I have to level with you. The only reason why I actually bought this product to test, was because its NEW.
Instructions for Use
Sometimes you have to read it to believe it. The directions for use are: use a small amount as a light moisturiser in the day after cleansing and toning.
Draelos says the word moisturizer is a misnomer, and she couldn’t be more right. Moisturisers do not add moisture to your skin and instead aim to restore water content through these ingredients and their mechanism of action.
I think its really important to point out the Light hydrating gel is not a complete moisturising system in itself.
See this blog:
When you look for a moisturiser (s) you want them to contain:
Occlusives: These form a protective barrier, preventing water loss as well as creating conditions for barrier repair. Petrolatum is the best occlusive preventing 99.9% of water loss. Other occlusive ingredients in decreasing order of effectiveness are: Petrolatum> Lanolin > Mineral oil > Silicones
Emollients: Many occlusives are also emollients. Not confusing at all! All emollients will make skin feel soft and smooth by filling in the cracks and gaps between corneocytes. Its a temporary effect and the next time you wash your face, the effects gone.
Humectants: loves water, and it draws water from the lower levels of the Stratum Corneum (SC) (the epidermal layer) and if its very humid, the air around your skin. Humectants will hydrogen bond with water and “sit” in the lamellar lipid matrix in the SC.
What is the composition of this product
The ingredient list as always with Forest Essentials’ is pitiful. Here it is from their website (downloaded 12th February 2023 and will not be updated thereafter)
- Aloe Vera Leaf Extract (Aloe Barbadensis)** – 2.0%,
- Cucumber Fruit Extract(Cucumis Sativus) – 1.0%,
- Ashwagandha Root Extract (Withania Somnifera) – 2.0%,
- Plum Fruit Extract (Prunus Domestica)- 1.0%,
- Rice bran oil (Oryza Sativa ) – 1.0%,
- Rose Flower Extract(Rosa Damascena)**- 1.0%.
- Base Contains Aqua, Dehydroxanthan Gum, Glycerin, Sodium Levulinate & Sodium Anisate(Natural Preservatives)**, Phytic Acid (Natural Chelating Agent)** – Q.S
Aloe vera and glycerin are humectants and the rice bran oil could be an emollient (?)/ occlusive.
The point I am trying to make here is that this is not a complete moisturiser. Its definitely not something that anyone in the 30+ age group should be relying on to moisturiser their face. Period.
What do I think of this product
As a normal moisturiser it is borderline rubbish. Despite what Forest Essentials’ tell you – I just wouldn’t treat this as a light-moisturiser. Period.
Reduce inflammation: I think the small component of aloe vera, cucumber, rose flower extract and ashwagandha actually reduce inflammation in the skin (e.g.) arise in India because its 40C+ outside or excessive sun-exposure or sunburn.
Substitute aloe vera gel: However, this morning I used it as my nuface gel. The nuface device is a micro current device and essentially needs that conductivity material. You can use normal aloe vera gel (or water if you don’t mind the small electric bumps).
I much prefer aloe vera gel mixed with hyaluronic acid. But this worked as a good substitute
How is the skinfeel of the product?
Honestly, its not as tacky as I thought it would be – that’s probably because Forest Essentials’ have used a decent quality gum.
Would I buy this again?
At the moment I don’t think so.
I may change my mind after prolonged use of the product… but currently all I can is this cost INR 1775 for 50g or that’s about US$ 20. For US$ 20, I can buy a bunch of rosewater and aloe vera!
Honestly, I am struggling to find good things to say about the price or this product. As a nuface gel – its expensive at US$ 20 for 50ml.