To date, I have been a believer that ‘you can’t rush excellence’ when it comes to macerations and that sun infusion is the best way to capture herbal goodness in oil.
But sometimes, stuff happens.
A conversation with Vivienne Campbell of the Herbal Hub inspired me to rethink and revisit oil infusion methods – even after all these years.
Side-by-Side Testing Just Made the To-Do List
When this kind of thing happens, testing is in order, and that’s what that totally un-sexy-looking photo is about up there. (My apologies – I really tried to pep it up a bit, but this pic was quite simply un-pepp-able).
Pictured: the beginning of a side-by-side test of coriander seeds infused into apricot kernel oil. The jar is going on the windowsill for a few weeks, while the bag will be undergoing ‘heat treatment’.
If We’re Going to Make it Easy, Let’s Make it Real Easy
Heat infusing oils can be done a few different ways. Although I have used the bain marie/ double boiler method to melt butters, waxes and make all kinds of anhydrous products forever, I have a never-ending fear of steam (or any moisture) making its way into the precious contents.
Since a sudden pile-up of testing to-do’s just made their way to the docket, I decided to take the easy-peasy, worry-free route and bought a sous-vide stick and a kit to ‘bag’ things to be sous-vide’ed.
We’re talking about cooking equipment here, and if you don’t know this method, it consists of sealing food in a special type of food-safe plastic and submerging the bag in temperature-controlled water for however many hours one decides. It’s also referred to a slow-cooking by some.
I made a discovery. This method is so fun and easy, it almost feels like cheating.
Side by Side Coriander Seeds in Oil
Although it isn’t very clear in the picture above, the coriander seeds have all been lightly crushed using the same method to release as much coriander goodness as possible. My method is quite primitive: place coriander seeds in sturdy, food-safe plastic bag. Close bag and place on hard surface. Whack bag with rolling pin until seeds are lightly crushed.
Top Tip: If you prefer to use a spice grinder, prepare to keep that spice grinder as your dedicated coriander seed spice grinder for the remainder of your life. You’re welcome.
To heat-infuse oil, it is generally recommended to heat at a temperature of about 55º C / 131º F for around 2-3 hours.
Pictured below, a batch of coriander seeds on top of a batch with lavender buds with sous-vide stick in place and controlling the temp to perfection.
The rose quartz is a gift I have had for many years and happened to be right at hand when the bags kept floating to the top and I needed a weight to keep them under the water. The quartz has since become an indispensable tool for my heat infusions.
How Do They Compare?
This is one of numerous batches I have made over the past few months with different herbs and because these things need proper attention, it may be a while before any hard-core conclusions can be made on how the methods compare, but I will give you feedback on the pictured batch.
Testing consisted of a standard nose test and application test. My husband (who is painfully honest and a great tester) proclaimed the heat-infused oil the winner in scent and could not feel any difference in application.
I could not decide on a winner in the scent comparison. The cold infused oil seemed to have a bit more strength, but every other time I sniffed the one before the other, my impression changed so it was impossible to compare.
In this batch, I found no difference in feel.
More to Come
Meantime, some of the other herbs I am testing include lavender, wild rose, rosemary, chamomile, dandelion (leaves and bossoms), plantain, and calendula. Updates to be reported as results come in.
As you might know, I have a spreadsheet of sunscreen reviews to keep track of sunscreens I’ve been trying, and I’ve finally collected 6 sunscreens that have achieved holy grail status. So I thought I’d film a video review of these 6 of my favourite sunscreens, with my updated thoughts on them! I’ve also included…
CBD oil is the new buzzword in skincare. Rumour has it, it can fight wrinkles, treat acne, and get you high… with excitement when you see the results. What were you thinking?!
Is it too good to be true? I’ve tried Hugg CBD Clay Face Mask and Coffee Body Scrub to find out…
What Is CBD Oil?
CBD, a.k.a. cannabidiol, is the non-psychotropic component of marijuana or hemp. So, no, it won’t get you high.
What does it do then? CBD oil hasanti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness and irritation. It also helps treat acne. It’s an inflammatory disease, so anything that can bring the inflammation down a notch or two will help.
Like most oils, CBD is also a rich source of antioxidants. Think of them as your skin’s police. They patrol your body looking for free radicals, the nasty molecules that give you wrinkles. When they find one, they neutralise it before it can wreak its damage.
Pretty impressive, isn’t it?
CBD Oil is the key ingredient in Hugg CBD Clay Face Mask and Coffee Body Scrub. Do they live up to the hype?
Hugg CBD Clay Face Mask
You know that tighter-than-a-straitjacket feeling you get when a clay mask starts drying up on your skin? You don’t feel that with Hugg CBD Clay Face Mask. The mask stays creamy for the five minutes or so you have it on.
The texture’s wonderful. It looks more like a thick lotion than a clay mask and has enough slip to go on smoothly. It washes off effortlessly, too.
I usually leave a muddy mess all over my sink every time I use a clay mask. Not this time. I kid you not. I tried A TON of clay masks in my 30+ years, but I’ve never found one that was so pleasant to use.
Its secret? This mask is packed with natural oils, including CBD, sunflower, olive, and coconut. They make the texture creamy and keep your skin soft and moisturised as the Dead Sea Mud absorbs excess oil.
Most clay masks can’t be used by dry skin. Hugg CBD Clay Face Mask is suitable for everyone (bar maybe very sensitive). It leaves skin matte, soft, and moisturised.
I usually use the mask once a week as I’m in the bathtub, but it’s so moisturising, you can use it almost every day – if you have the time for a pampering treat.
There’s no doubt CBD Coffee Body Scrub uses real coffee. As soon as you unscrew the jar, the smell of a freshly brewed cup of coffee hits your nose. Delicious!
The mask itself looks like loose coffee. The texture’s a little more buttery, but it still feels grainy when you massage it on your skin. I have to be honest: I found it way too harsh on my dry skin.
As I was gently scrubbing my way up my legs, the sensation was unpleasant. Like I was rubbing sand all over my skin. Could be because my skin’s chronically dry. If yours is oilier or better moisturised, it may feel more pleasant for you.
