Review & Demo: Chandrika Moisturizing Facewash

Chandrika Moisturizing Facewash

Chandrika soap is very famous in India as an Ayurvedic soap that cures skin problems. It is a green colored, solid block of soap that contains 7 oils. In fact, it has been around since my Granny's times. My mum would use it to fight pimples as a teenager. I used it similarly too, but it was so very drying! And with the availability of new and cutely packaged (chemical laden) face washes that tackled acne and pimples, I switched over to those without a second thought! Over the years, and with more maturity (ahemmm!), I realized the harm in using chemical cosmetics and turned to look to natural, and Ayurvedic formulations. To my utter delight, the very famous hand made Chandrika soap formula was being made available in a new and improvised face wash!

Chandrika Facewash is claimed as India's first range of Ayurvedic face washes from the house of Wipro Consumer Care. It is a face wash range that is available in 3 varieties meant to suit 3 different skin types, dry, normal, and oily. They are Chandrika Moisturizing Facewash, Chandrika Revitalizing Facewash, and Chandrika Purifying Neem Facewash, respectively. 

Image source: hometester.com

Although I have moody skin which can get either dry or oily completely at its own will and wish, I chose to buy the moisturizing one as I believed the original Chandrika soap was drying in nature by itself and a moisturizing base would avoid the stretchy, taut feeling which I don't enjoy.

Claims:

The Chandrika Facewash range has been developed from a unique combination of rich, natural ingredients, and best international selling formulations. The Chandrika Moisturizing Facewash contains the goodness of coconut and aloe vera that gently removes dead skin and replenishes moisture in the skin. Additionally, the presence of honey, orange peel, almond oil, rose water and licorice evens out skin tone, making it radiant and gives the skin a soft and supple texture.

Ingredients:

As I always say, a product is all about what is inside. What happens outside is a reflection of what the ingredients are inside! It can only deliver what its got, right?

So, the list of ingredients as mentioned on the pack, as well as their use in the product as per my research are as below. Those highlighted in red mean they pose irritation to sensitive skin.

Water

Sodium laureth sulfate - Surfactant. May cause irritation to the eyes or skin.

Glycerin - Skin conditioner, moisturizer, solvent.

Cocamidopropyl betaine - Foam booster

Sodium cocoamphoacetate - Foam booster

Acrylates copolymer - Binding agent

Cocamide methyl MEA - Surfactant

Sodium chloride - Aqueous agent

Perfume - Fragrance

Cocamide MEA - Foam booster.

Laureth 10 - Surfactant

Glycol distearate - Skin conditioner

Citric acid - pH adjuster

Disodium EDTA - Binds the ingredients together

Phenoxyethanol - Preservative. May cause irritation to the eyes or skin.

Methylisothiazolinone - Preservative

Aloe vera extract - Suits all skin types and issues. More information in Cleopatra's beauty secrets.

Coconut milk extract - Cleanses the skin and keeps it hydrated.

Orange peel extract - Skin brightening and tightening

Rose water - Fades discoloration

Licorice extract - Skin lightening and conditioning

Honey - Anti-bacterial and skin softener

Almond oil - Erases fine lines and scars

Sodium hydroxide - pH adjuster

CI 19140 - Colorant

CI 42053 - Colorant

So, as you can see, it has a lot of chemicals, but it seems that they are necessary for forming the foam and cleansing agent. It has few ingredients that may irritate sensitive skin. But it makes up for all the chemicals with the presence of natural ingredients in it which offer a lot of benefits for the skin as mentioned. Seeing the list of natural ingredients, it looks promising for dry skin types which needs gentle cleansing and a lot of moisturizing. The only ingredient that may help with acne is aloe vera, while honey will prevent break outs. However, pimples and breakouts are not a common issue for dry skin people. Almond oil and coconut milk will keep the skin soft and supple, while the rest like orange peel, rose water, and licorice will help to lighten, brighten and erase discoloration on the skin. So, it looks good for dry skin glorifying!

Review:

As you can see, the packaging is a sturdy plastic tube in white with maroon accents and flip open cap. The name Chandrika is in the trademark green color. The packaging, honestly, looks a tad too serious, to be attractive to a consumer who is drawn to colorful and light packaging.

