Bath products can contain several harsh chemicals just to keep your keep bacteria-free and nice smelling. These days, I opted for gentle body foam or soap bars that contains fewer chemicals. They are more eco-friendly too as they don’t contribute more waste in terms of artificial chemicals to the earth. Soap bars made from essential oils are my current favourite. I’m also trying out Essemtan Wash lotion by Schuike, whose origin is from Germany. Its wash lotion is soap-free and pH neutral. I was also given a bottle of Essemtan Skin Balm which is to be used as a moisturizer after bath. Essemtan products have passed the strict skin sensitivity tests and was approved by the International Fragrance Association (IFRA).
The Essemtan Wash Lotion, unlike any other body foam, has a gentle lather when mixed with water and contains a mild fragrance that smells refreshing and clean. It does not contain any harsh soaping agents thus they are less drying on the skin. I would think that this product is suitable for those with dehydrated and sensitive skin. It contains allantoin which is a moisturizing in nature as it helps to soften the keratin found in skin.
It can be used like any other commercial body foams. Add about 2 fifty-cents coin-sized amount of product on your palm and froth it up with some water. For me, I like to lather it up with a bath sponge.
Right after stepping out of the shower, I would slather myself with Essemtan’s Skin balm, a gentle body moisturizer suitable for all skin types. It is a oil-in water emulsion that permeates deep into the skin. It contains this important substance which may put you off at first because it is associated with urine. But this chemical, urea is a moisturizing agent found in most moisturizers that not only softens the skin but also promotes skin cell renewal.
Like its wash lotion variant, this skin balm is great for those with sensitive skin. I would use it just like any other body lotion and massage it into my skin till its fully absorbed.
Verdict: It is no different from those medical recommended type of body wash and lotion for those with dry, dehydrated or sensitive skin. But what makes it stands out is the mild soothing scent as some medical-recommended body wash do not carry any scents or fragrances in fear that it might cause further irritations to the skin. But somehow one only feels fresh and clean if they smell fresh and clean like brand new white linens. The wash lotion cleans the body well and I really like the skin balm as it is as good as a hand cream to moisturize my calloused hands.
Available at Guardian, Unity, Watsons, Independent pharmacy (Pink beauty, Beauty essential), National Healthcare Group Polyclinics.
Retail Price: Esemtan Wash Lotion $19.75/500ml, $35.30/1L and Esemtan Skin Balm $20/500ml
