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.).
Names can often be misleading, especially when it comes to Korean beauty products. While the Neogen Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling pads do exfoliate and remove any other stubborn impurities typical cleansing fail to remove, it does so without physical peeling of the skin. On the contrary, the pads are effective and come with no scaly downtime as other stronger actives may have. I can definitely see where all the hype and love for this Neogen line comes from.
Neogen's description:
Gentle Peeling // Manual Exfoliation Pads soaked in Serum Help Remove Dead Skin Cells, Cleanse, and Purify the Skin.
Relaxed and Hydrated Skin // Mineral Ingredients from the Green Tea Helps Refresh the Skin While Replenishing Moisture to the Skin.
Brighter, More Radiant Skin // Lemon Serum Abundant in Vitamins Delivers Brighter, Healthier and Refreshed Skin
Smoother Skin // Patented 3-layer 100% Cotton Gauze Pads Deliver Smoother, Improved Skin Texture.
Exfoliation that is so easy, convenient, effective yet gentle. Patented hypoallergenic cotton gauze pads provide a dual texture layer to gently exfoliate dead skin cells, excess sebum, and impurities and softly wipe away exfoliated skin to even out textures while delivering skin benefiting ingredients in the process.
Green Tea
Soaked in Green Tea formula serum that also contains other various ingredients like Centella Asiatica extract; these convenient cotton gauze peeling pads will not only leave your skin smoother but also refreshed, refined, and revitalized. Enjoy the benefits of Green Tea!
Lemon
Soaked in Vitamin C rich serum formulated from various antioxidant and vitamin-rich natural ingredients, these convenient cotton gauze peeling pads will leave your skin smoother, radiant, and brighter than ever. It is like sunshine in a jar for your skin!
Directions
After cleansing, use one gauze to gently sweep across dry face and neck in outward motion avoiding eye area. Apply more to problem area and rinse with lukewarm water. Follow with your daily toning.
* For best results, use twice a week or as needed.
Ingredients
Green Tea
WATER (AQUA), DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, GLYCERIN ,ALCOHOL DENAT., PEG/PPG-17/6 COPOLYMER, CENTELLA ASIATICA EXTRACT, ARTEMISIA VULGARIS EXTRACT, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, HOUTTUYNIA CORDATA EXTRACT, GARDENIA FLORIDA FRUIT EXTRACT, MELALEUCA ALTERNIFOLIA (TEA TREE) LEAF EXTRACT, COPTIS JAPONICA EXTRACT, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, BENZOPHENONE-5, SODIUM HYALURONATE, CARBOMER, TROMETHAMINE, PEG-60 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, PHENOXYETHANOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, MELALEUCA ALTERNIFOLIA (TEA TREE) LEAF OIL, DISODIUM EDTA, FRAGRANCE (PARFUM)
Lemon
WATER (AQUA), BUTYLENE GLYCOL, GLYCERIN, CITRUS LIMON (LEMON) FRUIT EXTRACT, ALCOHOL DENAT., PEG/PPG-17/6 COPOLYMER, CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS (ORANGE) FRUIT EXTRACT, CITRUS UNSHIU PEEL EXTRACT, CARICA PAPAYA (PAPAYA) FRUIT EXTRACT, CYMBOPOGON SCHOENANTHUS EXTRACT, MELISSA OFFICINALIS LEAF EXTRACT, CITRUS PARADISI (GRAPEFRUIT) FRUIT EXTRACT, TRICHOLOMA MATSUTAKE EXTRACT, CORDYCEPS SINENSIS EXTRACT, PISUM SATIVUM (PEA) EXTRACT, VITIS VINIFERA (GRAPE) FRUIT EXTRACT, SAURURUS CHINENSIS LEAF/ROOT EXTRACT, ARNICA MONTANA FLOWER EXTRACT, GLYCINE MAX (SOYBEAN) SEED EXTRACT, ARTEMISIA ABSINTHIUM EXTRACT, BROUSSONETIA KAZINOKI BARK EXTRACT, COPTIS JAPONICA EXTRACT, TROMETHAMINE, BENZOPHENONE-5, SODIUM HYALURONATE, CARBOMER, PEG-60 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, CI 19140, PHENOXYETHANOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, DISODIUM EDTA, FRAGRANCE (PARFUM)
Pads 30 pieces / 200 ml / 6.6 fl oz
Neogen (Korean retail): ₩22,900
Neogen (USA retail): USD $27.00
Sokoglam: USD $27.00
Sephora: USD $27.00
Packaging
Serum soaked rounds come in large plastic jars. One side of the pad has a gauze-like grid and the opposite a textured cotton. The color coordinates with whatever the "flavor" is: green for green tea, yellow for lemon, and purple for wine.
