If you are a regular reader of my blog, you’ll know that one of my pet grievances are physical face exfoliators.
This product is a physical exfoliator.
The principal exfoliating agent is walnut shell powder, which makes similar to Forest Essential’s Kashmiri Walnut Gel Scrub.
However, both products could not be further apart.
Forest Essentials’ produced an inferior and harsh product, and I used it in fear that I was scrubbing off more than my face, and that I was damaging my skin barrier.
Kama Ayurveda has produced a far gentler product, as the exfoliating grains are more even and spherical. The grains are immersed in a sesame seed emulsion, making it less harsh on facial skin.
But, the Forest Essentials’ product is nothing more than sharp, uneven walnut shell grains immersed in a watery emulsion. Regular use of such a product would damage your skin barrier.
Is my skin brighter as a result of this product?
I can’t see the difference and especially if I compare it to (e.g.) Uma’s brightening face mask.
Would I rebuy this product?
I have to eat my words at this point and tell you that despite my great reluctance to use this product, I would repurchase it.
It is gentle and suitable for use once or twice a week. The scrub does have other wonderful ingredients, such as saffron and liquorice extract, both of which are skin lighteners. However, this is not a leave-on product, and therefore, it matters very little that these ingredients are present.
Available for purchase at Nykaa or Kama Ayurveda. Retail price is INR 1,450 for 50g. Please note that Kama Ayurveda are currently not shipping products internationally.
See also
Kama Ayurveda rose and jasmine face cleanser
Kama Ayurveda rosewater toner
Skin lightening ingredient: licorice
Skin lightening ingredient: saffron