Just Herbs : No Sun Jojoba-Wheatgerm Moisturising Sun Protection Gel

Ultraviolet radiation (UV) from the sun can wreak havoc on skin. Over time, it can cause sunburns, wrinkles, premature aging, and cancer, and reduce immunity against infections.

ABOUT THE BRAND

Learn more about Just Herbs HERE!!

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• Aloevera Leaf Juice: Aloe vera’s blend of amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals help rejuvenate, protect, soothe and beautify the skin (1). Its natural salicylic acid content is perfect for lightening, evening out skin tone, and getting rid of dry skin, plus it’s jam packed with nutrients that will do more than just get rid of hyperpigmentation (2). Aloe vera is also anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial, making it perfect for treating acne prone skin as well (2).

• Jojoba Oil: A superior emolient that is absolutely non-greasy, letting the skin “breathe” while providing deep moisture control. It adds lustre to the skin while clearing pores and reducing the appearance of fine lines to create silky-smooth, radiant skin (3).

• Wheatgerm Oil: Full of essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. One of its most prominent nutrients though, is Vitamin E, wheat germ’s high vitamin E content make is perfect to use for skin regeneration and healing (4). It locks in and maintains moisture like no one’s business, very important for even cell turnover.

• Grapeseed Oil: The rich nutrients in Grape Seed extract have been found to protect against UV radiation, and they have been found to lighten the effects on age spots and pigmented skin caused by ultra violet rays (5).

• Fumitory: Used as a skin treatment for eczema and other eruptions of the skin. Excellent for removing freckles and clearing the skin (6).

• Soy Lecithin: Phospholipid found in the membranes of soy and widely used in cosmetics as an emollient and water-binding agent (7).

• Carrotseed Oil: High in antioxidants (caratenoids), it’s a natural for any anti-aging skin formula. These components can help protect your skin from environmental stressors like UV rays, pollution, and stress (8). High in “carotol,” a primary component found in carrot seed oil, it has the ability to rejuvenate skin (8). The oil also has moisturizing vitamin E and protective vitamin C, which work together to help encourage healing and to rejuvenate skin cells and bring new life to skin (8). Carrot seed oil has a reputation for healing eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis because of its ability to stimulate cell growth and repair damaged skin (8).

• Green Tea Extract: Tea contains ten times more antioxidants than fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants make up a full quarter of its dry weight (9).  These powerful anti-aging factors help green tea to preserve collagen, giving rise to firmer, smoother skin with more elasticity and fewer lines, whether applied topically, or taken as a drink (9).

• Psoralea Seed Extract: Used in the treatment of skin pigmentation problems: The presence of furanocoumarins, containing psoralens in the extract promote pigmentation and support the stimulation of melanin pigments in the skin structure (10). Scientific studies have also proven that psoralen up residual pigmentation and improves skin health.

• Vetiver 0.1%: A “cicatrisant,” it can speed up the disappearance of scars, dark spots, and other marks on the skin, helping to create a more even skin tone (11).

• Zinc Oxide: Inert earth mineral used as a thickening, whitening, lubricating, and sunscreen ingredient in cosmetics. Zinc oxide is considered to have no risk of skin irritation, it can also be an anti-irritant and, potentially, an antioxidant (12, 13) Nano-sized zinc oxide is not believed to be a safety concern for skin.

• Glyceryl stearate citrate/Cetearyl alcohol/Glyceryl caprylate***: Glyceryl Stearate Citrate (a powerful anionic), Cetearyl Alcohol (a co-emulsifier) and Glyceryl Caprylate (a wetting agent with antimicrobial properties) (14). The combination of these natural and sustainable ingredients conveniently forms emulsions at low temperatures and exhibits basic antimicrobial activity (14).

• Vegetable Glycerine*: Glycerin is a skin-identical and skin-repairing ingredient, it is one of the many substances in skin that help maintain the outer barrier and prevent dryness or scaling (15).

• Shea Butter: The butter’s oils are similar to the natural oils secreted by the skin, helping it absorb easily and deeply.  It soothes irritations and enhances elasticity, improves the skin’s barrier function, reduces water loss and relieves dryness (16).

