When I was a child, I dreamed of having a twin. That was of course inspired by films and books and included daydreams of funny pranks as well as the romantic illusion that having someone that looked like you was similar to having a soulmate.
Growing up I embraced my uniqueness and learned by observation that just because someone looked similar that didn´t necessarily mean your thoughts were similar as well.
So it is safe to say that ever since I entered adolescence, I prefer things to be easily distinguishable. And that applies to my sisters and me as well as to my creams and lotions.
Because when I received a sample size of the Alpha-H Essential Hydration Cream, I almost chucked it in the bin (the friends and family bin, obviously), because I figured I had tested it before. Packaging, smell and name were way too close to the Alpha-H Daily Essential Moisturizer (Review here) for me to immediately realize it was a whole different product.
But luckily I discovered my mistake and used my face once again for testing purposes.
What Alpha-H claims:
This soothing moisturiser suspends sea minerals, fatty acids & youth-restoring peptides in the finest essential oils, to nurture both skin & senses. Oil of Evening Primrose & Linoleic Acid nourish the skin & restore elasticity; Arnica Montana, Cypress, Solomon’s Seal & Barley work to counteract inflammation & minimise redness; Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 stimulates collagen production to reduce the appearance of fine lines while Ylang Ylang & Peppermint Oils balance sebum to normalise even oily skin.
Facts:
Prize and size
Just like all alpha-H products, the packaging is minimalistic and functional, something I really enjoy. My version looked a little different from the original, being part of a travel set, but the difference wasn’t that big.
One tube contains 50 ml and retails for 35 GBP (44 €) on Cult Beauty here. For reference, my 15 ml lasted me around two and a half months.
Texture and smell
Despite claiming to nurture all senses and containing essential oils I didn´t notice a particular scent in the product, neither pleasant nor unpleasant. The texture was a little firmer than I would have imagined, feeling more like a cream than a lotion, but was easy to distribute.
Application and effects
The cream distributed easily and sank into my skin quickly without leaving a residue. It felt richer than my usual lightweight lotions, but not too heavy on my combination oily skin, and actually gave me the feeling of being protected against wind and cold.
As far as sebum control goes I can´t really say if it made a difference throughout the day, but it definitely didn´t make me any oilier. And my fine lines? Anything hydrating helps them temporarily diminish.
Favorable ingredients:
- Glycerin: Hydrating
- Hydrolysed Corallina Officinalis Extract: Antioxidant
- Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil: Improves elasticity moisturizing
- Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil: Moisturizing, high in linoleic acid
- Oenothera Biennia Oil: Moisturizing, antioxidant, protects from harsh weather
- Hordeum Vulgare Cera: Moisturizing, antioxidant
- Tocopherol Acetate: Vitamin E, antioxidant
- Panthenol: Antiinflammatory, locks in moisture
- Symphytum Officinale Leaf Extract: Soothing, antioxidant
- Panax Ginseng Root Extract: Antioxidant, promotes healing
- Triticum Vulgare Germ Oil: Plumping, antioxidant, moisture retaining
- Cananga Odorata Leaf Oil: Balancing moisture levels
- Triolein: Moisturizing
- Mentha Piperita Oil: Soothing
- Polygonatum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant
- Cupressus Sempervirens Seed Extract: Conditioning
Unfavorable Ingredients:
- Silicones
- Essential oils (may be irritating)
Does it live up to its claims?
Yes.
I can´t vouch for calming down the redness, as I don’t have inflammation on my skin, but it does feel soothing, it contains the ingredients to live up to the other claims and it works well on my combination/oily skin.
Will I rebuy?
No.
It is a very good product, but I have fallen head over heels for the Oskia Renaissance 360 (Review here) and don’t need two different ones.
Who do I recommend it to?
If you are combination/oily, but lack hydration, that one will work great for you.
If you have redness and inflammation and need protection against harsh weather conditions, I can see that one being a great pick.
If you are a fan of essential oils, there are plenty in here.
Did you ever dream about having a twin?
And what do you look for in your moisturizer?