Boots Botanics Organic Facial Oil

Boots Botanics Organic Facial Oil

Ages ago and with much skepticism, I tried argan oil for the first time. I ultimately decided that I liked it. I tried a less expensive oil and it wasn’t even close. A few months ago, I decided to try some other oils. I tried a pure grapeseed that turned out to do alright as an OCM oil, but wasn’t so great for moisturizing.

On a trip to Target, I purchased a bottle of Boots Botanics Organic Facial Oil ($8.99) to use as a moisturizer in place of the Josie Maran I’ve been using. At under $10 for 0.84 fl oz, it is a far more economical option than anything Sephora has for sale. Having enjoyed their Hot Cloth Cleansing Balm, I approached it with optimism and curiosity.

Inside Boots Botanics Organic Facial Oil

Rather than a single solitary oil, Boots Botanics Organic Facial Oil is a blend of several. The first ingredient in the list is Sweet Almond (prunus amygdalus) oil, which explains some of my experiences (below). Thankfully, though this product does have a unique scent, there is no added fragrance. It claims to be rich in Omega-3s

Full ingredients are as follows:

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Rosa Canina Seed Oil, Limonene, Citronellol, Pelargonium Graveolens Leaf Oil, Geraniol, Citrus Aurantium Sinensis Peel Extract, Linalool, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Citral, Citrus Lemon Peel Oil

Although I have an affinity for citrus, I’m not loving a handful of those ingredients that originate from citrus fruit. Compounds Limonene, Citronellol, Citral, and Linalool all occur naturally in the essential oils of plants and each has been shown to cause irritation in some individuals. In spite of my reservations and knowing that my skin is not sensitive, I did use the product for several months.

Usage

I used Boots Botanics Organic Facial Oil the same way I use other facial oils:

  • Dispense 3-5 drops on my fingertips
  • Rub fingers together to distribute slightly
  • Press into skin using upward rolling motions

When Boots Botanics Organic Facial Oil remained atop my skin after 15 minutes, I found myself disappointed. Using this means I had to start my evening skincare earlier than I normally would so I wouldn’t lay waste to my pillowcase. That said, I have tried almond oil as a facial moisturizer before and experienced similar behavior; it perches on the surface of the skin rather than sinking in. I had hoped that the blend of other oils would facilitate absorption, but that is not the case.

The Bottom Line

My skin did feel more moisturized than using Clinique Dramatically Different gel, but it was almost superficial, like an occlusive. I’m not looking for an oil to be occlusive; I’ll buy a cream if I want occlusive properties. I absolutely could not use this product for daytime because it left my skin shiny. Although there is no added fragrance, the scent it does have was occasionally annoying (not irritating to my skin, just noticeable) since it sat on the top of my skin.

This product may be acceptable for those with completely normal skin, but I can’t say I’d recommend it unless you were desperate to try a face oil at a low price-point to see if you’d be comfortable with it. I would also not recommend it for thirsty, dry skin, as this does not sink in as thoroughly as one would want. Due to the ingredients, I would not recommend it for those with skin that is even just slightly sensitive.  Just because something is natural or organic does not make it ideal for skincare.