Here we go again - my take on "natural" skincare
If you have been following my blog, you would know that I have a fairly neutral attitude towards "natural" beauty products. Certain natural products can be quite effective, yet I do not rate "natural" products any higher than synthetics and in fact, I think for most people who want to make some serious changes to their skin, synthetic is the way to go. I use a combination of both. One of my pet peeves though, is when brands mislead customers by calling their products "natural" when in fact, they are full of synthetic ingredients.
Brand overview
With Vanessa Megan, the "natural" claim is true. The Cream Cleanser, for example, has 100% of its ingredients sourced from natural origins, with 87% from organic farming. The Intensive Dermal Repair is 100% natural and organic. Natural products are not easy to formulate. Often, synthetics are used to enhance texture, consistency or shelf life. Given the 100% natural origin, the execution of Vanessa Megan's products is impressive. So far, I can't fault the user experience of both products I have tried.
Her products are cruelty-free and Australian-made.
Vanessa Megan Petitgrain pH Balancing Cream Cleanser
AM or PM?
Most skincare companies would recommend cleansing skin twice a day: morning and evening - partially for an obvious reason: to make more sales. Interestingly, Vanessa Megan recommends not using any cleanser in the morning. Whether this applies to everybody, each to their own. However, I really applaud her integrity in speaking what she believes to be true, even though it would clearly lead to less sales.
For me, I have a habit of cleansing twice a day. I use a cream or lotion cleanser in the morning, and double cleanse with oil and gel at night.
User experience
I absolutely adore this cleanser for two particular reasons: scent and the non-drying nature. As I use my cream cleanser first thing in the morning, the lemongrass scent gives me a refreshing start to the day. It rinses off clean with zero residue. After rinsing the cleanser off, I feel no dryness or tightness in my skin - just soft and silky smoothness. Because of that level of skin comfort, moisturising can appear to be optional, but I do it anyway.
Makeup removal
I typically use an oil cleanser to remove my makeup. For the purpose of reviewing this cream cleanser, I used it for makeup removal. As per instruction, I used it on dry skin. To my surprise, it removes my makeup completely, including my tubing mascara. I did not have to use a separate eye makeup remover. I was very surprised at its effectiveness, particularly because it is such a gentle cleanser.
Amount
Maybe due to the lack of synthetic ingredients, the cream cleanser has less "slip" than other cream cleansers I have used. Because of this, I have to use a larger amount for a proper cleanse each time (slightly bigger than the size of a 10-cent coin).
Pros
Gentle and soothing
Removes makeup effectively
Rinses off clean
Silky smooth skin; no tight feeling afterwards
100% natural-origin, for those who are after true "natural" products
Cons
$59.95 for 180 mL is expensive for a cream cleanser (I do believe you get what you pay for in this case!)
Larger amount is needed compared to other cream cleansers
Full ingredient list
100% Natural / 87% Organic *Aloe Barbadensis [Aloe Vera] Leaf Juice, Cetearyl Olivate [Olive Emulsifier], Sorbitan Olivate [Olive Emulsifier], *Helianthus Annuu Oil [Sunflower Oil], Leuconostoc [Radish Root Ferment Filtrate], *Cocos Nucifera [Coconut Oil], *Butyrospermum Parkii [Shea] Butter, Glyceryl Caprylate, Tocopheryl Acetate [Natural Vitamin E], Xanthan Gum, Sambucus Nigra [Elderberry Fruit] Extract, *Citrus Aurantium [Petitgrain] Essential Oil, Litsea Cubeba [May Chang] Essential Oil *Certified Organic Ingredients
Vanessa Megan Intensive Dermal Repair
Originally called "Extreme Organic Moisture Boost", it is now repackaged and renamed to "Intensive Dermal Repair". The ingredients are exactly the same.
User experience
The Intensive Dermal Repair is formulated for dry and sensitive skin. For someone who has normal skin like mine, or combination skin, it can feel heavy or greasy. It is not my everyday moisturiser, but my must-have to soothe the occasional dry or irritated skin, such as after a microdermabrasion treatment.
It has a balm-like texture with solidified coconut-oil/beeswax granules. They do melt upon warming up on skin. The calming chamomile scent is absolutely adorable.
Pros
Super soothing for dry or irritated skin
Calming chamomile scent
100% natural-origin and organic, for those who are after true "natural" or organic products
A little goes a long way
Cons
none
Full ingredient list
100% Natural / 100% Organic *Helianthus Annuus Oil [Sunflower Oil], *Butyrospermum Parkii [Shea] Butter, *Cocos Nucifera [Coconut Oil], *Cera Alba [Beeswax], *Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil [Jojoba Oil], *Theobrama Cacao [Cocoa Butter], *Rosa Canina [Rosehip] Oil, *Oenothera Biennis [Evening Primrose Oil], *Calendula Officinalis [Calendula] Oil, *Lavandula Angustifolia [Lavender] Essential Oil, *Hippophae Rhamnoides L [Seabuckthorn Fruit Oil), *Matricaria Chamomila [Chamomile] Essential Oil *Certified Organic Ingredients
The first tube of Petitgrain pH Balancing Cream Cleanser was given to me as part of Vanessa Megan's re-branding campaign in 2019. I have since made an independent purchase. The Extreme Organic Moisture Boost is mine. My opinion is honest.
About me
Makeup artist and hair stylist based in Sydney. Founder of the well-known award-winning bridal specialist team Faces Makeup & Hair. Beauty junkie with an obsession for skincare.