Why is your skincare and haircare regimen incomplete without mustard oil?
Mustard oil is an age-old thick oil that is known for its skin and hair loving properties. Know the benefits, the alternatives, and also other interesting facts.
Disclaimer: No, this post is not at all promoted or sponsored by the brand.
We all know that almost every day, new cosmetic brands get launched in India. Just a few days back, I saw one ad getting popped up on my screen every time I am trying to watch something on Youtube. It was about a bundle of skincare products that are recently launched by Quench Botanics in India.
The colourful packaging and graphics caught my attention. And, I was waiting for the brand to get featured on Nykaa.
It happened yesterday! The brand says that its products are inspired by the Korean skincare regime. And, specially crafted in Korea for the Indian skin. The ingredients used are 100% vegetarian and also skin loving.
As interesting as the name sounds, the products seem interesting too. But, how effective and safe the ingredients are?
Well! The ingredient list says a lot for sure. I am glad that the brand has disclosed all the ingredients.
From the dozens of products, I have chosen Quench Botanics Mon Cherry Sheet Mask for Bright Clear Skin and Quench Botanics Mama Cica Dark Spot Correcting Ampoule. Among the pool of skincare brands, let’s find out whether this brand can survive the battle or not.
Ingredient Analysis of Quench Botanics Mon Cherry Sheet Mask for Bright and Clear Skin
Courtesy of Brand
Shop Now!Sheet masks are quite popular in the market. To date, Quench Botanics has launched 3-4 types of sheet masks. This is one of their basic sheet masks.
The price might seem a bit high in comparison to the other brands of masks. Well! There might be two reasons behind that. As the brand is new, thus the profit margin has been kept a bit high. Or, there are exotic ingredients used. Let’s find out the truth.
1. Water
The base component of most of the sheet masks.
2. Glycereth-26
It is a safe skin conditioning agent and also a humectant just like Glycerine.
3. Butylene Glycol
A safe skin conditioning agent that also works as a humectant.
4. Glycerin
Another safe and natural skin conditioning agent that helps to retain moisture.
5. Methyl Gluceth-20
It is originally derived from Corn and Starch. This component works as a gentle emollient and as a humectant.
6. Hydroxyacetophenone
A safe multifunctional ingredient that functions as an antioxidant and soothing agent.
7. Babassu Seed Oil
This seed oil is known for its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties. In fact, Babassu seed oil can heal the skin as well.
8. Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/ Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
It is a safe emulsion stabilizer that also controls viscosity.
9. Xanthan Gum
A safe naturally sourced component that works as a binder in a cosmetic formulation.
10. Hydroxyethylcellulose
This component functions just like the Taurate Copolymer one.
11. Arginine
Another safe skin and hair conditioning agent.
12. Ethylhexylglycerin
It is a multifunctional ingredient that functions both as a deodorant agent and also as a skin conditioning agent.
13. Carbomer
Carbomer functions both as a viscosity increasing agent and also as an emulsion stabilizer.
14. Fragrance
Umm, I do not prefer fragrance in skincare products as I have super sensitive skin. I just feel that the brand could have easily avoided this particular ingredient.
15. Disodium EDTA
A safe chelating agent that helps to deactivate metal ions if any present in a cosmetic formulation.
16. Sorbitan Isostearate
Another safe component that functions as a surfactant.
17. Betaine
This is a safe skin conditioning agent.
18. Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Prunus Serrulata (Cherry Blossom) Flower Extract
All these fruit extracts are enriched with numerous antioxidants and skin conditioning properties.
19. Pearl Extract
It has been seen that freshwater pearl extract can promote skin regeneration. Thus, helps to provide a healthy glow to the skin.
20. Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
Vitamin E functions as both a mild preservative and also as a skin conditioning agent.
My Thoughts
One thing is quite evident that the ingredients are all safe as per EWG. The ingredients are all popular as well. I love the fact that the brand has used a number of skin conditioning agents in the formulation.
On the other hand, component like fragrance is totally unnecessary. In fact, all the herb extracts have been used in low quantity. I would have loved it if the brand had used the extracts at least in medium quantity. Overall, this Paraben and Sulfate free sheet mask can definitely be a market player if the price is made competitive or a bit lower.
Ingredient Analysis of Quench Botanics Mama Cica Dark Spot Correcting Ampoule
Courtesy of Brand
Shop Now!Serums that can reduce the appearance of dark spots have always been quite popular in the market. And, this is the reason why I chose this ampoule as my second product.
It is priced INR 700 at present which I believe is quite reasonable. But, are the ingredients safe and effective? Let’s discuss the ingredients in detail.
1. Water
The base component of any water based serum/lotion/moisturizer
2. Glycerin
A safe humectant that is naturally sourced.
3. Butylene Glycol
It is a safe skin conditioning agent that also works as a humectant.
4. 1,2- Hexanediol
This component helps to soften and soothe the skin. It also adds anti-microbial properties to a formulation.
5. Trehalose
Another safe humectant which also works as a moisturizing agent.
6. Glycereth-26
It is a safe skin conditioning agent and also a humectant just like Glycerine.
7. Arginine
It is a safe skin and hair conditioning agent.
8. Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
This is another safe skin conditioning agent.
9. Propanediol
This component functions as a viscosity controller in a formulation.
10. Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
It is a safe emulsion stabilizer that also controls viscosity.
11. Xanthan Gum
A safe naturally sourced component that works as a binder in a cosmetic formulation.
12. Caramel
Caramel works as a natural colourant here.
13. Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
No matter what your skin type is, this component can hydrate and moisturize the skin.
14. Ethylhexylglycerin
It is a multifunctional ingredient that functions both as a deodorant agent and also as a skin conditioning agent.
15. Rosemary Leaf Oil and Tamanu Seed Oil
Both of these carrier oils are popular for their skin conditioning benefits. These oils can also reduce the appearance of dark spots, scars, etc.
16. Centella Asiatica (Cica) Extract
Just like Vitamin C, Cica extract helps to hydrate the skin. It also helps to disappear the signs the ageing.
17. Sodium Hyaluronate
This is a Sodium component of Hyaluronic Acid that helps to hydrate the skin.
18. Lotus Root Extract and Korean Ginseng Root Extract
Lotus extract helps to balance the sebum production in the skin. Ginseng is a prized herb in Korea for sure. It is rich in powerful antioxidants that makes the skin young and bright.
My Thoughts
The best part is that all the ingredients are safe for both the environment and also for the skin. It is free from artificial colourants and also from harsh preservatives. And, this can definitely be called the USP of the brand.
The label says that the product is formulated to remove dark spots. But, all the spot removing components are used in the least quantity including the feature component i.e. Cica. So, scientifically, it makes no sense. All those skin conditioning agents can definitely make the skin moisturized and nourished, but dark spot removal would not be viable with this formulation.
Final Analysis
As a whole, I believe that the brand has potential. The products are well-thought. The ingredients are all safe which is definitely great. But, for a few products, the formulation seemed a bit unsatisfying.
All these analyses show only a glimpse of reality. And, all these are my opinion as a skin enthusiast.
I would love it if you tell me your opinion regarding products. I would love to use some of the products.
And, that’s all for today. Make sure to share it with your friends and family if you like reading this article. Take care; celebrate life.
