Alba Botanica • very emollient body lotion - daily shade formula • Lotions/ Creams

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ltarwater on 10/25/2012 6:19:00 PM more reviews by ltarwater

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

I’m good about wearing sunscreen on my face and on days where I know I’ll be outside most of the day, but not so much when it’s just an ordinary work day. I usually use Neutrogena dry-touch for hiking and outdoor wear, which works well but is a little thick and a pain to apply. I bought this sunscreen/lotion to try to get in the habit of wearing sunscreen on my arms, hands, etc. every day, and it’s worked reasonably well. The product is not too thick, more like a moisturizer that happens to have sunscreen in it, so it’s easy to apply quickly, and I like the pump bottle design to keep on the counter in the bathroom. It does break me out a little, but unfortunately most lotions and moisturizers do that. The price isn’t cheap but you get a fair bit for your money.

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LushieLove on 1/20/2012 8:22:00 PM more reviews by LushieLove

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond, Curly, Coarse   Eyes: Blue    

This lotion is amazing! Great for people with sensitive skin, and I love the scent. Leaves my skin moisturized yet dewy, and well as dry enough to touch anything.
Perfect stuff!

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judibean on 11/20/2011 8:32:00 AM more reviews by judibean

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

This seemed promising - a body lotion that happens to be a sunscreen, rather than the reverse. However, like other reviewers have pointed out, it goes on a bit greasy and stays that way. I also didn't like that it DID smell like sunscreen, when I just wanted a body lotion that has some sunscreen built in. I can't even use it as hand cream because it makes the back of my hands look like it's slathered in Crisco. I am giving it 2 stars only because Alba uses better ingredients in its products than others.

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foryoursmile on 10/25/2011 10:15:00 PM more reviews by foryoursmile

Age: 19-24   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Green    

I have this in the 12oz bottle and that has lasted me (with daily use) for a few months or so. The lotion is of a medium thick consistency and is very easy to apply and soak into the skin. I found it to give a nice sheen too my arms and legs and there is the bonus of the bit of spf protection as well. Only complaints are that it has a bit of a "sunscreeny" scent..but it either dissipates over the day or is overdone by any perfumes/body sprays. Another is that the last inch or so of product is stuck at the bottom of the bottle. Pump no longer works, formula is a bit thick to try to get any by turning bottle upside down, and because of cylindrical shape of bottle it is too much of a pain to attempt to scoop out the lotion..so it's just going to get tossed and I'll cut my losses although I hate to waste products haha. The price isn't particularly cheap but I found I got my use out of it to make it a worthy purchase. Not sure if I'd buy again as I wasn't completely in love with this..and I have several other body lotions waiting to be used up now.

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shesays514 on 6/25/2010 4:16:00 PM more reviews by shesays514

Age: 25-29   Skin: Normal, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I use this practically every morning, whether it's sunny or not! Light scent (I don't find it to be sunscreen-y at all), non-greasy, and a nice amount of SPF for a regular day. Highly recommend!

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kiwikiwidragon on 6/24/2010 2:08:00 PM more reviews by kiwikiwidragon

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Green    

Ugh, this smells like sunscreen, hands down. There is no other odor and it doesn't fade. I was looking for coverage from incidental rays and this sucks! If I wanted to wear sunscreen, I would get regular smelly sunscreen/block. If you are looking for both worlds, moisture and some incidental protection, try something else and recommend one to me while you are at it. I don't even know if this lotion is as good as the unscented regular formula, I couldn't get past the gaggingly awful smell. Ok rant over. Onward the quest goes.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

emilywieja on 6/18/2010 11:35:00 AM more reviews by emilywieja

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Green    

I recently bought another bottle of this stuff after having used it a few years back. I didn't remember liking it very much, but decided to give it another try, since I was looking for a decent, vegan-friendly daily lotion with SPF that I could use on my hands. This stuff is ok- I don't find it greasy, to the contrary I actually don't find it quite moisturizing enough, but that may be because I'm used to thicker creams in general. I think it's fine for use on my hands but I wouldn't really use it on my body or face. I find the smell to be a bit annoying- like a plasticky vanilla, but I like the pump bottle.

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xanna on 6/17/2010 2:14:00 PM more reviews by xanna

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Green    

I hoped this would be like the normal Very Emollient lotion (i.e. fast absorbing, non-greasy), but with sunscreen. It's not. Waaaay thicker, greasier, takes a long time to absorb. Once it sinks in, it feels nice. But it looks like sunscreen, feels like sunscreen and smells like sunscreen. I'd deal with that if it was spf 30, but it's only spf 16. I love Alba, but when it comes to this product, I'd rather just buy some Banana Boat and get more sun protection for less money. I'll definitely use this up, but probably won't buy it again.

