little white truths

I did an unboxing post for an Alpha-H skincare kit a while ago, and I've already reviewed two of the three products in there - so I'm back today to review the third.

After that I'll do a quick round-up post on the set as a whole, just in case anyone's interested in buying the kit - as opposed to any particular product.

I do like this oil, I must say. It's whisper light and very nourishing, and my dry skin loves it. Nevertheless I don't think it does any more for me than my cheaper facial oils do, so I wouldn't necessarily rush out and buy it. More on that below.

Alpha-H claims/product details:

• A replenishing, preventative treatment oil that re-stabilises the lipid barrier, preserving the integrity of the skin's matrix
• Contains nine nurturing plant oils rich in phytonutrients, luxurious rose and geranium oil and Vitamin ABCDE Complex to inhibit oxidative damage and help delay the onset of premature ageing
• Soothes and repairs dry, mature, stressed and sun-damaged skin 
• Repairs cell damage, diminishes signs of ageing
• Rehydrates stressed, abused skin
• A 'hug in a bottle' for damaged, chapped, fragile or dehydrated skin
• Alleviates discomfort, redness, irritation on supersensitive skins
• Use during periods of seasonal change: the synergy of oils boosts moisture levels
• No chemical preservatives, fragrances or binders
• For normal, dry or mature skin
• RRP $59.95 AUD for 25ml, but do shop around

Verdict

I think this is a great little facial oil, but as mentioned above, I'm not sure you need to drop $60 on 25ml of oil to get something good that works.

It's a thin oil that's deep yellow in colour and it has a nice, herbal and natural scent. It spreads and absorbs well, and it's so lightweight that it doesn't weigh the skin down or leave an oily residue. Indeed, it may just be the thinnest, lightest oil I've ever used.

One of the things I like about this product is that I don't need to use much per application. With my dry, dehydrated skin, I often find myself applying heaps of product because my skin inhales anything within a ten mile radius. It doesn't with this, so even this little 25ml bottle is lasting me a good while. This makes it better value for me personally than other oils that I get through much faster, although it's still expensive so that's something to keep in mind.

I also like that it's so thin and lightweight that I can apply it in the morning if I want to and it won't interfere with my makeup. I can't say this of many facial oils so that's a plus.

As for effect, it's very nourishing and soothing so I agree that it's a great product to take you through changes in season (as noted in the claims). It's been getting much colder at night here lately and normally my skin starts to throw a tantrum around now - becoming red and patchy, more sensitive and more dry, and often flaky - but it hasn't done this so far and I think this oil has something to do with that.

The thing is, though, that I can buy good facial oils from the chemist or supermarket that cost less than $20 AUD for 30ml, and while I do think this product is better-formulated than most of those, this doesn't mean that it does anything extra for my skin. 

Indeed, I've found plenty of budget oils that hydrate as well as this one does and also nurse my skin through troubled times, and although they mightn't feel as luxe as this one does, I personally don't think that this one performs any better when all's said and done. Yes it might feel a bit nicer to use, but the result is the same.

Overall I think this is a great oil that generally meets its claims, and while I recommend it, it's not something I would personally spend my money on again. I would rather throw my coins at serums and treatments containing active ingredients that do something towards texture and age spots etc, and save my pennies on things like oils and moisturisers. With those things, all I really need is something that hydrates and keeps my dry skin feeling comfortable - and cheaper products often do exactly the same thing.

Lovely but not a repurchase for me.