At least, my skin wasn’t red or irritated afterwards. On the contrary, it felt a lot smoother and a little softer – a telltale sign CBD Coffee Body Scrub had removed all the dead cells from the surface of my skin.
Like the Clay Mask, the Coffee Scrub is infused with a bunch of oils to mosturize skin. CBD oil and co strengthen the skin’s protective barrier to keep moisture in. Plus, they have their fair share of antioxidants to fight off free radicals before they give you premature wrinkles.
But this time, the oils aren’t enough to counteract the grittiness of the texture. Shame…
Available at: Clay Mask, £19.99 and Coffee Scrub, £24.99 at The Hugg Shop
Have you tried Hugg CBD Clay Face Mask and Coffee Body Scrub? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Get access to the “Pro Skincare Library” for exclusive skincare routine “cheat sheets” and tricks to help you navigate the beauty aisles jungle like a pro and immediately know what to pick off the shelves to achieve the gorgeous skin of your dreams – even when you’re drowning in an endless sea of skincare products.
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The Canadian brand first made waves with Nanoblur, a potion that makes you look Facetuned in real life. Who needs a filter when you have Photoshop in a bottle?
Since then, they launched a skincare range that gives you powerful actives at affordable prices. Their mission? To give real results to real people.
They get it right… most of the time. Here’s the complete guide to ALL Indeed Laboratories skincare products. Find out what’s worth the little splurge, what’s best to avoid, and what’s just meh…
The Best Indeed Laboraties Skincare Products
Best For AntiAging: Indeed Retinol Reface™ ($19.99)
Indeed Retinol Reface™ is my fave product from the entire range. It’s an open secret that retinol (and other forms of Vitamin A) is the only thing proven to reduce wrinkles so far. This formula combines retinol with granactive retinoid and a retinol-like peptide to slow down aging in three ways: it neutralises free radicals before they give you wrinkles; it speeds up skin’s natural exfoliating process to brighten the complexion, and it boosts collagen for firmer skin. The only problem? It’s harsh. If you’re new to retinol, this will likely cause stinging, peeling, and irritation. Start with a gentler product and work your way up to this.
Best Antiaging For Sensitive Skin: Indeed Bakuchiol Reface™ Pads ($19.99)
Let’s get one thing straight: Bakuchiol isn’t the miracle alternative to retinol marketers are making it out to be. But it IS a good alternative if you’re pregnant or have very sensitive skin that can’t tolerate retinol at all. Studies show that it reduces wrinkle surface area and hyperpigmentation without irritating or drying out skin (common side effects of retinol). Indeed Bakuchiol Reface™ Pads go a step further: they’re also loaded with niacinamide, a form of Vitamin B3 that does anything you want it to: it hydrates skin, fights wrinkles, fades away dark spots, treats acne, and even soothes irritations. The best part? They’re 100% biodegradable.
Best For Dry Skin: Indeed Hydraluron™ Intense Moisture Lotion ($24.99)
Is your skin thirsty for moisture all the time? Indeed Hydraluron™ Intense Moisture Lotion can quench it. It uses a blend of high, medium and low molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to hydrate every layer of skin. Hyaluronic acid is a moisture magnet that attracts and binds to the skin up to 1000 times its weight in water. Can you imagine how much moisture 3 forms can give to your skin? Plus, it has its fair share of natural butters and oils to lock all this extra moisture in. The texture? Lotion-like and fast-absorbing.
Best For Dehydrated Skin: Indeed Hydration Booster ($24.99)
Did you know anyone can get dehydrated skin – even oily skin? Humectants are the perfect fix. Glycerin and co attract moisture from the air and dump it into your skin, keeping it hydrated without adding more oil to it (the last thing oily skin needs). Plus, Indeed Hydration Booster has niacinamide, a multitasker that hydrates, soothes, brightens and even fights wrinkles… No matter your skin type, niacinamide can only help.
Best Facial Oil For Everyone: Indeed Squalane Facial Oil ($19.99)
Indeed Squalene Facial Oil is one of the few oils that everyone can use. Yes, even if you have oily skin or fungal acne. Squalane is very similar to human sebum, so it sinks in quacky into without leaving a greasy trail all over your skin. It strengthens your skin’s protective barrier, so that moisture stays in – just where it needs to be to keep your skin soft and moisturised for hours. The best part? It’s non-comedogenic.
Best For Brightening Skin: Indeed Pepta-Bright™ ($24.99)
Forget the peptides in the name. They refer to the old formula. The new version of Indeed Pepta-Bright™ barely contains any! Instead, it uses a mix of skin-brighteners – Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine, Phenyethyl Resorcinol, and Dimethylmethoxy Chromanyl Palmitate – to fade away dark spots. Although not as studied or effective as hydroquinone, initial research show they can stop skin from producing too much melanin, the root cause of hyperpigmentation. If your dark spots are fairly new, it’s well worth a try.
Best For Hiding Imperfections: Indeed Nanoblur™ ($19.99)
Indeed Nanoblur™ is the product that put the brand on the beauty map. It uses a combination of silicones and film formers to fill in every nook and crevice in your skin. It blurs away large pores, makes wrinkles look smaller, and just smoothens out your skin’s texture. The catch? It has no skincare benefits (doesn’t moisturise or fights wrinkles). It just creates a smoother canvas that makes you look like you’re wearing an Instagram filter in real life. It dries to a matte finish that’s more suitable for oily skin, but everyone can use it – just moisturise beforehand!
P.S. Nanoblur™ also comes in a different shades to counteract different tones in your skin. Green neutralises redness; Peach brightens dark circles; Purple brightens sallow skin; and Yellow evens out discolourations.
Indeed 10 Balm™ is a godsend for sensitive skin. This moisturising lotion is packed to the brim with 10 of nature’s most soothing ingredients. Highlights include everything bees make (honey, propolis and royal jelly) as well as bisabolol, the skin-soother that gives chamomile its famous anti-inflammatory properties. All together, they help reduce redness and irritation, and protect sensitive, damaged skin as it heals. Did I mention it’s fragrance-free, too?
