With spring around the corner, it’s time to start preparing my skin for the dreaded allergy season. I decided to revisit my trusted brands – SIORIS and AROMATICA.
Among my list of favorite sensitive-skin-friendly K-Beauty brands, SIORIS and AROMATICA are regular residents of my skin care shelf. Both brands use natural ingredients to create safe formulas. SIORIS prioritizes cruelty-free skin care made of fresh, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. AROMATICA incorporates aromatherapy into sustainable beauty products that restore balance for both the body and mind.
Both SIORIS and AROMATICA recently released exciting new offerings that might help my tricky transition from winter to spring skin care, complete with added benefits to strengthen the skin barrier!
AROMATICA
Comforting Calendula Decoction Cleansing Mousse
What is it? A safe and gentle foaming cleanser formulated with calendula to remove grime and sebum while soothing sensitive skin. It’s also infused with aloe vera gel to calm redness and moisturize skin.
Extraction method: Raw botanical ingredients were extracted using the decoction method of boiling in water on low heat over a period of time.
In detail: The cleanser is housed in a see-through container made of 100% Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) PET resin, a lightweight, shatterproof and recyclable material.
I always drop things (unintentionally, of course) and my skin care products aren’t exempt from my clumsiness. I’m amazed that despite the many times I’ve dropped this bottle, it remains free of dents and cracks.
Through its handy dispensing pump, the milarite-colored liquid transforms into mousse-like foam, which is incredibly soft and silky on skin. Calendula flowers’ unique herbal scent may not appeal to everyone, but the aroma is relatively mild in this cleansing mousse.
Usually one pump is enough to use all over my face. I’ve been using it morning and night and have not experienced any allergic reaction or uncomfortable after-feel on skin.
SIORIS
Enriched By Nature Cream
What is it? A COSMO ORGANIC-certified vegan cream containing 28.5% Korean green tea water and rosa multiflora extract to sooth and revive tired skin. It’s also enriched with organic shea butter, Vitamin C-rich baobab tree seed oil and phytosphingosine to lock in moisture, brighten complexion and strengthen the skin barrier.
In detail: The thick, white cream lies inside a palm-sized glass tub. Its gentle and therapeutic scent derived from natural essential oils, mainly rosewood and Damask rose, boasts calming effects, and smells heavenly and nostalgic to me.
The cream spreads like velvety butter and leaves a moisturizing finish. Despite its thickness, it wasn’t heavy on skin. Currently, I use this cream twice daily, including as the last step of my evening routine to keep my skin nourished throughout the night. I was delighted that it improved the adherence of my foundation when used as a moisturizer during the day!
AROMATICA
Holistic Remedy Anointing Balm
What is it? Enriched with herbs such as hyssop, frankincense and myrrh, this moisturizing balm contains Omega 3 and Vitamin E to help repair and nourish dry, damaged skin, all in a vegan, cruelty-free and silicone-free formulation.
Extraction method: Active ingredients are slowly extracted from plants and herbs by submerging the raw materials with oil in airtight jars, and then allowing sunlight to naturally infuse the oil with the beneficial botanical properties. This oil infusion method minimizes the loss of nutrients.
In detail:Inspired by holistic and ancient herbal practices, this multi-purpose balm comes in a light green formula that melts into oil when rubbed on skin.
Initially, it reminded me of Tiger Balm, but without the minty, menthol scent.
Frankincense is commonly used to make incense and essential oils in Western cultures, while in Chinese medicine, it’s known for benefits such as boosting blood circulation and relieving pain and bruises. Likewise, myrrh is mentioned in the Bible and in Chinese medicine for its many capabilities. The ingredient is known for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and bug-repellent qualities.
I’ve used the balm over various parts of my body prone to dryness, such as elbows, cuticles, fingers and heels. Despite its oil texture, it didn’t leave an oily finish, but rather a soft and moisturized finish.
The Verdict
I’ve always been wary of foam cleansers leaving my skin taut and dry. But the Comforting Calendula Decoction Cleansing Mousse proved me wrong! I began using it only in evenings to thoroughly rid skin of all the accumulated sebum and dirt from the day. As the weather got warmer, I started using it in mornings too. It works well for my sensitive skin, but it may be too weak for those with combination or oily skin.
My eczema is the worst on my hands at the moment, and although the Holistic Remedy Anointing Balm isn’t moisturizing enough to soften the parched skin and cracks, it didn’t cause any stinging or irritation. It also provided temporary relief from dryness after I washed my hands. I grew to enjoy the balm’s herbal and calming scent that reminds of incense. While playing cards with friends, everyone adored the scent. The balm didn’t leave any oily fingerprints on my cards, unlike other hand creams I’ve used.
I love the scent and benefits of the Enriched By Nature Cream. I can’t judge its brightening effects as of yet, but the moisturizing power is definitely there! The formula may be too thick for those with oily and combination skin to use outside of winter, but I think most people would enjoy it as a night cream. The scent is also heavenly!