Desert Essence • Daily Essential Moisturizer • Moisturizers

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*TOP REVIEWER* gandiko on 11/12/2011 5:22:00 PM more reviews by gandiko

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

My skin loves aloe so I was glad to find this, and eager to give it a go. Unfortunately, I had the same problem as a few other people - this made my skin itch as I applied it, and within minutes my whole face was bright tomato red. I immediately washed this off and spent almost 10 minutes splashing cold water on my face, but the discomfort wouldn't go away. I have since smeared a huge glob of my good old trust Vanicream (I SHALL NEVER CHEAT ON YOU AGAIN!) and taken antihistamines, and my face still looks like a very bad sunburn. Horrible, I've never had such a bad reaction to a product before. I'm glad I have the rest of the weekend to try to make it go away before I have to show my face in public again.
Stay far far away if you have sensitive skin. Don't be fooled.


I wish these damn stupid companies would get it through their heads that just because something is 'natural' it cannot translate to harmless. In the hysteria to stop using parabens they turn to more 'natural' products that are highly irritant and less stable (not to mention less studied) for no reason. Ugh.

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cpring on 10/20/2011 10:34:00 AM more reviews by cpring

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Green    

Consider me part of the fanclub. I use this as a night moisturizer after my retinoid pads. Doesn't break me out and keeps me skin soft till morning. Love the price and the ingredients. Keeps my skin more moisturized than many other much more expensive brands. HG product. I wish it wasn't in tub form, but that is only a minor complaint compared with the benefits.

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Anners26 on 9/26/2011 1:10:00 PM more reviews by Anners26

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

Uggggh, so bummed this one was a bust. I really was hoping this would be my HG night cream since so many other reviewers seem to love it. I did my usual wash routine and slathered this on and immediately my face and neck started to itch like crazy. I thought maybe it was just because it was a muggy evening and my skin was being weird. When I woke up the next morning my blemishes looked worse and my skin felt kind of sticky, like the cream never absorbed fully. Glad I only paid six bucks for it! Oh well, still hunting for that perfect, inexpensive, natural HG moisturizer.

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alovelyjessture on 8/8/2011 3:57:00 PM more reviews by alovelyjessture

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Other    

Yes!!! HG moisturizer! This deserves a standing ovation. Also, let me be clear that this product has gotten a bit of a makeover over the years. It no longer looks like the packaging up top. It's got a much more sophisticated jar now and the ingredients are now all natural! No parabens, sulfates, or whatever... Anyway I wanted to try this because of the reviews stating that the skin "drinks it in." Oh my goodness that is so right! The moisturizer sits on your skin for about 15 seconds, then seeps into your skin revealing no shiny residue, no greasy feeling, and no excess tightness from too little moisture. The jojoba oil is fantastic and moisturizes throughout the whole day. The only problem I have with it is that I wish it were in a pump so it were more sanitary, and also the top seal when you initially open it is hard to get off unless you poke it with a pen or something. But other than that, great moisturizer! And for the price (I paid $7 at the Vitamin Shoppe), you will not be disappointed!

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imergo on 7/21/2011 5:14:00 PM more reviews by imergo

Age: Unknown   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

Lovely and gentle, fragrance free, second ingredient (after water) is aloe juice. Leaves my skin a little bit tacky, not dry and smooth, but I actually like that slightly moist feeling. Also makes a great, non greasy hand cream.

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phikhanhx3 on 5/26/2011 8:48:00 PM more reviews by phikhanhx3

Age: 19-24   Skin: Very Oily, Tan   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

PLEASE help me out! I'm currently using the Acne.org regimen and the moisturizer from that line just isn't working out for me. Does anyone know if I could use this in place of it? I really love the texture, but since my skin is so dry and irritated right now, it's extremely hard to spread. (I just add tons of jojoba oil in it before applying to my face). The first two times I used it, my face broke out but I'm really not sure if it's because I switched moisturizers or my skin is still not under control. Apparently it has never caused anyone else breakouts, so I'm guessing I'll be safe using it? If anyone else is on the acne.org regimen or has oily & acne-prone skin that knows an excellent moisturizer, please let me know! Many thanks! :)

Oh & ps. Did Desert Essence change the packaging of this moisturizer? When I went to Whole Foods, the only one I could find was the jar in the second picture (not the pinkish one that's displayed first). I looked up the ingredients and they are the exact same though!