Each one comes in shrink-wrapped plastic and a large seal over the jar opening to ensure the product itself is fresh and untampered with. Since SOKOGLAM distributes the product in the United States, they slap on their own English-only label on the product—sometimes on the jar itself (pre-shrink wrap), sometimes on the removable plastic (post-shrink wrap).
The expiration date is printed on the container itself by the manufacturer.
**MAYBE IMPORTANT? // The ingredients list for this line differs depending on where I am looking. The label on the packaging itself says one thing, Neogen USA's website says another, and Soko Glam/Sephora notes something else. All three have similar ingredients (more or less) in varying ordering. The major difference is the lack of mention of the chemical exfoliants on the actual label and Neogen's official site when compared to Soko Glam's.
Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent
The scents of each are very strong. Green tea is refreshing while lemon packs a citrus punch. The smell doesn't last long once applied to the skin but it may be overpowering for some whilst in the jar.
There is only just enough liquid in the jar to keep the pads well moistened, not too dry but no drippy mess like with sheet masks. The serum itself is liquidy and lightweight. It doesn't seem to have any color from what I can tell, only the gauze side of the pads are colored. The serum leaves no residue and dries down to an invisible finish. However, the finish doesn't really matter since Neogen recommends users to rinse the face afterward. The pads also don't leave any lint behind after use.
How I Apply
After double cleansing, while my skin is still damp, I take a pad and gently swipe over my face then neck many times with the gauze surface until I feel adequately clean. I follow up with the cotton side as well but with even less gusto and wait a few minutes before rinsing.
I have recently started to separate the two halves to increase the number of uses I get from the Bio-Peel pads. It doesn't come apart cleanly but both sides work fine on their own.
Repeat above steps twice or three times a week (typically every 2 days).
Thoughts & Recommendations
I am not sure if I should or shouldn't categorize these as chemical exfoliators. Neogen doesn't state that the Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling has AHAs or BHAs, while Sokoglam does (tartaric acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid to be exact & with no mention of percentages). There is definitely an element of physical exfoliation happening with the gauze and textured cotton.
I found that both sides of the pad exfoliate my skin equally well; I can rely solely on either or. If I had to choose of course the gauze picks up and traps dirt better since it has a rougher surface. However, I can also see it being too harsh for those with super sensitive skin even with light swipes—friction is friction. My face gets a little red afterward from said friction but not because of any stinging reaction to the serum.
The most satisfying part of using these pads is seeing how much dirt (skin, oils, and other gunk) is on them despite having gone through two steps of cleansing. It just goes to show how ineffective typical makeup removers and cleansers are at getting rid of dead skin. These rounds are great for taking off stubborn-to-remove sunscreen especially on my neck and chest area.
My skin always feels so soft and smooth after each use. I am not sure if my skin just abnormally renews itself quickly or not but the softness only lasts about 1.5 days for me and 1 day in the driest/flakiest portions of my face (i.e. mouth, chin, and surrounding region). I won't fault the Bio-Peel here as no amount of moisturizing or exfoliation I have done so far has fixed this problem.
The Neogen Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling pads would work well for most skin types. Those with sensitive skin may want to stay away as the gauze is somewhat abrasive and the serum is formulated with denatured alcohol and fragrance. These may not be strong enough for those with tougher flaky issues.
