We’re always skeptical about so called “natural” products because they typically use standard “synthetic” ingredients and sprinkle in a few natural extracts. Nature’s Gate Herbal Hand cream is different however- this one really walks the talk. Using emulsifiers like Cetearyl Wheat Straw Glycosides and Sorbitan Stearate (made from plant starches) and even Glyceryl Undecylenate which is made from castor oil. If you’re concerned about avoiding petrochemicals then this product is for you.
There are two potential downsides: First is the scent. The natural fragrance components can’t match synthetic fragrances for covering base odor. So, this lotion smells oily. It’s no Bath and Body works, that’s for sure. Second, since the product doesn’t use petrochemicals it doesn’t contain any petrolatum which is one of the absolute best skin moisturizers. Therefore you maybe be trading some moisturzing efficay to get more “naturalness.”
Nature’s Gate Herbal Hand Cream Ingredients
Water, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil*, Glycerin, Fragrance**, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Wheat Straw Glycosides, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil*, Dimethicone, Sorbitan Stearate, Prunus Serotina (Wild Cherry) Bark Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Tilia Cordata Flower Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Allantoin, Xanthan Gum, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Undecylenate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide.
Disclaimer: We’re big time bloggers so we got a sample of this product for FREE. You’re not so lucky so before you spend your hard cash on anything we tell you about, please do your own research.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Since when is petroleum the “best skin moisturizer”? I’ve always known pertoleum to create a non-breathable barrier on the skin and it has no moisturizing benefits.
Oil has a smell? I bought Nature’s Gate once it was tea and something else I was way into that smell yo.
I’m not really into “natural”, but I think it’s clever that they actually produced what they claimed. I’m impressed.
I think so too tiffany.
@Amanda: I’m glad you asked because this confuses a lot of people. “Petroleum” is the generic name for oil. Petrolatum is a specific fraction of petroleum that has long been known to moisturize skin. For example, according to the Mayo Clinic “For very dry, cracked skin, petrolatum-based products are preferable. They have more staying power than creams do and are more effective at preventing water from evaporating from your skin.” Reference: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/moisturizers/SN00042
Petrolatum works by creating a barrier on your skin which reduces moisture loss. That means your skin holds on to its own natural moisture better. And skin doesn’t breathe do you don’t have to worry about creating a non-breathable barrier.
I hope this helps!