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ickdragon on 7/28/2009 10:40:00 PM more reviews by ickdragon

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

This is Alba's SPF version of their Very Emollient Body Lotion. I believe it's SPF 16, which isn't much, but it's still better than nothing. Personally, I hate sunscreen and I intentionally purchased this lotion to wear during the summer when I'm going to get a little bit of sun exposure (walking around, driving, etc.) So far, I like the lotion. It doesn't smell of sunscreen, but it also doesn't have that normal "Alba smell." Whatever it smells of, it's light and so far, hasn't bothered me. It applies a little thicker than my regular Maximum dry skin formula Alba, so I just have to remember to give myself more time before dressing. I noticed it takes on a sort of wet feeling as it's drying, but that passes once it's all absorbed. The regular price is $9.99 (I believe) at Whole Foods. I waited until it was on sale and saved about $2.

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*TOP REVIEWER* cloroxcowgirl on 6/20/2009 10:59:00 PM more reviews by cloroxcowgirl

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond, Wavy   Eyes: Blue    

This is my new HG lotion. I love everything about it, except that it is a little expensive (about $13 for the big size). Hopefully the bottle will last awhile, since it is a very rich formula, just like the name says. But it also absorbs well into the skin. I was shopping and decided to sample this in the store - and instantly fell in love with it. It leaves my skin sooo soft, and it has spf 16. It is the perfect daily body lotion, IMO. It has a lovely vanilla-almond scent that is light but stays with you. And it also has AHA. I don't think Alba Botanica could make this lotion any more perfect unless maybe they raised the spf. This is my first purchase from AB and definitely not the last!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* Bowker2 on 5/18/2009 8:53:00 PM more reviews by Bowker2

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

HG body lotion for sure, thick and creamy lotion absorbs completely and leaves smooth super hydrated skin, spf 16, AND the BEST scent i've ever come across in a lotion. I wish there was a perfume that smelled like this, a light almond vanilla milk with a hint of summery sunscreen, i have to tear myself away from it at nighttime! I tracked down the giant pump bottle (thank you alba for always using pumps!!!) and use this everyday on my arms, chest and shoulders. Never have i wanted to use a lotion everyday until this one came along. This plus the dry skin max formula with AHAs has turned around my dull dry skin. Thank you alba!

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thefineprint3 on 2/16/2009 8:19:00 AM more reviews by thefineprint3

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Dark   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

Super moisturizing and isn't greasy at all. I mix in 1 drop of jojoba oil with each palm full of lotion to seal in the moisture. This thick and creamy lotion goes on smooth and keeps my skin soft all day. I love the natural ingredients too! Definitely an HG body lotion.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

mjoy14 on 1/27/2009 11:27:00 PM more reviews by mjoy14

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Dark, Warm   Hair: Black, Relaxed, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

This is my HG body lotion! Summer and winter this stuff is perfect for my dry skin. I stopped using it this winter because of how expensive it is and decided that if I wasn't going to show any skin due to the cold, I didn't need to pay for the sunscreen... how wrong I was! I spent so much $$$$ trying to find a subsitute and there isn't one. I'll just buy the $9.99 bottles from now on... the huge one is too big to carry around anyway. I've also tried using this on my face... it didn't break me out! One reviewer stated they found this at a discount store... I'll be on the lookout from now on. Also, about the smell that others don't like... I don't know how, but it smells like Vanilla on my skin... :D I love!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* lil_me on 12/9/2008 4:46:00 PM more reviews by lil_me

Age: 36-43   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

12oz for $7.94 @ Vitacost.com
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Per vitacost website:
Description
Alba Botanica® - With alpha hydroxy acids and antioxidants - Hypo-allergenic.
This unique, therapeutic formula blends certified organic aloe vera, green tea and chamomile extracts with natural plant emollients and vitamin antioxidants to soothe, nourish and revitalize dry, sensitive skin. Fortified with alpha hydroxy acids to help exfoliate dull surface cells and stimulate circulation for a fresh and healthy appearance. Provides effective SPF 16 sun protection, yet is light textured and non-greasy.

Ingredients:
Active Ingredients: Octyl Methoxycinnamate, Benzophenone-3. Ingredients: Certified organic herbal infusion of chamomile (chamomilla recutita), echinacea (echinacea purpurea), green tea (camellia sinensis), lavender (lavandula officinalis) and rose hips (rosa canina), isopropyl palmitate, glyceryl stearate, sweet almond oil (prunus amygdalus dulcis), cetyl alcohol, silica, vegetable glycerin, certified organic aloe barbadensis, orchid extract (cymbidium grandiflorum), alpha-hydroxy acids of glycolic (sugar), lactic (vegetable) and ascorbic (citrus fruit), botanical fragrance (parfum), methyl/propylparaben, tocopheryl acetate and tocopherol (vitamin E).
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100% Vegetarian ingredients. Not tested on animals.
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I purchases this for my kids because I want them to use sunscreen daily, but most cause their sensitive skin to get rashy and red. This was a great find for me and it is light enough for them to use in on their face, too. Three reasons why I did not give it 5 lippies is because of the weird smell to it, the fact that it has parabens in it, and it's not waterproof.

