Desert Essence • Daily Essential Moisturizer • Moisturizers

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sasscass on 4/17/2008 4:40:00 AM more reviews by sasscass

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

I've only been using this product for a couple weeks, so these are my preliminary feelings about it. I recently got a facial because I've been having an unusual breakout on my chin. I've made a lot of changes to my skincare routine lately in an effort to simplify it, make it more organic and address the needs of my aging skin as I enter my 30s. The esthetician recommended that I start using a moisturizer again as I had stopped a few months ago in favor of just using jojoba oil. I chose this moisturizer because it is very natural, has jojoba oil in in and is very inexpensive. I've been very pleased. I use it at night with the jojoba oil and during the day with my spf and make-up. It has a nice matte finish and light smell. I gave it a four out of five because not all of the ingredients are totally natural - you can read more about toxic ingredients on the cosmetic database if you're interested. But, let's just say that most products contain a lot of these ingredients, so they can be hard to avoid - my policy is if you can buy it at Whole Foods, it is usually a safe bet, because they do their research. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

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*TOP REVIEWER* barbiedollcurves on 4/14/2008 10:10:00 PM more reviews by barbiedollcurves

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

This stuff seemed like the product for me. Jojoba oil has worked wonders on so many people's acne and it was going to work for me! I got it from Nutricity. Very in expensive for the shipping. The jar came, huge, and like it wasn't filled the whole way. that disappointed me. I tried some and didn't get a matte finish. It broke me out due to the glycerin but we'll using it on my neck!

EDITJUL26th;
OMG THIS PRODUCT! I can't use it on my face but today I did the impossible and used it as a CLEANSER. I first put on some olive oil then washed it off with Dove then got a goop of this and spread it all over my face then rinsed it about 30 seconds, my skin feels like heaven! tazorac & persagel have been drying the sh^&*t out of my skin and I've been suffering from breakouts because of it! but hopefully not anymore. and I hope I don't breakout. After when I was done washing my face, it wasn't red or irritated just beautiful looking, soft, and matte! I couldn't be happier. and now I finally have use for this product!

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*TOP REVIEWER* jiney17 on 4/13/2008 5:02:00 PM more reviews by jiney17

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

BACKGROUND: I have 'very combination' skin, which means it can be very oily, very dry, or both at once depending on the weather and what topicals I'm using at the moment. It's also a bit sensitive and prone to dryness and flakiness due to Tazorac. I'm also acne-prone and my pores tend to clog easily. Zits are always a disaster for me since I have light skin and they always leave very visible dark red marks. So I'm always looking for products that won't contribute to break-outs and are effective but not harsh. I really needed a nice face cream since my skin has gotten drier with Spiro and plain jojoba oil (also Desert Essence) wasn't cutting it anymore.



DESCRIPTION: This is a dense, rich-feeling white cream that is also somehow lightweight and fluffy. I use a little dab (maybe half a marble) on a damp face and it absorbs surprisingly quickly, leaving skin feeling soft and moist but not oily or sticky. No scent. I can use it around my eyes without any irritation at all and no bleary vision because the cream absorbs so quickly.



FEEL: It works well under makeup and doesn't make me oilier than usual. In fact, I think the jojoba oil in it helps regulate sebum production. I look more matte right after it absorbs. Later in the day, I still get shiny but I blot far less often than I have to when I use Cetaphil Cream.



VERDICT: I've been using this for about two weeks and have had good results. Soft, moisturized skin and no breakouts. This is a great value--a high-quality product at an amazing price. No animal ingredients or testing. No artificial fragrances or colors. And none of the ingredients is comedogenic.



I got mine from iherb.com for less than 4USD (I mention this website because they have a really inexpensive shipping option with USPS, which is rare) and was surprised by how enormous the jar is. It's a beast. I bet it'll take me the entire year to use up. Packaging is a simple plastic jar that's not fancy, but it works and really, who care about cute packaging if the product is terrific? I would repurchase in a heartbeat.



INGREDIENTS: Purified Water, Glyceryl Stearate, Safflower Oil, Cetyl Palmitate, Jojoba Oil, Glycerin, Allantoin (comfrey), Aloe Vera, Sesame Oil, Cetyl Alcohol (From Vegetable Source), Methylparaben, Essential Oil of Geranium.