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poikilotherm on 5/3/2011 8:06:00 PM more reviews by poikilotherm

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

This must be my HG moisturizer. I cannot believe how much I LOVE this. I HATE moisturizers and can only bear a few. Most break me out, make me feel oily, and don't even do their job - moisturize. Ugh. But this, this is amazing. And the tub is so huge for like 6 dollars. It's a steal. The only problem I could ever see with this is for someone who has extremely sensitive skin because the oils might irritate them. You look at the ingredients and see so many oils lol but they will not clog! Don't be afraid of oils.

This is soooooo great, though. At first I put it on and then I thought it was not enough moisture - it soaks in IN FRONT OF YOU in like 4 seconds. I kept applying more and more lol, which isn't necessary. It soaks in and might even feel tighter, but after 10 minutes your face feels so moisturized and soft. I wake up with an almost matte, and very healthy looking face.
Gah, I just love it. <3

Edit - I reviewed this in May 2011, and it is February 2012 tomorrow and I just want to say I still ADORE this moisturizer. Hands down the most important item in my entire regimen. I can change my cleanser or my makeup, but this, this ALWAYS stays. I still love it and use it every day :)

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chloeavalon on 4/18/2011 9:12:00 PM more reviews by chloeavalon

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

Love that is jojoba oil is in this moisturizer. For an all natural product (which I also love) it is very moisturizing and soothing. If I wasn't set on having antioxidants and other nutrients for the skin in my moisturizer this would be my all time favorite.

Will continue to use off and on.

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saraarod on 1/22/2011 1:15:00 AM more reviews by saraarod

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I love, love, love this stuff. I have ridiculously sensitive skin, and it tames it like no other.

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*TOP REVIEWER* thebobcat64 on 12/13/2010 10:31:00 PM more reviews by thebobcat64

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

I love this moisturizer. Sometimes it's not quite enough, but I just add a little jojoba oil to it and it's perfect. It has never made me break out and is very cheap. I have repurchased several times and will continue to.

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schylerq on 10/28/2010 5:14:00 AM more reviews by schylerq

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Black, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Black    

LOVE! It feels so right on my skin, natural and has no scent almost. It also absorbs so well after a few minutes, a little goes a long way. I have had so many different facial moisturizers and I have never entirely been satisfied with one before, they either make my face itch or burn or too oily, but this product is amazing! and the price is so low, love love love it. Definitely will repurchase.

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jfjinca on 10/22/2010 4:26:00 AM more reviews by jfjinca

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

This made my face itch within minutes of applying it. It started on my chin, then spread to the entire right side of my face. Maybe the right side is drier than the left? I don't know, but it shouldn't itch. It also made me look older after applying it, like my skin was sagging, and I'm only 46!
EDIT: Less than a year later and I love this stuff! I noticed my skin getting horribly dry (chin, cheeks, between eyebrows) and I tried this moisturizer again. Maybe it's because I tried it in the Fall and it's now Summer but...WOW! My skin drinks it up and feels so soft and smooth. It's still slightly itchy but it goes away and leaves my skin feeling hydrated. I'm still looking for something better but this isn't bad for REALLY dry skin.

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*TOP REVIEWER* womanwarrior on 10/18/2010 1:15:00 AM more reviews by womanwarrior

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

Meh. I wanted to like this product. The ingredients look natural (safflower oil, jojoba oil, aloe and sesame oil) and the price is right. It does a basic job as a moisturizer, but can leave a slightly sticky feel. I didn't rate this higher, because it seems to be contributing to my combo skin breakouts and because the wide mouthed jar is simple, but not very sanitary. If you have normal-dry skin and don't need any active ingredients (retinoids, AHA, etc) this is a good basic cream... just not for me.

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emilylee on 10/6/2010 3:56:00 PM more reviews by emilylee

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

Not a fan of this cream. It's good for my sensitive skin in that it doesn't break me out or leave my skin parched. But, it is not a good fit for my combination skin. I wake up looking like an oil stick and come home with more oil on my face. Blotting is an absolute must. My skin also loses the supple creamy texture that I had with Clarin's Gentle Day Cream. No clogged pores with this cream though, which is nice. I would recommend it to people with normal to slightly dry skin types. The price is very affordable but the packaging (tub) could be better (pump or squeeze tube). Will not purchase again.

UPDATE: This cream also irritated my skin and turned it red all over. My husband use it and his face turned red too even though he doesn't have sensitive skin. Don't use this.