The product is sort of light greenish but is mostly transparent (if that makes sense) and it has a sheen to it. It is creamy textured but it is quite runny at the same time like a gel. With a very slight squeeze, a lot of product will be dispensed as it is runny and flows easily. Its fragrance will remind you of the ol' Camay soaps. The fragrance is quite strong and lasts long. If you have a very sensitive nose, you may not enjoy it as much.

The product does not lather a lot, so don't be compelled to use a lot of product just to get some more lather.  It won't make it lather more. It lathers up as a film. But even so a little product will cleanse the face just as well as using a lot of it. It is good in a way because a lather can dry out the skin and as it is meant for dry skin, the creamy film is more apt.

After washing the face with this product, skin will feel squeaky clean! I have never experienced a squeaky feeling before with any other cleanser. You can actually hear your skin squeak against your fingers movement! Brilliant cleanser. About the moisturizing properties, they don't go overboard and make the skin oily after a while. Skin stays moisture balanced for quite a while without getting either dry or oily. As for the skin brightening and radiant glow, they come with regular use over a period of time. Not immediately visible results in terms of glow and brightening. However, this I have noticed with all natural and Ayurvedic results. They do not act as fast as compared to their chemical based competitors, but once they do, their results outshine their competitors.

Here are some demo pictures to show you how even a little product will lather. As previously mentioned, it is a filmy lather, rather creamy feeling.

Hope you enjoyed the post!

Review & Demo: Patanjali Beauty Cream

Review and Demo: Patanjali Beauty Cream

Here is another Ayurvedic cream by Patanjali. It does not say fairness nor anti-acne nor anti-aging cream. Simply, beauty cream! The name says it all. Or not? For each of us, beauty means different things as per our skin's needs and our own perception. For some of us it may be skin brightening, or acne removal or anti-wrinkle, etc. So, does this beauty cream address all such skin issues and keep skin healthy and beautiful? Read on.

Ramdev Baba is a renowned Yoga teacher in India who has taken the art of yoga to each and every household through television and mass yoga camps. He founded Patanjali Yogapeeth (a centre for practicing Yoga) and also started producing Ayurvedic medicines under Divya Pharmacy to work hand in hand with Yoga to treat ailments better. Patanjali products have thus gained a lot of popularity thanks to their herbal composition and effectiveness.

Ingredients:
As always, first lets see what went inside the cream because a product can only deliver what it's got.

Each of the ingredient as listed on the back of the tube and their benefits as per my research are as below.

Each 5 g of the product contains extracts of:

Aloe vera ... 1000 mg - Aloe vera gel is the all purpose beauty ingredient. It caters to all kinds of skin types from the very dry to the very oily, it suits baby skin as well as old, mature skin, it can heal wounds, it can moisturize skin, it can lighten it, it can brighten it, you name a skin concern and aloe vera can fix it. It can be easily grown in the kitchen garden. Read more information on its properties, beauty benefits, and how to use it in Cleopatra's Beauty Secrets.

Wheat Germ oil ... 25 mg - Wheat germ oil is extracted from the kernel of wheat grains. It is a rich source of the B complex vitamins; the most important vitamins for healthy skin. It has antioxidants as it is rich in Vitamin E too. As it is quickly absorbed into the skin, it won't leave the skin greasy or oily. It makes a wonderful baby oil for the same reason. It deeply moisturizes the skin, fades dark spots and scars, evens out complexion, and reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and makes the skin glow with health.

Image source: naturata.com

Coral swirl or Tellicherry ... 2.5 mg - It has astringent properties which keeps oiliness at bay and also keeps skin free of infections. Injested orally it can greatly reduce dysentery caused by amoeba infection.

Image source: wikipedia.com

Anantamoola or Indian Sarsaparilla ... 2.5 mg - It is anti-inflammatory in nature thereby healing acne breakouts. It can cool the body during fever. It soothes skin rashes and relieves itching. It is helpful for eczema and psoriasis. It even improves the skin complexion.

Image source: anantmool.com

Manjistha or Common madder ... 2.5 mg - It purifies the blood by removing toxins and makes the skin glow. It not only improves the complexion but also gets rid of skin diseases like eczema and psoriasis. As it helps to flush out toxins, it helps the drainage of the lymphatic system, thus smoothening the appearance of cellulite and water weight in the body. It also helps wounds heal faster. 

Image source: pukkaherbs.com

Turmeric ... 0.5 mg

Tulsi or Holy basil ... 0.5 mg

Read more information on the benefits of turmeric and tulsi for the skin in classic Indian beauty secrets.

