Product Review - Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser

   Achieving and maintaining good healthy skin certainly takes efforts and help of quality skincare products, and cleansers form the most basic group for the same. I've been trying out the Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser since the last couple of months on myself. Below is an in depth, detailed review of the same.

   Product Claims: This mild cleanser is specially formulated with a sugar-derived glycoside foaming agent to thoroughly cleanse skin and remove makeup, without over-drying or stripping skin of its natural oils. With effective emollients Squalene, Apricot Kernel Oil, Vitamin E, and Avocado Oil, our gentle formula dissolves excess oil, dirt and debris. pH- balanced to maintain skin's natural balance. Tested for safety and gentleness.

   Price: Rs. 895/-
   Volume: 75 ml.

   Shelf Life: 36 months.

   Directions: Apply a small amount to clean fingertips and gently massage into damp facial areas in upward, circular motions, avoiding the immediate eye area. Rinse thoroughly or assure removal of cleanser residue with a damp wash cloth.
   Ingredients: Aqua/Water, Sodium Laureth Sulphate, Decyl Glucoside, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Acrylates Copolymer, PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate, Lauryl Glucoside, Sodium Chloride, Pentylene Glycol, Triethanolamine, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Distearyl Ether, Behenyl Alcohol, Methylparaben, Laureth-2, Propylparaben, Sodium Methylparaben, Squalene, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil/Sweet Almond Oil, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil/Apricot Kernel Oil, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Persea Gratissima Oil/Avocado Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid Fmla 685386/25 Code F.I.L.: D31958/1.

 

   The Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser comes packaged as a collapsible white tube provided with a flip cap. The packaging is simple, compact, leak proof and sturdy. It is printed with the name of the brand and product on its front side along with the product claims, net volume provided and a few manufacturing details. Details about suitability according skin type and directions for use have been mentioned in English on the front side, whereas the same has been mentioned in various other languages along with the list of ingredients on the tube's backside. It also comes stuck with multiple (3) information stickers printed with net content, price, month of manufacturing and import, shelf life, contact details for consumer complaints and queries, batch number and more.

   The Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleaner has a thick, gel like consistency and is hazy whitish in color. Though I am not able to put a finger on exact substance that the gel smells like, it somehow reminds me of being underwater or in pools. It isn't the most likeable of the fragrances, but being very faint and mild, is something that I can easily ignore. A small drop of the face wash is more than enough to cleanse the face well, lathering sufficiently and easily getting rid of dirt, oiliness and makeup from the facial skin. It leaves a oily residue on the skin which takes a few extra seconds to get rid of, but a single wash ensures skin which feels fresh. The cleanser is mild, and does not strip the skin's natural oils but at times leaves tiny patches of skin dry, especially in winter. It keeps skin oil free for couple of hours, makes skin soft and keeps eruption of acne in check with continued use. Another downside is the fact that the cleanser contains sulphates and parabens amongst its chief ingredients.

   The Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser is easily available across the nation for purchase, through their stores, select chemists and also through online retail sites though, at Rs. 895/- for a 75 ml tube, it is definitely priced much more than I or most other people would ever consider paying for a facial cleanser.

 

   Pros:
- Simple, sturdy and travel friendly packaging.
- Formula has a thick, gel like consistency.
- Small quantity is enough for thorough cleansing.
- Lathers well.
- Cleanses oiliness, dirt and makeup off the face well.
- Leaves the skin feeling refreshed with a subtle glow.
- Does not strip the skin off its natural oils.
- Keeps skin oil free for good couple of hours.
- Helps in keeping skin soft and acne free with continued use.
- Easily available across all Kiehl's outlets, a few select chemists and online retail sites.

   Cons:
- Smells similar to chlorinated pool water.
- Takes time to rinse off the oily residue the cleanser leaves on the skin.
- A bit drying on my combination type skin.
- Contains sulphates, parabens and many more chemical additives.
- Costs a bomb when compared to other cleansers in the market.

