Rustic Art : Organic Baby Lotion

I am always on a quest to find natural products (read chemical free) for my 3 year old. So when time came for me to find her a body lotion I found it almost impossible to find one without preservatives. Then I happened to chance upon Rustic Art's baby lotion that came full of promises. Due to my previous positive experience with the brand, I decided to give this a go!

ABOUT THE BRAND

Founded by aunt-neice duo, Sunita Jaju and Swati Maheshwari, Rustic Art makes and uses sustainable alternatives to chemical-based products. Eco-friendly, handmade, free of chemicals and harmful elements, the brand uses only certified organic products in their formulations.

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• Certified Aloe Vera: An antipruritic (relives or prevents itching), it’s a great way to hydrate, moisturize and rejuvenate the skin and increase skin elasticity through collagen and elastin repair (1). (To learn further benefits of aloe vera, CLICK HERE).

• Organic Jojoba Oil: Non-toxic and non comedogenic, jojoba oil doesn't cause skin irritation or allergic reactions (2). Because emollients are oils that add hydration to skin, jojoba oil does an excellent job of making skin soft and smooth, improving its look and feel (2). An effective moisturizer, it penetrates skin and is easily absorbed. An antibacterial agent, jojoba oil effectively kills bacteria and germs (2).

• Organic Sunflower Oil: Retains moisture, and prevents the skin from drying out (3). It is extremely powerful at keeping away bacteria and maintaining youthful skin, and contains a rich mixture of vitamins and other natural substances that have a healthy effect on skin and its pores (3). It is very high in antioxidants, particularly the antioxidant vitamins A, C and E, which prevent free radicals from damaging the skin. The vitamin E, in the sunflower oil, also acts as moisturizer, by helping the body cells retain water inside them. Folate or folic acid, present in sunflower oil, helps the body in the manufacture of new cells (3). Sunflower oil works as a protective and moisturizing solution for skin. A study published in The Lancet suggests that sunflower oil skin treatments may help prevent infection, especially for infants with underdeveloped skin (3).

• Organic Coconut Oil: Best oil for baby skin as it is light and gets absorbed quickly in the skin. Coconut oil can be used as an effective treatment for sensitive skin and skin problems like eczema, rashes, patchy skin, dermatitis and cradle cap (4). It helps keeping baby’s skin amply moisturized and supple and contains anti-oxidants and lauric and caprylic acids, which are great for the skin. It also has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties which make it an ideal choice for baby’s skin (4).

• Organic Wheat Germ Oil: Rich in fatty acids oleic and linoleic acids which are soothing for the skin, wheat germ oil contains 23 different nutrients, including protein, B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, iron and calcium which makes it particularly well-suited to moisturizing and soothing the skin (5). Readily absorbed by the skin making it an effective moisturiser that delivers a healthy infusion of vitamin A, vitamin D, B vitamins, antioxidants and fatty acids (5).

• Vitamin E Oil: A potent antioxidant, vitamin E is widely believed to contribute to skin tone and moisture, so it's commonly included in moisturizing creams and lotions for all ages (6). Like other antioxidants, the health benefit of vitamin E is thought to derive from its ability to hunt free radicals, cells that can cause skin damage and other health problems (6). Vitamin E is valuable because it's fat soluble, meaning that oils and fats can transport it into body tissues and systems where water-soluble vitamins can't pass (6). Infants are susceptible to all the same causes of dry skin as adults and because their skin is more delicate than an adult's, they're more prone to dry skin. A gentle moisturizing lotion containing vitamin E can be an effective treatment, soothing your baby's skin and preventing the irritating itches and rashes (6).
  

• Vegetable Glycerin: A natural humectant, it can seal in moisture on the top layer of the skin while the other oils work their way deep into our cells to provide long-lasting moisture.

• Shea Butter: Naturally rich in vitamins A, E and F, it provides the skin with essential fatty acids and the nutrients necessary for collagen production (7). The concentration of natural vitamins and fatty acids in Shea butter make it incredibly nourishing and moisturizing for skin making it apt for dry skin and to help protect the skin’s natural oils (7).  Lupeol cinnamate in shea butter, reduces skin inflammation making it beneficial for acne (7). Shea butter aids in the skin’s natural collagen production and contains oleic, stearic, palmitic and linolenic acids that protect and nourish the skin to prevent drying (7).

• Natural Citric Acid: A.K.A. vitamin C which is a natural preservative and pH adjuster (8).

• Borax: A boron mineral and salt that’s mined directly from the ground, and works as an emulsifying agent (9).

• Essential Oil of Chamomile: Used in lotions and creams to sooth irritated skin (8).

• Essential Oil of Blueberry: No such thing as blueberry essential oil, what is existent is blueberry seed oil and blueberry fragrance oil.

• Essential Oil of Lavender: An anti-inflammatory and circulatory stimulant. It reduces inflammation thereby causing less skin redness and blotchiness making skin appear evenly colored (10). Enhances circulatory system by causing an increase in blood flow and subsequently an increase in nutrients to the skin along with much needed oxygen to the cells (10). This is essential to healthier cells, and benefits more frequent cell turnover.

• Essential Oil of Vanilla: The antioxidant property of vanilla essential oil neutralizes these free radicals and protects the body from wear and tear and infections (11). It also repairs the damage already done to the body and stimulates repair. This oil has a relaxing and calming effect on the brain and the nerves that provides relief from anxiety, anger, and restlessness (11).

• Natural Preservative of TCLS: Natural preservative system based on three key essential oils: Turmeric Oil (Curcuma longa), Clove Bud Oil (Syzgium Aromaticum), Lemon Grass Oil (Cymbopogen Citratus) and Sesame Oil (Sesamum Indicum) (12).

The organic baby lotion comes in a 100 mL plastic bottle with a flip top (which does not shut tight!). White in color, the lotion is thick in consistency but not greasy and does not have a very pleasant fragrance. 

To use, I literally have to squeeze the bottle to dispense the required amount of lotion and rub it onto my daughter after her shower.

The lotion though feels thick is lightweight upon application, glides on easily and is quick absorbing leaving the skin well hydrated. The fragrance is a whole different story! The lotion has a stale smell to it which my daughter totally hates. In fact there is a melt down every time I apply this lotion which is a complete deal breaker.

Dispensing the thick lotion from the flip top seems to be quite cumbersome. The website shows the product with a pump dispenser which I did not receive making me believe mine was from an older stock. I did mail Rustic Art expressing my concern but am yet to hear back from them. . 

Though the product does a good job at moisturizing, the fragrance unfortunately is a put off making me rethink my decision regarding re-purchasing it, which is a pity!