So, it's got very good ingredients that address a host of skin issues like dryness, oiliness, rashes, infections, acne, wrinkles, and pigmentation. So, perhaps the name befits it after all?

Review:

The packaging is a simple white tube with orange text accents. It's got images of coral swirl and anantmool on the packaging. The cap is a twist open kind. On the other side are the list of ingredients, use directions, manufacturing details, etc. What I loved about the tube was that it is full of the product, giving every rupee spent, its worth (in gold)! It claims that it is useful for the natural beauty and glow of skin.

The cream itself is thick and sandalwood brown in color. The fragrance is lovely. It is herbal but at the same time it will take you back in time and remind you of a popular cosmetic of the '90s. Although the cream is thick and creamy, it melts on the skin and is quickly absorbed because of the aloe vera and wheatgerm oil. There is no sticky feeling at all. It absorbs without leaving any trace on the skin or any whitish cast making it suitable for all skin tones.

As it does not have any sunscreen in it, it is advisable to use it while indoors or in the evenings/ night. I like to use it after a bath because my skin tends to feel dry sometimes (I have a moody skin - tends to get dry and oily at its own will and wish). It is the perfect moisturizer cum make up base. Skin feels soft and supple in the very first use. Although instant skin fairness is not observed, over a period of regular use, skin brightening and glow is certainly visible (usually visible results within a week or so). Sun tan and discoloration fade away. It does not break out skin into any sort of acne or pimples. It does reduce pimples and it acts very fast on them. As it makes the skin so soft and plump, it reduces any signs of aging.

All in all, it lives up to its name. A beauty cream it is, indeed! Initially, I never had great expectations from it but after seeing its results, it has become one of those products that I love and cannot thank enough for not just repairing but also maintaining my skin in good condition.

How To: Dress Baby / Toddler as Little Krishna

If you are interested to know who is the baby in my banner above, it is my 13 month old son, Varen. Psst, if you would like to know what Varen means, it means greatest of the greatest. It is derived from the word 'Varenyam' in Gayatri Mantra (Tat Savitur Varenyam). :)

Krishna means the all attractive one! And what is more beautiful on the earth than the little children? Every year on Krishnashtami or Janmashtami, which is the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, little kids are dressed up as Lord Krishna to make the celebrations even more special. Here are some tips on how to dress up your little one just like little Krishna himself.

The Basics of Little Krishna costume:

1. Peacock feather - Krishna attire is not complete without this one. You can make your own by painting one or even fake ones are available these days.

2. A plain, silk Dhoti in a vibrant traditional color like yellow, red, or green. White dhotis are also popular but it gives the whole appearance of a saintly, sacred figure. Little Krishna was very mischievous and so try to brighten up the wardrobe rather than make it sober for this occasion. 

3. Ornaments - Krishna used to wear pearl and stone decked ornaments. So choose shiny ornaments in pearls and stones, and not just plain gold ones. Kundan jewelry and pearl jewelry are best bets. Make sure they are light weight and don't have sharp edges.

i. Necklaces - a choker necklace, a medium length necklace, and a long chained necklace (Haaram).

ii. Earrings

iii. Bracelet

iv. Arm band/ Bajuband

v. Finger rings

vi. Ankle chain/ Payal

vii. Waist belt/ Kamarband

viii. Head piece or a crown/ Mukut

4. Flute - Lord Krishna's flute tunes could attract not just humans but also flocks of animals just to listen to the soothing, melodious flute. If desired, wrap the flute in colorful and shiny paper, or add embellishments at the end of the flute. Decorate as you wish.

5. Liquid bindi and Alta - In the ancient times, bindi or kumkum was adorned by men and women alike. In fact, various designs were adorned which had symbolic meanings. Lord Krisha wore a religious Namam. For any reason, you wish not to replicate a Namam (like myself), go ahead and adorn your little ones forehead with colorful bindis or stick on types, which are easier to use. I used my Lakme liquid Sindoor in maroon and  Shingar Bhagya white liquid bindi. If you are good at free hand, you could even draw patterns instead of plain dots. Alta is the red liquid that temporarily stains the hands and feet and was a must in the ancient make up routine. It not only kept the hands and feet germ beautiful but also germ free.  Just draw outlines on the hands and feet. If desired a simple dot design on the hands and feet will add to the cuteness. I drew a pattern with the same liquid bindis as my little one was allergic to Alta.