   Verdict: 4/5. Despite its high price, the Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser cleanses the skin thoroughly, keeps oiliness away and acne in check, making it worth a try or two!

Product Review - Fuschia Raspberry Natural Handmade Glycerine Soap

  
   I have recently been experimenting with a lot of 'Make In India' brands which make their products solely using natural ingredients and are devoid of chemical additives. On my journey of the same, I came across the brand - Fuschia, a subunit of Vkare Bio Sciences Pvt. Ltd. which manufactures natural, handmade skincare products. Reviewing a soap, the Fuschia Raspberry Natural Handmade Glycerine Soap from their range below.
 
   Product Claims: Natural handcrafted soap is a luxurious tool in keeping your skin healthy. With its creamy lather, wonderful fragrances, and now affordable prices, pampering yourself has never felt so good. Its popularity is growing rapidly as a chemical free alternative to conventional soaps.

- Made With Natural Ingredients, Fragrance and Essential Aroma Oils.
- Offers Healing & Curative Properties - Common skin disorders like acne, eczema and psoriasis can be treated.
- Contains Anti-Oxidants.
- Contains the Natural Humectant (Moisturizer) Known as “Glycerin”.
- Is Simply Luxurious To Look At.

 

   Price: Rs. 225/-
   Volume: 100 g.
   Shelf Life: 24 months.
   Care Of Your Soap:
- Don't let your soap stay in water for long.
- Use a well-drained soap dish to keep your soap dry.
- Use loofah to increase the life of soap.
- Store your soap in a cool, dry, dark & well-ventilated closet.
- Soap color may fade with time & exposure to excess light, but this does not effect the soap quality & efficacy.
   Ingredients: Enriched with vegetable glycerine base, olive oil, castor oil, active herbs & spices (in herbal variants), coconut oil, palm oil & essential aroma oils.

  

   The Fuschia Raspberry Natural Handmade Glycerine Soap comes wrapped in transparent cellophane which is encased in a simple embossed pink cardboard covering. The outer cover is stuck with an information sticker mentioning the name of - The brand, the product and its specific variant and its size on its front side while yet another one printed with its price, manufacturing date and contact and customer care details is present on its backside. The soap comes with a small pamphlet which mentions its ingredients, shelf life and points mentioned above as 'Care Of Your Soap'. The soap itself is translucent, dark ruby red in color and has a few air bubbles interspersed in it giving its surface a bit of a bumpy feel.

   The Fuschia Raspberry Natural Handmade Glycerine Soap fills the bathroom with its berry fragrance, lathering well on coming in contact with water. It cleanses the skin effectively providing it with freshness. It is easy to rinse off the skin without leaving any kind of residue on it. It doesn't dry out the skin by stripping it off its natural oils, helping to keep it soft and supple. It kept my skin free from acne through entire duration of its use. A single bar lasted for 25 long days for me, resisting quick dissolution, which is commendable considering the soap's size and the absence of artificial preservatives in it. Also, the soap is cruelty free, 100 % vegetarian and free from SLS, parabens, pthalates and mineral oil. 
   The Fuschia Raspberry Natural Handmade Glycerine Soap is easily available across online retail portals in India but may prove to be a bit pricey for many people at Rs. 225/- for a single bar.
 

 

   Pros:
- Simple, compact packaging.
- Scented with fragrance of berries.
- Lathers well.
- Cleanses skin effectively.
- Easy to rinse off.
- Does not leave creamy residue on skin.
- Doesn't strip skin off its natural oils.
- Doesn't dry out the skin.
- Refreshes the skin.
- Keeps skin soft and supple.
- Keeps eruption of acne in check.
- A single bar lasts around for 25 days.
- Resists quick dissolution when kept in a dry soap bar. 
- 100 % vegetarian soap.
- SLS, parabens, pthalates and mineral oil free.
- Cruelty free brand.
- Easily available across the nation.

