Roccoco Botanicals Brand Review

Jacine Greenwood is a cosmetic chemist and the founder of Australian brand, Roccoco Botanicals. Her vision was to create a safe, plant based range of products that manage skin without the risk of acne breakouts or allergic reactions. The brand philosophy dismisses skin peeling for acne treatment, claiming this causes stress and inflammation, reducing the integrity of the skin barrier. Rather, they rely on the soothing properties of plants and enzymes for gentle exfoliation, since they work on redundant cells, living tissue remaining unaffected. Her fascination for France and its architecture is the inspiration behind the brand name.
 

 

I was gifted various sample sized (15ml) bottles from the range so my reviews are more accurately, first impressions. In Part I, I discuss the oil and milk cleansers as well as the age cream. Part II will cover the serums.
 

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The Hibiscus Milk Cleanser is said to gently exfoliate leaving skin refined and smooth while also boosting moisture levels by making the skin barrier more resilient.
 

 

Following water, Sunflower Seed Oil is included at the highest concentration. It is a well absorbed, light weight oil without residue and rich in linoleic acid and Vitamin E. Essential fatty acids help to maintain the skin barrier and decrease transepidermal water loss, keeping skin supple and soft. Its emollient nature ensures smoother more hydrated skin for longer. Antioxidants fight free radical and UV damage, thus protecting against premature ageing. Caretenoids make it a good acne treatment while anti-inflammatory properties boost new cell production and reduce irritation for a radiant glow.
 
The star ingredient follows, Hibiscus Extract, a plant packed with antioxidants, offering Vitamin C and E, Anthocyanins and Polyphenols. Its anti-ageing power has earned it the nickname “Botox Plant”. Additionally, it contains gentle acids that have a slight exfoliating effect on the skin. Natural AHAs help to purify by breaking down dead skin and increasing cell turnover as well assisting to control acne breakouts.
 
Boosting the moisture barrier is Hydrogenated Lecithin, an emollient that can enhance the appearance of dry or damaged skin by reducing flaking and restoring suppleness. Similarly, Palmitic (fatty) Acid and C12-16 (fatty) Alcohols also help to restore the moisture barrier and moisturise dry skin. Finally, Aspen Bark Extract is included for its acne resistance. It is rich in Salycin giving it analgesic, anti-inflammatory, calming and healing properties. It also displays antimicrobial activity so acts as a natural preservative.
 

Water, Sunflower Oil, Hibiscus Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, C12-16 Alcohols, Palmitic Acid, Cetyl Esters, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycerine, DI PPG-2 Myreth-10 Adipate, Populus Tremuloides (Aspen Bark) Extract, Sclerotium Gum, Totarol
 

 

The safety rating of this product as reported by both the CosDNA and EWG resources is excellent, all components considered a non-hazard.
 

 

The Roccoco Hibiscus Cleansing Milk appears and performs as expected. It is milky and similar to a lotion in viscosity. Although hibiscus is a fragrant flower, I could not detect any scent associated with this product. Both the 15ml sample that I received and the full size milk come in an opaque plastic bottle with hygienic pump action dispenser. The cleanser is good for 12 months after opening.
 

Applying it to a damp face, it barely foams, the only visible sign that it is on the skin, a very light microbead that shows as a thin white substance. It feels incredibly silky and soft, unlike most cleansing products where you can actually feel the pores being cleaned. Instructions direct you to massage it into damp skin and then remove with a washcloth. If you simply rinse it off, it leaves a slightly oily film on the skin, so best to follow directions and wipe it away with a damp cloth. I really enjoy the fact that you can rub this cleanser straight over the eyes without any stinging or irritation.
 
The enzyme exfoliation is unnoticeable in action. It is different to many exfoliants which can often sting or scrub the skin in their effort to remove dead cells. Skin appears a little brighter afterwards. The pH of the cleanser comes in slightly acidic at 5.0 so it won’t disrupt the acid mantle. It really is super gentle and ideal for those with sensitive skin, provided they have no reaction to the natural hibiscus fragrance.
 

