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*

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.