ETA: I noticed some of the reviews above me were complaining about this being drying, or 'not doing anything.' Since this has jojoba oil in it, it is not really meant for dry skin, but combination or oily skin that has surface dryness (especially due to treatments like retinoids) and with sensitivity. Yes, it's boring, but that's important to those of us who don't want extraneous ingredients irritating their skin!



I've found that this works best, right after washing, when your skin is damp. Something about the cream makes it retain moisture better if the skin is a bit dewy. Otherwise you can apply tons and have your face feel the same. If you need a little more moisture, try adding a drop or two of pure Vitamin E oil or extra virgin olive oil. But again, if you have very dry skin, you should pass this one by and look for a more emollient cream with richer ingredients.

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lgriffit on 4/10/2008 6:13:00 PM more reviews by lgriffit

Age: 44-55   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

My husband really likes this for his combo skin. It is non-greasy and absorbs quickly. It is very inexpensive at Vitacost.com and would buy again in the future. It would be nice if it were in a pump bottle rather than a jar.

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blondie0815 on 3/17/2008 2:51:00 AM more reviews by blondie0815

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I have oily to combination skin and this stuff is great! It's also the cheapest moisturizer I've ever bought.

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*TOP REVIEWER* kayemarie on 3/2/2008 5:04:00 PM more reviews by kayemarie

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

I am really liking this so far. I purchased this on a search to find something all-natural to replace Cerave which was buring my ultra-sensitive dry skin. I'm allergic to almond and avocado oils and most of the all natural creams for very dry skin have one of those so I was happy when I took a look at the ingredients on this one and didn't find them included. So far so good. In the mornings I use a sugar/evoo scrub on my face and then apply this all over my face and neck before applying makeup. It soaks in well leaving my face feeling soft and smooth. I haven't had any irritation yet, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. :)

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pandarov on 2/19/2008 3:54:00 PM more reviews by pandarov

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Olive   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

Someone recommended this on the skincare board so I decided to give it a try. I'm really surprised this doesn't have more reviews! It's only been 4 days since using this but I think this is going to be my HG moisturizing cream. I'm usually terrified of using creams, but so far so good. This has gotten rid of a dry patch on my cheek that I've had forever. I only need to use a little bit for my whole face and it doesn't feel greasy at all. Let it sink in a few minutes and like others have said it will leave your face soft and matte. It's pretty cheap and will last me a while. The only thing I don't really like is that it is in a tub. Will buy again when I run out!

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kylesmom27 on 2/2/2008 8:35:00 PM more reviews by kylesmom27

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

This really irritated my skin. I applied a light layer and immediately my cheeks began burning. I had to wash it off and now my face is still pretty red. I can use sesame oil, jojoba oil, and safflower oil so it might have been the geranium that irritated me. Not sure, but it wasn't good. Too bad!

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*TOP REVIEWER* laurentothemax on 1/27/2008 6:44:00 PM more reviews by laurentothemax

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

My skin recently has become very oily in some spots, dry in others, and really breakout sensitive to most creams. I needed a moisturizer but was hesitant to try this because its primary ingredients were all (natural) oils. I'm so glad I gave this stuff a chance though. I have not had any devastating breakouts like I had with Philosophy Hope in a Jar plus my skin stays hydrated, soft AND matte. I use this as my night cream (sometimes over alpha hydrox 10%) and as my day cream as well. This moisturizer works double duty as an amazing mattifier under makeup as so many of you have pointed out. Also, this stuff is a lifesaver after all the dryness and peeling i had after microdermabrasion. Its a little bit of a pain to find, and i have to order it. Its crazy cheap + I spend more in shipping than the product actually costs. But whatever this stuff is essential. pun intended.