Best For Your Body: Indeed 10 Balm™ Body Lotion ($24.99)
Did you know Indeed 10 Balm™ is so soothing, people used it on their body, too? Indeed got the message and created a separate version for your body called 10 Balm™ Body Lotion. Similar to the original, it uses a blend of natural oils to strengthen the skin’s protective barrier and nature’s skin soothers (like bisabolol) to calm down redness and irritation. FYI, if you already have a face cream, you don’t need to invest in the body lotion, too. They’re both moisturising and soothing, so pick the one you like best for your needs.
Best For Lips: Indeed Hydraluron™+ Volumising Lip Treatment ($14.99)
Let’s get one thing straight: there’s nothing in Indeed Hydraluron™+ Volumising Lip Treatment that mimics hyaluronic acid injections. A lip balm can’t give you the same results as a filler. But you’re smart. You already knew that. Still, this is a worth a go simply because of how moisturizing it is. It’s packed with natural butters + hyaluronic acid, a combination that makes lips softer, smoother and kissable… And yes, a little bit plumper, too.
Indeed Vitamin C24 contains 22% L-Ascorbic Acid, the pure form of Vitamin C. This powerful antioxidant can fight off free radicals, boosts collagen, and fade away dark spots. It comes in a siliconey, water-free texture that keeps it stable and effective – no need to worry it’ll go bad within two months. 2% Hyaluronic Acid hydrates skin, keeping it soft and supple. The serum works, no doubt about it. So, why didn’t it make it onto the best list? Studies show Vitamin C is even more effective when paired with Vitamin E and ferulic. Sadly, they’re nowhere to be found here.
P.S. Not everyone can tolerate 22% L-Ascorbic Acid. If you have sensitive skin, start with a lower concentration and work your way up slowly.
Indeed Collagen Booster has a lot going for it. The lightweight milky serum absorbs quickly into the skin, giving it an instant plumping effect that can temporarily reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Plus, it has its fair share of phospholipids, a family of moisturisers that strengthen the skin’s protective barrier to keep your skin soft and hydrated for hours. There’s just nothing here that can boost collagen and unsag skin.
I’m on the fence about Indeed Clarify Facial Oil. On the one hand, it has salicylic acid, an oil-soluble exfoliant that can get inside the pores and remove all the gunk that’s clogging them up and giving you wrinkles. If you have acne-prone skin, this acid is your new BFF. On the other, I’m not sure it’s a good idea to use it in an oily base. Argan oil is fairly lightweight and touted as non-comedogenic, but any oil has the potential to clog pores. It’s one of those products you have no idea if they’re good or bad for you until you try them (it really depends on how well YOUR skin can tolerate oils).
Dry, dull skin that feels tight all the time? Indeed Hydraluron™ Moisture Jelly uses a blend of humectants (ingredients that can draw moisture from the environment into the skin) like glycerin, urea, and hyaluormic acid. Together, they add a ton of moisture to your skin to make it look healthier and younger. Moisture plumps up skin so you fine lines and wrinkles look smaller; it softens the texture of your skin; and it gives your skin a dewy glow. The catch? Hydrating skin is all this moisturiser does.
With Indeed Hydraluron™ Moisture Serum, you get what you see. It’s a basic hyaluronic acid serum that adds a ton of moisture to the skin. This moisture than makes skin softer, plumper, and brighter. If you’re looking for a hydrating serum that doesn’t break the bank, this is worth a try. Don’t just expect it to do anything more than hydrating skin.
Indeed Mineral Booster promises to harness the power of minerals – zinc, copper, and magnesium, to be exact – to “improve circulation, drain and detoxify skin tissues, reduce oxidative stress and protect the skin against glycation”. It simply doesn’t live up to the hype. These minerals may do all this when you eat them. In skincare, they only act as antioxidants, fighting off free radicals before they give you wrinkles. It’s an important job, but is it enough to make you want to buy it? Me, I’m sticking to retinol and Vitamin C.
Indeed Q10 Booster is an antioxidant serum that helps you fight premature aging. The star of the show is Coenzyme Q10 (a.k.a. Ubiquinone), but the booster also has a sprinkle of Vitamins C and E. All together, they neutralize free radicals before they have the chance to give you wrinkles and dark spots. They come in a lightweight texture that sinks in quickly without leaving a tacky residue behind. So why am I not giving it a higher rating? I just wish it contained more antioxidants. Three is more than most serums out there have, but you can do better.
The Indeed Laboratories Skincare Products I Don’t Recommend
Indeed Snoxin II™ ($29.99)
Indeed Snoxin II™ proudly proclaims to be a “safer, milder and more affordable alternative to needles and plastic surgery.” Needless to say, that’s nonsense. So, what can it do? The moisturizing, gel-like texture is loaded with peptides that may help keep your skin younger for longer. MATRIXYL synthe’6 helps improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles; Hexanoyl Dipeptide-3 Noleucene Acetate aids the skin’s natural exfoliating process; and Mu-conotoxin CNIIC prevents muscles from contracting, so they can’t form wrinkles in the first place. Too bad studies on peptides come mostly from the manufacturers. Until independent research confirms all this, don’t waste your money on peptide serums.
Indeed Exfoliator II is a hybrid exfoliant that wants to do it all… and ends up doing nothing well. In theory, it exfoliates skin in three ways. Physical: rice powder manually removes dead cells from the surface of your skin – but, like all types of physical exfoliation, can be irritating. Enzymes: pineapple enzymes speed up the skin’s natural exfoliating process – but they’re very unstable and become useless quickly. Chemical: malic acid dissolves the glue that holds skin cells together – but is very weak and usually only adjusts the pH of skincare products. Save the money and invest in a leave-in exfoliant with glycolic acid (dry skin), salicylic acid (oily skin), or lactic acid (sensitive skin).
