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I don´t always publish my reviews “on time”, but this has to be the biggest delay ever.
Seriously, I have been planning to write about the Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm for more than six years!
Six years? Yes! See, like most of us I debated whether or not I should start a blog for quite a bit before publishing my first post. And even before I had decided on a blog name, I was sure to write about the Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm. It was one of the first balm cleansers I bought, heavily influenced by Caroline Hirons and A Model Recommends.
What happened? I got pregnant, that is what happened, and with my heightened sense of smell I simply couldn´t stand the scent anymore, depsite the fact that I adored it before.
So here I am, six years and two children later, determined to bring you one of the first reviews I ever planned to write – Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm!
What Emma Hardie claims
A purifying botanical cleansing balm that removes all traces of face and eye make-up, deeply cleanses the pores, as well as balancing, hydrating and moisturising all skin types. With Moringa Seed Extract, Wild Sea Fennel and Vitamin E to balance, purify and minimise the appearance of open pores and essential oils of Orange, Neroli, Mandarin, Jasmine and Rose to rejuvenate and deeply condition the skin.
Facts
Prize and size
One pot contains 100 ml and retails for 47 £ on the website here or 34,99 € as part of a set containing a 50 ml version here.
You only need a small amount, so the 50 ml pot is big enough to last you a few months.
Texture and smell
A balm that melts into an oil upon application, with just enough grip for a good facial massage without tugging. It doesn´t emulsify completely when rinsed with water, but when taken off with a flannel doesn´t leave a residue either.
The scent is rich and probably not for everyone, so take a sniff first before you invest.
Application and effects
I use it as a first cleanse in the evenings where it takes off all my makeup while leaving my skin nourished and hydrated. Depending on your skin type it should also work as second cleanse/ morning cleanse.
Ingredients
Favorable ingredients
- Grape Seed Oil: Emollient, anti-inflammatory, antioxydants, rich in linoleic acid
- Sweet Almond (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis) Oil: Rich in Vitamin E, emollient
- Caprylic/ Capric Triglyceride: Occlusive
- Cetearyl Alcohol: Emollient, emulsifier
- PEG-60 Almond Glycerides: Emollient
- Sorbitan Stearate: Humectant, emulsifying
- Palmitic/Stearic Triglycerides: Emollient, viscosity enhancing
- Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil: Essential oil, rich in Vitamin C
- Glycerin: Humectant
- Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Oil: Essential Oil, rich in Vitamin C, phototoxic in high concentrations
- Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil: Essential Oil, rich in Vitamin C
- Juniperus Virginiana (Cedarwood) Oil: Essential Oil, antiseptic, astringent, anti-inflammatory
- Butylene Glycol: Humectant, Penetration enhancer
- Octyldodecyl PCA: Emollient
- Menthyl PCA: Humectant
- Vitamin E (Tocopherol): Antioxidant, reduces hyperpigmentation and improves skins elasticity
- Ascorbyl palmitate: Vitamin C ester, more stable
- Crithmum Maritimum (Sea Fennel) Extract: rich in minerals and vitamins A, C, and E
- Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil: Rich in Vitamin E and linoleic acid, anti-inflammatory
- Moringa Pterygosperma Seed Extract: Emollient, rich in plant sterols and amino acids
- Rosa Damascena Flower Oil: Said to be toning and improves texture
Other ingredients
- PEG-8 Beeswax: Emulsifier
- PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides: Emulsifyier
- Silica: Mineral
- Phenoxyethanol: Preservative
- Benzyl Alcohol: Preservative
- Citrus aurantium bergamia peel oil (Bergamot essential oil): Uplifting fragrance, phototoxic in high concentrations
- Lecithin: Emulsifier
- Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower Oil: Fragrance
- Disodium Phosphate: Buffering agent
- Citric Acid: pH adjuster
Unfavorable Ingredients
- Limonene, Citronellol, Geraniol, Citral: part of essential oils, irritating
A beautiful blend of oils and hydrating ingredients, this balm features a lot of essential oils. While some of them claim to offer skin care benefits (and are responsible for the signature scent), they can bei irritating on sensitive skin.
Does it live up to its claims?
Yes.
It is hydrating, nourishing and very thorough in cleansing with a distinctive, uplifting scent.
Would I repurchase?
No.
This might come as a surprise now, but over the course of the last six years my preferences have changed and I am no longer a fan of the scent and will stick to the unscented Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm (Review)
Who do I recommend it to?
If you have dry or dehydrated skin and are looking for a nourishing balm, this one is a great option. If the scent of a product is very important to you, give this one a sniff – you will either love it or hate it.
Regarding age I think it fits all age groups.