I am testing the above balm, which I got as a sample on the purchase of a hideously expensive set of Uma products. It is a semi-solid, but not runny balm. I assume in colder climates it is much harder.
Never heard of this brand?
UMA is an Ayurvedic brand that manufactures its products in the USA. In the words of the Founder, the brand is a natural response to the “bastardisation” of Ayurveda that she perceives in the American market.
What do I think?
I love this product.
I have applied it to damp skin on my arm (because that’s how you should apply a balm, if you don’t want an oily mess).
Dry skin
On damp skin
It glides on like butter, but so much better. You really do need a small amount. The best part of the product is the smell. Because the brand uses proper essential oils, the initial mix of Neroli, Orange and Grapefruit gradually fades into a grapefruit citrus smell.
As I absolutely obsessed with smells, its always a pleasure to find a product with natural fragrance.
Would I buy this again?
This is a US$70. This cost me nothing as I am using the sample that came with purchase. The ingredients (from Uma’s website) are butters (shea, coco and avocado), beeswax, base oils (ghee, grapeseed, coconut, rosehip and pomegranate) along with Ashwagandha and essential oils (neroli, grapefruit and orange). The balm does not contain any water, and so there are no preservatives but just an anti-oxidant (Vitamin E) to prevent rancidity).
I frequently have this conversation with a friend: when you buy an expensive handbag or a product, what are you really paying for? Is it the value of the actual ingredients or the know-how in creating something and/or the sensual experience of using the product.
I am afraid in Uma Oil’s case, you are paying for know-how – how to make a great balm using so many fantastic oils and ingredients. This is no mean feat. But will it do the same job as a product half its price? Probably.
..what’s the anti-aging part of the product?
I am not entirely sure or persuaded that there is genuine anti-ageing (ie. the age reversal of cells). What is more likely is that as the product contains Rosehip, Pomegranate and Grapeseed oils, which improve the appearance of skin. Any improved appearance of skin (as above) is not a reversal of age, but just an improvement in skin appearance….
i) Rosehip oil
Cold-pressed rosehip oil contains a high percentage of unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants, that together provide protection against inflammation and oxidative stress.
ii) Pomegranate oil
Pomegranate oil is rich in anti-ageing compounds and is used in small percentages to give your skincare product a high performance boost. It is cold pressed from the seeds of the pomegranate. This oil is said to rejuvenate your skin by speeding up the shedding of dead skin cells. It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which make this oil a wonderful addition to any anti-ageing skincare blend.
iii) Grapeseed oil (source in link)
Available at Uma Oils for US$ 70.
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