   Cons:
- Priced on the higher side for a soap.

   Verdict: 4.25/5. The thorough, gentle cleansing provided by the fragrant Fuschia Raspberry Natural Handmade Glycerine Soap makes it well worth a try!
 

Product Review - Kama Ayurveda Rose Jasmine Face Cleanser

   One of the organic, cruelty free 'Make In India' brands that I had been meaning to try since long was Kama Ayurveda. Having heard great positive reviews from many sources, I recently bought a few of their products for myself. Below is the detailed review of the Kama Ayurveda Rose Jasmine Face Cleanser. Do give it a read to know if it stays true to its brand's reputation and product claims.

   Product Claims: A perfect hydrating face wash filled with natural ingredients, which gently and thoroughly clean skin and remove light makeup. Aloe Vera leaf juice heals and smoothens skin, Vetiver root and Black Cumin seeds are antibacterial, Jojoba seed oil softens and rejuvenates skin, minimizing fine lines and promoting skin suppleness. The pure essential oil of Rose has excellent emollient and hydrating properties keeping the skin soft, young and moisturized while the pure essential oil of Jasmine is an effective toner and helps reduce skin marks and scarring.

    Price: Rs. 375/-
   Volume: 50 ml.
   Shelf Life: 24 months.
   Directions: Use appropriate amount on damp skin, light massage and rinse well with lukewarm water & pat dry.

   Ingredients: Vetiver Root Extract,Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Jojoba Seed Oil, Salicylic Acid, Rose & Jasmine Essential Oil Blend, Potassium Sorbate, Holy Basil Leaf Extract, Guar Gum, Liquorice Root Extract, Glycerin, Cumin Seed Extract, Cassia Alata Leaf Extract, Aqua, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice.

   The Kama Ayurveda Rose Jasmine Face Cleanser comes packed as an amber colored compact, simple, attractive and sturdy container bottle provided with a black pump dispenser and a transparent cap for protection against product leakage. It comes labelled with the brand and product name, product claims, directions for use, ingredients, caution warnings, price, volume provided, shelf life, manufacturing and customer care details.
   The face cleanser solution is clear in color, possesses a strong rose scent and is a bit runny in consistency. Just two pumps of the solution are enough to cleanse the face, though the lather it creates isn't a lot due to absence of artificial sulphates. It does not form a creamy layer on the skin and is easy to rinse off. The cleanser gets rid of oil, dirt and traces of light makeup from the skin, providing it with a fresh, radiant look. It does not strip the skin of its natural oils and keeps it well moisturized. Also, it helps in keeping skin soft, supple and oil free. Over time it helps in keeping the eruption of acne in check. It does not contain artificial colors/fragrance or petrochemicals, parabens, urea, propylene glycol or sulphates. It is a 100 % vegetarian product and is cruelty free as well.
   The Kama Ayurveda Rose Jasmine Face Cleanser's price is on the higher side of the spectrum compared to many other face washes in the market, though they are easily available through their stores and website in India and internationally as well.

   Pros:
- Simple, compact, attractive packaging.

- Possesses a natural smelling rose scent.
- Just a small amount is enough to cleanse the face.
- Lathers sufficiently.

- Easy to rinse off.
- Does not form a creamy layer on skin.
- Cleanses oil, light makeup and dirt off the face.

- Gives a fresh look/feel to the skin.

- Does not strip the skin of its natural oils.

- Does not cause drying of skin.
- Leaves skin soft, supple and radiant.
- Keeps skin oil free for hours.

- Keeps acne in check.
- 100 % vegetarian product.
- Cruelty free product.
- Easily available across the nation.

    Cons:
- The solution is a bit runny in consistency.
- Price is on higher side of the spectrum.
 

   Verdict: 4.25/5. Though a bit costly in price, the Kama Ayurveda Rose Jasmine Face Cleanser is a great smelling, thorough yet mild face wash, suitable for all skin types.
 