A jar of pads is kind of pricey (USD $0.90 per pad), but the cost isn't terrible when usage can be doubled easily. I am not likely to repurchase them any time soon only because these kind of exfoliating pads are becoming very popular; I am a creature full of curiosity when it comes to skincare. But it is good to know that there is an option available that agrees with my skin.
Just because I went a whole month without sharing anything beauty related on the blog doesn't mean I haven't kept my eyes peeled for interesting sales. Nothing truly piqued my interested since the JUNGSAEMMOOL purchase, so I thought I got through 2 months of no-buy. The keyword here is thought.
oo35mm sent out a newsletter with some interesting sale items the last week or so of May and my impromptu no-buy was therefore broken. The damage done wasn't too alarming this time around.
Rohto Hadalabo Gokujun Premium Hyaluronic Acid Lotion. Orig. $18.99 + 20% off. $15.19
Pyunkang Yul Mist Toner 100ml. No Sale. $11.99
Benton Honest Tea Tree Mist. Orig. $11.99 + 20% off. $9.59
Etude House Proof 10 Eye Primer Waterproof. Orig. $7.99 + 30% off. $5.59
Manyo Factory Skin Renew Vita E Ampoule. Orig. $18.00 + 50% off. $9.00
This month's justifications: My main objective was to purchase the Benton mist since I have heard good reviews for the brand overall but still have yet to try anything. When I saw that the Pyunkang Yul mist wasn't overly expensive and larger in size in comparison to the Benton mist it found its way into my basket as well. I have been meaning to get a hydrating lotion to use with the compressed sheet masks I bought a while back, Hadalabo just came to mind first. The Etude House eye primer and Manyo Factory ampoule were impulse buys. I spotted them in the sale section of the store; both items seem to have good reviews...what better chance to try them out than now?
Seattle is known to be a rainy city. Pair that with the Spring season and showers now seem all too likely to wash away any outdoor plans when visiting a new city. I went prepared for wet weather and was greeted with mostly blue skies and a glowing sun. Talk about luck!
When the water was so cooperative, it seems almost criminal to not take advantage and view the city via all angles with different types of "transport".
Seattle Great Wheel
Adult tickets $14. Situated on Pier 57. The Great Wheel is ginormous in size and offers vast views of the Puget Sound. (According to wiki) The Ferris wheel was supposedly the tallest on the West Coast at the time of its opening. It felt calming to see nothing but water and nature yet honestly there were moments I felt a little nerve-wrecked to ride as the carriages end up going over the edge of the pier as it circles around.
Harbor Tour, Argosy Cruises
Adult tickets ~$31. Also a part of CityPASS $89. Departs from Pier 55 (which is next to the Great Wheel). Can be a bit pricey but I think it is a typical price for a boat tour. It is definitely worth it when using the Seattle CityPASS. I liked being able to see the overall skyline of Seattle as well as the extra commentary provided by the guide. The ride lasts about an hour.
Space Needle
Adult tickets $29. Also a part of the CityPASS $89. Available in other tourist bundles. Without a doubt, this is Seattle's most famous landmark. The tower is impossible to miss amongst the city's skyline. Tourists feel obligated to visit even if they don't go atop it. This is a great location to start a Seattle trip with as the view from the circular observation deck shows a different side of Seattle no matter where visitors stop and stare.
To take nothing but pictures
To kill nothing but time
To leave nothing but footprints
A change of pace from what I have been posting thus far in 2018. It has actually been almost a year since I last edited non-beauty, travel related photos. I guess I lacked the motivation to share since those posts aren't generally the most viewed on the blog.
An unsaid resolution I had for this site, along with trying to post at least once a week, was to share whatever the heck I wanted regardless of how well or terrible it would be received. I am not an influencer nor monetize from this teeny blog. It is and has always been, first and foremost, a place where I stored my thoughts and memories.
I have done fairly well with the consistency goal (until this month); here goes to shyly greet the ever more personal side of my life (even if I randomly share images from years ago).
