Elli Face Wash: "Does Nature Approve?"

Monday, 12 March 2018
Elli Face Wash: "Does Nature Approve?"
I have used the same in-shower face wash by Dr Organic for two years now despite continuing distaste for their greenwashing and growing concerns about a handful of filler ingredients included in the formula (including urea!).   I had initially chose the Dr Organic for convenience and for its claims about deep pore cleansing properties, as I struggle with hormonal spots around my chin and wanted to keep them under control, but to be honest I have not noticed that much of a difference, and if anything the wash has made my face slightly more sensitive.  With 35 ingredients, some of which are completely unpronounceable, I knew I needed to find a replacement as soon as the massive bottle I had purchased was empty, and I knew I wanted a simple and effective item that wouldn't break bank.  Well, I have finally finished my last tube, and I can officially say I am glad to be done with the stuff!
So began my search for a new natural, safe, effective product to use daily in the shower.  I didn't want anything that strips the face of natural oils, as I still do my regular cleansing routine, but I wanted something that gave that 'clean' feeling.  I asked for advice over in the Love Lula Natural Beauty Club , and got so many recommendations, but then when I went to buy one of the suggested products it was temporarily sold out.  This minor disappointment actually ended up being fantastic, as luck led me to choose the Elli Ultra Face Wash* instead.
Elli captures the essence of Africa with its 100% certified organic beauty products, and prides itself on being family farmed and free from fillers -- this means there is no synthetics, SLS, parabens, artificial colours, petrochemicals, preservatives, or water.  The whole range is carefully crafted based on the therapeutic properties of each ingredient, and based on the quality of the Ultra Face Wash, I expect every product is exceptional.
Even before I get into how this works, I have to say the packaging is a huge step up from my previous face wash.  Rather than plastic and plastic coated hardboard, it comes in a tin dispenser within a recyclable cardboard box.  There is minimal print, and the design is both simple and elegant.
I have to admit the face wash was not what I initially thought it to be.  I had not read any reviews before trying, so I was expecting a gel-like consistency that would very lightly suds up while in use.  However, since the face wash is actually entirely oil based, that was not the case.  The product is more related to an oil cleanser than a traditional face wash, and though the description online says to "gently lather" before use, I found I could not get it to do that.
Without the expected lather, you simply apply the liquid to your face.  The oil is really water resistant at first, and gently clings to your skin while you rub it in.  Despite this, I actually found myself loving everything about this face wash.  It smells incredible, with the rosemary, lavender, and sage coming through strongest, and seems both calming and uplifting at the same time.  The oil, while initially being a bit stubborn and not moving, is not heavy and does not leave any residue once rinsed off.  In fact, my face feels more refreshed and fully clean using this than my previous face wash.  And rather than feeling tight and dry afterwards (like was the case using the Dr Organic) I don't feel like I have to immediately apply a serum.  My skin is so soft, smooth, and genuinely moisturized, and it seems to be helping with my pesky spots thanks to the anti-microbial and disinfecting properties of the natural oils.  I would recommend this oil for all skin types, even sensitive and acne-prone!
My one tip for using this face wash is to just put your face in the warm/hot water so the oils can dissolve -- I find I do not have to rub or scrub at all when I use this in the shower, as I can just face the showerhead and let the product melt away.  This also lets you breathe in the steam that carries all the lovely essential oils, and fully embrace the soothing scent.  It's like a face wash and aromatherapy treatment all in one!