6. Hairstyle - If your little one is blessed with ample hair, just make a half ponytail high up in his head. Little Krishna had luxurious curls which was put up in a half ponytail/ bun and was adorned with jewels.

7. Kajal and make up - Kajal is still applied to infants eyes to soothe them and also beautify them as beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. If the baby is accustomed to having Kajal in his/ her eyes, do outline the eyes beautifully with a thin line of kajal. For pink lips and cheeks, use a fresh piece of beetroot for a pink color instead of using cosmetics.

8. Flower Garland / Mala - Even today great people are respected by putting a garland of flowers around their neck. Hindus worship their deities by putting fresh flower garlands on their idols. Hindu Gods and Goddesses are pictured wearing garlands too. Use any fresh flowers which are light weight as a mala (garland). Avoid heavy pollen variety to prevent allergy in small children. I used jasmine garland. Keep garland fresh for the occasion by storing it in the refrigerator.

9. Props - An earthen pot, or some wooden toys, soft toys shaped like birds or cow, etc. An earthen pot is by far the most associated with Little Krishna as the stories of his fondness for butter or makhan are very famous. Wooden toys or bird and cow shaped soft toys can be set up in the background for the photographs as Lord Krishna was a cow herd and he loved to be in the midst of nature.

Tips:

Baby may be fussy and try to remove all the jewelry. Just distract their attention and gently put their hands away. My baby responds well to compliments. Try if it works for you too. Sing or give them a toy to keep their hands busy and occupied.

If baby moves face away making it difficult to put on the bindis, use the stick on ones.

Pre-fasten the Mukut, so you can just out it on their heads like a cap.

If possible, have a mock session by dressing up your baby prior to the occasion or the day before. This will accustom them to having the costume and jewelry on.

Make the dressing up activity fun by singing rhymes to them, make funny faces, playing with them and they will enjoy the process as much and will reward you by being in a good mood after dressing up also. You will get good, smiley pictures! ;)

Never force your child into something they don't enjoy. If your little one objects to dressing up, so be it and he will be the simple Little Krishna!

Pictures:

Please note as these are private pictures, re-produce them thoughtfully. If you do re-produce them elsewhere, I would be flattered and happy if you would leave me a comment or link to it.

Hope you enjoyed.

Review & Demo : Lakme Insta Light on Dusky/ Dark Indian Skin

Aren't we all suckers for anything instant? What can be more gratifying than an instant glow! I mean, ain't nobody got time for that? And Lakme has re-invented its approach to the Indian beauty market and for the first time has launched a "sort of" fairness cream, without offending anyone who are anti-fairness creams (including myself), an "Instant Glow Creme". With sunscreen. From the astounding 9 to 5 collection. So much goodness in jut one product!

What it claims is an instant glow. If you have seen the commercial advertisement featuring Shraddha Kapoor, you would get the drift. Her glow makes the Parisian lights seem faint! Her touch is enough to get the Eiffel Tower sparkling! Amazing concept. One has to give it to their creativity. Applause!!!

But what in real life? How good does it get? Does it complement the plethora of Indian skin tones - the fair, the wheatish, the dusky? Read on to find out my take on Insta Light. 

Ingredients and Uses:

As always, first things first. A product is all about what is inside. It can only deliver what it's got!

So, the ingredients as listed on the carton of the package and their respective use in the cosmetic (as per my toiling research) are as below. The ones highlighted in red indicate that they may cause irritation/ allergy in some or may have been derived from animal source(s).

Water - Obvious! Hydrates.

Palmitic acid and Stearic acid - Emuslifiers. May be from animal sources.

Niacinamide - Skin smoothener.

Glycerin - Moisturizer.

Cetearyl ethyl hexanoate - Skin conditioning.

Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate - UV filter

Titanium dioxide - Sunscreen

Potassium hydroxide - pH adjuster. May irritate eyes and skin.

Cetyl alcohol - Emulsifier. May be derived from animal sources.

Dimethicone - Skin conditioner.

Butyl methoxydibezoylmethane - UV filter

Sodium ascorbyl phosphate - Antioxidant

Tocopheryl acetate - Cheaper version of Vitamin E. Moisturizer.

Allantoin - Skin conditioner.

Hydroxystearic acid - Emulsifier

Isopropyl Myristate - Skin conditioner. May irritate skin and eyes.

Disodium EDTA - Prevents ingredients from reacting with each other.

