You know it. Natural and organic skincare products are often more expensive than the usual drugstore skincare brands but with the increasing popularity of natural skincare products in the market, such products are made much more affordable to the masses. Alba Botanica is one of such brands which is now sold conveniently at Watsons stores in Singapore. What I love about this brand is their commendable effort in reducing environmental impact from the field to their final product. Not to mention that their product packagings are also 100% recyclable. Their products do include natural, organic or cruelty-free alternatives.
I’ve come across this brand on iHerb before and tried their products from their haircare range. Their products worked out great and it was also free from paraben and other harmful chemicals. This time, I’ve tried their skincare products and I am not disappointed.
There’s currently four series of products – Hawaiian, Hawaiian Volcanic Clay, Acnedote and Good and Clean. Let’s start off with their Hawaiian range.
Hawaiian Range
Hawaiian Facial Scrub (SGD $14.90)
A weekly scrub is great for the skin as it helps to buff away the dead skin cells. The Hawaiian Facial Scrub is packed with papaya and pineapple enzymes which help to soften the dead skin cells so that the dead cells and debris could be easily exfoliated by the gentle granules. It also contains soothing ingredients like Aloe Vera and Jojoba to moisturise the skin during the exfoliation process.
Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Jojoba Esters, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Aminomethyl Propanol, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil(1), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice(1), Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit(1), Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract(1), Allantoin, Bromelain, Carbomer, Cetyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Glycerin, Sodium Riboflavin Phosphate, Stearic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Alcohol(1), Benzyl Alcohol, Gluconolactone, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Limonene, Fragrance (Parfum). (1) Certified Organic Ingredient
Hawaiian Refining Aloe and Green Tea Oil-free Moisturizer (SGD 24.90)
After experimenting with so many moisturisers or skin conditioners, I find that the best ones are often those which contain simple hydrating ingredients like Aloe Vera. You don’t have to use a moisturiser with the most powerful antioxidants or emollient to keep the skin hydrated. Even applying aloe vera gel on your skin is sufficient to keep it moist and supple. I’ve learnt to stick to lightweight moisturisers with simple natural ingredients. This moisturiser is lightweight and you only need little amounts of it to keep your skin supple. It works great for all skin types since it is oil-free.
Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Octyl Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice(1), Dimethicone, Glyceryl Laurate, Stearic Acid, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract(1), Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract(1)(2), Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract(1), Hedychium Coronarium Root Extract, Allantoin, Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol, Sodium PCA, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tromethamine, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Benzyl Benzoate, Limonene, Linalool, Fragrance (Parfum). (1) Certified Organic Ingredient (2) Also known as Gotu Kola Extract
Hawaiian Complexion Balancing Hibiscus Facial Toner
Most minimalists would skip the toner and some organic skincare experts which I’ve met before also mentioned that there isn’t really a need for a facial toner. For me, I still find that it is a great product to have because I find that the toner helps to prep the skin – keeping it clean and fresh for the hydration step. It not only helps to refine the pores but it also helps to remove any other dirt or remnants on the skin right after cleansing. The complexion balancing Hibiscus Facial Toner is Hypo-allergenic and it is a great addition to their Hawaiian skincare range.
Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice(1), Polysorbate 20, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract(1), Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis Flower Extract(1), Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Passiflora Incarnata Flower Extract(1), Psidium Guajava Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Allantoin, Glycerin, Panthenol, Sodium PCA, Alcohol(1), Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Beta-Pinene, Linalyl Acetate, Linalool. (1)Certified Organic Ingredient
Hawaiian 3-in-1 Clean Towelettes (SGD $16.90)
If you’re travelling in the upcoming months of Summer, this pack of 3-in-1 Clean Towelette is a great must-have. It removes makeup, cleanses and tones the skin. I see a great use of this product for my upcoming trip to Vietnam where I would pretty much spend hours under the hot sun exploring Ho Chi Minh City.
Acnedote Range
Acnedote Deep Pore Wash (SGD 16.90)
If you are suffering from acne like I do, the cleansing step is that one important step which you might want to spend more time on. Get a cleanser which has a deep pore cleansing action to unclog all that gunk in your pores. The Acnedote Deep Pore Wash contains 2% salicylic acid (naturally derived from Willow Bark Extract) which helps prevent acne bacteria growth on your skin. It’s a lathering oil-free cleanser which works like a gel-based cleanser that isn’t too drying for the skin.
Acnedote Face & Body Scrub (SGD 16.90)
Like the Acnedote Deep Pore Wash, this face and body scrub also contains 2% salicylic acid which could also help to relief back acne. I use it in the shower as a body scrub where ground walnut shell bits helps to exfoliate the skin cells. It is also gentle enough to be used on the face.
Acnedote Invisible Treatment Gel (SGD 18.99)
While most acne treatment creams leave a whitish appearance on the skin after its dried up, this acne treatment gel doesn’t. You will feel that instant tingling sensation upon application (due to the presence of Salicylic Acid) but it is nothing too painful or irritating. It reduces inflammations and helps to keep the growth of zit under control. This is one of the most effective products which I’ve used in their Acnedote range.
Good and Clean Range
Daily Detox Foaming Cleanser
It’s my favourite Alba Botanica product thus far and I kept reaching out for this product during the cleansing step. The oil-free lathering cream cleanser is effective in breaking up oil and deep-set impurities to remove pore congestion and detoxify skin. It’s super creamy but not drying at all. I love the texture of it as it felt like soft mousse on my skin and it leaves my skin feeling refreshed and clean but still moist. It’s quite an innovation I must say.
All these amazing eco-friendly products could be purchased at Watsons Singapore or online at Maimee’s Corner.
Alba Botanica® products are formulated without parabens, phthalates, artificial colours, propylene glycol, aluminium, mineral oil, petrolatum, oxybenzone, PABA, nano-particles, DEA, MEA or TEA, PEGs and PEG derivatives, ethoxylated ingredients associated with 1,4 dioxane and formaldehyde donors.
