Continuing the theme of natural beauty products, in this post I will be reviewing 2 products from the most accessible "natural" beauty brand Sukin: Detoxifying Clay Masque and Nutrient Rich Facial Moisturiser, both from Sukin's Super Greens range.
(See here for my Sukin Rose Hip Oil review)
Sukin Super Greens Detoxifying Clay Masque
Claims
Our clay based Masque contains Kale, Goji Berry and Bentonite and is enriched with vitamins and antioxidants to detox, brighten the complexion and minimise the appearance of fine lines.
Avocado, Baobab and Rosehip Oils promote an even skin tone through intensive hydration properties. Skin is replenished, contributing towards maintaining youthful, glowing skin.
Suitable for normal skin, especially dull.
What is detoxifying, anyway?
I love everything about this mask, except the word "detoxifying".
Many topical products claim to detoxify our skin. What is so "toxic" about our skin? What are the "toxins" that our skin is trying to get rid of?
This is an oldie but goody - an article on "detox" published by the Harvard Medical School which has probably been cited one million times.
"The skin. The main function of the body's largest organ is to provide a barrier against harmful substances, from bacteria and viruses to heavy metals and chemical toxins. The skin is a one-way defense system; toxins are not eliminated in perspiration."
In short, you cannot draw toxins out from the skin.
So what do "detoxifying" products do? They may get rid of excessive oil, dead skin cells, product built up and just generally dirt from the air. There is a word for this process and it is called "cleansing". "Detoxifying" is nothing more than a buzz word.
My experience
Some may suspect that clay masks would dry the hell out of already dry skin. I was a little skeptic at first as well, so I started off by applying the mask only on T-zone area. The mask does not feel as thick as it looks, and it is quite easy to apply evenly. It does not quite smell like cranberry as it is described, but it has a lovely natural smell which I would describe as a "vegetation" smell which makes me think of "greens". After 10-15 minutes the mask dries hard and flakes. It is not the easiest to rinse off so I usually remove it using a wash cloth.
Results
My skin always feels refreshed and smooth afterwards. It does not have that typical drying effect that a clay mask would usually have. My skin feels comfortable and does not feel tight. My T-zone also seems less oily the next day.
Because the mask gives my skin a boost without drawing out excessive moisture, I now use this mask all over my face and neck.
This is the only drying clay mask that I have been using in the past 3 years. It is really suitable for my normal/combination skin, and a great mask option especially in summer.
Full ingredient list
Water (Aqua), Kaolin, Bentonite, Stearic Acid, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ceteareth-20, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil (Rose Hip), Xanthan Gum, Glycerin, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil (Baobab), Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract (Goji), Spirulina Platensis Extract, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Petroselinum Crispum (Parsley) Extract, Brassica Oleracea Acephala Leaf Extract (Kale), Fragrance(Parfum)*, CitricAcid, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol. *Natural fragrance
Sukin Super Greens Nutrient Rich Facial Moisturiser
Claims
Our lightweight Nutrient Rich Facial Moisturiser is enriched with extracts of Kale, Spirulina, Parsley and Chlorella to promote a radiant, healthy complexion.
Acai and Goji Berry Extracts are rich in antioxidants and nutrients to assist in minimising the appearance of fine lines. Hydrating Oils of Rosehip, Avocado and Jojoba lock moisture into the skin.
Suitable for normal skin types, especially dull
My experience
The Super Greens Mask is one of the best masks I have tried, but I can't say the same about the Super Greens Moisturiser. It is not bad for the price, but it is not outstanding. The texture is a lotion of medium consistency. It has a similar smell to the mask which I quite like. The moisturiser takes quite some time to sink into the skin, and it does not really get fully absorbed either, leaving a slightly tacky film on my skin. Because of this, it is not a product that I like to use on my face - I want my moisturiser to absorb immediately, particularly in the morning, so that I can layer my sunscreen and makeup.
Results
After a week or two I decided to use the rest of the moisturiser as body lotion. I think that it did a fair job as a moisturiser, but I can't really comment further than that.
Full ingredient list
Water (Aqua), Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil (Rose Hip), Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Simmondsia Chinensis(Jojoba) Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Daucus CarotaSativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract (Acai), Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract (Goji), Spirulina Platensis Extract, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Petroselinum Crispum (Parsley) Extract, Brassica Oleracea Acephala LeafExtract (Kale), Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Fragrance (Parfum)**, Geraniol**, Linalool**, Limonene**, Citronellol**.
** Component of natural fragrance.
About me
Makeup artist and hair stylist based in Sydney. Founder of the well-known award-winning bridal specialist team Faces Makeup & Hair. Beauty junkie with an obsession for skincare.