Explore Wild Venus: Creamy Oat Cleansing Balm
Deep Dive: Creamy Oat Cleansing Balm
I thought I’d do a deep dive on one of our top products here and one which I use regularly, and this is the creamy oat cleansing balm.
In this article, I’ll go into depth on the ingredients that go into making our creamy oat cleanser, looking at the benefits of using oats in skin care as well as unravel what else is in our lovely cleansing balm and how these all combine to create a creamy cleanser that helps inflamed, dry and even oily skin.
If you’re a complete newbie to cleansing balms and you’d like to know what they do and how they work, then you’ll find all the answers to your questions in this separate blog All about Cleansing Balms: What they do and how they work.
Does the Creamy Oat Cleansing Balm remove make-up?
YES! Yes it really does.
We grind the colloidal oats to a fine powder like flour and these are incorporated into the cleansing balm. All of the ingredients work together to create a beautifully CREAMY lather that can be massaged into your skin and gently massaged around your eyes to remove more stubborn eye make-up.
The oils in the cleansing balm work by attracting and dissolving makeup, including stubborn products like waterproof mascara, long-wear foundation, and sunscreen. These makeup products often contain oil-based ingredients, which the balm’s oils bind to, making them easier to lift away from the skin (rather than stripping away the make-up along with your own natural oils).
As you massage the oat cleansing balm into your skin, it starts to break down makeup, dirt and impurities. When you add water the oils in the balm emulsify, turning into a creamy consistency that helps to further break down and dissolve the makeup. This emulsified mixture can then be easily rinsed away, taking all the dissolved makeup and grime with it.
Is the Oat Cleansing Balm Clogging?
Nope, not at all. Our cleansing balm is a one step cleansing routine which is completely non-comedogenic as it emulsifies with water, making it easy to wash off.
All of our cleansing balms are gentle and hydrating which make them a great choice for everyone whether you have dry, sensitive or oily skin. Our handmade cleansing balms effectively remove make-up, clean pores, thoroughly cleanses and continues to give your skin nourishment to help your skin be the best it can be.
Can the Creamy Oat Cleansing Balms help remedy dry skin?
Absolutely, this is what the oat cleanser was made to do! Whenever someone asks for advice on how to help dry skin, I recommend using a cleansing balm first as a great foundation on which to build the rest of your skincare upon.
Sometimes it can be difficult to express just how important this step is, as the natural logic many of us have, is to just add a moisturiser. It seems to make sense to moisturise and hydrate. But, read on to understand how upgrading your cleansing balm could be the best thing you ever do for your skin.
Is the Creamy Oat Cleansing Balm Oil Based?
All of our cleansing balms contain what we call a base recipe, this gives the basic foundation on which I can build the specialist function into.
Wild Venus cleansing balms are all oil based and our base recipe includes castor oil, olive oil, coconut oil, vitamin E, some fatty acids, emulsifying waxes (helps bind water and oil when you use the product) and mild surfactants (these bring a little light foaming action).
So that’s what you’ll find in each of our cleansing balms, but now onto the ingredients that make the Creamy Oat Cleansing Balm so special.
What’s in the Oat Cleansing Balm and what do these ingredients do?
As well as the base ingredients, you’ll also find that this recipe includes sweet almond oil and hemp seed oil, finely ground oat kernel flour and our essential oil blend of cinnamon, orange and frankincense.
All of these ingredients are mild enough if you were wondering if you can use the oat cleansing balm every day then yes you can use it several times a day if you wish.
Creamy Oat Cleanser Ingredients Close Up:
Castor Oil - A large proportion of our cleansing balms formulas are devoted to castor oil because it is so rich and thick with excellent moisturising properties. There’s a very long list of reasons why castor oil should be used in your skincare products. Castor oil has a high amount of antioxidants, it’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory which means it helps to fight free radicals and slows premature ageing, prevents bacteria and keeps skin clear and it’s anti-inflammatory effects can reduce puffiness, soothe and calm aggravated skin.
Olive Oil - high in Oleic acid which helps form a barrier on the skin, whilst castor oil helps, moisturise the olive oil locks in that moisture and provides an extra defence against external free radicals.
Sweet Almond Oil - A beautiful silky and lightweight oil that's often found in face serums as its rich in vitamin D and holds some legendary properties which reduces puffiness and under-eye circles, moisturises dry skin, improves acne and skin complexion as well as reverse sun damage and reduce the appearance of scars. It’s clear to see why we use this in our creamy oat cleansing balm!
Hempseed Oil - This is one of my personal favourites and I love lashing it in many products due to its gorgeous green hue and dense nutrients. Hempseed oil is a perfect choice for our Creamy Oat Cleansing Balm as it further strengthens the anti-inflammatory qualities of the oats and all these other ingredients. Rich in Omega 3 and 6, fatty acids and linoleic acid which all contribute towards helping dry skin as well as soothing acne and eczema. By the way, there’s no THC ( the psychoactive compound found in marijuana ) in hempseed oil so you won’t fail any drug test, but you will pass the glowing skin test.
Colloidal Oats - These are very finely ground oats you’ll find this ingredient in several products because it's an absolute essential in skincare - especially if you’re trying to manage dry, inflamed, irritated, sun damaged skin or even if you have a rash, eczema, muscle soreness or have a new tattoo that needs to heal.
