manuka

27 January 2015

Manuka Floral Water and Apricot Kernel Oil

Following my recent visit to the Dermatologist I have been rethinking my skincare routine. I decided I needed to simplify things in order to bring back control and then I will re-introduce my favourite products. I previously mentioned looking for antibacterial ingredients and I chose to include manuka in my routine. It’s always been a firm favourite for me but I forgot how good it is despite always recommending to others. Essential oils can be potent (which may irritate skin) so I think floral water is a nice compromise. Floral waters make great toners so that is exactly how I intend to use this Manuka Honey water. I have patches of seborrhoeic dermatitis on my face and the idea is that sweeping over floral water could help calm skin and impart antibacterial properties. 

I also bought Apricot Kernel oil which initially I thought I would use in a DIY for moisturising, cleansing or both. I chose Apricot as it is light oil, absorbs easily and should work well on my sensitive skin. According to the information I have read, it is rich linoleic acid, oleic acid, Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B17 and Vitamin E. Apricot oil has a faint smell of marzipan which I adore and at the moment I enjoy using this plain (without mixing with other ingredients) as a cleansing oil.

I bought both products from Naturally Thinking, a site I have not used for quite some time. They sell a wide variety of items for DIY projects - carrier oils, floral waters, essential oils, cosmetic bases and bottles/jars. They also have their own skincare and haircare products. One word of warning is I found order processing slow and they have failed to reply to a query. I placed an order on 6th January, I received a packing noticed on the 9th, shipping noticed on the 12th and my parcel arrived on the 14th January. The question I asked was relating to the manufacturing process of the Manuka Honey floral water. The product description suggests this is derived from manuka oil (from the tree not honey) which would make it suitable for Vegans and the name misleading. To date my request for clarification has gone unanswered.

Whilst I may not be impressed with the website, the products are (to the best of my knowledge) reasonable and good quality. I will have to update you with my progress but for the time being these serve their purpose and I am happy to incorporate into my routine. Have you ever considered stripping back a skincare routine? Which ingredients do you like using to target skin problems?

Sarah x

Update 12/02/15 - finally had a response from Naturally Thinking after contacting them again.

"Honey water is extracted from the Leptospermum scoparium plant and therefore is 100% plant derived., I will get the website clarified a little to stop the ambiguity. Please be aware the honey water does contain a preservative (as per the MSDS on the site) of Sodium benzoate Potassium sorbate in order to conform to current EU regulations. We have just been testing a new preservative, which is a protein from fermented Lavender, really natural and really kind to the skin which we will be replacing as a preservative in all the floral waters in about a month time (it has not scent of Lavender)."

28 May 2013


Inner-soul Organics got in touch with me to see if I would like to try their bespoke face oil. I accepted the offer because I was intrigued by the service and enticed by the opportunity to have a tailor made product.

“Inner-Soul Organics believes that natural, organic skincare is the future. Born out of understanding and love for aromatherapy and the body's response to massage, this range delivers the finest nourishment to all skin types whilst balancing mind and soul.”

Emma is the founder and creator of products. Her background is nursing and aromatherapy, creating oils in her kitchen for clients. I was sent a Consultation Questionnaire to complete which asked me to describe my skin, what I look for in a product, skin issues, allergies, if I take medication and ingredient dislikes. Emma then analysed my answers and decided what ingredients would suit me.

“Your face oil design is now completed. It takes a while because I try to take everything into account from your questionnaire, as well as looking a little at what is behind your answers. For example, in your case, I have taken into account your preference for 'light' products - in terms of scent and also texture - in addition to your sensitivities, and skin tone. I have also looked at providing you with protection from allergies in the future.”

Before Emma sent me the oil I was given the opportunity to approve a list of ingredients and given explanations of why they were chosen. I was very impressed because there were a number of ingredients which I would choose for myself (Manuka, Lavender, Calendula, Rosehip, Shea butter) and a few which I was not familiar with (Chia seed & Helichrysum). Once I approved the formula Emma had it is manufacturer by her friend in London. 

I have to say the oil is spot on to my personal taste. I had stressed to Emma that I did not like strong fragrances and the aroma is a lovely light blend, perfect for me and it does not make my nose twitch. The oil itself is a pleasure to use and I am gradually seeing my complexion look brighter, fresh and smooth. If I was to criticise one thing it would be the packaging. The bottle is clear and not dark coloured so it is important to keep the product out of direct sunlight. I understand that people like to see how much product is remaining in bottles but it’s not ideal for oils. 

Emma says she always tries to theme the oils and in my case she used the meaning of my name as a basis of a quotation she put on the bottle - Nobody but a real Princess could be so sensitive – Anderson, H.CThis attention to detail did make me smile.

Since this is a bespoke service it does come at a price (£75 – 30ml) and this is one of the most expensive products I have featured on my blog. I will let you decide if you feel it would be a worthwhile investment. What I will say is do not dismiss Inner Soul if the bespoke service is not within your budget constraints as there are ready made products to buy.


Sarah x

Disclaimer - PR sample, 100% my own opinions, links are not affiliated

13 November 2012

HNZ Blemish Cream UMF 16+ Manuka
Cast your mind back to my blog post about Tesco Beauty Hall. I mentioned the brand HNZ (Honey New Zealand). I did pick up the blemish cream and have put it to the test. I was very fortunate as a teenager not to suffer with many spots. When I did have them I would treat with witch hazel or Australian tea tree. Over the years I find these ingredients felt a little harsh for my sensitive and dry face. I was recommended manuka and found that it is better suited to my skin type. In case you are wondering Leptospermum Scoparium (Manuka) is New Zealand's native tea tree. 

