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Today I have pleasure to review this Josh Rosebrook Active Infusion serum that was kindly sent to me from the JR team. To put in one word: bliss. That's the first and only word that comes to my mind when using this serum. To not make this review utterly and completely useless I'll elaborate, but I warn you: it's a rave review..
Active Infusion Serum
The Active Infusion Serum is a hydrating, herb-infused oil based serum. The serum is rich in phytonutrients and fatty acids to nourish, moisturize and repair the skin. It retails $70/~65.2€ for 1oz/30ml or $125/116.4€ for 2oz/60ml. You can purchase the serum from Josh Rosebrook (US), A Beautiful World (EU) and Reina Organics (EU).
Packaging
I am so pleased the serum has a pump packaging instead of a pipette, but unfortunately the pump can get a little messy if you hold the bottle vertically. To get the best application, I hold the bottle horizontally and no serum will drip down the packaging. I would prefer serums and oils to be packed in a dark glass containers instead of see-through, as I'm worried they will go off quicker. At least you see how much serum you have used (which makes me panic, I don't want to run out of this any time soon).
Scent
I wouldn't buy or rate a skincare product based on the scent, in fact I prefer fragrance free products as fragrances can be irritating for the skin. However, I don't mind if a product has a natural scent. I've learned the scent profile plays a major part in many eco luxury products, sometimes even aromatherapeutic properties. I adore the scent of Josh Rosebrook's products. I find it hard to describe as I don't recognise ylang ylang or other floral scents very well, there's definitely vanilla but nothing like the overpowering synthetic or overly sweet fragrance. More like a like a cloud of vanilla marshmallow. In case of strong facial oils the scent can be strong, even foul, but Active Infusion Serum smells addictive. If you're familiar with the brand's Hydrating Accelerator or Cleanse, it's similar.
Using the Active Infusion Serum
I'm on the fence should this product be called a serum or an oil, to me it's a hybrid. The texture isn't greasy or thick, but doesn't disappear into my skin in an instant like some lighter oils do. Little goes a long way as this serum spreads on the skin. I use circular motions to spread the serum and press the it in. For me there isn't uncomfortable residue, but I can feel how my skin is significantly moisturised. Often I find it hard to distinguish products' brightening properties, but Josh Rosebrook Active Infusion Serum leaves a beautiful glow on my face. Not the oil slick type of greasy shine, but very nourished and healthy looking. My make up looks extra nice when there's a slight dew underneath.
Ingredients
*Avocado Oil, †Marula Oil, *Jojoba Oil, *Hemp Seed Oil, *Sunflower Oil, *Apricot Oil, *Evening Primrose Oil, *Almond Oil, *Grape Seed Oil, *Sea Buckthorn Oil, *Goji Berry, *Raspberry Leaf, *Turmeric, *Rose Petals, *Sage, *Eyebright, *Dandelion, *Alfalfa, *Ashwagandha, *Black Cohosh, *Rose Hips, *Calendula, *Milk Thistle, *Bladderwrack, *Ginger, *Licorice, *Chickweed, *Elderberry, *Marshmallow Root, *Fenugreek, *Cats Claw, *Lavender, *St. Johns Wort, *Cinnamon, *Ginkgo, *Vanilla Extract, †Ylang Ylang Essential Oil, †Rosemary Essential Oil, †Eucalyptus Essential Oil. (*Certified Organic, †Organic)
The base of the serum is a blend of beautiful, organic oils of avocado, marula, jojoba and hemp. I especially love marula oil as it's very potent source of antioxidants, nutrients and essential fatty acids. These antioxidants provide great protection against photo-aging by neutralizing free radical damage and building healthy collagen. Rich in oleic and linoleic acid, marula oil reduces transepidermal water loss for softer, protected, moisturised skin.
Despite being packed with intensely moisturising carrier oils, I find the consistency of the Active Infusion Serum light and absorbing quickly (with a little residue). I believe this product can work for a variety of skin types from dry to oily, even sensitive. The rest of the ingredients are plants and herbs that have soothing, anti-inflammatory, firming and brightening properties. Personally I can't find any offensive ingredients: no fillers, no synthetic ingredients. Just pure, high quality ingredients. Even the used oils are low or moderately low on the comedogenic scale, but I recommend patch testing if you're very prone to acne or sensitive to essential oils.
Overall thoughts
I think Active Infusion Serum is an all rounder treatment for a variety of skin types can benefit from. For oily skin types it's an excellent night oil in the place of a moisturiser, normal to dry skins can enjoy it under a light cream or a balm AM/PM. The serum won't make your wrinkles disappear in a blink of an eye, but provides nourishment, moisture and plumping the fine lines. And glow, definitely glow! The scent is easily addictive, but so is the feel it leaves on the skin. I look forward using this product every morning and night. I only wish the bottle wasn't see through, I hope the oil won't go bad in room temperature. Will purchase the 2oz bottle once I run out.
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The product in this post was generously provided for consideration. Regardless, my opinions are my own honest and unbiased views. The links are for your convenience and do not contain ads.