Personally, I think this is a great morning cleanser. I do however like more of a foam on my second cleanse in the evening to really remove the daily grime. Additionally, it should be noted that I do not suffer acne so could not respond to how this may or may not have improved that condition or the healing process. However, the science indicates that it would be effective.
 

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The Pore Cleansing Oil is said to be ideal for congested skin, helping to soften impurities, easing their removal. In doing so, it claims to reduce the appearance of blackheads and remove makeup and debris gently without stripping the skin.
 

 

Sunflower Oil has already been discussed within the science of the milk cleanser. Other ingredients that feature in this very short list of only four include DI PPG-2 Myreth 10-Adipate and C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, emollients which add a silky consistency to the cleanser. Finally Tocopheryl Acetate is a form of Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant source that helps protect the skin from free radical damage. It can also have an anti-inflammatory effect and can help to maintain the skin barrier’s lipid balance as well as reduce transepidermal water loss.
 

Sunflower Oil, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, DI PPG-2 Myreth 10-Adipate, Tocopheryl Acetate
 

 

The safety rating of this product as reported by both the CosDNA and EWG resources is excellent, all components considered a non-hazard.
 

 

Similar to the milk cleanser, this one is also presented in a plastic pump action bottle, exhibiting the same package benefits. The fluid is light, runny and appears near clear. Its scent is very subtle and seems to be contributed by the sunflower oil. Application is directly to dry skin. A few pumps into dry hands is sufficient for makeup removal. It is gentle enough to rub over the entire face, even the eyelids. Directions indicate removal with a face cloth afterwards, or if makeup free, simply rinsing the skin under warm water.
 

I found that the oil was very gentle and effective as a first cleanse in the evening. Without makeup, it did a good job removing any sunscreen residue and the dirt built up throughout the day. A thorough rinse with warm water exposing a clean face without any oily film left behind. Makeup also removed well with the assistance of a cloth for added friction. I prefer to use just the oil or balm for makeup removal, without introducing a cloth or cotton rounds so I tested its effectiveness with and without a cloth. The results were similar with the only difference being the rate of removal which was accelerated when a cloth was introduced. All makeup was eventually erased excluding a waterproof liquid eyeliner which was quite stubborn. Long stay lipsticks required a bit of extra work but were eventually erased. So, although it didn’t remove everything perfectly, it compares well with many other cleansing oils I have used which also struggle to remove waterproof eye products.
 

Overall, the oil itself was very gentle as expected. As an everyday first cleanse, it’s great. For heavy or stubborn makeup, it will only remove it effectively with a cloth or cotton pad. This is as expected since the directions stipulate using this for assistance however, it’s simply not my preference when it comes to a first step cleanser. I prefer a balm or oil that will melt all the makeup away by just massaging it in with fingers, emulsifying and rinsing it off. Nonetheless, it is a fantastic product for those prone to blocked pores, blackheads, whiteheads or needing to regulate oil balance. An additional eye makeup remover might be required for waterproof products.
 

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The Blueberry Age Cream is designed for barrier impaired, mature and dehydrated skin types. It is said to deliver long lasting moisturisation.
 

 

Once again, prominent in the formulation is Sunflower Seed Oil. The discussion of this ingredient is available above. Additionally, Sunflower Oleosomes are found in the oil of the flower. They are capable of slowly releasing emollient oil and Vitamin E to the stratum corneum to achieve long lasting moisturisation.
 
Coconut Alkanes delivers intense hydration to the skin without clogging pores or leaving a greasy sensation. Derived from coconut pulp, it’s a natural humectant that nourishes skin by mimicking our natural oils. Amino Acids, Lupine and Serine help to strengthen the skin’s natural defense system by making it more resistant to ageing. They aid in collagen production, boost skin’s elasticity and replenish moisture. Antioxidants also help to prevent environmental damage, this effect boosted by antioxidant rich Guava Extract, Blueberry Stem Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate (a form of Vitamin E) and Resveratrol, naturally found in grapes. Kakadu Plum Extract is packed with Vitamin C to help stimulate collagen production and reduce lines. It is also effective at improving the appearance of hyperpigmentation and scarring. Its antioxidant content strengthens the fight against free radicals while its antibacterial properties also provide a great acne defense.
 