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hollyjackson on 1/21/2008 1:14:00 AM more reviews by hollyjackson

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

i was afraid to use this cause i didnt want to break out from it but realized i have used alot of products with alot of ingredients(natural and Very un-natural) but boy am i happy i tried this. it has literally changed my face. it it so amazing. makes the best makeup base than anything iv ever used. including $30 makeup primers. this leaves your skin so matte. it controls oils too. before this i used cetiphil lotion and i looked like a grease bag. my skin was so oily looking and im not even that oily at all. it was ugly. so i got fed up and used this and its been like 4 or 5 days and no breakouts so far (knock on wood) and i dont really see how it could unless you are sensitive or allergic to any of these natural ingredients (besides he methylparben whch is not natural but the moisturizer works so good i dont care) this is my highest grade moisturizer and iv tried 30-70 dollar creams. they all pale in comparrison. try it out. would be very good for oily skin.UPDATE: has been 2 months since iv been using this cream all over my face and no breakouts which was something i was scared of but nope nothing. love this cream and love desert essence products

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Mikella on 1/1/2008 11:40:00 PM more reviews by Mikella

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

EDIT: I've recently started using this as an eyeshadow primer, with good results, I'll update. This is pretty long, but bear with me, I think this stuff is so cool..... I'm really taken with it. This is a REALLY interesting find! I'm happy I read the reviews on here and bought this moisturizer. First, I sampled it on my hand in the Health Food Store, and it felt matte and satiny and incredible...... and I ended up buying another moisturizer that I loved, and yadda yadda, the only reason I didn't buy this one first was because it had parabens in it. Anyways, my reason for months later going back and purchasing this one was bc I needed a thicker moisturizer to combat the flakies I get from the cold weather, AHA product, etc. so I thought this was a perfect opportunity to try this! So first time I tried it, I first used my other moisturizer under (Earth Science almond-aloe AMAZING!) then I put some of this D.E. on, and I wasn't sure if I liked it. Next time, I used my toner, then JUST used this moisturizer alone........ and sure enough, it acted like all the other "reviewers" said: It seems thick, but soaks in completely to a matte finish.... It leaves your skin looking shine FREE before even putting anything else on it. Easy to spread, only need a smallll amount, this tub will last FOREVER. Must make sure your hands are freshly washed going into the tub each time. Should be anyways before going on your skin, so NP. Feels like a thick-"ISH" body lotion (not too thick, just on the creamy side), then when you put it on your face and rub it in, it begins to feel more like a body butter! :) I put my foundation over top next, and my foundation looked sooo smooth, even without my loose powder... wow. I can really see why so many of you said it's like a makeup primer. Definitely. I have VERY little to NO oil breakthrough when I use this moisturizer, and I have oily skin (which sometimes can get very oily!).... so this is unheard of for me! I wore it to bed and woke up with a basically shine-free face which was nice. No scent, well, if there is, it's super light :) If there are any downfalls for me, it would just be that I need a little more moisture at times because it feels as if it wicks moisture away as time goes on throughout the day.. but that's A-OK with me, I have my other moisturizer as well. I'd rather have less oily guck and more nicer proper moisture on my skin! I'm going to try putting this on first, then a tiny layer of my other moisturizer just so that when I put on my powder I don't feel "dry", I have a feeling that may be just perfect. Overall, I think this moisturizer is really great.... especially when you want your face to stay flawless looking, when you're going out, or working, etc. I'd recommend it to anyone to try. It's great for your skin, feels nice on, nothing out there like it which is very cool. :) LOVE this stuff.. And for anyone who doesn't wear ANY makeup, oh my gosh I couldn't imagine.. TO DIE FOR........ :D I would kill to not wear makeup and use this stuff every day and have the most perfect matte face.. it almost feels like a mini gentle face lift in a bottle :)

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Lutskis1 on 12/6/2007 2:41:00 PM more reviews by Lutskis1

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

Loving this so far. Wish it came in a pump or squeeze tube, but not a big deal...especially given that I found this for less than $5 at mothernature.com. It's tough to find in stores- I have gotten other Desert Essence Products at the health food store and Trader Joe's, but this one never seems to be around. Anyway, it's been a great moisturizer for me as it's gotten colder in NYC. I have somewhat sensitive, combination skin with a tendency toward hormonal blemishes. I use this in the morning alone, and at night with a bit of Desert Essence Jojoba Oil. I've seen fantastic results. Clear, soft and somewhat "glowy" skin. I can use it around my eyes and there's no irritation, which is unheard of for me. I can't believe how much I love this. I'll definitely continue to use this (it's been about a week) and will edit if anything changes.