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ehen on 12/3/2008 1:16:00 AM more reviews by ehen

Age: 30-35   Skin: Very Dry, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

I found this lotion at TJ Max and decided to give it a try - boy am I glad I did! This lotion is amazing and I like the fact that there are no synthetic ingredients. I use it on a daily basis and it has eliminated the little bumps on the back of my arms, keeps my skin extremely hydrated (I live in the Midwest and it is cold and very dry) and has a light non-fragrance fragrance (if that makes sense). After I finished the original bottle I ordered two 32 fl. oz. giant bottles and now keep one at home and one at the gym - I was able to get the two for $14.00 - and now can't imagine using any other body lotion.

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estrellafoder on 9/20/2008 7:07:00 AM more reviews by estrellafoder

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I like the concept of a AHA product with suncreen in it, so you don't have to put on separate suncreen when you use a AHA product. On top of that, it is also natural(or almost). I like to use this on my neck and chest where I get small bumps easily and it does help to smooth out the my skin. I think it is very moisturising, I also use it on my hands when it gets too dry.

However, I think it would have been better if they had used a physical suncreen like zinc oxide instead of using chemical sunscreens.

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*TOP REVIEWER* sonicRED on 8/21/2008 12:37:00 AM more reviews by sonicRED

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

To be honest, it had been a long time since I'd used a body lotion before I picked this up. I had only used drugstore lotion before, and it always felt greasy and like it sat on top of my skin instead of really absorbing. But my skin was getting ridiculously dry, and I decided it was finally time to give the extra few minutes in the morning and the hassle of finding a good lotion. Luckily, I picked this up, and it was perfect.

This moisturizer absorbs wonderfully in the skin and I've noticed a definite difference in my skin (but then I wasn't using anything before). It's not greasy, it's just softer and nicer. I love that it has SPF, so I don't have to worry about another step in my morning routine. Just what I was looking for!

The price is right and I like that it's a natural product. I will continue to buy this. I will say the smell is a little bit weird-- I can't put my finger on it, the closest I could come is a yeast bread, but that's not quite it. It's not unpleasant and doesn't compete with other fragrances, but I could see it being off-putting to some.

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*TOP REVIEWER* faireyfantom on 7/7/2007 11:31:00 AM more reviews by faireyfantom

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Blue    

UPDATE 2/03/2012--Still in love. One thing I buy all the time and never worry about. Found it crazy cheap at iherb.com. My GF uses this too and she is super picky!!!!
UPDATE 2/21/2010--I still haven't found anything better than this. HG!!!!

Overall Rating--5
I haven't found a better lotion. And it is mostly organic and vegetarian? I don't know if this one can be topped. Feels great, unscented, absorbs completely. I love the AHA and antioxidants. It makes my skin feel smooth and soft which is a miracle for me. It is my only HG product ever and I don't have to feel guilty for the results.

Price--3
It is more than I would like to spend for a lotion but it really is fair for the quality. I live an hour away from Wild Oats so I buy the largest container I can. The more expensive the mass retail brands get the better I feel about spending a little extra for the superior quality.

Packaging--4
I love that this lotion comes in a pump bottle. Why don't they all? If there were only a way to get the last bit from the bottom without having to pull out the pump and use it to scrape every last bit. But it is totally worth it.

Would I buy this product again? I have and I will continue to do so.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

BothCoasts on 3/21/2007 9:56:00 PM more reviews by BothCoasts

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

(This is for Alba Botanica Very Emollient Body Lotion - unscented)
There are a zillion lotions out there and everyone has their favorite, so I'm writing this review not necessarily to change people's minds, but because it's MY favorite and things wouldn't be the same if they discontinued it...Anyway, it's a very simple, basic lotion and that's what makes it great: it won't compete with your fragrance, it doesn't leave film on your hands, and it dries quickly so you can get on with your life--and when you do get on with it, your body will be so nice, soft, and powdery smooth.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* ghoo on 5/13/2006 7:40:00 PM more reviews by ghoo

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Cool   Hair: Black, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I am still not a fan of lotions that contain sunscreen just because you always still get that slight powdery feeling after it dries. This one is by far the best in terms of minimizing that annoying after-feel. It's also a really good moisturizer in general, so at least your skin's also super soft and smooth in addition to being protected. I will continue to repurchase.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No