RoozenGaarde
15867 Beaver Marsh Rd, Mt Vernon, WA 98273
My family and I visited the Pacific Northwest three years ago to the day. This was a trip of many firsts. It was our first time to Seattle, Vancouver, and nearby cities. It was the first overnight trip we'd taken together in six years. It was the first trip we rented a car and drove around. It was the first trip I had the job of setting some kind of an itinerary.
So much responsibility. So much stress. So many options. So many people's different interests to consider. So many unanticipated meetings and reunions with friends and family. Maybe being ferried around on bus tours wouldn't have been that bad?
The peace and nature that is the Pacific Northwest though, is an environment that is hard to stay stressed in. All the greenery and bright skies are hard to be grumpy in. Of course, Seattle is known to be rainy but it uncharacteristically was not when we visited. I can never imagine living there because of the potential allergy attack I would have to all the pollen but for the brief week or so we were there the lively colors and relaxed lifestyle (when compared to New York City) was a breathe of fresh air.
I wasn't even looking to buy cleanser at the Peach & Lily sample sale. One whiff of the bar soaps spread across the table and my mind was wavering...kind of refreshing, definitely light and fruity. I had never heard of the brand Abib before and bar soaps are very far down on the cleanser wishlist; who knew scent could be such a big trigger?
I have faint memories of asking the person manning the area which of the four types (black, grey, pink, and ivory) she recommended and was told she only tried the black one but liked it. There wasn't much of a description at the time in-person or on the website because they had yet to release the brand officially. Somehow, against my typical shopping habits, found Abib's Facial Soap in Black Brick in my basket and with me at home.
Abib describes itself as a brand "dedicated to perfection and purity" whether in their products or as tools to help one achieve said traits. They seem to focus heavily on high performing ingredients.
Peach & Lily's description:
While minimalistic in its design, there's nothing basic about Abib's Facial Soap Black Brick. Chock full of charcoal, it provides a deep (yet gentle) cleanse eradicating dirt from pores and helping to curb excess sebum production. Hazelnut oil, lemongrass essential oil and witch hazel keep the soap balanced by helping to hydrate, purify, and calm skin. Unlike most soaps, Abib's Facial Soap Brick microfoams to better penetrate pores and helps keep skin healthy.
Directions
1. Unwrap soap.
2. Wet brick and gently work into a lather with your hands.
3. Massage foam over face, hands, and neck (careful to avoid eyes and mouth).
4. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
5. Follow with toner and the rest of your skincare routine.
6. Can be used both morning and evening.
Ingredients
Sodium Stearate, Sodium Laurate, Sodium Myristate, Sodium Palmitate, Glycerine, Sorbitol, Stearic Acid, Lauric Acid, Palmitic Acid, Gevuina Avellana Seed Oil, Canola Oil, Cymbopogon Martini Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil, Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Peel Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Sapindus Trifoliatus Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Apium Graveolens (Celery) Extract, Charcoal Powder, Castanea Crenata (Chestnut) Shell Powder, Fragrance
Soap 100g / 3.53 oz.
Abib (Korean retail): ₩18,000
Peach & Lily: USD $19.00
StyleKorean: USD $18.00
Packaging
Their packaging is minimalistic. Their products itself also look minimal, as in cleansers are plain blocks of soap and creams come in prescription like tubes and are colorant-free. The same cannot be said for their ingredients list but they try to make it appear so by printing only a carefully select few on the packaging itself. I don't have a major problem with it as long as the full ingredient list is available elsewhere.
All of Abib's Facial Soaps come in a small pouch made of a fibrous, thick paper. There isn't any helpful information on the packaging to describe how the Black Brick would be helpful for a particular skin concern. The ingredients list is super condensed and uses mainly scientific names.
Color, Texture, & Scent
The bar of soap is completely black. The edges of the fresh soap are surprisingly more sharp-feeling than expected. It is smaller than an average body soap in length and width but taller by height. (There doesn't seem to be a big difference quantity-/weight-wise.) Abib's soap feels waxy to the touch and has a fruity scent. The smell can sometimes be overwhelming, especially on days I feel extra sensitive. It generally isn't a big issue for me. The facial soap doesn't create a lot of foam. I only get a smaller lather and a bit of suds when rubbing the bare soap against damp hands.