Product Review - The Nature's Co. Atmospure Spearmint Body Wash

   Summers call for special bath and body products to soothe the skin from damage caused by the harsh heat of the sun, providing it with a tingly freshness. To achieve the same, I've been using the The Nature's Co. Atmospure Spearmint Body Wash and am pleasantly surprised with how it momentarily makes me forget all about the prickly heat and sweaty times that lay ahead! Do read my detailed review of the same below.
 

   Product Claims: Get tingly all over with refreshing Spearmint. It purifies, replenishes and revives your skin. This cleansing body wash lathers up in the bath or shower.

   Price: Rs. 545/-
   Volume: 250 ml.
   Shelf Life: 24 months.
   Ingredients: Spearmint extract, Pro-Vitamin B5, Vegetable Glycerin W/S base, Aroma, Natural preservatives & Food Grade colors (FD & C) Q.S.
 

   The The Nature's Co. Atmospure Spearmint Body Wash comes packed in a recyclable see through container with its brand name embossed on its side and is provided with a leak proof flip cap. It has a cobalt green information sticker mentioning the name of the brand as well the product, product claims, ingredients, manufacturing details, net volume, price and contact details of the parent company on it. This packaging is simple and attractive but does not provide much sturdiness, my container developed a small crack right at the bottom leading to leakage in initial few days of use itself.

   The body wash formula is greenish in color and is imparted with a strong fragrance of spearmint. It has a fluid consistency, without being too runny. A small amount of the formula when used with a wet loofah produces sufficient lather to cleanse the skin well, providing it a cooling, refreshing sensation while doing so. It takes a little extra effort to rinse the body wash off due to a creamy residue which it leaves on the skin. It does not strip the skin of its natural oils and leaves it feeling moisturized, soft, smooth and supple without any hint of dryness or flaking. Also, I didn't notice much body acne since the time I started using this particular product i.e a month ago and I have still around 2/3rd of the formula in the bottle left. Other positive points include suitability for all skin types, being 100 % organic, cruelty free and having a recyclable packaging.
   The The Nature's Co. Atmospure Spearmint Body Wash is priced on the higher side of the spectrum for a bath product, though quite easily available across the nation via online platforms.

 

 

   Pros:
- Simple, attractive packaging.
- Has a strong spearmint scent.
- Has a nice fluid consistency, without being too runny.

- Small amount required for optimal use.
- Lathers well.
- Gives instant cooling sensation to the skin.
- Cleanses the skin well.
- Refreshes the skin.

- Does not make the skin dry or flaky.
- Does not strip the skin of its natural oils.
- Keeps skin moisturized, soft, smooth and supple.

- Keeps eruption of body acne in check.

- A single container easily lasts for 3 months or more.
- Can be used for all skin types.
- Organic, vegan, chemical free product.
- Cruelty free product.
- Recyclable packaging.
- Easily available across the nation.

   Cons:
- The container bottle is not very sturdy.
- Leaves a creamy residue on the skin which takes a while to rinse off.
- Price is on the higher side of spectrum.
 

 
   Verdict: 4.25/5. The refreshing scent, tingly cooling sensation and thorough cleansing property of the The Nature's Co. Atmospure Spearmint Body Wash make it a must try product, especially during the scorching summers like the ones we're having right now!

Product Review - Omved Kamalika Lotus Vetiver Soap

   Lately I've been using and reviewing a lot of organic, chemical and cruelty free products from various #MakeInIndia brands. Introducing Omved, one more such brand today and reviewing a soap from their vast range of products, the Omved Kamalika Lotus Vetiver Soap below.