HNZ promises that products do not contain harsh preservatives, parabens or sls and not tested on animals. The blemish cream contains UMF 16+ Manuka, Propolis, Vitamin E and Witch Hazel. It can be used to treat spots, blemishes, hives, allergies and acne.
Now I know many of you have problematic skin and I am not sure if this product would solve those problems. In my case I have one or two angry pimples which are a delightful side effect of ongoing medical issues which I won't bore you with. I am pretty sure the HNZ cream is helping with inflammation and keeping germs at bay. In the past I have used roller-ball oil based spot treatments in particular Alva Rhassoul Pimple Stick. This worked very well but I find these type of formulations can be problematic when applying makeup. They tend to sit on the skin for a length of time not ideal for when you are in a hurry but certainly not a concern overnight. What I like about the HNZ cream is the skin absorbs it quickly. It does not make spots disappear overnight but I feel it can help in conjunction with other elements of my skin care routine. You need to use the cream regularly and I apply twice a day with my morning and evening routine.

This product is multi purpose and anti bacterial so it could be handy to have in your medicine cabinet for bumps and scrapes. On a side note I learnt something new the other day. This product does contain Manuka honey so it is not suitable for Vegans. However if you find a product containing Manuka essential oil that would be suitable as it is made from the leaves and petals. 

Sarah x

16 August 2012


Dr Organic is a brand I am writing about or mentioning regularly.  It is a large range now includes products with Coconut Oil, Moroccan Argan oil and Dead Sea Mineral.  Last time Holland & Barrett had a promotional offer I picked up the Organic Manuka Honey Face Mask (active 30+).  This one is not suitable for Vegans but there are other masks in the range for you to try.

The active ingredients in this mask are Manuka Honey, Aloe Vera, China Clay, White Clay Mineral, Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Zinc Oxide, Vitamin E, Sunflower Seed and Glycerin.  It claims to draw oil from pores, rid the skin of dead cells and stimulate circulation.

I have experimented over the years with face masks but often find that the clay varieties are not suitable for my skin type.  I took a leap of faith with this one and thankfully no drama unfolded.  I can happily apply this without causing irritation.  As the mask is clay based it is thick and you leave on for 10 minutes.  As the mask dries out you feel your skin tighten.  After the first use I did panic that this was too drying on my skin because once removed my skin felt too tight.  However with a few more tries I have changed my mind.  I basically have to judge when is best to use this product, hormonal outbreaks seem to be the key time for me. This is not a product I use weekly, for me I think a couple of times a month is sufficient.  I have to trust the product is doing as it claims but my face does feel soft and looks brighter after the treatment.  Even if it is not doing anything the fragrance is wonderful.  It is super sweet from honey so may not be to everyone’s liking. I find the easiest way to remove the mask is with a damp muslin cloth.
Dr Organic Manuka Honey Face Mask
As I am not using this regularly the 125ml tube is lasting a long time.  The price is £7.19 for a 125ml tube. Definitely watch out for H&B offers as they often have Buy One Get One Half Price or Penny Sales.

Dr Organic is against animal testing.  Products are suitable for Vegetarians and specific ranges are suitable for Vegans.  Ingredients are free from parabens, SLS, artificial colours, fragrances and harsh preservatives.  If you would like to see my other Dr Organic reviews check out these links  - Manuka Face ScrubPomegrante Cream, Hand & Nail creams and Lavender Deodorant .

I know several of my readers adore this brand but what about the rest of you? What have you tried?  

Sarah x

6 August 2011


Dr Organic is a large skincare line which can be found on the high street at Holland & Barrett.  I have been looking at the range for months and months but never took the plunge into making a purchase.

The brand contains no harsh chemicals and all products are suitable for vegetarians (some are vegan friendly).  You will find a variety of skin care items within the following ranges - Aloe Vera, Pomegranate, Tea Tree, Vitamin E, Lavender, Virgin Olive Oil, Royal Jelly, Rose Otto & Manuka Honey.

I had been looking for a natural face scrub/exfoliator for quite some time.  Even though I have sensitive skin I like to use a face scrub so I can eliminate flaky dry patches.   It is important that the scub is very gentle in order not to aggravate my skin.

Dr Organic has a face scrub in 3 of its ranges - Manuka Honey, Rose Otto and Virgin Olive Oil.  I opted for Manuka Honey because it is known for its excellent healing properties. So the packaging blurb says A bioactive deep cleansing exfoliant with natural skin restoring and nourishing properties. Bioactive Organic Manuka Honey has a host of skin repairing a restoring properties. In combination with a complex blend of bioactive, natural and organic ingredients and formulated using natural micro particles of volcanic lava, corn cob powder and ground fruit seed, we have produced an exceptionally deep cleansing, repairing exfoliant that removes impurities and excess oil whilst restoring, nourishing and moisturising the skin to give a radiant youthful glow.”


This scrub has a very strong smell of honey which I like but I can see that it might not suit every sense of smell.  The product has a cream consistency.  The grains are very fine but still have enough abrasion to do the job.  After using this product my skin is soft, glowing and does not feel tight or dry.  I do not have to apply my moisturiser immediately after I have scrubbed.

The entire range has a really good price point.  I purchased this scrub for £5.99 (125ml) there was a slight variation in price between this one and the Rose Otto and Olive Oil but only by a few pennies.  Overall I am very impressed.  I am definitely going to be purchasing this product again and will be taking a look at the other skin care products by Dr Organic. 

Has anyone else tried Dr Organic?  I would love to hear what you think.


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