial conditions as my skin tends to tolerate oils better in cooler weather. Currently Melbourne is heating up as summer officially begins, enjoying frequent days of 30°C (86°F) or more. I normally use oils at night in cooler weather only as I don’t enjoy their heaviness during the hotter months, so this oil blend had its work cut out trying to win me over with summer looming.
 
Regardless of the conditions, I have enjoyed using this elixir for the last several weeks, sometimes once, often twice daily. The scent and ritual of application are very satisfying. When the right amount is applied, absorption is thorough making it both pleasant to use and easy to incorporate into my routine without any interference to makeup or sunscreen application.
 
Initially, I didn’t observe any noticeable difference to my skin. After a couple of weeks of regular use however, I found I couldn’t stop touching my face. My skin had suddenly become softer and felt more supple and hydrated. Even the drier parts of my face along the jaw line were improving.
 
With respect to the product claims, the first is that it is a lightweight, easily absorbed oil. This is correct. The second is that it leaves skin soft, smoother, instantly nourished and never greasy. Yes, provided you don’t over apply. And finally, it is said to reduce the signs of ageing. This one is not as easy to assess.
 
When it comes to anti-ageing, it is difficult to quantify a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. No change caused by topical application is that dramatic. The elixir promises a reduction in the appearance of fine lines, not an improvement in the lines themselves that you might expect from a peptide serum for instance. This product combats perceived signs of ageing in two ways.
 
Firstly, improvements in moisturisation and hydration make the skin look plump and relaxed which can successfully diminish the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Secondly, a strong presence of antioxidants certainly creates a defense against environmental stressors and UV damage that can cause premature ageing however, this generally works preventatively and not retrospectively to eliminate existing damage. So, in summary, when using this product you are both defending against environmental and sun induced ageing whilst also reducing the appearance of existing lines and wrinkles.
 
Physicans Formula Bright Booster Oil Elixir
 

the conclusion

This Oil Elixir is simply beautiful. I adore the scent, lightweight texture and the absorption rate. It has definitely made my skin feel softer and more supple, reducing dry patches and in doing so, making my face look quite radiant. This product protects against premature ageing and also encourages existing signs to appear less pronounced. It is inexpensive, 100% naturally derived and 99.5% organic. It passes the EWG test with flying colours.
 
This is an excellent choice for those concerned with fine lines and wrinkles. Basically anyone over around 25 (when natural ageing defenses start to deplete) would benefit from this product. Additionally, packed with emollients and antibacterial ingredients, it would suit problem skin, providing relief from conditions such a dryness and eczema. Its non-comedogenic nature plus anti-inflammatory and antiseptic strengths would also help people who are acne prone.
 
I’m not sure I have to spell it out, but yes, I will definitely keep this potent little grandma bottle in my arsenal ongoing. Many thanks to Renée @ Gothamista for another recommendation.
 

the summary

Pros Cons
Available online and in stores in Australia Old fashioned presentation
100% naturally derived (99.5% organic) ingredients
Hydrates and moisturises
Easily absorbed, lightweight oil
Gentle and inexpensive
Beautiful natural herbal fragrance
Suits all skin types

 

the references

Physicians Formula website
Camellia Seed Oil Skin Benefits Flora Maia Skincare
Sunflower Seed, the Skin Protector Annmarie Skin Care
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Benefits In Organic Cosmetics Naturelle Cosmetics
Argania Spinosa Truth In Aging
22 Amazing Benefits Of Jojoba Oil Tanya Choudhary
Vitis Vinifera Truth In Aging
Grapeseed Oil (Vitis Vinifera) Ausian website
10 Benefits of Lavender Essential Oil for Skin and Recipes for Each Laura Sumner
Meet The Super Oil That’s Better Than Coconut Taylor Bryant
Rhodiola Rosea for Skin, the “Anti-Aging” Herb Annmarie Skin Care
Rosemary & Skin Care Caryn Anderson

 


the disclaimer

Please read in context with my disclaimer.
 
 


 

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