   Product Claims: The exhilarating and divine blend of the sensual White Lotus with the woody Vetiver makes Kamalika bath bar the perfect wake-up call to a new beginning every day.
   This 100% natural aromatherapy bath bar is extra hydrating for dry skin and soothingly gentle for sensitive skin. Lotus oil works to heal what ails you both physically and mentally as it softens and conditions your skin. Vetiver oil refreshes, cools and relieves mental fatigue.
   Our signature cold-process saponified, pure triple oil base of coconut, olive and castor cleanses without stripping; skin-loving Aloe Vera tones while the retained pure plant-based glycerine lends to richer moisturizing.
   This classical ancient blend of oils offers you a luxuriating and aromatic escape from everyday stress while it cleanses and moisturizes, maintains your skin's pH balance and refreshing you from top to bottom.
 

   Price: Rs. 320/-
   Volume: 125 g.
   Shelf Life: 24 months.
   Directions: Great for the shower, the bath, or to make the guest bathroom smell great! This natural bath bar is a great way to add more aromatherapy into your day, everyday. Work it up into a light lather and massage into skin at bath time.
   Breathe deeply for best results.
   Ingredients: A mild, gentle bath bar, full of natural essential oils. Saponified Oils of Olive (Olea europaea), Vegetable and Castor (Ricinus communis), Retained and added plant-based glycerine, Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis), and true essential oils of Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides) and Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera). Nothing else.
   100% biodegradable formula and packaging.

   The Omved Kamalika Lotus Vetiver Soap comes packed in a single layer of transparent cellophane sheet which is encased with a brown information cover. It has the name of the soap and pictorial depiction of the lotus plant printed on its front side while other specifications like ingredients used, manufacturing details, weight, price and shelf life, etc. are mentioned on rest of the sides. The soap is rectangular in shape, translucent and light pink in color. It is packaged in a simple, attractive manner which is quite compact and travel friendly.
   The Omved Kamalika Lotus Vetiver Soap has a mild and pleasant scent to it and though I cannot decipher the fragrance it definitely isn't that of either lotus or vetiver. It lathers abundantly, providing instant cooling sensation to the skin on application. It cleanses the skin well, is easy to rinse off and does not leave a creamy layer on the skin. Though it does not strip the skin of its natural oils, it occasionally leaves a few tiny patches of skin dry and flaky. It makes the skin feel clean and fresh and keeps it soft and supple. It prevents eruption of body acne with each bar lasting around 24 days, resisting quick dissolution. It is suitable for all skin types. It is free from all kinds of chemicals and artificial compounds, is 100 % vegan, organic and is a cruelty free product.
   It is easily available across the nation via various online stores but at Rs. 320/- for a single bar, it's a bit pricey for the common man (look for discounts!).

   Pros:
- Simple, attractive, travel friendly packaging.
- Has a pleasant, mild soapy scent.
- Lathers abundantly.
- Provides a slight cooling effect.
- Cleanses the skin well.
- Easy to rinse off.
- Does not form a creamy layer on the skin.
- Does not strip natural oils from the skin to make it dry.
- Makes skin feel clean and fresh.
- Keeps skin soft and supple.
- Keeps eruption of acne in check.
- A single bar lasts for around 24 days.
- Does not dissolve quickly.
- Well suited for all skin types.
- Free from parabens, sulfates, petrochemicals or petroleum by-products, phthalates, mineral oils, hydrogenated oils, synthetic chemical perfumes/fragrances, artificial coloring or preservatives or unnatural stabilizers, harsh detergents or any other unhealthy toxins.
- 100 % vegan, organic soap.
- PETA certified, cruelty free product.
- Easily available across India.

   Cons:
- Occasionally leaves tiny patches of skin dry and flaky.
- Cost is on the higher side of the spectrum.

   Verdict: 4.25/5. Omved Kamalika Lotus Vetiver Soap's mild pleasant scent along with its thorough moisturizing and cleansing properties make it definitely worth a try!

Product Review - Soulflower Sexy Strawberry Soap

   Fragrance (In addition to appearance) is a big part of what attracts me most to a skincare product and makes a lasting first impression on my mind. So when I came across a very pleasant smelling and attractive Soulflower Sexy Strawberry Soap around a year ago, I knew I had to give it a try someday. Reviewing the same, the organic, handmade Soulflower Sexy Strawberry Soap here today. Do read further to find out if it was worth the buy.

