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first cleanse,  The Body Shop

The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter

the claim

The The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter claims to be a luxurious way to remove all makeup while purifying, cleansing and refreshing the skin for a silky soft finish. Suitable for sensitive skin.
 
The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter
 

the science

Represented at the highest concentration in a relatively short formula of 14 ingredients is Ethylhexyl Palmitate, a mineral oil replacement comprising an ester of 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid. Non-occlusive emollient properties help it to reduce water loss and keep skin moist and supple without creating a film on the surface. Next, Synthetic Wax, is derived form a mixture of oils and helps to bind, stabilise and enhance texture.
 
The star oils of the product follow, each exhibiting similar properties. Firstly, Olive Oil is a brilliant moisturiser and softener, able to penetrate deep into the skin to provide hydration and conditioning without blocking pores. It is also a source of antioxidants, Vitamins A and E neutralising free radicals that damage collagen and cause skin dryness and wrinkles. Secondly, Shea Butter is a concentrated source of vitamins and fatty acids, making it moisturising and nourishing. It also boosts the skin’s ability to produce collagen. A good amount of antioxidants like vitamin E as well as polyphenols and phytonutrients give it anti-inflammatory prowess, helping to soothe irritated, inflamed skin and acne. Included at a lesser concentration is Sunflower Seed Oil, a well absorbed, light weight oil without residue that’s 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 provide anti-ageing advantages and caretenoids make it a good acne treatment.
 
Contributing humectant and conditioning properties is Caprylyl Glycol, while Tocopherol (Vitamin E) boosts antioxidant protection. There are also some ingredients which impart scent to the cleanser, and these include Parfum, Linalool and Limonene.
 
Camomile Extract exhibits anti-inflammatory and soothing properties so is a perfect choice for inflamed, acneic or generally problematic skin. Unfortunately, it is situated second last on the ingredient list (suggesting a negligible concentration) and even follows fragrance, so I would not expect it to have much effect on the skin.
 
The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter
 

the ingredients

Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Synthetic Wax, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopherol, Parfum, Aqua, Linalool, Limonene, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Anthemis Nobilis Flower (Camomile) Extract, Citric Acid
 
The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter Ingredients
 

the packaging

The The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter is presented in an aluminum screw top tin. There is no spatula (that shown not included with the product) or outer box.
 
The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter
 

the analysis

Both the CosDNA and EWG assessments conclude a mild-moderate hazard rating for The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter. This is primarily due to the fragrance ingredients.
 
The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter CosDNA Analysis
 

the application

Apply to a dry face and massage into the skin. Rinse off with warm water or remove with a wet muslin cloth for a more thorough cleanse.
 

the scent

The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter has a floral scent.
 

the cost

The The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter costs AUD$25.00 for 90ml (76g) of product. (Correct at time of posting).
 

the availability

The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter is sold at many brand outlets in major cities across Australia as well as being available from their online store.
 

the expiry

The The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter must be used within 12 months of opening.
 
The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter Expiry
 

the performance

This is the first product I’ve tried from The Body Shop. It’s uniquely presented in an aluminum tin, lacking excessive outer packaging (no box) which is great for the environment. As something of a cult product, it’s instantly recognisable. There is no spatula for dispensing but I have no issue with this since I have so many from other products lying around! You could use your fingers, the lack of a scoop indicating this is the standard dispensing approach. I prefer using a spatula, as sometimes, I apply it and find I need a little more, so dipping fingers that already have a layer of sunscreen and makeup on them back into the tin isn’t ideal. The screw top lid and compact size make it travel friendly and highly portable.
 
It looks like a white wax and has quite a similar, dense consistency, albeit softer. The fragrance is non offensive but something that may disagree with those sensitive to such inclusions. Personally, I don’t mind it so much in a wash-off product and it hasn’t had any detrimental effect on my skin. The smell resembles a floral perfume. It’s well priced too, particularly when compared to other cleansing balms.
 
The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter Texture
The butter works like any other product of this nature, applied to dry skin, massaged in, emulsified and rinsed off. Upon touching the skin, it melts quickly to an oily consistency that easily spreads across the skin, but never so lightweight that it drips. I enjoy the whole massage process, helping to loosen old sebum and gunk that is potentially clogging my pores. I massage the cleansing balm in for around 3-4 minutes and then add water to emulsify before rinsing. I always use warm water as I find it far more effective than cold at removing oily substances from the face.
 
The following image shows the results of makeup removal in a clockwise direction, performed without any assistance from cotton pads or cloths. I swatched a variety of eye and lip pencils, mascara and lipsticks as well as concealer and foundation samples. I then applied the butter and massaged. It really didn’t take long to see results. Everything starts melting away before your very eyes. It’s pleasantly effective at lifting long stay lipsticks and waterproof eye products which first step cleansers often find stubborn.
 
The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter Results
As for residue, the butter rinses cleanly with warm water and doesn’t leave anything behind. (Cold water tends to leave a thin film). It doesn’t dry the skin or leave any sensation of stripping, the oils helping ensure the skin barrier remains intact and hydrated. It’s gentle around the eyes and I didn’t experience any cloudy vision as I do with the Banila Co balm for instance. So, all up, the results were excellent. Note, I always follow an oil based cleanser with a water based one and only ever use this as the first step of a double cleanse in the evening.
 
Regarding the name of the product, I don’t think Camomile should be touted the star ingredient since there is even more fragrance in this butter than camomile extract! I also don’t think it should be branded as suitable for sensitive skin since it contains three difference fragrance elements. So, I would warn against lathering it on your face if you are sensitive to such ingredients, suggesting a patch test first. However, given it’s a wash off product and only on the face a short time, it should be fine for most.
 

the conclusion

The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter certainly lived up to the hype for me. It removed makeup and sunscreen effectively and cleanly without residue, is well priced, highly portable and easy to find. I really enjoyed using it as a makeup remover.
 

the summary

Pros Cons
Well presented, compact and travel friendly Contains fragrance
Effectively removes sunscreen and makeup
Doesn’t dry out or strip skin
Gentle around the eyes, no cloudy vision
Afforable
Easy to find with stores in major shopping centres

 

the references

The Body Shop website
Ethylhexyl Palmitate The Derm Review
Synthetic Wax Paula’s Choice Skincare Ingredient Dictionary
Olive Oil (Olea europaea) Blue Stone Botanicals
21 Shea Butter Benefits and Uses Wellness Mama
Is shea butter good for face skin? Abigail Libers
Caprylyl Glycol Truth In Aging
Sunflower Seed, the Skin Protector Annmarie Skin Care
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Benefits In Organic Cosmetics Naturelle Cosmetics

 


the disclaimer

Please read in context with my disclaimer.
 


 

2 Comments

  • Fadian pateicia

    I am so disappointed … I opened it used it once and then it was impossible to open again …. i tried running it under hot water, tried to open it with a knife, screwdriver passed it around many people to open and after 2hours after much frustration threw it in the bin !!!
    Come on Body Shop … what’s the problem??

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