Things have been quite slow here on this blog since the day my computer crashed. My sister’s netbook could have rescued me, but typing on those small keys can be as annoying as not having a computer at all. So, it is only on today that I pull myself together and push myself to write something.
Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream Light has been in my drawer for a shamefully long time. And not wanting to dump my hard-earned money into the drain (the cream isn’t cheap!), I think it’s time for me to get the seal removed before the expiry date hits.
Ingredients
First off, let’s have a peek at its ingredients.
This is a plant-based moisturizer with hydrosol and other beneficial oils such as sesame seed, apricot kernel, and sweet almond oils. Sesame oil is rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins A and E, and protein. Apricot kernel oil is a good source of vitamin E, and has skin tightening and toning ability. Also rich in vitamins A and E, sweet almond oil is ideal for dry, aging skin. Other than that, a few of its ingredients (those with asterisks) are Certified Natural Cosmetics.
However, I did a double take when I spot alcohol rank high on its ingredient list. A quick search on Dr. Hauschka’s website sort of relieves my concern. Below is what’s taken from its website.
We use a Certified Organic food-grade ethyl alcohol (ethanol) from wheat. Many plants are extracted in alcohol because it extracts the widest variety of plant constituents. Alcohol also serves as a natural emulsifier, preservative and carrier, helping ingredients penetrate the skin. Alcohol is not drying to the skin when part of a carefully formulated Dr.Hauschka composition. Our alcohol is derived from a fermentation and distillation process and is gluten-free. Isopropyl alcohol is never used in Dr.Hauschka Skin Care products.
I think it’s alcohol that gives this day cream a light texture and keeps a long shelf life. However, I think it’s also alcohol that leaves my skin drying. Alcohol is alcohol, no matter the source.
Consistency: Light But Drying Sometimes
This day cream has a very light rose scent. But I have long since grown anesthetic to anything with this ubiquitous scent. So it isn’t anything of an appeal to me.
As for consistency, this day cream is slightly watery, but it doesn’t run on my palm like a cleansing milk does. I have no difficulty spreading it on my face. It can also be quickly absorbed into my skin without leaving any grease. Using it on hot summer days, my skin feels soft and supple, and basically I have nothing to complain.
However, when I use it on crisp mornings, my skin feels tight. In fact, that’s exactly how my skin feels when I use it at night. I even see dry lines on my cheeks when I smile. You see, it’s dry like that! (Okay, I admit, it’s a DAY cream. I shouldn’t have used it that way.) So if you want a moisturizer offering you a basic level of hydration AND your skin isn’t dying for hydration, Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream Light can be something you like. However, if you’re anything like me and prefer something richer like facial oils, dodge this day cream.
A Big Issue
Another issue with this Dr. Hauschka day cream is that it can’t blend well with my favorite Marie Veronique Organics Moisturizing Face Screen. Twice have I used this day cream together with MFS. But twice I failed. When I blended MFS on my cream-based face, I notice something gunky materialized on my face. It looked like dirt with a face screen’s tint. The more I tried to blend it away, the more dirt coming out. I felt like I was exfoliating my face with a sunscreen! Awful! I don’t know if it’s just me. I heard that one would have problem blending MFS if you are not using oil on your face. It’s probably true.
Now, a problem has presented itself to me. This light day cream is too light to be used alone at bedtime. But in the mornings it doesn’t go with my favorite MFS. I have to give up something if I want to finish this tube of cream.
Price
If my memory is correct, this 30ml moisturizer is about, or slightly above, 20€. Definitely not something cheap. I guess if I’m willing to shell out such a wad of bills for a day cream, I can get something much better. I won’t buy anything that offers the minimum benefit for my skin with a sky-high price. So price-wise, thumbs-down.
Repurchase or Not?
In a word, Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream Light keeps its promise as a light day cream. Given its high-end price tag, however, I expect the day cream to deliver much more than what it is now offering. For now, all it does is to lightly hydrate my skin on a warm summer day. Like what I said, nothing extraordinary. Sorry, Dr. Hauschka, I will go find something else.
Alcohol is alcohol, no matter the source – agree 100%! I used to say that but most pple disagreed with me on that point.
Anyway, it is possible to use MFS with certain moisturizer. I’ve tried with one from True Bioskin and it worked perfect. However, oil is the best.
It’s much like paraben and Japanese honeysuckle.
Thanks, but I’ve decided to stick to oils. I simply don’t have the patience to try out whether this moisturizer or that cream is compatible with MFS!
Thanks for sharing!! I had tried both versions of the Dr. Hauschka rose cream, the light AND the rich one and let me tell you one thing, I had severe break outs…. =___=;; So I stopped using those a long time ago.
I find myself starting to stay away from the Dr. Hauschka range as it contains too much alcohol for my taste. And at this price I think I can find another brand with better ingredients in terms of quality.
I’ve heard so much raves about Dr. Hauschka, but this day cream turns out to be an disappointment. I think the problem with it is the alcohol. No matter it’s natural source or not, as long as it’s alcohol, it’s still drying.