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ADIOS_AHOLES on 9/8/2010 1:48:00 AM more reviews by ADIOS_AHOLES

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I have oily, sensitive, acne prone skin. So basically my face hates me. This moisturizer is definetly on the heavier side of creams/moisturizers. And it was this that made me wary of even considering buying it to begin with. But I took a chance on it and am so glad I did. This is my moisturizer for life...or until my face decides to throw me a curve ball.

It is perfect for morning and night. I always thought heavier moisturizers could only be worn at night but this product is an exception. It hydrates my face really well; to the point it feels like my skin is 'drinking' it in. I feel that my face is better prepared for MU when using this. It also really helps when using retin-a. Of course my face had to get adjusted first, and I thouht the moisturizer wans't working. But once my face got used to retin-a I could tell the difference the moisturizer was making.

I can't imagine not having this stuff! :)

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*TOP REVIEWER* canadiancutie on 8/8/2010 9:17:00 PM more reviews by canadiancutie

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Green    

Although I would not buy this again, I am still rating it a 3 because I think it would be a great facial moisturizer for the right person. It would definitely be suitable if you have normal or dry skin with few breakouts. However, although I had heard that it is suitable for any skin type, it was not right for me. My skin is quite acne-prone and on the oily side. This moisturizer left my skin soft at first, but I got oily very quickly. I also starting experiencing more blemishes, and my skin had been starting to clear up prior to using it.
I ended up returning this after about 5 days, but if you do not have difficult skin like me, I think this would be a really nice face cream. It smells lovely, contains natural ingredients and is affordable for the size of the jar. Unfortunately, it just wasn't right for me.


UPDATE: I recently gave this moisturizer a second chance and I'm glad I did. My tea tree night lotion from The Body Shop was not providing my skin with enough moisture, so I bought a new jar of Desert Essence daily essential moisturizer and I use a little bit of this combined with my other lotion to give it an extra boost of moisture. The look of the jar has changed over the past year, and the ingredients have been improved a bit too (e.g. it is now paraben-free). I LOVE this lotion now, it moisturizes very well, but does not make me shiny or break me out. Paired with my tea tree night lotion it's just perfect. It's so affordable too, it costs between $10-$15 and the jar will probably last me close to a year since you don't need to use much at a time. My very picky sensitive skin loves this simple lotion. I highly recommend.

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ambrat on 8/3/2010 6:51:00 PM more reviews by ambrat

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Olive   Hair: Brunette, Curly, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I tried using this on my face and it was too heavy (my skin is increasingly oily, particularly on my cheeks and chin and especially now that it's summertime), so now I use it as my eye cream, and for this purpose it's working out well.

Update: I barely even use this product anymore as an eye cream. It's basically collecting dust these days. I prefer CeraVe cream as my eyecream.

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MsMe on 7/23/2010 9:37:00 PM more reviews by MsMe

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

After reading the rave reviews about this product, I had decided to give it a try. Unfortunately, the cream did nothing for me except for making my skin feel like I smeared a thick paste all over it. The smell and packaging wasn't the greatest either. It was a good thing I did not pay a lot for the product. Will not purchase again.

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*TOP REVIEWER* halimeade on 5/31/2010 3:57:00 AM more reviews by halimeade

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Curly, Fine   Eyes: Green    

As a previous reviewer put it, this is not an exciting moisturizer, but it works well. At less than $5 a jar, I had to try it. (Beginning to realize I am a moisturizer fiend!)


I have combination skin (oily t-zone and dry cheeks) and this product does a good job at balancing out my skin with just enough moisture. I use this in conjunction with Mac Prep and Prime Face Protect SPF 50, and my face stays matte and wonderful throughout the day. Even without the Prep and Prime, my face is left much less oily than many other moisturizers. I also like that it has no added scent, and the natural ingredients are a big plus, too.


If it ever runs out, I would repurchase.

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aaight714 on 4/24/2010 11:34:00 AM more reviews by aaight714

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

i use this in the morning after i do my oil cleansing, and sometimes at night after washing... it leaves my skin feeling very healthy and nourished all day, firm, glowing, and pretty. it really doesn't clog pores, which was kind of amazing. it is light and creamy with pretty much no scent, even though it says there is some scent to it on the jar. this moisturizer makes me feel very pampered and it is definitely a great value. good ingredients and a ton of product for less than $7.

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