One of the most recognised benefits of oatmeal for the skin is its ability to hydrate and nourish dry skin. Research indicates that skincare products with oatmeal can effectively hydrate the skin, alleviating dryness and its related symptoms, such as itching, flaking, and tightness.
Creamy Oat Cleanser Essential Oil Blend
Not only do the ingredients really help tackle dry skin caused from cold and windy Autumn and Winter conditions here in the UK, but the essential oil blend works its magic whilst smelling beautifully cosy and autumnal with its blend of pure essential oils which include orange, cinnamon and frankincense.
The Benefits of Cinnamon in Skincare
Cinnamon essential oil is a fantastic ingredient to incorporate into your skin routine to help banish for dry skin, winter skin, and even conditions like rosacea due to its various properties:
1. Anti-inflammatory Properties: Cinnamon contains compounds like cinnamaldehyde and eugenol, which have anti-inflammatory effects. These can help reduce redness, irritation, and inflammation, making it particularly useful for conditions like rosacea.
2. Antioxidant Rich: Cinnamon is packed with antioxidants, such as polyphenols, which help protect the skin from damage caused by environmental factors, such as harsh winter conditions. This protection can reduce the dryness and irritation often associated with cold weather.
3. Stimulates Circulation: Cinnamon can help improve blood circulation when applied to the skin. Improved circulation can enhance nutrient delivery to skin cells, promoting a healthier and more nourished complexion, of course this is especially beneficial for dry or winter skin and you’ll notice visible results in the appearance of rosacea.
By stimulating the circulation and enhancing nutrient and oxygen delivery to your skin will strengthen the skin barrier and its ability to repair itself, giving you greater strength to repair flare ups.
Not only does stimulating circulation help deliver nutrients but it also helps in removing toxins, allowing skin cells to operate more efficiently and reduce irritation which are also factors in rosacea.
4. Antibacterial and Antimicrobial Properties: Cinnamon has natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, which can help in keeping the skin clear and prevent infections, especially important for sensitive skin conditions such as rosacea.
The Benefits of Frankincense Essential Oil in Skincare
Frankincense has been used for thousands of years across various cultures. Earning the name ‘liquid gold’, frankincense was a highly valued commodity and has been used throughout the ages over the world for its therapeutic, medicinal, cosmetic, and spiritual properties.
Wild Venus loves to use frankincense for addressing dry skin, winter skin, and rosacea due to its unique properties and wonderful sweet woody aroma that helps relax the mind and ground the body.
Here are just some of the wonderful reasons that we use frankincense essential oil in our skincare.
1. Anti-inflammatory Properties: Frankincense has potent anti-inflammatory effects, making it beneficial for soothing irritated skin. For rosacea, which is characterised by inflammation and redness, frankincense can help calm the skin and reduce the appearance of redness.
2. Moisturising and Hydrating: Frankincense oil helps to lock in moisture and protect the skin barrier. This is particularly beneficial for dry skin and winter skin, as it helps to combat the dehydration and flakiness caused by cold weather and dry indoor heating.
3. Promotes Skin Healing: Frankincense is known for its ability to promote skin regeneration and healing. It can assist in reducing the appearance of scars and help in the recovery of damaged skin, which is useful for those dealing with the dryness and sensitivity associated with rosacea or weather damaged skin.
4. Antioxidant Rich: Frankincense is packed with antioxidants, which protect the skin from free radical damage. This helps to prevent premature ageing and can improve the overall health and resilience of the skin, making it better equipped to handle harsh winter conditions and speeds up recovery.
5. Astringent Properties: Frankincense has a mild astringent effect, which can help to tone and firm the skin. This is beneficial for keeping the skin smooth and reducing the appearance of pores, which can be helpful for those dealing with acne or rosacea.
6. Calming and Soothing: The aromatic compounds in frankincense provide a calming effect, not just on the mind, but also on the skin. It can help soothe and relax irritated skin, making it ideal for sensitive skin conditions.
The Benefits of Orange Essential Oil in Skincare
Orange is a powerhouse ingredient for skincare, especially when it comes to tackling dry skin, winter-related skin issues, and conditions like rosacea. Here's why it stands out:
1. High Vitamin C Content: Orange is rich in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from free radical damage, boost collagen production, and improve skin elasticity. This can be especially helpful for dry or winter skin, as it helps to maintain a youthful, supple appearance and combats the effects of environmental stressors.
2. Hydrating Properties: The natural sugars and water content in orange help to hydrate and moisturise the skin. For dry or winter skin, this can help maintain moisture levels, prevent flakiness, and promote a smoother texture.
3. Brightening Effect: Orange contains citric acid, a natural alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that gently exfoliates the skin, removing dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover. This can help brighten dull winter skin and improve its overall tone and texture, which can be beneficial for managing rosacea by reducing the appearance of redness and discoloration.
4. Anti-inflammatory Properties: The antioxidants and bioflavonoids in orange can help reduce inflammation, making it useful for soothing conditions like rosacea. The calming effect on the skin can help reduce redness and irritation.
5. Collagen Support: The vitamin C in orange plays a crucial role in collagen synthesis, helping to keep the skin firm and resilient. This is particularly beneficial for ageing skin or skin that has become dry and fragile during the winter months.