• Dicaprylyl Carbonate***: Emollient ingredient that spreads easily and leaves a velvety feel on skin without seeming greasy or slick (17). It also helps other ingredients penetrate skin better.

• Octyl Dodecanol***: Emulsifier and opacifying agent, used primarily as a thickener in moisturizers because of its lubricating and emollient properties (18).

• Potassium Sorbate: Used as a preservative due to its ability to inhibit mold and yeast growth in cosmetics products once it breaks down into sorbic acid. It has weak activity against bacteria, which is why it is almost always used in conjunction with other preservative (19).

• Sodium Benzoate: The benzoic acid portion of this ingredient conveys some amount of preservative benefit, most notably against fungi (20).

• Natural Preservative (Herbs-Essential Oil Complex)

*Certified Organic ***ECOCERT approved (Natural ingredient from renewable resources).

The no sun, sun protection gel comes in a 100 mL plastic bottle with a pump dispenser and protective lid. The lotion is off-whitish in color, a thick gel like consistency and has a mild pleasant fragrance that does not linger on for long.

To use, pump the desired amount and apply before heading out into the sun.

True to its claim, the product is a light weight gel that gets absorbed super quickly into the skin and does not leave a greasy residue or white cast. Unlike several other sun protection lotions/creams, the skin does not sweat but feels amply moisturized.With a SPI (Sun Protection Index) of 20, the product provides sufficient coverage for everyday activities with a few minutes here and there in the sun.


Unfortunately, this sun protection gel did not work for me. Every time I use this product on my face, it makes me break out, either immediately or shortly after. It seems to work fine when applied to other body parts such as arms and legs.

Looking at the ingredient list, there are several ingredients that are comedogenic. Usually, ingredients are listed in order of descending concentrations above 1%, however I am not sure if this applies to Indian produced cosmetic products. This limits me unfortunately from identifying the culprit.

I will definitely not be re-purchasing this product which is a pity because apart from the acne issue it causes me I did like the other aspects of the product. If you’re prone to breaking out, this may be a product be cautious about.

REFERENCES

1. http://www.gaelleorganic.com/ingredients/aloe-vera-juice/
2. http://www.holistichealthherbalist.com/get-rid-of-hyperpigmentation-naturally-without-a-trip-to-the-dermatologist/
3. http://www.gaelleorganic.com/ingredients/jojoba-oil/
4. http://www.holistichealthherbalist.com/get-rid-of-hyperpigmentation-naturally-without-a-trip-to-the-dermatologist/
5. http://www.homeremediesweb.com/grape-seed-oil-health-benefits.php
6. http://healthybenefits.info/the-health-benefits-of-fumitory-herb/
7. http://www.paulaschoice.com/cosmetic-ingredient-dictionary/definition/lecithin
8. http://www.annmariegianni.com/ingredient-showcase-carrot-seed-oil-a-moisturizing-skin-rejuvenator/
9. http://www.gaelleorganic.com/ingredients/green-tea-extract/
10. http://ayurvedicoils.com/tag/babchi-oil
11. http://www.annmariegianni.com/ingredient-showcase-vetiver-fades-dark-spots-regenerates-skin-tissues/
12. Ting W, Vest C, Sontheimer R. Practical and experimental consideration of sun protection in dermatology. Int J Dermatol. 2003;42(7):505-13.
13. Lansdown A. Metallothioneins: potential therapeutic aids for wound healing in the skin. Wound Repair Regen. 2002;10(3):130-32.
14. http://www.kinetiktech.com/docs/news/0906.pdf
15. http://www.paulaschoice.com/cosmetic-ingredient-dictionary/definition/glycerin
16. http://www.gaelleorganic.com/ingredients/shea-butter/
17. http://www.paulaschoice.com/cosmetic-ingredient-dictionary/definition/dicaprylyl-carbonate 
18. http://www.paulaschoice.com/cosmetic-ingredient-dictionary/definition/octyldodecanol
19. http://www.paulaschoice.com/cosmetic-ingredient-dictionary/definition/potassium-sorbate
20. http://www.paulaschoice.com/cosmetic-ingredient-dictionary/definition/sodium-benzoate