Aluminium hydroxide - Colorant.

Stearic acid - Emulsifier. Of animal origin.

Pyridoxine hydrochloride - Skin conditioner.

Pearl extract - Skin lightener, and soother.

Isopropyl titanium triisostearate - Emulsifier

Triethoxysilylethyl polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone - Skin conditioner.

Parabens - Preservant. Disrupts female hormonal balance.

Phenoxyethanol - Fragrance

Alpha isomethyl ionone - Fragrance

Benzyl salicylate - UV filter

Butylphenyl methylpropional - Fragrance. Disrupts female hormonal balance.

Cinnamyl alcohol - Fragrance. May cause allergy on the skin.

Citronellol - Fragrance. May cause irritation to sensitive skin.

Coumarin - Fragrance. May cause irritation to sensitive skin.

Geraniol - Fragrance. May cause irritation to sensitive skin.

Hexyl cinnamal - Fragrance. May cause irritation to sensitive skin.

Limone - Fragrance. Irritates skin and eyes.

Benzyl acetate - Fragrance

So, as you can see, there are quite a many red listed ingredients. Most of them are the fragrances - and they are known to cause rashes or break outs in some cases. Parabens have recently been at the receiving end of a lot of music for being very harmful in nature. Especially since they are so extensively used in all kinds of cosmetics - skin care, hair care, make up... Extended use can flip a woman's delicate hormonal system out of balance. A smart woman will do whatever it takes to keep it in balance. And there are some more ingredients in there that could potentially be from animal sources. Not suitable for vegans! Or for that matter, anyone who cares. The good part is that it has not one, or two, but at least 4 ingredients that are UV filters and sunscreens. At least 10 of the ingredients are skin conditioners, moisturizers, and  smootheners - to keep the skin glowy and dewy, and soft and smooth, and just irresistible to touch. ;) It's got pearl extract which is an ancient Chinese secret to keep the skin flawless - even skin tone, and erases acne or any kind of rashes.

Review:

Priced Rs 79 for a 20 g product, we are dancing a happy dance!

The packaging is a shiny gray plastic tube with shiny hot pink text accents. The cap has a light pinkish sheen to it. I feel that a silver color would have looked way better than the boring gray. Silver because it is radiant and looks beautiful. Just what the product aims to deliver - instant glow. Or perhaps the gray was deliberate - to give it a formal 9 to 5 look, while remaining as close as possible to the silver shade.

The tube is a delicate, thin and long one, and readily (or somewhat) fits into a purse/ bag. The dimensions are beautiful! The size is just right to carry enough product to last through a few months (if used sensibly). 

The product itself is a light pinkish beige creme dispensed as a thin string. It is really good that it dispenses so, because a little goes a long way with this product. It spreads well and sets quickly, so be sure to be nimble with the fingers. It gives a matte, powdery finish upon setting on the skin. I was expecting a dewy finish as shown on Shraddha in the ad. It's got pearl extract in it which should give that highlighter effect, but nope! All that remains is a whitish cast due to the presence of all those sunscreens. Big disappointment! I reckon the whitish cast might look better on fairer skin tones and not stand out so much, giving it the instant lift. On the rest, it just looks flat. In order to get back some color, it is best to use it under foundation as a base. Or even mixed with CC cream, it does well. It does have a very light weight, so it doesn't feel heavy or oily on the skin. It is ideal for normal to oily skin types. Dry skin will need a little help from a trusted moisturizing base. The staying power is not too strong. It melts right off with sweat. So unless the person is indoors, it may not last very long. The fragrance is the trademark Lakme one, similar to the sunscreens. It is milder though, and lingers for as long as the product stays put. However, the sunscreens do their job which again is limited to its staying power. Given the hot Indian weather on most days (and most Indian places), one just can't help perspiration which is this products one big enemy.

My favorite Indian cosmetic and make up brand has not left me mesmerized as ever with just this one product. Just the advertisement set the expectations so high, that I just wish the product delivered some, if not all of that much! It would have been great to use it as a standalone product on the face on make-up free days and be confident to flaunt a flawless finish.

Below are pictures of how Lakme Insta Light looks on my dusky/ dark "Indian" skin. I used 3 tiny dots on my hand and blended them out in upwards and outwards circular motions. It set in just about a few strokes, so it saves a lot of time! Hehe. 

If you are interested in buying this product, do check out the Amazon link below for free home delivery and same day delivery options.