I’ve said many times before on this blog: you do NOT need a separate eye cream. As long as your facial moisturiser isn’t too rich for your eye area, you can slather it all over and call it a day. Indeed Eysilix II™ does what your day/night cream does anyway: it has a bunch of moisturizing oils and butters to keep skin soft and smooth and a sprinkle of antioxidants to fight premature wrinkles. Indeed also added a bunch of peptides to fight dark circles… Too bad they don’t really work. Truth bomb: if an eye cream could really treat dark circles, no one would have them anymore!
Indeed NoAcid Pads promises to exfoliate skin without the use of acids. How? Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, a new type of probiotic that “positively influences both the speed and quality of epidermal growth” for better barrier function. According to the manufacturer, it can break down the glue that holds skin cells together, so they can slough off and reveal the brighter and smoother skin underneath. It looks promising, but until I came across independent studies supporting these claims, I can’t recommend it.
Indeed Radiance Booster isn’t a bad product. It’s just terribly underwhelming. Its promises: “restores luminosity, promotes even skin tone and recaptures the appearance of a healthy, youthful complexion.” Aut a look at the formula shows it can only hydrate skin. Meh…
What do you think are the best Indeed skincare products? Share your picks in the comments below.
Take The Guesswork Out Of Skincare Shopping
Get access to the “Pro Skincare Library” for exclusive skincare routine “cheat sheets” and tricks to help you navigate the beauty aisles jungle like a pro and immediately know what to pick off the shelves to achieve the gorgeous skin of your dreams – even when you’re drowning in an endless sea of skincare products.
Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription and get access to the skin library.
Your body needs it, too, especially if you’re dealing with dryness, rough patches… or even scales (here in Canada, that’s an actual thing).
Unless you remove that surface dead skin, any body moisturizer that you put on top won’t be able to do its job properly.
That’s where the latest body exfoliators come in.
Choose from body scrubs, which physically buff away dead skin cells, or body peels, which use acids to chemically dissolve them. You can even use an exfoliating body lotion that does double-duty!
Ahead, find out what to look for in a body exfoliator, and discover the best products to try now.
What to Look for in a Body Scrub, Peel or Exfoliator
The best body scrubs, peels and exfoliators from Pixi, REN, Kopari, Herbivore, Goop, Indie Lee and Biologique Recherche.
Here’s what I look for in a body scrub, peel or exfoliator:
Sulfate-free: Sulfates are harsh foaming agents that can strip away natural oils and lead to irritation.
Stable oils (or oil-free): Polyunsaturated fatty acids go rancid quickly, so I avoid them in high concentrations (typically the first five ingredients). Monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids are more resistant to oxidation and have a much longer shelf life.
Silicone-free: Silicones are film-forming ingredients that leave a coating on the skin and can exacerbate body acne.
Petroleum-free: Similar to silicones, petroleum derivatives such as mineral oil leave an occlusive film on the skin and may actually increase water loss.
Low in fragrance (or fragrance-free): While it’s much more harmful on your face, too much fragrance can also lead to skin reactions on your body.
Has a preservative: All water-based products must contain a preservative in order to prevent bacterial growth.
Now, on to the products that tick off these boxes!
Herbivore Coco Rose Coconut Oil Body Polish
Herbivore Coco Rose Coconut Oil Body Polish
Herbivore Coco Rose Coconut Oil Body Polish is a densely-packed sugar scrub with a pretty pink tint and a subtle rose scent (thanks to the Moroccan rose absolute). You know how some scrubs have a puddle of oil at the top after the first use? That doesn’t happen here—this jar is chock-full of sugar. Afterwards, your skin will feel soft but not oily. You can also use it as a lip scrub!
Goop G.Tox 5 Salt Detox Body Scrub
Goop G.Tox 5 Salt Detox Body Scrub
Goop G.Tox 5 Salt Detox Body Scrub exfoliates with five different types of salts (Himalayan pink, Dead Sea, Celtic sea, New Zealand solar and Epsom). They’re blended into a base of moringa and olive oils, spiked with fragrant rosemary, grapefruit, and peppermint and elichrysum oils. This one has quite a gritty texture and is not overly oily, and gives your skin a light coating of moisture.
Indie Lee Coconut Citrus Scrub
Indie Lee Coconut Citrus Scrub
Indie Lee Coconut Citrus Scrub has a higher concentration of oil, so it could definitely double as a body moisturizer. The all-natural ingredients list couldn’t be more simple, and includes sugar, coconut oil and jojoba oil, plus lemon balm, lemongrass and vanilla for a lemony-fresh scent. The sugar granules dissolve quickly, so it’s incredibly gentle on your skin.
REN Atlantic Kelp and Magnesium Salt Anti-Fatigue Exfoliating Body Scrub
REN Atlantic Kelp and Magnesium Salt Anti-Fatigue Exfoliating Body Scrub
REN Atlantic Kelp and Magnesium Salt Anti-Fatigue Exfoliating Body Scrub has the texture of a balm, but once you massage it over your skin, it polishes with sea salt and Epsom salt. Coconut fatty acids and an algae oil act as emollients, leaving your skin super soft but not greasy. For best results, apply it on dry skin and then have a bath—it will turn into a relaxing magnesium soak.
Kopari Coconut Crush Scrub
Kopari Coconut Crush Scrub
Kopari Coconut Crush Scrub may not look the prettiest (which is why they didn’t put it in a clear jar). But that’s because it’s packed with exfoliating brown sugar and coconut shell powder, in a moisturizing coconut oil and beeswax base. Since the grains are very fine, this is one of the gentlest scrub options, and it can double as a light body oil. The sweet, coconut milk scent smells good enough to eat (but please don’t!).
Nécessaire The Body Exfoliator
Nécessaire The Body Exfoliator
Nécessaire The Body Exfoliator takes a two-way approach to smoothing your skin, using both physical and chemical exfoliants. Tiny pumice beads give it a slightly gritty feel, while salicylic, glycolic and lactic acids dissolve dead skin and marula oil adds moisture. Choose from Eucalyptus, Sandalwood or Fragrance-Free.
