Oilcraft Naturals : Kumkumadi Serum

Kumkumadi thailam also known as “Saffron oil” is an amalgamation of 16 ingredients with functions ranging from skin softening to lightening and provides cosmetic as well as therapeutic benefits to the face (1). Kumkuma means saffron, which is the key ingredient. Kumkumadi helps reduce dark spots, blemishes and lightens sun tan (2). Apart from being good anti-ageing oil, it also prevents fungal and bacterial infections.

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KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• Keshara (Saffron): Has non-volatile active components like carotenoids that are anti-oxidants which prevents free radical reactions. Saffron’s anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties make it an ideal acne treatment ingredient (3). It’s healing properties fastens up the healing process of wounds and removes scars and spots for a blemish free skin tone. A rich source of exfoliating properties, it easily removes scars and spots left behind from old wounds or cuts or acne eruptions and  has skin lightening properties that proactively promotes healthier and glowing skin (3). It also improves the quality of your skin by removing the dirt and impurities and tones the skin (3).

• Usira (Vetiveria Zizanioides): Helps to clear acne, and because it promotes skin regeneration and strengthens the connective tissue, it assists with wound healing and benefits aging skin (4).

• Kaliya (Berberis Aristata): Tree Turmeric is a potent anti-pyretic, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, and an antiseptic, promotes wound healing and nourishes the skin (5).

• Laksha (Laccifer Lacca): An astringent (6).

• Yashtavya (Licorice-Glycyrrhiza Glabra): Licorice can help reduce the appearance of age spots and dark areas of hyperpigmentation on skin (7). It contains an active compound called “glabridin,” which inhibits the enzyme that causes skin to darken in response to sun exposure. A natural skin whitening agent, glabridin helps decrease the production of melanin and rebalance skin cells (7). Licorice extract may also help diminish dark under-eye circles, and darkened areas caused by scars. Though the anti-inflammatory and whitening properties are the most attractive qualities in licorice for skin care, the extract also has powerful antioxidants that help protect the skin from free-radical induced damage, as well as “licochalcone,” which helps control oil production, making this a good ingredient for those with acne-prone skin (7).

• Chandana (Red Sandalwood): Red sandalwood or Rakta Chandana contains liquiritigenenin and isoliquiritigenin, both potent antioxidants and detoxifiers making it an ideal anti-ageing ingredient (8). Used to get glowing and even skin tone. It is also very beneficial for oily skin tone, where it can help reduce oiliness from skin. Due to its antimicrobial properties, red sandalwood is an effective treatment for acne/pimples (9). Its soothing and calming effect helps treating tans and sun burns.  Red sandalwood can also be used to nourish and soothe irritated skin (9).

• Manjishta (Rubia Cordifolia): Indian Madder is beneficial in treating skin conditions like uneven pigmentation and eczema (10). It works well to alleviate the acne lesions, imparts glow and soothes the skin, clears inflammation, acts as an antiseptic and an astringent (10). Effective in removing freckles and other discoloration of the skin, thereby promoting fair and healthy skin (10).

• Padmaka (Prunus Cerasoides): External application of paste useful as anti-pruritic (itch) and complexion enhancer (11).

• Neelotpala (Nymphaea Stellata): Anti-aging & rejuvenation (12). The lotus has natural moisture that conditions and hydrates skin, the  natural alpha-hydroxy acids help exfoliate the outer layer of skin, allowing younger cells to rise to the surface resulting  is skin that can more efficiently regenerate itself to heal and restore a youthful look (13). The anti-inflammatory property helps calm inflammation, reducing redness and acne outbreaks while the proteins in lotus help to repair the skin’s structure, restoring strength and elasticity (13). Lotus also helps stimulate blood flow, which can bring new liveliness to the complexion.

• Nyagrodha (Ficus Bengalensis): It helps wound healing, suppresses inflammation, help lighten brown spots caused due to acne scarring, and the patches in the skin. (14).

• Plaksha (Ficus Lacor): Used in healing of wounds (15).

• Kamala Keshara (Pollen Of Lotus): Retards aging and moisturizes the skin (16).

• Dashamoola (Ten Herbs): Regenerates cells of the body (17).

• Bilva (Aegle Marmelos): The psoralen present in the pulp of bael fruit increases tolerance of sunlight which aids in the maintenance of normal skin color and had anti-inflammatory properties (18).

• Agnimantha (Premna Mucronata): Anti-inflammatory functions and helps clear complexion (19).

• Pattanga (Caesalpinia Sappan): Antibacterial and antioxidant activity and improves complexion (20).

• Ajikshira (Goat Milk): Is rich in essential fatty acids and triglycerides (21). The essential fatty acids have a unique pH similar to humans, so it is less irritating and more easily absorbed by our skin. These fatty acids and triglycerides are super moisturizing (21). Goat’s milk contains precious skin minerals like selenium and is loaded with vitamins, particularly vitamin A, the most important vitamin for the skin (21). As with other milks, goat’s milk contains lactic acid, which is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). It assists to gently slough off dead skin cells and helps to hydrate and brighten the skin. It is both an anti-aging wonder and a lifesaver for dry and sensitive skin (21).

• Taila (Oil Of Sesamum Indicum): The presence of vitamin E and zinc in this oil helps in augmenting the elasticity of the skin; repairs damaged skin cells and promote the production of collagen (22). Massaging your skin with this nourishing natural emollient aids in preventing the symptoms of aging, wrinkles, acne, psoriasis, wounds, burns and other skin infections (22). Sesame oil also protects your skin from dangerous ultra-violet rays.

This Oilcraft Naturals kumkumadi serum comes in a 8 mL tinted glass bottle with an in built dropper. The serum is fluid in consistency, a semi light texture, reddish orange color (almost like iodine tincture) and has the most amazing aromatic saffron fragrance.

To use, after cleansing my face in the morning, I spritz my face with the brands rose facial mist, add 2-3 drops of the serum to my palm and apply it to dampened skin in circular motion.

Kumkumadi serum seems to be the skincare trend this year. Almost every skincare brand makes various versions of this serum but the root ingredients are almost always the same with slight variations. I chose Oilcraft Naturals for two reasons: (1) Price point (2) My previous positive experience with their products. This serum is manufactured by Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakal for Oilcraft Naturals.

100% ayurvedic, this serum also dubbed as "Miraculous Beauty Fluid" is a unique blend of oils and herbs formulated to help skin look young hydrated, clean and illuminated.

Just like their other products this one does not disappoint either. I have been using it for over a week and have noticed some sweet results. The brand's bestseller, the serum does not stain the skin and gets instantaneously absorbed into the skin. Though not very heavy, the serum does a great job at hydration. There is a  big difference in the complexion and in a few days, you will notice the skin to be illuminative, consistent and clearer. The aromatic saffron smell is definitely a bonus.

True on quality, the Oilcraft Naturals Kumkumadi Serum makes it to my skincare staple.