The Lotus Essence with Lotus Leaf Extract 89%

11:26:00 PM mandy 0 Comments

Lotus leaf extract doesn't sound quite as exotic yet it is still a unique ingredient in the beauty world. The Lotus brand touts the extract as something of an anti-ager and antioxidant-rich star—clearly something worth basing their entire brand towards. They carry essences, serums, mists, creams, shampoos, and even teas; The Lotus Essence with Lotus Leaf Extract 89% boasts the highest concentration of lotus leaf extract to soothe, hydrate, and brighten.



The Lotus' description:

The Lotus has formulated a deeply hydrating essence (serum) blended with 89% lotus extract.

Lotus leaves have the natural antibiotics, flavonoids which has anti-aging effect. The leaves contain detoxicating agents, iron, vitamin C, potassium and tannin and 20 times more calcium than green tea leaves. They have twice more protein than common vegetables and dietary fiber as much as apples.

Lotus leaves are natural antibiotics and antioxidants which benefit the skin.

Formulated without: Parabens, Synthetic Dye Free.

Ingredients
NELUMBO NUCIFERA LEAF EXTRACT, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, GLYCERIN, NIACINAMIDE , HYDROGENATED C6-14 OLEFIN POLYMERS, GLYCERYL OLEATE CITRATE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, CARBOMER, TROMETHAMINE, WATER, XANTHAN GUM, STYRENE/ACRYLATES COPOLYMER, CITRUS MEDICA LIMONUM (LEMON) PEEL OIL, ADENOSINE, DISODIUM EDTA, COCO-GLUCOSIDE, OCTYLDODECANOL, HIPPOPHAE RHAMNOIDES OIL, GLYCERYL POLYMETHACRYLATE, RIBES NIGRUM (BLACK CURRANT) SEED OIL, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, BENZOIC ACID, CITRIC ACID, CITRUS UNSHIU PEEL EXTRACT, ORCHID EXTRACT, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, CAMELLIA JAPONICA LEAF EXTRACT, OPUNTIA COCCINELLIFERA FRUIT EXTRACT, HYDROGENATED LECITHIN, CERAMIDE 3(CERAMIDE NP), HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL UNSAPONIFIABLES, SODIUM LACTATE, TOCOPHEROL, CARDIOSPERMUM HALICACABUM FLOWER/LEAF/VINE EXTRACT, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) LEAF EXTRACT, PALMITOYL TRIPEPTIDE-1, LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA (LAVENDER) OIL, PELARGONIUM GRAVEOLENS FLOWER OIL, CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS (ORANGE) PEEL OIL

Essence 125 ml / 4.2 fl oz

The Lotus (Korean retail): ₩50,000
The Lotus (USA retail): USD $64.00
Peach & Lily: USD $64.00
BeautyBoxKorean: USD $52.97

Packaging

Essence comes in a sturdy translucent plastic bottle with a pump (which does not have a twist-lock mechanism). The expiration is clearly printed on the bottom.

The Lotus does everything right with the packaging's functionality. I love being able to see through the bottle; it allows me to spot how much of the actual product is left. I appreciate that the tube inside which connects to the pump is long enough to reach the bottom and then some so I can easily get out every last drop of essence. I have never had an issue with the pump clogging up (but the formulation of the essence probably also plays a big part). Plus the beautiful artwork on the inside of the box is a great touch.

Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent

Looks milky in the bottle but comes out to be on the clearer side, and even more transparent once blended into the skin. There is some viscosity but isn't overly thick or sticky, just enough to keeps it general shape on a level-ish surface. The essence spreads easily into a water-like texture. My skin absorbs the product quickly, leaving behind no residue, and looks almost as if I applied nothing while still feeling moisturized. The essence has a light fruity...floral (?) scent; not overpowering nor lingers long.

How I Apply

Apply after cleansing and toner. Directly squirt onto my face, once on the forehead, once on each cheek, and once on my neck. Lightly smooth the essence evenly and pat the product in, if I feel like it, otherwise, I let it sit a few minutes to absorb on its own. Use twice daily, in AM and PM.

Thoughts & Recommendations

Anyone can benefit from including antioxidants into a routine. They're supposed to protect against the environment, firm, and brighten—all of which we inevitably have to battle against forces of nature and time to prevent. The Lotus' essence is very lightweight and supposedly packs a punch of said antioxidants with the 89% concentration of the lotus leaf extract.

One bottle of essence lasted me a good five months (plus or minus a few days) of twice daily usage. It hydrates most of my skin well; it just wasn't nourishing enough for the more stubborn patches of dryness I am prone to having no matter the weather conditions. I found it lacking in the winter months especially and had to layer other products in addition to the essence. My skin does feel softer where it is typically normal/oily.

The brightness of skin is a hard quality to measure in my opinion. I don't think my skin tone is noticeably different after using the essence. Sometimes my face does seem more glowy when I wake up after using the product but I can't say for sure it was solely the essence alone.

I cannot comment on its anti-aging properties as I don't have fine lines or wrinkles yet. However, I also don't believe using just one bottle of an antioxidant-based product could produce long-term results in the anti-aging department.

The biggest reason why I don't like to use the essence is how flushed and slightly stingy my face feels after immediate application. The feeling only lasts for about a minute or so and oddly enough only on my face (not neck nor hand) but unpleasant nonetheless. There isn't an especially harsh ingredient in there which makes it even more puzzling. I have gone through pages of reviews on the Peach & Lily site and I seem to be the sole minority.

A repurchase is unlikely since I want to believe there is an antioxidant based product that my skin won't react to even if momentarily—especially if the retail price is USD $60+. Otherwise, I loved the formulation of the essence: lightweight and a non-sticky finish. While many dry skin customers seem to love this product, I personally think it would be best for those with any skin but dry skin, live in a climate with humidity or generally prefer a weightless product. Sensitive skin may want to take caution as there are a few typical essential oils (lavender, orange, etc.).