Truly Moon Rocks Whipped Body Scrub
Truly Moon Rocks Whipped Body Scrub
Truly Moon Rocks Whipped Body Scrub is, like all of the brand’s products, made with only a few natural ingredients. They include sugar and Dead Sea salt crystals to exfoliate, and olive and jojoba oils to hydrate dry skin. Blue tansy oil, often used in facial skincare for its soothing properties, makes an appearance here to give it a vibrant blue colour. The floral scent comes from rose, ylang-ylang and lavender.
The Organic Pharmacy Cleopatra’s Body Scrub
The Organic Pharmacy Cleopatra’s Body Scrub
The Organic Pharmacy Cleopatra’s Body Scrub is another sugar and salt combo, using them with olive oil, honey and vitamin E to create a hydrating, luxurious scrub. It’s also very floral, thanks to rose petals, ylang-ylang and a little synthetic fragrance (so you may want to skip this one if you’re sensitive).
Little Barn Apothecary Coffee + Mint Exfoliating Body Scrub
Little Barn Apothecary Coffee + Mint Exfoliating Body Scrub
Little Barn Apothecary Coffee + Mint Exfoliating Body Scrub wakes your skin right up with coffee (which has firming benefits) and peppermint essential oil. Organic cane sugar granules do the exfoliating here, while coconut oil, meadowfoam seed oil and cocoa butter deliver moisture.
Fur Silk Scrub
Fur Silk Scrub
Fur Silk Scrub isn’t just for the bikini line, like the brand’s other products. This polisher can be used all over the body and is even gentle enough for your face. It uses not one but three types of exfoliation: jojoba beads, fruit enzymes and alpha-hydroxy acids. It is also one of the only exfoliants that is completely fragrance-free.
Herbivore Amethyst Exfoliating Body Polish
Herbivore Amethyst Exfoliating Body Polish
Herbivore Amethyst Exfoliating Body Polish contains actual amethyst gemstones, crushed into a fine powder. Along with sugar and Epsom salt, they buff away dead skin while coconut oil, shea butter and meadowfoam seed oil lock in hydration. The texture isn’t oily at all, and it has a subtle, natural floral scent.
Pixi Rose Body Polish
Pixi Rose Body Polish
Pixi Rose Body Polish nourishes while it exfoliates with sugar granules, lactic acid and papaya extract. Glycerin, shea butter and fatty acids leave your skin feeling soft and smooth, while the rose and citrus extracts impart a fruity-floral scent.
Pacifica Sugared Crystal Supercharged Body Scrub
Pacifica Sugared Crystal Supercharged Body Scrub
Pacifica Sugared Crystal Supercharged Body Scrub is a cleansing, foaming body scrub with sugar, crushed quartz crystals and silica beads (which give it a grittier texture). It can be used on wet or dry skin, and you can even let it sit for a few minutes for a deeper exfoliation. This one’s scented with watermelon, but if you prefer lavender, there’s also a Crystal Lavender Crushed Quartz version.
Harper + Ari Exfoliating Sugar Cubes are single-dose cubes, and each one is good for a full-body cleansing, exfoliating and hydrating treatment. Sugar does the scrubbing here, and it’s enriched with shea butter, glycerin and aloe vera for moisture. They do contain some artificial fragrance—choose from an array of scents, including Coconut, Juice Cleanse, Dream and Rosé.
UpCircle Body Scrub
UpCircle Body Scrub
UpCircle Body Scrub applies the upcycling movement to skincare. The company takes coffee grounds from London cafés and then combines them with salt, sugar and shea butter to create this all-natural scrub. Tangerine, grapefruit and other essential oils give it an uplifting herbal scent.
This Works Perfect Legs 100% Natural Scrub
This Works Perfect Legs 100% Natural Scrub
This Works Perfect Legs 100% Natural Scrub isn’t just for your legs—it’s also gentle enough to be applied all over the body. Pink Himalayan salt and sea salt are suspended in coconut fatty acids, which give it a balmy texture. The light and refreshing scent is 100 percent natural.
Pixi Glycolic Body Peel
Pixi Glycolic Body Peel
Pixi Glycolic Body Peel is part body scrub, part chemical peel. It contains fine pumice particles for physical exfoliation, and is also high in glycolic and lactic acids to dissolve away dead skin. Out of the tube, it’s a luxe pink cream, but as you rub it over your skin, you’ll feel a mild gritty texture. It’s actually gentle enough to use daily.
Aquareveal Gentle Action Water Peel for Body
Aquareveal Gentle Action Water Peel for Body
Aquareveal Gentle Action Water Peel for Body exfoliates without any grains, acids or enzymes. Instead, it uses a water-based gel technology to bind with dead skin cells so they can be rinsed away. Use it out of the shower, on damp skin—you simply massage it on and then rinse it off. This peel is also fragrance-free.
StackedSkincare TCA Multi-Acid Body Peel
StackedSkincare TCA Multi-Acid Body Peel
StackedSkincare TCA Multi-Acid Body Peel is a leave-on acid treatment for your body—ideal for removing dead skin, softening keratin bumps, fading dark spots or clearing body acne. The fragrance-free liquid contains lactic, salicylic and trichloroacetic acids, and is self-neutralizing, so you don’t need to rinse it off. You simply brush it on and leave it to work its magic for eight to 10 hours.
Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 Corps
Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 Corps
Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 Corps is the body version of the cult-favourite exfoliating toner. It uses a similar blend of active ingredients, including alpha-, beta-, and poly-hydroxy acids, to smooth dry, rough skin and boost hydration. You’ve got to love that it comes in a spray bottle for easier application on hard-to-reach areas.
REN AHA Smart Renewal Body Serum
REN AHA Smart Renewal Body Serum
REN AHA Smart Renewal Body Serum lets you exfoliate while you moisturize. The creamy, lotion-like serum is spiked with a high 10 percent concentration of lactic acid. It also includes shea butter, xylitol and probiotics to soften, smooth and hydrate. It is surprisingly effective on scaly skin, and can even help with keratosis pilaris and body breakouts!
Your body needs it, too, especially if you’re dealing with dryness, rough patches… or even scales (here in Canada, that’s an actual thing).
Unless you remove that surface dead skin, any body moisturizer that you put on top won’t be able to do its job properly.