Thanks for reading! Sending you virtual hugs...

Review: Patanjali Kesh Kanti - Anti-Dandruff Hair Cleanser

Patanjali Kesh Kanti Anti Dandruff Hair Cleanser

Thick, lustrous, shiny, bouncy, long, healthy hair is every woman's dream. In fact, every little girl wishes she had her mom's beautiful long hair and often wonders and daydreams when her hair will grow that long! Some of us are blessed with beautiful hair, but only those who wish to have a beautiful head know the real hardship it takes to build and maintain that healthy mane of hair. Stress, pollution, bad eating habits, an unhealthy lifestyle have all added woes to our mission beautiful, healthy hair. It is now time to go back to the basics, and re-discover the magic of Ayurveda.

Ramdev Baba is a renowned Yoga teacher in India who has taken the art of yoga to each and every household through television and mass yoga camps. He founded Patanjali Yogapeeth (a centre for practicing Yoga) and also started producing Ayurvedic medicines under Divya Pharmacy to work hand in hand with Yoga to treat ailments better. Patanjali products have thus gained a lot of popularity thanks to their herbal composition and effectiveness.

Patanjali has a range of hair care products under the name "Kesh Kanti" which literally means Hair's Lustre in Sanskrit. The Anti-dandruff shampoo in their range is by far the best anti-dandruff shampoo I have ever come across. Not only is it 100% effective from the first wash, but it also makes the hair soft and shiny, and does not make it fall out! Plus I have discovered a lot many benefits out of using this shampoo. Read on to find out all about this Ayurvedic shampoo.

Ingredients:

The ingredients used in each ml of the shampoo (as mentioned on the bottle) and their respective uses (per my own research) are as below.

Rosemary oil .. 15 mg - Rosemary oil is extracted from the leaves of this medicinal plant. It has antioxidant, antiviral, and astringent properties which means that it protects the hair from free radicals in the environment, and viral infections which sometimes are the reason behind dandruff. Being astringent in nature in controls the excessive production of sebum or oil in the scalp. Oily scalp can attract dirt and grime resulting in oily dandruff that sticks to the scalp. Dandruff is one of the primary reasons for hairfall. Apart from that, oily scalp means clogged pores which can also lead to hair loss. Rosemary is one of the best hair remedies for balding/ thinning hair. It stimulates blood circulation to the scalp, thereby promoting healthy hair growth and nourishes the follicles with the good blood supply, making them healthier and resilient to hair fall.

Image source: amoils.com

Honey .. 10 mg - Honey as we all well know, has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties which makes it the most soothing (yummiest!) thing to put on cuts and burns for healing. The same properties fight off dandruff which may be a result of excessive growth of bacteria or fungus. Sometimes, extremely dry and scaly skin on the scalp can result in dry dandruff which flakes all over the hair and even falls off on ones shoulders and clothes. Honey attracts and retains moisture, thus it can repair and moisturize dry and damaged scalp and hair, acting as a natural conditioner. It can reduce the frizz in the hair making it more manageable. It also has essential vitamins and minerals packed in it to nourish the hair follicles to help hair grow. 

Image source: stylenoted.com

Neem (Indian Lilac) .. 2 mg - The Neem tree is found widely all across India and it is worshiped as a sacred tree. The numerous benefits that it offers to us literally makes it worthy of worship! Every part of the trees is used for medicinal purposes. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties, so it cures and keeps the hair and scalp clean and healthy, free from all sorts of infections and it kills off lice too. Neem has high fatty acid content, so it feeds the hair follicles so that hair growth is healthy. 

Image source: flickr.com

Tea tree oil .. 2 mg - Tea tree oil, again, has all the anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory properties, assisting the previous ingredients in the mission "Healthy Scalp, Healthy Hair". It can unclog clogged pores on the scalp and thereby arrest hairfall and dandruff, and even cradle cap which is very common in small babies.

Imahe source: rivertea.com

Eucalyptus oil .. 2 mg - Eucalyptus trees are very important so that our cute Koala bears can live in them. Just kidding! The strong aroma of Eucalyptus tree notwithstanding, this amazing oil is especially famous in aiding Henna or Mehendi to impart a deeper color when applied on the hands and legs. It also relieves colds with just a few drops placed on the patient's pillow. Again with all the properties like the above mentioned ingredients, this one too helps fight lice infestation, relieves itchy scalp, and adds shine to the hair.