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smellypiratehooker on 11/17/2007 12:43:00 PM more reviews by smellypiratehooker

Age: 25-29   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

Fabulous product. I have fairly normal skin, and this moisturizer seems to be exactly in tune with it. Sinks right in, and my face glows in the morning! Excellent price- I pay about 4.99 on sale at Whole Foods and you get a large tub. The only thing bad I have to say is that I HATE tubs, I'd much prefer my facial lotion to come in a tube or pump bottle. That said, it never stops me from repurchasing. HG nightime moisturizer, for sure.

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asaryen on 10/11/2007 6:09:00 PM more reviews by asaryen

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

This is a nice basic moisturizer wich keeps my sensitive skin calm. I still have some acne but it does not make me break out more. It makes a good base for makeup, but the matte look does not last through the day for me. I have boght it two times, but now I want to try something different because i still get a bit dry at my nose and the norwegian winter is coming up so I will need something more moisturizing.

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*TOP REVIEWER* twinkletoes0613 on 10/5/2007 6:41:00 PM more reviews by twinkletoes0613

Age: 25-29   Skin: Normal, Tan, Cool   Hair: Black, Kinky, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

I recently purchased this from mothernature.com and have found this to be an incredibly moisturizer for my normal to oily skin. I place this now every night and it leaves my skin feeling great. For an added bonus I've added a tiny amount of olive oil (it's colder now so my cheeks are kinda dry) and this has made the cream even better. I really love Dessert Essence facial products. Haven't let me down yet.

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*TOP REVIEWER* ajax5455 on 10/2/2007 12:05:00 PM more reviews by ajax5455

Age: 44-55   Skin: Oily   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

Lovely, lovely stuff. Almost everything I put on my face occludes the pores and makes me break out. This stuff, however, sinks in almost matte and provides a wonderful base for my makeup. I just wish it were easier to find. For some reason, stores that carry Desert Essence products don't carry this moisturizer. Whole Foods will, however, special order it for you at no additional charge.

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

eqkearney on 9/15/2007 12:39:00 PM more reviews by eqkearney

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

Wow, I just tried this for the first time and-- wow! Like others have said, at first it felt overly rich and I have had too many experiences with other creams that just sat on top of my face (dry underneath and wet on top like the reviewer below said). But within a few minutes it had sunk into my skin, leaving a silky matte veil feeling all over my face. I haven't tried this under make-up yet as I just got it but I can't wait to tomorrow morning. It seems like it will be the perfect base. Love the natural ingredients and overall simplicity.

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loreleilee33 on 9/5/2007 5:49:00 PM more reviews by loreleilee33

Age: 19-24   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

Yeah, i don't like this crap. I really really wanted to because it's nice and cheap and very pure. But i have dry skin, and this stuff wasn't moisturizing enough. I don't like my face moisturizer to sink right into my skin immediately, it makes it hard to put foundation on. Also, i think jojoba oil irritates my skin. So the search continues

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akemikatze on 8/17/2007 10:52:00 AM more reviews by akemikatze

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Red   Eyes: Hazel    

This makes a wonderful night cream. I don't use it in the daytime because, unfortunately, it does not have SPF and I'm oily, so it would be a little too heavy. I feel like it absorbs right away and doesn't just sit on top; I don't get that dry-underneath/oily-layer-above feeling like I do with other moisturizers. I love the short, mild ingredient list. This keeps my pores clear and my face happy. Some people don't like the jar, but I figure if I just washed my face, my hands are clean anyway.

EDIT: I had to take away 2 lippies because after over a month of daily use, I'm noticing clogged pores and sensitized skin around my nose. I think I am sensitive to the jojoba oil in it.

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Sallyh88 on 7/21/2007 4:25:00 PM more reviews by Sallyh88

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

I can't believe that this moisturizer isn't more popular! This is wonderful! I love that it doesn't have any chemicals and hardly any scent. I love the jojoba oil and aloe vera in it too. I use this day and night and it has yet to break me out. It keeps me matte for most of the day too, which I was fairly surprised about since I am normally very oily. I think this may have helped balance out my skin. Love this stuff, its super cheap and can be found at most health food stores.

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