   Product Claims: Wouldn’t you like to start your day with a bowl of fresh cream, strawberries & oatmeal? One whiff of our fresh strawberry soap will make you jump off bed & into the shower. This breakfast for your skin does a miraculous job on pimples, oats scrubs all the grime away gently removing excess sebum oils. Cream & cocoa give a thick, creamy lather to this soap. This soap will surely leave you with baby soft rosy skin.
   For all skin types.

   Price: Rs. 250/-
   Volume: 150 g.
   Shelf Life: 36 months. 
   How to care for 100% vegan organic soap:

 

   This soap comes in large bar sizes; you should cut how much you need, and store the unused soap in a cool dry place. This way you can make your soap last for a long time. Keep the soap in a soap dish, so that water drains away & the soap is dry when not in use. Does not contain artificial hardeners & preservatives. Store in a cool dry place for longer shelf life.
   Ingredients:

   Fresh strawberries, pink clay, fresh cream, cocoa butter, Vitamin E, glycerin, aqua, permitted edible color & aroma, saponified oils of olive, castor, coconut, palm & palm kernel.

   The Soulflower Sexy Strawberry soap comes in form of a rectangular bar enveloped in a transparent plastic packaging. It has a colorful information sticker with the brand name, name of the soap, a pictorial depiction of key ingredients, list of ingredients, product claims, instructions for usage and price stuck on it. The packaging of the soap is simple and attractive. The soap is quite big, size wise and can be used for a longer duration by avoiding wastage by cutting it and using it in parts. It is opaque, pink in color.

   The Soulflower Sexy Strawberry soap is scented to smell of fresh strawberries. This overwhelming fragrance fills the room while bathing, giving a very luxurious, spa like feeling. It lathers exuberantly and gives a slight cooling sensation on coming in contact with the skin. It is easy to rinse off and does not leave a creamy residue while doing so. It cleanses the skin well, refreshing it at the same time. This soap though specifically meant for those with dry skin suits well to all skin types. It does not cause skin to loose its natural oils but at times leaves a few tiny patches of skin dry. That being said, it does an excellent job of keeping the skin soft and supple and reduces bumps and acne on the skin. I kept my soap in a soap dish and used it as a single big piece, keeping it away from water when not in use. Despite quick dissolution occurring due to absence of artificial hardeners, a single bar of the Soulflower Sexy Strawberry Soap lasted for 28 days for me. The fact that these handmade soaps are made up of 100 % vegan organic materials, do not contain any chemicals or preservatives and are completely cruelty free is a big positive point in their favor.
   The Soulflower Sexy Strawberry Soap, priced at Rs. 250/- is definitely a bit pricey compared to other soaps but can be found at a much lesser price due to the frequent discounts, sales and offers on all the major online retail sites from where these soaps can be easily purchased.

   Pros:
- Simple, attractive packaging.
- Scented to smell of strawberries.
- Gives a cooling sensation while bathing.
- Lathers abundantly.
- Easy to rinse off.
- Doesn't leave a creamy residue on the skin.
- Cleanses the skin well.
- Refreshes the skin!
- Doesn't strip the skin of its natural oils.
- Keeps skin soft and supple.
- Keeps eruption of acne in check.
- Each bar of soap lasts for around 28 days.
- Suits all skin types.
- 100 % vegan, organic soap.
- Does not contain SLS, artificial hardeners or preservatives.
- Cruelty free products.
- Easily available across online/offline platforms.

   Cons:
- Occasionally leaves tiny areas of skin dry and flaky.
- Dissolves quickly.
- Price is on the costlier side.

   Verdict: 4.25/5. The Soulflower Sexy Strawberry soap is perfect for an aromatic, luxurious bathing experience, which leaves the skin feeling softer than ever before!