Jojoba Esters display a waxy texture that functions as an excellent emollient and occlusive agent, trapping moisture into the skin. This activity is complemented by several ingredients that are primarily included to increase the water content of the skin, namely, Trehalose, Glycerin, Urea, Pentylene Glycol, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Teprenone, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycerol Lecithin and Sodium Hyaluronate.
 

Water, Sunflower Seed Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol and Cetearyl Glucoside, Coconut Alkanes, Cetyl Esters, Lupine Amino Acids, Sunflower Oleosomes, Glycerin, Trehalose, Urea, Serine, Pentylene Glycol, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Teprenone, Guava Extract, Resveratrol, Jojoba Esters, Terminalia Ferdinandiana (Kakadu Plum) Extract, Blueberry Stem Extract, Algin, Bisabolol, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Pullulan, Disodium Phosphate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Lecithin, Octanohydroxamic Acid, Disodium ETA, Potassium Phosphate
 

 

The safety rating of this product as reported by both the CosDNA and EWG resources is good, all components considered a low hazard.
 

 

Once again, a pump action package provides all the benefits expected of a good product. The cream itself is lightweight and scent free. It displays no drag and good absorption, my skin soaking it up upon application. It is packed with antioxidants so is an ideal choice for maturing skin where ageing is a concern, perfect for me. This cream was not too heavy and didn’t leave any greasy residue. It felt great for my combination skin. By its consistency and reaction on the skin, I would suggest it would be good for all skin types, particularly mature and sensitive.
 

I applied this generously as the last step of both day and night routines. It’s ability to retain moisture between applications really impressed me. My skin felt soft and moisturised after waking and similarly so at the end of the day. It also plays well under makeup. This is my favourite of the three products that I have reviewed in this article, one that comes highly recommended. I would be more than keen to try a full sized bottle.
 

These products are available from the Roccoco Botanicals website as well as exclusive salons in Australia and the US.
 

As this brand focuses on providing gentle skincare, I wasn’t sure what to expect as mine is maturing, combination and quite robust. I can throw a lot at it without irritation. However, even though sensitive is the target audience, I think this range is so lovely that it would suit all skin types. The cleansers are the gentlest I have tried yet are effective. The moisturiser is so beautiful I hope to pick up a full size to try. Acne prone, sensitive and mature skin types will adore this range while its suitability is definitely universal.
 

Pros	Cons
EWG and CosDNA safety confirmation	Only available online
Suitable for all skin types	Expensive
Ideal for acne prone, mature and sensitive skin
Elegant, hygienic presentation
Effective all natural formulations
Gentle enough to use over the eyes
No ugly residues
Australian owned and made

 

Roccoco website
Sunflower Seed, the Skin Protector Annmarie Skin Care
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Benefits In Organic Cosmetics Naturelle Cosmetics
Hibiscus Paula’s Choice Skincare Ingredient Dictionary
The ‘Botox’ Plant: Hibiscus benefits for beautiful skin The Green People Community
Alcohol in skincare? The good and the bad Rebekah Jensen
What Is It: Aspen Bark Extract Truth In Aging
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate Paula’s Choice Skincare Ingredient Dictionary
Tocopheryl Acetate: Does It Really Work? Healthline
Tocopheryl Acetate Truth In Aging
Prime Time: A Look at Makeup Primers Dermascope
Hydresia® Oleosome Technology Botaneco
Serine Truth In Aging
Jojoba Esters Paula’s Choice Skincare Ingredient Dictionary
The Incredible Skincare Benefits of Kakadu Plum Anna Mitsios

 

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Please read in context with my disclaimer.
 
These sample products were provided to me free of charge by Roccoco for review. This post only includes my honest opinion and experience of this product and is in no way influenced by Roccoco, any of its representatives, stockists or any other third party.
 

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