How I Apply
I use the Black Brick in the PM only after removing my makeup/sunscreen with a cleansing balm or oil. I wet a foaming net and rub the Facial Soap back and forth a few times onto the net. Knead the net together to create foam (like in the above photo). Squeeze all the foam off the net and massage onto my face. Rinse off well with water.
Thoughts & Recommendations
Abib promises the Black Brick to cleanse and purify pores with the charcoal while calming with a bunch of other ingredients. I don't generally put much thought into these kinds of claims because I only need cleansers to remove excess makeup remover residue. With that said, I haven't noticed an improvement or worsening of my clogged pores and redness while using the cleanser either.
The Facial Soap is a nice basic cleanser. It does what a cleanser should do and isn't irritating to use. I did not get a squeaky clean feeling after rinsing nor did my face feel immediately dry. However, the waiting period between cleanser and toner is far shorter than other cleansers I have used in the past. My face starts to feel very parched if I don't apply something hydrating within a few minutes of cleansing. The soap also leaves an unpleasant sudsy/residue-like feel on my hands that I haven't experienced before with facial cleansers.
Bar-style soaps may not be for everyone. There is some maintenance with them in the sense that it should ideally be put away or covered between uses. The bars should also be rinsed and placed on something elevated to help with drying and avoid collection of excess water. I personally think bars work best with a foaming net as the lather without is insufficient.
I think this small bar of soap would last me just as long as a tube of cleanser would. Given the option though, I would not repurchase a bar soap (unless the price was right) purely because of the convenience of other types of cleansers (whether it be a stick, foaming, gel, etc.). I could leave those on the counter and not have to worry about bacteria. If given the option, I probably would not repurchase this particular soap because the residue-issue and how quickly my face starts to dry out. Abib Facial Soap - Black Brick may work better for those with oilier skin or those who don't wait around after cleansing before moving onto the rest of their routines.
This was my first foray into one of Deciem's other brands outside of The Ordinary. It sadly doesn't have the same attractive price tag. I was, instead, captivated by its promise to target the most unnoticeable yet biggest body issue I have: dry, calloused, and tough feet skin. The Chemistry Brand's Heel Chemistry claims to approach the issue without the removal of skin like the beloved foot peels does and in only 2 weeks time to boot. Something about a special active complex that hydrates deep layers of skin to put a stop to the skin hardening cycle?
Deciem's description:
pH 5.00-6.00, alcohol-free, nut-free, vegan, & cruelty-free
Unlike traditional heel creams which focus on removing the hard skin, our 19.5% active complex hydrates the cracked skin topically whilst supporting below surface hydration to avoid the traditional hard skin cycle. Contains a marine complex clinically proven to improve visible skin texture and hydration, while counteracting extreme dryness. This formula contains no urea and no acids.
Heel Chemistry contains an extraordinary 19.5% active ingredients. Our Antarctic Marine Complex increases skin health and moisturization, showing a significant increase of skin hydration of 90% in 14 days. Calendula provides a healing and regeneration effect for both immediate and long-lasting results. Our active complex includes: Pseudoalteromonas Complex, Tremella Fuciformis, Purified Calendula Extract, Hydracool and Maize Propanediol.
Directions
Apply twice a day to dehydrated areas for 14 days. Continue application as needed. Can be used on heels, hands, elbows and other areas suffering from extreme dryness.
