Venustas Essentials : Ayurvedic Hair Oil

Studies suggest massaging the scalp and hair with warm oil, preferably infused with hair-friendly herbs, is the best way to nourish the scalp and hair topically and imparts several benefits (1): 

1. It lubricates and conditions the scalp, helping to prevent flakes and dry scalp

2. Helps enhance blood circulation in the head and neck area helping relax the scalp and increase pliability.

3. Strengthens the roots of the hair and nourishes the hair-shafts, promoting new hair growth and strengthening current hair.

4. Helps soften and conditions the strands making it more manageable.

5. Spreads the natural oils of the hair, increasing hair luster and vibrancy.

6. Protect hair from the damaging effects of the sun and harsh weather by improving resiliency over time.

7.  Replinishes and rejuvenates dry, damaged hair, and helps prevent excessive brittleness and split-ends. 

ABOUT THE BRAND

Learn more about Venustas Essentials HERE! 

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• Cold Pressed Oils Of:

• Coconut (Cocas Nucifera Extract): The fatty acids in coconut oil penetrate human hair fibres, giving it more structural strength thereby protecting hair from damage, prevents hair damage from hygral fatigue, reduces/prevents protein loss from the hair fibre, helps retain moisture form inside the hair shaft, nourishes the scalp and helps treat dandruff and has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral due to the presence of medium chain fatty acids, notably lauric acid (2).

• Castor: Rich in vitamin E, minerals, proteins, Omega 6 and 9 beneficial fatty acids and unusually high ricinoleic acid ratio makes it beneficial to skin and hair (3). It’s antibacterial and anti fungal properties make it beneficial against follliculitus, dandruff and scalp infections while its ricinoleic acid content helps increase circulation to the scalp and improve hair growth (3). Ricinoleic acid is also said to help balance scalp pH which can also help replenish the scalp’s natural oils and undo some of the damage of harsh chemical hair products (3). The antioxidants in castor oil support the keratin in hair and help make hair stronger, smoother and less frizzy (3).

• Olive: One of the top emollients that can penetrate the hair, and its lightweight nature makes it great for moisturizing (4). Olive oil also contains anti-inflammatory properties that promote scalp health and prevent dandruff. Extra virgin oil is also rich in high levels of monounsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E, an antioxidant important for hair growth (4). Olive oil is not likely to cause an allergic reaction, making it ideal for sensitive skin and hair (4). Olive oil deeply penetrates the hair cuticle so that moisture and nutrients are absorbed, leaving coarse natural and curly hair not only smoother, but shinier and healthier as well (4).

• Amla (Phyllanthus emblica) Beneficial in enriching hair growth and pigmentation, treatment of premature greying of hair and cleansing and condition hair (5,6).

• Bramhi: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidant properties, brahmi helps to strengthen the hair follicles and reduce hair fall, controls hair thinning and hair loss and clears up dandruff (7).

• Hibiscus Extracts: Prevents hair loss and premature graying, lessens frizz whilst promoting hair growth, gives hair a boost of shine and bounce, helps balance the pH of the scalp, reduces redness, scalping and itching of the scalp, works like an astringent to reduce the oiliness of hair, discourages split ends (8).

• Basil Extracts: A beneficial herb that stimulates and promotes hair growth, improves hair quality, nourishes and rejuvenates hair follicles. Its powerful stimulating properties can assist in follicle nourishing and regeneration (9).

• Curry Leaves Extracts: Rich in antioxidants and amino acids, curry leaves are capable of reducing hair fall and stimulate hair growth. Also a rich source of beta-carotene and proteins: beta carotene limits hair loss while presence of proteins prevents hair thinning by strengthening hair follicles (10).

• Essential Oil of Rosemary: Packed with antioxidants which help scavenge free radicals – that are responsible for greying as well as hair thinning (11). This wonderful oil stimulates blood flow to the scalp and promotes strong and healthy hair growth. Rosemary oil is also effective for treating dandruff, itchiness, scalp irritation and oily skin (11).

• Essential Oil of Sage: Sage is known as a hair colorant where it is traditionally used  to restore color to graying hair. However, it is great for weak, damaged hair and it gives hair shine (9).

Yellow in color with a greenish tinge, the oil smells of herbs predominantly curry leaves. Fluid in consistency and light in texture, the oil is non greasy and washes away without leaving any residue or smell.

The oil is packaged in a plastic bottle with a flip top and is not travel safe. I would exercise caution if you plan to travel with it. 

Like all Ayurvedic oils, this oil is obtained by macerating various plants in an oil base to extract the main active ingredients. The herbs are are slow-cooked with the oils, cooled and let to sit in the sun for a couple of weeks before it is strained and ready to use.

The ingredients used have the capacity to arrest hair fall, reverse premature greying, treat dandruff and encourage hair growth. I do have grey stands but they are definitely not premature and I do not have dandruff issues so I am not sure the effect the oil has on these but I did have hair fall and I have been religiously using this twice a week for the past month or so and I have seen a reduction. I also love how the oil leaves my usually coarse and dry hair soft and well moisturized. 

Free of chemicals, preservatives and completely natural, this herbal concoction provides a nourishing and fortifying treatment for the scalp. 

*Product sent as PR sample*

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.