Now firstly I have to say this review is well overdue. In fact about 3 months overdue but oh well! Better late than never! Let me introduce you to Cinco, the beautiful facial oil that has been created by the lovely Natalie from @RoadtoGlow on Instagram. She is a gorgeous lady and seriously knows her stuff when it comes to skincare! Definitely go and check her out. You will want to after I have finished with this review anyway 😉
The standout reason for me buying this oil was not only to
support a friend but because it is free from essential oils. I personally
believe it is much harder to create an effective facial oil minus essential
oils. But Natalie has most certainly done that.
The majority of brands out there (especially the ‘green’ and
‘natural’ ones) tend to include essential oils so it is refreshing to see
something different. My skin tends to be ok with EO’s but it very much depends
on the quality of the ingredients, and how regularly I use them. If most of my
routine consisted of products that contain high levels of EO’s then my skin
would probably freak out. I like that with this it doesn’t matter what my skin
is doing or how sensitive it is, I can feel assured that it will do no harm or
cause further aggravation.
Natalie has formed this oil off the back of her own
experiences and needs for her skin type. After struggling to find a solution
for her acne she began researching skin physiology and ingredients. And boy is
she a font of knowledge! Most oily/acneic skins have been shown to have low
levels of linoleic acid in their skin, so products that are high in LA help
balance out sebum production and reduce breakouts. The good news is Cinco
contains high levels of LA oils and essential fatty acids, so this is a perfect
companion for you if you suffer with your skin, whether it be due to acne or
sensitivity. Here is a breakdown of the ingredients in order of appearance:
Omega 3 and 6 Fatty
Acids - Both of which have high LA content and contribute to the beautiful
rich texture and golden hue. These fatty acids which are found in many of the
oils included in Cinco, assist in barrier repair, help skin retain moisture
levels and promote elasticity.
Red Raspberry Seed
Oil - High LA content, like black cumin seed oil this has incredible
anti-inflammatory properties. It contains Vitamin E and Carotenoids which are
powerful antioxidants that assist with reducing skin damage and plays an
important part in the health of our skin.
Cranberry Seed Oil - High in Vitamin E, A, fatty acids and antioxidants it is a great all-rounder
which is wonderful for mature skins and supports the aging process.
Watermelon Seed Oil - A lighter oil, high in LA, antioxidants and fatty acids. It’s particularly effective
for oily skins but beneficial for all skin types including dry and irritated.
Black Cumin Seed Oil - High LA content, fatty acids and antioxidants, it offers soothing abilities
to calm and relieve sensitivity whilst being antibacterial. It locks in
hydration and acts like a shield for the skin.
Blueberry Seed Oil - One
of nature’s most potent antioxidants, with a fatty acid content almost as high
as rosehip oil. This is fantastic for rejuvenating and repairing the skin,
keeping it plump and firm.
Rosehip Seed Oil - High LA content, commonly used to brighten and give the glow back into skin!
Packed with vitamin c and lycopene this oil restores elasticity and protects
against environmental stressors that can lead to wrinkles and dullness.
Pomegranate Seed Oil - High antioxidant and LA content. Extremely regenerative and nutritious,
pomegranate seeds contain ‘punicic acid’ which is a fatty acid that has strong
anti-inflammatory properties. This oil is particularly wonderful for
maintaining skin firmness and stimulating collagen, which works well for mature
skins.
Tamanu Oil - Rich
in fatty acids and antioxidants it helps speed up skin healing and acts as a
barrier on the skin. It is often used to help reduce the appearance of scars so
would be perfect for skin prone to pigmentation.
Vitamin E - Speeds up cell regeneration so is used to treat scars, acne and wrinkles. It helps to retain the natural moisture content in the skin so is hugely beneficial for dull, dehydrated skins
Now you may look down the list and see that I have pretty
much repeated myself throughout, but I am wanting to highlight that this oil is
seriously packed with good stuff! There is nothing in it that you wouldn’t want
on your skin. No added fragrance, no essential oils. Every ingredient included
is jam packed with vitamins, omegas and antioxidants making for a highly
nutritious facial oil.
I personally think the formula is exceptional. Although
quite rich it isn’t heavy on the skin and absorbs almost instantly. It works
well blended into a moisturiser or patted over the top of skin at the end of
your routine. I have used it both day and night and can attest it works for
either due to its non-greasy texture. See pictures below, one of it sat on the skin and the 2nd shot is of it rubbed in. I'm sure you could have worked that out but thought I'd better clarify in case you wondered why there was just a picture of my hand!
In terms of scent, think natural and woody. I know other
people have compared it to pencil shavings and I can certainly see why. If you
are looking for a sensual, fragrant oil then this is not it. The scent was
pretty much what I was expecting and I personally do not find it offensive at
all.
If you are on the hunt for a new facial oil, try this. For
the price, quality and quantity you cannot go wrong. From the UV protective
packaging to the ingredients chosen, all is exceptionally sophisticated. Natalie
has managed to blend a concoction that would suit most skin types but I
personally think it is awesome for oily breakout prone skins. You can find lots
of oils on the market dedicated to drier skin types so I think this sits in a
unique group for the more easily congested prone skins.
More often than not I find myself reaching for this when I
have a breakout as it works so well at speeding up the healing process and
drawing out redness/irritation. I like to massage a tiny bit on individual
spots as it acts like a spot treatment. It has rescued many a hormonal breakout
since around November time when I first started using it!
If you are interested in purchasing this little bottle of
magic for yourself you can buy here direct from Alkimi’s website. International
shipping is offered and the rates are reasonable. Cinco is priced at £35 for
20ml (but a little birdy has told me that the bottle will be increasing to 30ml
in the next couple of months!)
Have you tried this oil or any other's that are essential oil free? I'd love to know!
Thanks for reading xx