Ingredients
AQUA (WATER), PROPANEDIOL, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, CETEARYL GLUCOSIDE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, CETYL ALCOHOL, GLYCERIN, ALANINE, PROLINE, SERINE, TREMELLA FUCIFORMIS SPOROCARP EXTRACT, PSEUDOALTEROMONAS FERMENT EXTRACT, CALENDULA OFFICINALIS FLOWER EXTRACT, GLYCINE SOJA (SOYBEAN) OIL, TOCOPHEROL, BETAINE, DIMETHICONE/VINYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, ACRYLATES COPOLYMER, SODIUM POLYACRYLATE, HYDROXYPROPYLCELLULOSE, CELLULOSE, XANTHAN GUM, MENTHOL, MENTHYL LACTATE, METHYL DIISOPROPYL PROPIONAMIDE, ETHYL MENTHANE CARBOXAMIDE, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, POTASSIUM SORBATE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, PHENOXYETHANOL, CHLORPHENESIN, PARFUM (FRAGRANCE), LIMONENE, LINALOOL
Cream 100 ml / 3.3 fl oz
Deciem: USD $15.00
Packaging
Highly flexible, transparent squeeze tube with a flip-top cap—basic but gets the job done and I appreciate that the tube is see-through. A new lotion comes sealed with a security sticker.
Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent
Heel Chemistry is a lightweight cream with a strong minty scent that lingers for a very long time. It is white in color but spreads invisibly. The cream dries to a matte finish but leaves behind a silicone-slipperiness.
The Before and After photos were taken during a 2 week period where I only applied Heel Chemistry on both feet. The picture below that is of a period, maybe a month or so after that 2-week timeframe, where I applied Heel Chemistry to the right foot only and Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion on the left foot only for 2 weeks. Outside of those two 2-week sessions, I did not do anything extra to my soles other than wash with soap and water daily.
How I Apply
Squeeze a generous dollop onto my palms and smooth all over one foot, top and bottom. I apply more and focus on the heels where it is the driest. Repeat for the other foot. Immediately wear socks after to keep the lotion contained.
Repeat above steps twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening, for 2 weeks.
Thoughts & Recommendations
I didn't know what to really expect with a "specialized" lotion. I kind of hoped it would work some kind of magic to make my heels look baby soft in 2 weeks. But that is usually a bit of a stretch unless it is an exfoliator. Anywho, I just knew I had a lot of trust in Deciem because of the success I had with a couple of their The Ordinary products. With all that said, I am a bit ambivalent about the Heel Chemistry.
Does it work as claimed in 2 weeks time? Sort of.
Did it make my feet softer? Sure did!
Did my heels look as smooth as the after photo on their packaging box? Not at all.
Does it work better than any other lotion? I am not so sure.
It is really difficult to notice a change in the images. The real difference has to be felt. The parts where my feet skin were thinner (everywhere but the heels) felt soft and showed the only noticeable changes—less ashy and wrinkly. Otherwise, the tough calloused skin barely budged.
I tried using a more accessible and affordable lotion for the same 2-week treatment period, just out of curiosity and found both to work more or less the same. Heck, I think the Cetaphil may have worked a little faster and better.
The Chemistry Brand makes the tube of cream sound like an end-all-be-all product that "stops the hard skin cycle" with just 14 days of use. Perhaps that is why there is so little product in the tube for a foot cream—they think it works so well and is that concentrated. A new tube is also only filled about 60% of the way. Why?! However, to be real here...no effect will last if it isn't consistently applied every day even after those promised 14 days. I know my skin started to feel less soft each day immediately after I stopped using the cream (regardless of the brand).
Then there was the issue I personally had with the scent. I am not a fan of mint and anyone that knows me well can attest to it. If it only lasted for a while like toothpaste, I could handle it. The strength of the minty "fresh" scent is too overbearingly strong and continues to linger long after application.
To no fault of Heel Chemistry, but just a matter of personal preference, I could not find myself getting into the routine of applying lotion on my feet. The two weeks felt like a dreaded chore than something I enjoyed doing to potentially get soft skin. I also hated the fact that I had to wear socks all the time because the lotion made it too slippery to walk on wood floors barefooted (and I imagine tiled flooring would be even worse).
For the results that I had and the active effort it required, I am not going to repurchase this particular product again. Foot peels are messy but I can get better results with having done just one day of "work" (sitting in the exfoliating serum), the rest is a battle with time. Heel Chemistry may be good to help keep exfoliated skin baby soft; for me, it isn't a replacement product like I was hoping for.