That’s where the latest body exfoliators come in.
Choose from body scrubs, which physically buff away dead skin cells, or body peels, which use acids to chemically dissolve them. You can even use an exfoliating body lotion that does double-duty!
Ahead, find out what to look for in a body exfoliator, and discover the best products to try now.
What to Look for in a Body Scrub, Peel or Exfoliator
The best body scrubs, peels and exfoliators from Pixi, REN, Kopari, Herbivore, Goop, Indie Lee and Biologique Recherche.
Here’s what I look for in a body scrub, peel or exfoliator:
Sulfate-free: Sulfates are harsh foaming agents that can strip away natural oils and lead to irritation.
Stable oils (or oil-free): Polyunsaturated fatty acids go rancid quickly, so I avoid them in high concentrations (typically the first five ingredients). Monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids are more resistant to oxidation and have a much longer shelf life.
Silicone-free: Silicones are film-forming ingredients that leave a coating on the skin and can exacerbate body acne.
Petroleum-free: Similar to silicones, petroleum derivatives such as mineral oil leave an occlusive film on the skin and may actually increase water loss.
Low in fragrance (or fragrance-free): While it’s much more harmful on your face, too much fragrance can also lead to skin reactions on your body.
Has a preservative: All water-based products must contain a preservative in order to prevent bacterial growth.
Now, on to the products that tick off these boxes!
Herbivore Coco Rose Coconut Oil Body Polish
Herbivore Coco Rose Coconut Oil Body Polish
Herbivore Coco Rose Coconut Oil Body Polish is a densely-packed sugar scrub with a pretty pink tint and a subtle rose scent (thanks to the Moroccan rose absolute). You know how some scrubs have a puddle of oil at the top after the first use? That doesn’t happen here—this jar is chock-full of sugar. Afterwards, your skin will feel soft but not oily. You can also use it as a lip scrub!
Goop G.Tox 5 Salt Detox Body Scrub
Goop G.Tox 5 Salt Detox Body Scrub
Goop G.Tox 5 Salt Detox Body Scrub exfoliates with five different types of salts (Himalayan pink, Dead Sea, Celtic sea, New Zealand solar and Epsom). They’re blended into a base of moringa and olive oils, spiked with fragrant rosemary, grapefruit, and peppermint and elichrysum oils. This one has quite a gritty texture and is not overly oily, and gives your skin a light coating of moisture.
Indie Lee Coconut Citrus Scrub
Indie Lee Coconut Citrus Scrub
Indie Lee Coconut Citrus Scrub has a higher concentration of oil, so it could definitely double as a body moisturizer. The all-natural ingredients list couldn’t be more simple, and includes sugar, coconut oil and jojoba oil, plus lemon balm, lemongrass and vanilla for a lemony-fresh scent. The sugar granules dissolve quickly, so it’s incredibly gentle on your skin.
REN Atlantic Kelp and Magnesium Salt Anti-Fatigue Exfoliating Body Scrub
REN Atlantic Kelp and Magnesium Salt Anti-Fatigue Exfoliating Body Scrub
REN Atlantic Kelp and Magnesium Salt Anti-Fatigue Exfoliating Body Scrub has the texture of a balm, but once you massage it over your skin, it polishes with sea salt and Epsom salt. Coconut fatty acids and an algae oil act as emollients, leaving your skin super soft but not greasy. For best results, apply it on dry skin and then have a bath—it will turn into a relaxing magnesium soak.
Kopari Coconut Crush Scrub
Kopari Coconut Crush Scrub
Kopari Coconut Crush Scrub may not look the prettiest (which is why they didn’t put it in a clear jar). But that’s because it’s packed with exfoliating brown sugar and coconut shell powder, in a moisturizing coconut oil and beeswax base. Since the grains are very fine, this is one of the gentlest scrub options, and it can double as a light body oil. The sweet, coconut milk scent smells good enough to eat (but please don’t!).
Nécessaire The Body Exfoliator
Nécessaire The Body Exfoliator
Nécessaire The Body Exfoliator takes a two-way approach to smoothing your skin, using both physical and chemical exfoliants. Tiny pumice beads give it a slightly gritty feel, while salicylic, glycolic and lactic acids dissolve dead skin and marula oil adds moisture. Choose from Eucalyptus, Sandalwood or Fragrance-Free.
Truly Moon Rocks Whipped Body Scrub
Truly Moon Rocks Whipped Body Scrub
Truly Moon Rocks Whipped Body Scrub is, like all of the brand’s products, made with only a few natural ingredients. They include sugar and Dead Sea salt crystals to exfoliate, and olive and jojoba oils to hydrate dry skin. Blue tansy oil, often used in facial skincare for its soothing properties, makes an appearance here to give it a vibrant blue colour. The floral scent comes from rose, ylang-ylang and lavender.
The Organic Pharmacy Cleopatra’s Body Scrub
The Organic Pharmacy Cleopatra’s Body Scrub
The Organic Pharmacy Cleopatra’s Body Scrub is another sugar and salt combo, using them with olive oil, honey and vitamin E to create a hydrating, luxurious scrub. It’s also very floral, thanks to rose petals, ylang-ylang and a little synthetic fragrance (so you may want to skip this one if you’re sensitive).
Little Barn Apothecary Coffee + Mint Exfoliating Body Scrub
Little Barn Apothecary Coffee + Mint Exfoliating Body Scrub
Little Barn Apothecary Coffee + Mint Exfoliating Body Scrub wakes your skin right up with coffee (which has firming benefits) and peppermint essential oil. Organic cane sugar granules do the exfoliating here, while coconut oil, meadowfoam seed oil and cocoa butter deliver moisture.
Fur Silk Scrub
Fur Silk Scrub
Fur Silk Scrub isn’t just for the bikini line, like the brand’s other products. This polisher can be used all over the body and is even gentle enough for your face. It uses not one but three types of exfoliation: jojoba beads, fruit enzymes and alpha-hydroxy acids. It is also one of the only exfoliants that is completely fragrance-free.