Image source: emaze.com

Amla (Indian Gooseberry) extract .. 2 mg - If you live in India or have ever been to an Indian store, you will know the power of amla for hair as it is the most omnipresent ingredient in hair oils and also used in conjunction with various hair tonics and hair packs. It is loaded with antioxidants and a rich source of Vitamin C. It promotes hair growth and makes hair stronger, tackles dandruff, makes hair shine with health. It not only prevents graying of hair but can also darken hair to a rich, black, glossy color over extended use. 

Image source: beautyglimpse.com

Hibiscus extract.. 2 mg - This exotic flower is not just pretty but a storehouse of wonderful goodies. Hibiscus is again a great flavour for tea as it adds a tangy taste thanks to the abundant Vitamin C in it. It has good amount of Vitamin B2 as well. Both these vitamins boost a healthy growth of hair. Hibiscus leaves and flowers are commonly crushed to a paste and applied to hair in India, as this will give hair a healthy shine, and also promote hair growth. It also preserves the natural dark color of Indian hair, and feeds the follicles so well that visibly thick hair strands result out of using it in hair care regimen.

Image source: melleum.com

Shikakai extract.. Shikakai is an au natural hair cleanser used n its own. It not only removes all the dirt and grime in the hair, but keeps the hair fragrant and lustrous. It adds thickness and volume to the hair. It prevents graying, and maintains natural color. It brings back the bounce and life in to the hair. It makes hair smooth and silky and soft! If you want to have the healthy hair that you were born with, use Shikakai regularly to see the difference. It is a hair cleanser cum conditioner in one. 

Image source: gopal.ch

Fenugreek extract .. 1 mg - Fenugreek is a rich source of Menthol. Does it ring any bells? Of course, you may have heard it in many anti-dandruff shampoo advertisements. Menthol also cools the head. It is the secret behind that tingling cool sensation. Fenugreek not only cures dandruff, but makes the hair silky smooth and shiny. It also stops hairfall. Fenugreek's results are just addictive! Gotto love it so much.

Image source: mydhaba.in

Tulsi extract .. 1 mg - Tulsi or the Holy Basil is another plant that is worshipped by Hindus. It can cure itchy scalp, and promote glossy hair, while keeping it fragrant and protecting it from external damage.

Image source: stylishwalks.com

So, as you can see, all the ingredients are powerful anti-dandruff formulas. Not just that they also address a host of common hair issues. They are all commonly used in Indian hair rituals as well.

Review:

The packaging is simple - a broad but thin (if that makes sense) white plastic bottle with purple cap and text accents. It matches with the rosemary flowers (one of the main ingredients) that also features on the illustration on the bottle. The cap is flip open type. Opens easily, but a bit tricky to close (not difficult, slightly tricky). It has 4 grooves (for each finger, I suppose) on the side to prevent the thin bottle from slipping from the hands in a shower.

Coming to the product, it is a light greenish, shiny shampoo. The consistency is slightly creamy as well. The fragrance is very herbal. One can indeed smell the various herbs that are in it. I would recommend diluting the shampoo in some water ( ratio 1:5 ). It can be applied directly on the scalp and hair as well but diluting it is always more gentler on the hair and just as effective. I use around 10 ml ( 2 tbsp approx ) of shampoo after diluting it with about 50 ml of water for my medium-long hair. The first time wash itself leaves the hair squeaky clean and one can actually feel hair squeak, literally! Since I pre-condition my hair with a lot of oil, I go for a second rinse, this time with lesser quantity of shampoo and water, just so that no traces of oil remain in the hair. 

Result:

Dandruff gone! 100% just in the first time wash. I have never seen any other product work as effectively. Not even DIY lemon masks for the hair. Not only does it completely erase dandruff, it keeps hair dandruff free for days. I even used my other "non anti-dandruff" shampoos in between as a break. But dandruff did not return for nearly a month! Initially, I would only use this anti-dandruff shampoo every time I washed my hair, but it never dried out my hair. Hair was always silky and shiny. My hair is on the drier side, but this shampoo also conditions hair. I totally skip using a conditioner with this shampoo. See the results for yourself.

