asian cosmetics

//PR SAMPLE / KBEAUTY / SKINCARE //

I love facial oils! For one reason, my skin type is quite dry. We have four seasons in Germany and winter tends to be quite cold and aggressive for drier skin types, but even normal or sensitive skin types will feel the effect of weather on their skin. Since our faces are exposed to the weather every day, it’s a good idea to help out with some oils to protect the skin barrier. One of the oils I’m using at the moment is the Huxley Secret Of Sahara Oil. Actually, the full name is “Huxley Secret Of Sahara Oil: “Light and More”. Thanks and a shout-out to Korean Smooch at this point for providing me with this facial oil for reviewing purpose.

Korean brand Huxley (헉슬리)

“Great things never came from comfort zones.” – That’s the motto of the Korean brand Huxley (헉슬리). And that motto already tells you so much about the brand. Huxley is a contemporary brand with the mission to find and benefit from ingredients that are characteristic of extreme environments. Their aim is to use these innovative ingredients and contribute to new skincare trends in that way (check out the English brand description >>here<<). By the way, did you know that the brand name actually refers to the author Aldous Huxley, who wrote the dystopia “Brave New World”?

I must confess that I was drawn to the brand when I saw the first promotional images and I fell in love with the simple packaging design. Actually, you might find it boring, because it’s so plain, but somehow I was drawn to it. And then I read about the Secret of Sahara line and I was sold. As someone with dry skin, I can definitely see my skin to be as dry as the desert, and that name was almost shouting my name. I was lucky enough to get my hand on some travel sized samples of Huxley’s Secret of Sahara skincare line, including the Huxley Secret of Sahara Essence: Grab Water, Huxley Secret of Sahara Oil Essence: Essence-Like, Oil-Like, and the Huxley Secret of Sahara Oil: Light and More. Out of the three, I loved the oil so much, that I knew that I needed the full-sized bottle of the facial oil, in order to write a full review here.

Huxley Secret of Sahara Oil: Light and More

The Huxley Secret of Sahara Oil is described as followed on the brand’s page:

“A lightweight facial oil that contains prickly pear seed oil with outstanding moisturizing ability. It absorbs into the skin quickly, protects it from various stressors, and fortifies the skin”

It’s three features are: Firstly, it’s a non-greasy lightweight oil that does not leave an oily appearance. Second, it’s a fast absorbing, light and dry oil suitable for all skin types. Lastly, it provides rich moisture for dry skin. According to the description it can be used during day and night. It’s possible to use it plain or mixed with cream, foundation, or even with toner and used as mist. Best part, you can use it on your lips and hair as well.

Key Ingredient: Sahara Prickly Pear Seed Oil

The ingredients list of the Huxley Secret of Sahara Oil is surprisingly short. It contains the Sahara Prickly Pear Seed Oil as the key ingredient, an example for an ingredient that is observed in extreme environments since the Sahara Prickly Pear survives the extreme temperature variance of the Sahara of 50°C during the day. The seed oil is especially rich in linolic acid and therefore has a great moisturizing effect on the skin, but also contains other unsaturated lipids (oleic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid). Due to high contents in gamma-Tocopherol (Vitamin E) and flavonoids the seed oil has great anti-aging effects. It’s also rich in Vitamin K, by the way, which is great for brightening and cell-stimulating. Last, but not least, the Prickly Pear Seed Oil used in Huxley products is a certified organic ingredient with the Ecocert label.

Ingredients: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Squalane, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Fragrance

Apart from the very exclusive key ingredient, the list contains other well-known oils, namely sunflower seed oil, and jojoba seed oil. Both are rich in unsaturated fatty acids and tocopherol, similar to the prickly pear seed oil. The last oil spotted is Abyssinian Seed Oil, or known as Crambe Abyssinian Seed Oil. The Abyssinian Seed Oil is rich in erucic acid, a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid, but also contains a good amount of oleic and linolic acid. The Huxley Secret of Sahara Oil is free from parabens, silicones, alcohols, sulfates, and is EU-Allergen free. The minimal ingredients list is also a benefit. You can check the full ingredients via SkinCarisma.

The Scent of a Spring Garden

Let’s talk about the scent: I’m not a scent sensitive person regarding skincare. On the contrary, I prefer aromatic scents, because it brings me joy while I’m applying my skincare. There are scents that I adore, like rose or green tea for example. For this oil, I absolutely had no expectation regarding the scent in any way. And that’s what surprised me most: the scent is intoxicating! The first time I used the Huxley Secret of Sahara trial set I was so positively surprised! It reminded me of my childhood, and of fields and flowers and playing outside. Now, after doing my research on the brand site I discovered, that the fragrance they use is a collaboration with LUZI, a traditional Swiss fragrance company. You can check out the fragrance pyramid on the official product description page I linked above. I read the first sentence of the fragrance description and I was amazed since it describes exactly the same image I had from using it for the first time: “The first impression is like stepping from inside a house into a lush green garden […]”. 

My Impression

The texture of the oil is as you would expect from the description: it’s a liquid, clear oil with a light yellowish color. It absorbs very quickly and feels dry and not greasy upon application. Yet, you feel that it acts nourishing on the skin. I’m using 2-3 drops of the oil on my face and neck. Usually, I use it together with cream, but sometimes I use it even on its own, only followed by the sunscreen. I have used it on my lips, too, and sometimes I use my hands afterward on the end of my hair. I can only say, that this oil does everything I expect from a good facial oil and I have no complaints here to make. The bottle comes with a dropper cap and is easy to use. The volume is 30 ml, and it lasts a long time since you are only using a few drops each time. I also like the fact, that the bottle is made out of glass.

Many people imagine facial oils to bee too heavy. I assure you that this oil is lightweight, as it also states in the product description! Apart from providing hydration and nourishment it doesn’t leave the skin greasy at all and can be used day and night. Of course, this is my personal impression, and everyone has different needs regarding their skin, but I can say for myself that I can recommend using the Huxley Secret of Sahara Oil, and that I’m enjoying it in my skincare routine. I can also say, that I would repurchase this oil anytime.

I received the Huxley Secret Of Sahara Oil for reviewing purpose from Korean Smooch, an online retailer for Korean cosmetics products based in France. This shop might be especially interesting for people ordering from the EU. Delivery to Germany, for example, is free from 80€ purchase and takes approximately 3 to 5 days to arrive. And the best, no customs duties for EU as they ship from France! Check out the Huxley products they offer >>here<<.

Are you using any facial oils? Do you have a favorite brand or oil blend that you swear by? And what is your impression about the Korean brand Huxley?

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Just as a short reminder: All products mentioned and reviewed on this blog are of my personal opinions. This product here was sent to me for reviewing purpose by https://www.korean-smooch.com/ which doesn’t influence me in providing my honest opinion on the products.