Herbivore Amethyst Exfoliating Body Polish
Herbivore Amethyst Exfoliating Body Polish
Herbivore Amethyst Exfoliating Body Polish contains actual amethyst gemstones, crushed into a fine powder. Along with sugar and Epsom salt, they buff away dead skin while coconut oil, shea butter and meadowfoam seed oil lock in hydration. The texture isn’t oily at all, and it has a subtle, natural floral scent.
Pixi Rose Body Polish
Pixi Rose Body Polish
Pixi Rose Body Polish nourishes while it exfoliates with sugar granules, lactic acid and papaya extract. Glycerin, shea butter and fatty acids leave your skin feeling soft and smooth, while the rose and citrus extracts impart a fruity-floral scent.
Pacifica Sugared Crystal Supercharged Body Scrub
Pacifica Sugared Crystal Supercharged Body Scrub
Pacifica Sugared Crystal Supercharged Body Scrub is a cleansing, foaming body scrub with sugar, crushed quartz crystals and silica beads (which give it a grittier texture). It can be used on wet or dry skin, and you can even let it sit for a few minutes for a deeper exfoliation. This one’s scented with watermelon, but if you prefer lavender, there’s also a Crystal Lavender Crushed Quartz version.
Harper + Ari Exfoliating Sugar Cubes are single-dose cubes, and each one is good for a full-body cleansing, exfoliating and hydrating treatment. Sugar does the scrubbing here, and it’s enriched with shea butter, glycerin and aloe vera for moisture. They do contain some artificial fragrance—choose from an array of scents, including Coconut, Juice Cleanse, Dream and Rosé.
UpCircle Body Scrub
UpCircle Body Scrub
UpCircle Body Scrub applies the upcycling movement to skincare. The company takes coffee grounds from London cafés and then combines them with salt, sugar and shea butter to create this all-natural scrub. Tangerine, grapefruit and other essential oils give it an uplifting herbal scent.
This Works Perfect Legs 100% Natural Scrub
This Works Perfect Legs 100% Natural Scrub
This Works Perfect Legs 100% Natural Scrub isn’t just for your legs—it’s also gentle enough to be applied all over the body. Pink Himalayan salt and sea salt are suspended in coconut fatty acids, which give it a balmy texture. The light and refreshing scent is 100 percent natural.
Pixi Glycolic Body Peel
Pixi Glycolic Body Peel
Pixi Glycolic Body Peel is part body scrub, part chemical peel. It contains fine pumice particles for physical exfoliation, and is also high in glycolic and lactic acids to dissolve away dead skin. Out of the tube, it’s a luxe pink cream, but as you rub it over your skin, you’ll feel a mild gritty texture. It’s actually gentle enough to use daily.
Aquareveal Gentle Action Water Peel for Body
Aquareveal Gentle Action Water Peel for Body
Aquareveal Gentle Action Water Peel for Body exfoliates without any grains, acids or enzymes. Instead, it uses a water-based gel technology to bind with dead skin cells so they can be rinsed away. Use it out of the shower, on damp skin—you simply massage it on and then rinse it off. This peel is also fragrance-free.
StackedSkincare TCA Multi-Acid Body Peel
StackedSkincare TCA Multi-Acid Body Peel
StackedSkincare TCA Multi-Acid Body Peel is a leave-on acid treatment for your body—ideal for removing dead skin, softening keratin bumps, fading dark spots or clearing body acne. The fragrance-free liquid contains lactic, salicylic and trichloroacetic acids, and is self-neutralizing, so you don’t need to rinse it off. You simply brush it on and leave it to work its magic for eight to 10 hours.
Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 Corps
Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 Corps
Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 Corps is the body version of the cult-favourite exfoliating toner. It uses a similar blend of active ingredients, including alpha-, beta-, and poly-hydroxy acids, to smooth dry, rough skin and boost hydration. You’ve got to love that it comes in a spray bottle for easier application on hard-to-reach areas.
REN AHA Smart Renewal Body Serum
REN AHA Smart Renewal Body Serum
REN AHA Smart Renewal Body Serum lets you exfoliate while you moisturize. The creamy, lotion-like serum is spiked with a high 10 percent concentration of lactic acid. It also includes shea butter, xylitol and probiotics to soften, smooth and hydrate. It is surprisingly effective on scaly skin, and can even help with keratosis pilaris and body breakouts!
No seriously I do: Christmas, Halloween, Birthday’s or just a rainy Saturday afternoon you can all but bet I have the perfect scented candle ready to add a little ambience to any room. Some may say it is a hobby, others most likely will agree that I have relinquished control of my spending capabilities and allowed fragrant chaos to rule the roost. To that I have one question; what are you burning tonight?
For a few years, I have casually admired DW Home Candles and made more than a few notes to pick up a few once the opportunity raised itself. As it goes, in terms of physical stockists they are very much scant here in the UK with the most reliable being TK Max (both online and instore), rather disappointingly for myself and those that reside in Glasgow, the offerings of DW Home Candles is pretty much non-existent. Through curiosity – and of course the slight fear of missing out – I took matters into my own hands and did a quick Google search, it was here that I discovered that one of my favourite beauty retailers Notino had a fairly bountiful array of DW Home Candle fragrances. So I did what any normal person would do in such circumstances and ordered a few scents to try out – all in the name of research of course…
Now quickly cast your eyes back to the opening sentence of this post in which I proudly declared that I have a fragranced candle for every occasion. Well today is November the 5th, Guy Fawkes Night here in the UK and although I’m not a massive fan of the rouge fireworks that more often than not scatter into my garden and scare the bejesus out of our resident wildlife, I did want to mark the occasion none the less. Enter DW Home Candles Burnt Toffee scent, a true to life, sticky yet vanilla scented concoction with slightly smoky tones that instantly takes me back to a childhood of magic gloves, sparklers and of course toffee apples.