Review: Lakme Cleansing Milk

Lakme Gentle and Soft Deep Pore Cleanser

with Avocado extracts and Vitamin E

for Normal to Dry Skin

Somethings never change. Thank God for that. I first used Lakme Cleansing Milk way back in 1996 when I was still a kid - to get rid of all the dirt on my face after coming back from a PT class. We used to live by the beach and the humidity just made the skin sticky and attracted all the dust and dirt. It was amazing! It would remove layers and layers of dirt from the skin. And that was that. Years later, in 2015 while browsing through my local grocer's shop, I found this all new and revamped bottle of Lakme Gentle and Soft Deep Pore Cleanser. I remember back in the 90s, it was a slender, tall white bottle with light blue cap and text accents. Now it is still slender and tall, but with some curves, and mint green cap and text accents. The name has changed to "Deep Pore Cleanser", but what is in a name, right? I was delighted to find out that the product was just the same - with new ingredients.

Ingredients:

Ingredients, as mentioned on the bottle, and their use in the product (after my own intensive research) are mentioned below. Those highlighted in red are deemed unsafe on skin or of animal origin.

• Water


• Mineral Oil - It is a petroleum derivative and blocks the pores on the skin not allowing it to breathe, acting just like a plastic cling wrap on the skin.


• Laureth-4 - Allows the product to dissolve in water.


• Glycerin - Skin softener and moisturizer.


• Stearic acid - Cleansing agent of animal origin, most commonly derived from the fatty acids in the stomach of a pig.


• Palmitic acid - Cleansing agent. May be of plant or animal origin.


• Cetyl alcohol - Fragrance, opacifying agent, emollient. May be of plant or animal origin.


• Glyceryl Stearate - Skin conditioning.


• PEG-100 Stearate - Cleansing agent.


• Perfume


• Tocopheryl acetate - Acetate variety of Vitamin E. Skin conditioning. 


• Carbomer - Emulsion stabilizer.


• Sodium hydroxide - pH adjuster. However, can irritate skin and eyes.


• Disodium EDTA - Decreases the reactivity of the ingredients.


• Butylated Hydroxy Toluene - Antioxidant.


• Propylene Glycol - Fragrance and moisturizer.


• Avocado fruit extract - Moisturizing and antioxidant.


• Parabens - Preservative but can disrupt the hormonal balance, especially in women.


• Phenoxyethanol - Fragrance and preservative.

There are many products red-listed, so it is alarming that my favourite cleanser hid so many unsafe and animal origin ingredients in it. It is definitely not vegan. It may cause irritation to sensitive skin and eyes due to the presence of one such definite irritant. Parabens seem to have become a norm in each an every cosmetic product these days, but they have been shown to cause much harm. Definitely, put me in a retrospective mode!

The packaging, as you can see, is simple and elegant. A slender, tall white bottle with a gentle curve near the cap to look like a drop. The cap and text is in mint green. The cap, a much lighter shade of mint green, and the text accents in a darker shade. The text on the bottle is shiny as well! So pretty. The bottle comes with a flip open cap  which is easy to flip open and won't break your nails in the attempt.

The product is a thin consistency white colored liquid with a very mild, pleasant fragrance. It spreads easily on the skin on its own, and as such just a little product is enough to cleanse the face. There are 2 ways to use the cleanser - 

1. Pour some product onto a cotton ball and swipe over the face & neck.

2. Apply all over the face & neck and wipe off with either a wet/ dry cotton ball.

In my experience, the former method is a more gentile method to cleanse the face and is especially effective if their is not much dirt or make up on the skin. If using on a heavy make up/ dirty skin , gently press the cotton ball on the skin for a few seconds allowing the product to dissolve some of it and then swipe.

The latter method using a wet cotton ball is also a gentile way to remove make up and dirt without causing a lot of friction, but it does not remove all the grime effortlessly this way. The best way to remove the grittiest make up and dirt is to directly apply some cleanser on the skin and then remove it using a dry cotton ball. This method does feel a bit harsh on sensitive skin but does the job the quickest and easiest of the three methods. Just rinse off the residual cleanser on the skin with plain water or use a toner. As the cleanser is meant for normal to dry skin, it is moisturizing enough that I skip using a moisturizer after the "toner" step. The result is a visibly radiant and clean skin. 

So, the only downside is the number of red-listed chemicals used in the product. As the saying goes, natural is always the best. It may be slow to work with but will not have any side effects. However, this is a very popular cleanser. Millions use it, including me. Luckily, I've had no adverse reactions to it so far. However, I'm left with little choice in order to switch over to any other cleanser, especially when it comes to the efficacy of the product, few come close to matching this one.