This article delves into the ingredient list of the One Love Botanical Facial Cleanser, a foaming cleanser marketed for its exfoliating and skin-enhancing properties. We'll explore the function and potential benefits of each component, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of what you're putting on your skin.
Overview
The One Love Botanical Facial Cleanser is available for purchase at \$42.00, with options for interest-free payments or a subscription for savings. The product is usually dispatched within 24 hours and free delivery is available on orders over \$50. The cleanser is designed to exfoliate, improve skin tone and texture.
Key Ingredients and Their Benefits
Here's a breakdown of the key ingredients found in the One Love Botanical Facial Cleanser, along with their known properties and potential benefits:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Derived from the leaves of the aloe plant, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is renowned for its soothing properties, particularly for sunburns. Beyond sunburn relief, it boasts anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, and antiseptic qualities, and can aid in wound healing. Aloe is rich in Vitamins A, C, and E, which act as antioxidants, combating free radicals that can damage skin cells. These free radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution. The juice also contains beneficial sugars like monosaccharides and polysaccharides, as well as folic acid and choline.
Water
As the most common cosmetic ingredient, water typically appears at the top of ingredient lists, signifying its high concentration in the product. It acts as a solvent and carrier for other ingredients.
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Lauryl Glucoside
This sugar- and lipid-based cleansing agent is derived from glucose and lauryl alcohol. Lauryl Glucoside functions as a surfactant, facilitating the removal of oil, dirt, and pollutants from the skin. However, a study found lauryl glucoside to cause skin sensitivity for some people.
Glycerin
Glycerin is a naturally occurring component of the skin, known for its moisturizing and protective properties. A 2016 study indicated that glycerin is a more effective humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid. As a humectant, it draws moisture to the skin, promoting hydration. Its low molecular weight enables it to penetrate deeper layers of the skin, strengthening the skin barrier and protecting against irritants and bacteria. Glycerin also exhibits antimicrobial and antiviral properties, making it useful in wound and burn treatments. In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat. This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Lactic Acid
Lactic Acid, an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) obtained from fermenting lactose (a carbohydrate from milk), exfoliates the skin by removing the top layer of dead skin cells and increasing cell turnover. It can reduce the appearance of large pores, diminish the effects of aging, and strengthen the skin's barrier by promoting ceramide production. Lactic acid is an over-the-counter chemical exfoliant that comes from the fermentation of lactose.
Salicylic Acid
Also known as BHA (beta hydroxy acid), Salicylic Acid is a popular ingredient for treating acne-prone skin and clogged pores. It exfoliates both the skin's surface and deep within the pores, clearing buildup, controlling oil production, and reducing inflammation. Its oil-soluble nature allows it to penetrate pores effectively, making it particularly beneficial for treating blackheads and preventing breakouts. Salicylic acid is also known for its soothing properties and is approved by the FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product. It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing this ingredient into your routine. While salicylic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, it’s still important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil
Expressed from the seeds of the Moringa oleifera plant, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-hydrating properties. Rich in oils, proteins, monounsaturated fats, and tocopherols, it acts as an emollient, trapping moisture in the skin and keeping it hydrated and soft. The oil contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, including Vitamin E, catechins, and ferulic acid. Oleic acid is another beneficial compound found in Moringa seed oil. Moringa trees are native to the Himalayan mountains.
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Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
This alkyl glucoside, created by reacting alcohol and sugar, functions as a cleansing and foaming ingredient. Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside helps remove dirt, oil, and pollutants from the skin.
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil
Derived from the bitter orange, native to Southeast Asia, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil is commonly used in cosmetics and food.
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
This extract from the neem plant contains flavonoids and polyphenols, which exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.
Benzyl Alcohol
Most commonly used as a preservative, Benzyl Alcohol also imparts a subtle, sweet smell. It is generally considered safe in small amounts and possesses antibacterial and antioxidant properties, which help extend the shelf life of products. Benzyl Alcohol acts as a solvent, aiding in the dissolution of other ingredients and improving texture and spreadability.
Sorbic Acid
Sorbic Acid is a preservative and a natural antibiotic, highly effective at preventing the growth of fungus. It is less effective against bacteria.
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Potassium Sorbate
Potassium Sorbate, the potassium salt of Sorbic Acid, is another commonly used preservative.
Considerations and Potential Concerns
- Skin Sensitivity: Lauryl Glucoside may cause skin sensitivity in some individuals.
- Compromised Moisture Barrier: Salicylic acid may cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier.
- Eczema: Sorbic Acid may worsen eczema.
- Fungal Acne: Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil may not be fungal-acne safe.
- Astringent Alcohols: According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients because using high concentrations of these alcohols are drying on the skin. They may strip away your skin's natural oils and even damage your skin barrier. Astringent alcohols may also irritate skin.