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*

Venustas Essentials : Royal Ubtan

 

Based on an Ayurvedic beauty recipe called an UBTAN , this skin food/scrub/mask is a brilliant base for cleansing, refining, invigorating and rejuvenating the skin. 

ABOUT THE BRAND

Learn more about Venustas Essentials HERE!

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• Almond Powder: Rich in vitamin A, almonds have moisturizing and emollient properties that are a wonderful way to nourish the skin while providing gentle exfoliation and promote the natural turnover of skin cells (1). Almonds can cleanse the skin by eliminating toxins and free radicals from your body. The various antioxidants in almonds possess anti-ageing properties which help in reducing fine lines and wrinkles. The vitamin E component is considered a skin food as it nourishes the skin, keeping it smooth and glowing, can help to remove fine lines and wrinkles. It can also lighten age spots and other blemishes on the skin. (2,3).

• Saffron: Saffron has anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties which make it an ideal ingredient for treating acne (4). Rich in exfoliating properties, saffron helps lighten scars and spots left behind from old wounds, cuts or acne eruptions (4). It also improves the quality of your skin by removing the dirt and impurities and tones the skin (4).

• Dried Rose Petals: Has antibacterial and anti inflammatory properties that can help treat acne and acne prone skin, reduce swollen spots, redness and has skin calming properties (5). Rose is especially beneficial for sensitive skin because the sugars in its petals create a soothing feeling (5).

• Red Sandalwood Extracts: A virtual ware house of goodness and has antiseptic, astringent, anti inflammatory and disinfectant properties (6). It’s powerful antimicrobial property, which means it can help kill the bacteria that cause acne. The antiseptic quality of sandalwood benefits to treat rashes, acne, blackheads and other skin eruptions, its germicidal quality inhibits the growth of bacteria (6). It is also a natural astringent, helping tone up the skin (6). An emollient, sandalwood soothes and softens skin, helping it hold onto water to stays hydrated longer (7).

• Powdered Milk: An excellent exfoliant, milk contains natural alpha hydroxy acids, which mildly scourges excess dead cells off the skin's surface, revealing soft skin underneath (8). Abundant source of proteins (whey and casein), fat, amino acids, lactic acid and vitamins A and D, all of which calm dry skin and help reduce redness and soothe irritated skin (9). Lactic acid present in milk helps dissolve inactive protein and breaks down dead cells, thereby exfoliating skin cells and hydrates, increasing natural barrier lipids in the outer layer of skin, while lightening and brightening skin for those with age spots or darkened areas (10). The protein and fat lubricates and softens rough skin, solving dryness.

• Clay Mix (Bentonite & Fullers Earth): Clay makes a fabulous facial mask, for shrinking pores, tightening and toning skin, removing impurities and sloughing off dead skin cells. It can also be used directly on pimples to reduce their size and inflammation and get rid of them faster (11).

• Wild Turmeric (Kasturi Manjal): It has anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory, anti-septic and anti-bacterial properties due to which it is used to as a cure for acne and acne marks, as a scrub in conjunction with other exfoliating agents, as an anti-ageing agent, to help removing facial peach fuzz and as a remedy for removing sun tan (12). 

• Essential Oil of Rose: Perfectly balanced between the omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids (EFAs) – essential in keeping skin hydrated and firm. EFAs help to eliminate damaging and aging inflammation redness associated with scarring and broken capillaries while also renewing cell membranes and regenerating the skin (an anti-aging key) (13,14). It also contains transretinoic acid (a form of Vitamin A) responsible for skin smoothing wrinkles, rejuvenating skin, as well as lightening age spots and stretch marks. It can also help with itching skin, it’s antiseptic properties help treat acne and other skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and wound healing (13).

• Essential Oil of Sandalwood: A cicatrisant, the essential oil of sandalwood soothes the skin and has the ability to promote cell regeneration, helping to eliminate scars and other dark marks on the skin. Its antimicrobial property helps prevent acne, soothe redness and inflammation, hydrates without clogging pores, tighten, and regenerate skin cells to produce a softer, smoother, and firmer look (7).

The product come sin a 50 gm tub packaging with a screw on top and an inner protective lid that prevents any spillage making it a sound travel partner. 

Powdery and dry in consistency, the face pack is gritty in texture, reddish yellow in color and has a delicate fragrance of roses. Upon closer observation, one can notice almonds bits and rose petals. 

To use: Mix 1/2-1 tsp of ubtan with 1/4-1/2 tsp of raw milk, yogurt, or floral hydrosols.  I prefer to use either yoghurt or raw milk due to them being rich in good fats and skin refining acids. Massage onto damp skin, rinse off or leave on for ten minutes and rinse with tepid water.the face pack can safely be used 1-2 times a week. 

Upon my request, a couple of weeks ago, Seema had sent me a sample of the royal ubtan. That batch was finer in texture and did not have any distinguishable fragrance. Though similar in formulation & efficacy, I have to say I prefer the current batch of face pack that I have received. Its grittier in texture due to the coarsely ground almonds and has a gorgeous aroma of roses. The product can most certainly fulfill the role as a facial cleanser, scrub  & a mask. 

Abundant in vitamin E, silica, anti-oxidants, phyto-nutrients, amino acid peptides, ceramides, essential fatty acids and probiotics, the ubtan is very effective for all skin types but specifically for acne prone ones. The ingredients work in tandem to clarify the skin, draw heat from the blood and stimulate lymph flow, exfoliate, firm & tone the skin, give radiance to the skin, helps prevent acne & leaves skin baby soft, smooth and supple.  Upon application, the face pack does have a yellowish tinge due to the wild turmeric but does not stain the skin in any way. 

Prepared from a traditional formulation of natural herbs, the ubtan aptly named, nourishes the skin while providing it a royal glow.

*Product sent as PR sample*