Beauty oils are big news right now with just about every brand launching a hydrating, often antioxidant-rich blend and now Dermalogica’s joined the party with a lovely li’l product called Phyto Replenish Dewy Skin facial oil (R1 290).

A feather light treatment oil, it aims to hydrate in a way that diminishes those fine dehydration lines and restore your skin’s natural lipids that are essential for a healthy protective barrier. (If your skin’s barrier is compromised, it’s the fast track to dryness and potential complications like sensitivity and eczema.) Also, thanks to the fact that Dermalogica’s made a point of choosing oils that have a strong antioxidant game, you get to enjoy protection from free radical damage.

So, what’s in the mix? First up, the heavy lifter here is Japanese camellia (tea) oil. Used for centuries by women in the east, it’s camellia’s beauty benefits include the fact that it’s a great anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that’s flush with omega 9. It’s also fabulously light and fast-absorbing.

Another notable active is tamanu oil (also known as ‘beauty leaf oil’), extracted from the nut of the Polynesian tamanu tree. Again, you’re looking at a potent antioxidant with great anti-inflammatory powers that’s been said to turbo charge any ‘healing’. This is why many women rely on it to help minimise scarring caused by acne. (If you’re interested, you can buy this oil on its own from Faithful-to-Nature for R159.)

Other hydrating antioxidant botanicals in the blend include chia seed oil, sunflower oil, Shea butter and rice bran extract. The latter is interesting as it’s also got slight melanin-inhibiting properties so it could be considered a ‘brightener’, but if pigmentation is your main concern I’d suggest you chat to a dermatologist.

Anyway, I used Dermalogica’s new oil yesterday and appreciated the fact that, yes, it really is feather light. I have a combination skin and liked that it left my skin feeling supple and quenched, but didn’t lie around on the surface and send my forehead oilies into over drive. Also, what Dermalogica say about it being a good base for make-up is spot on. I layered concealer over this and was surprised how it went on super smoothly, as though I’d used a primer. I did avoid my eye area, however, as I wasn’t sure if having the oil on my lids (even though it absorbs fully) was going to cause my shadow to crease up. You might find it doesn’t though. I just haven’t tried it. I also love the way it smells – like the geranium oil that’s listed in its ingredients, something that always makes me think of Zoo biscuits, and in this way it reminds me a lot of The Skin Creamery’s hydrating facial oil.

In all, this is a lovely hydrator for anyone wanting to add a little extra hydration and antioxidant protection into their routine. The price point is steep but if you can afford it so what. And if you can’t, know that there are other hydrating oils on the block, several of which I’ve chatted about this month so if that’s what you’re after know you should be able find one that suits your pocket.

Love, love

Leigh

P.S. Dermalogica is currently running a special. If you buy any 3 products from their website you’ll score a free cleaner. If you’re a fan of the brand now’s a good time to stock up on your staples.