As you can probably see from the images I have accumulated three DW Home Candles in total (one was a free gift with my order) and so far I do have to say I am fairly impressed. I like that that price point is fairly reasonable – typically less than say Yankee Candle – and that the scent choices are both refined in style and powerful in throw. In my mind DW Home Candles bridge the gap between luxury brands (think Space.NK) and those found on the highstreet. I’m not entirely sure as to why DW Home Candles haven’t fully found themselves at home here in the UK as of yet but perhaps time will tell, until then you can find a wide selection via Notino.
Q: Hello! My hair is very fine but frizzy at the same time. My natural colour is a light brown/dirty blonde, but I highlight my hair to a very light blonde.
Allison’s hair is fine but frizzy.
I’ve always had problems with my hair being frizzy and appearing damaged. Even though I don’t use heat on my hair, the ends feel dry. When my hair grows long, they also thin out and lose shape.
Despite not using heat, Allison’s ends appear damaged.
My hair also has a strange tendency to be straighter on the top and a lot more wavy/curly underneath.
The top layer of Allison’s hair is straight, but underneath, it’s wavy.
Any advice you can give me on how to cut and style my hair without using too much heat would be great! I’d also like to know if you think a keratin treatment would be beneficial. — Allison
A: Allison, you don’t have frizz because you were born with frizz. You have frizz because you’re not moisturizing.
You need to use masks to re-hydrate and to fix all the damage that’s being done by colouring. I recommend the Kérastase mask for colour-treated hair. You should do it at home every week.
Kérastase Reflection Masque Chromatique for Fine Hair
You also need to use a liquid protein. That is also from Kérastase. It deposits protein and reconstructs the hair fibers from the inside out. This should only be done once or twice a month, maximum. You can either buy it yourself or do it at the hairstylist—your choice.
Kérastase Resistance Fibre Architecte
With regards to your cut, you need to have frequent trims, even though you want your hair to be long. That way, all those dry ends can become healthier. The healthier the hair, the less frizz, bottom line.
I would take off about three inches. That will give you a fresh start and then you can focus on helping your ends out. It seems like everything above your chin is healthy, but below the chin is more damaged.
Scarlett Johansson at the 2012 Met Gala.
Your colour is good. Your skin has a lot of gold in it, so the gold pigment suits you like a glove. It’s stunning on you.
The only thing missing is a few highlights on the top to create a blonder look. That will give you a bit of a lift. It should be a lighter gold blonde, and around the top only. Or you could go with baby blonde highlights, but not too often because that will be more damaging.
Scarlett Johansson at the 2012 Moscow premiere of ‘The Avengers.’
As for styling, don’t be scared of the blowdryer. The heat will calm the frizz down. No heat, and your hair will frizz up.
You have a soft wave naturally, so you can either straighten it or put a bit of a wave into it every now and then.
But to get rid of the bottom frizz, you need to put the time into it and blow-dry it. That’s why your hair is frizzing up—a lack of moisture and not applying heat with a blowdryer.
Last week I asked on Instagram stories what your pregnancy skincare questions were, and man, you guys came up with some great ones! I’m going to share some of them here and answer them. This was a great learning exercise for myself too! Safety of Products and Procedures Botox: Generally contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. […] Read more…
If you suffer from celiac disease or are simply gluten intolerant, should you switch to gluten-free skincare products?
Makes sense: if you can’t eat it, you shouldn’t put it on your skin, right?
Wrong. Eating gluten and putting it on your skin are two different things. And there’s no proof the latter affects celiac disease at all.
Shocking, I know. Here’s what the science says…
What Is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is a disorder that affects the small intestine. When it comes in contact with gliadin (a gluten protein found in cereals like wheat, barley, and rye), it triggers an inflammatory response that wreaks havoc on your body.
Symptoms include abdominal pain, chronic diarrhoea, and ulcers. It ain’t pretty. Worse, there’s no cure. The only treatment is to follow a glute-free diet.
Does that mean you need to follow a gluten-free skincare routine, too?
Do You Need Gluten-Free Products If You Have Celiac Disease?
You know what this means? You can use a cream with wheat or barley on your skin without affecting your celiac disease. Your body doesn’t react the same way it does when you’re eating them. Phew!
The catch? Be careful not to ingest it!
I know you wouldn’t eat your moisturizer. But you may accidentally swallow a lip balm or even toothpaste that contains gluten.
Even so, the risk of it causing a problem are minimal. According to Coeliac UK, “Even if toothpaste did contain gluten, it would be very unlikely that you would swallow enough of it to cause a reaction.”
Bottom line: Gluten only causes problems when you eat it, not when you put it on your skin.
Can Gluten-Containing Skincare Products Cause Any Problems For Your Skin?
Just like any other ingredient in your skincare products – including water and green tea -, wheat proteins and other gluten-rich actives can cause irritations and allergies.
This has nothing to do with celiac disease. The ugly truth is that anyone can become allergic to something at any time – even after years of regular exposure!
Some experts think that people with celiac disease are more likely to experience contact dermatitis when using skincare products with gluten.
According to a 2012 study, 5 out of 14 patients with Celiac disease experienced contact dermatitis after applying a gluten-containing emollient cream, bath, or face powder. As soon as they stopped, their contact dermatitis disappeared.
The catch? There was no control group. The gluten-containing cream was never tested on people not affected by Celiac disease. Could it be these 5 patients were reacting to something else?
P.S. It’s always a good idea to patch test every skincare product on a small area before using it all over your face. Just in case.
What if you decide to avoid gluten-free products for your own peace of mind? Science says they’re safe, but you may want to play it safer and steer clear.
That’s cool. Your skin, your choice. Just don’t be fooled into paying more for skincare products labelled “gluten-free.”
The truth is most skincare products don’t contain a drop of gluten. Check the ingredients, not the marketing claims.
You don’t need gluten-free skincare. Skincare products with gluten don’t harm people with celiac disease, unless accidentally swallowed.
What’s your take on gluten-free skincare products? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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As you might know, I have a spreadsheet of sunscreen reviews to keep track of sunscreens I’ve been trying, and I’ve finally collected 6 sunscreens that have achieved holy grail status. So I thought I’d film a video review of these 6 of my favourite sunscreens, with my updated thoughts on them! I’ve also included…
Dawn Siler 