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.

ABOUT THE BRAND

Learn more about Oilcraft Naturals HERE!

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.

Oilcraft Naturals : Facial Mists

 

Rosewater has been a regular in the T of my CTM routine for the past 12 years now. Research led me to understand that not all rose waters are created equal. Apparently, the method of production is an important factor for the quality and there are two ways of making rose water:-

One, simply mixing rose oil with distilled water. In this way the so called "Rose Water" is not an authentic rose water and is missing valuable rose juices. The other way, which is the authentic rose water production method, is through meticulous steam-distillation of the fresh organic rose petals (1). Rose water produced through meticulous steam-distillation of the fresh rose petals contains nutritious juices and pure rose oil that have a vast range of therapeutic benefits because of the presence of numerous water-soluble active ingredients that are not present in the rose oil (1).

Oilcraft Naturals is one such brand that churns out premium quality facial mists using the steam distillation methodology that has several bloggers raving.

Cleansing may strip off oils from the skin especially if you have dry skin. A toner helps in soothing the skin by helping maintain the pH and condition of the skin.

ABOUT THE BRAND

Learn more about Oilcraft Naturals HERE!

ROSE FACIAL MIST

From anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial to hydrating properties, rose water marvels with numerous benefits to people of all skin types and concerns.

KEY INGREDIENTS &THEIR BENEFITS

• Steam Distilled Rose Water: Rose water soothes red and irritated sensitive skin by its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties (2). It has astringent like properties, tightens capillaries, and reduces redness and blotchiness.  Rose is great for dry skin, as it helps increase its ability to hold onto hydration while the natural oils in rose help trap moisture onto skin, making it look and feel smoother (3). Its anti-inflammatory property reduces pimples by stopping the growth of bacteria: If used as a toner, rose water removes oil off your face, reduces pimples, hydrates your skin and unclogs the pores (2).

PANCH PUSPH FACIAL MIST

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• Steam Distilled Rose Water: Rose water soothes red and irritated sensitive skin by its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties (2). It has astringent like properties, tightens capillaries, and reduces redness and blotchiness.  Rose is great for dry skin, as it helps increase its ability to hold onto hydration while the natural oils in rose help trap moisture onto skin, making it look and feel smoother (3). Its anti-inflammatory property reduces pimples by stopping the growth of bacteria: If used as a toner, rose water removes oil off your face, reduces pimples, hydrates your skin and unclogs the pores (2).

• Steam Distilled Mogra (Jasmine) Water:The essential oils of this delicate flower contain potent antiseptic, antibacterial, and antiviral properties thanks to a portfolio of compounds like benzaldehyde, benzoic acid, and benzyl benzoate (4). Traditionally used to restore skin, the essential oils and botanical extracts of jasmine increase skin’s elasticity, help balance moisture in the skin to naturally reduce dryness and its natural antibacterial properties protect skin from assault and aid skin’s immunity (4). Plus, jasmine oil is a cicatrizer, meaning it helps fade scars left in the wake of acne, skin wounds & eruptions (4).

• Steam Distilled Saffron Water: Due to its antibacterial properties, saffron may help in reducing bacterial growth and thereby reducing acne, furthermore the antioxidants present in it also aid in protecting the skin from harmful free radicals and makes your skin radiant and flawless (5). Used in aqueous medium, saffron acts as a skin lightening agent, removes impurities and sloughs off dead cells (5). Also an excellent toner to soothe irritated skin. 

• Steam Distilled Marigold Water: The active compounds found in marigold have the quality of stimulating blood circulation and speeding up the healing periods. Marigold flowers contain a bitter compound, volatile oil that have healing, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and soothing effects (6). They are a considerable source of flavonoids, carotenoids, vitamin C, proteins and resins, among others. The contained bio-flavonoids reduce the fragility of the capillary blood vessels (6).

• Steam Distilled Kewra (Pandan Flower) Water: Has antiviral, antiallergy, antiplatelet, anti-inflammatory & antioxidant properties. Great cleanser, aids in removing oil and dirt accumulated in clogged pores and thus preventing acne, its astringent like properties helps tone the skin.

Both the mists are water based (no alcohol), preservative free and come in a clear 200 mL plastic bottle with a spray nozzle. I keep both of these spritzes refrigerated to heighten the skin-tightening properties of toner (the low temps supercharge the shrinking of pores).

Though not listed in the ingredient list, I do suspect some amount of glycerin has been added to the mists, because they sting when they get into the eye. What concerns me is if the glycerin source is synthetic or plant based!

I primarily use the rose mist as a facial toner, however it could be used in face masks or simply as a refreshing facial mist. After my shower, I spray the required amount on either a cotton pad and wipe my face with it or spray it directly onto my face and let it dry (approx 5 minutes). 

The rose mist is colorless, light and has a very delicate and natural smell of roses. Over the years I have tried several brands of rose water and in my opinion, Oilcraft Naturals definitely produces superior quality rosewater. 

The Panch Pusph which simply means floral water of five (5) flowers, is  a golden yellow non staining mist. The fragrance is a very exotic and captivating one. I detect top notes of saffron and kewra along with mild accords of mogra. The rose scent is almost undetectable because of its mild fragrance.

While I use the mist for mixing facial cleansers and masks, my mother uses it as a refreshing facial spray. She loved it so much, she now gifts near and dear ones! However, since I use it in conjunction with other products, I wouldn't be able comment on the benefit it alone imparts to the skin. Owing to my dry skin, I absolutely feel the necessity to moisturize after using the toners both in the summer and winter months.  

I am really glad to have discovered these two Oilcraft Naturals gems and would recommend both the facial mists for all skin types or for those looking for alcohol free/natural/ayurvedic alternatives.