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FutureDerm’s Ultimate Dr. Hauschka Shopping Guide: What to Buy, What to Pass By

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Recently, one of the readers on our FutureDerm.com Facebook page asked us to review Dr. Hauschka products.  Since I’ve never done it before, I figured, why not?

It took a while to get through the entire array of products, but here’s what I found:

Must Buy:  Dr Hauschka Cleansing Milk ($36.29)

Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Milk: A “buy” in my book

I really like Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Milk, for several reasons:

One, I’m a big fan of cleansing oils.  From Amore Pacific to Olivella Cleansing Wipes, these brands seem to understand that oil dissolves oil well – without leaving your skin dry or irritated like sulfates and other detergents can.
Second, Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Milk cleanses at a neutral pH.  Most cleansers are alkaline, which strips the skin of its natural oils, leaving it prone to irritation and impaired barrier function (Dermatologic Therapy, 2004).
Lastly, Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Milk contains alcohol.  While alcohol applied alone to the skin can be drying, alcohol applied in the context of so many rich oils thins the formulation, enabling it to do more than just sit on top of the skin.  So many skin care companies gave into bad press about alcohol and refused to formulate with it during the 1990’s and 2000’s – so bravo to Dr. Hauschka for sticking it out with this ultra-quality product.
I’ll give the cleansing milk a big thumbs-up.  Ingredients:  Water (Aqua), Alcohol, Anthyllis Vulneraria Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Glycerin, Fermented Grain Extract, Cetearyl Alcohol, Bentonite, Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Fragrance (Parfum), Limonene*, Geraniol*, Linalool*, Citronellol* *Component of natural essential oils

PASS BY:  Dr. Hauschka Toned Day Cream ($36.99)

As mothers like to say, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say something at all.”  So I’m going to keep it brief:  The main ingredient in Dr. Hauschka Toned Day Cream, after water, is peanut oil.  While hydrating, in the literature, peanut oil has only been associated with allergic reactions (Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, 2004) and increased sensitivity to peanuts over time (BMJ, 1996).  I’d prefer to keep the peanuts in the dish for guests, thanks.  Sorry, Dr. Hauschka – not a fan of this one!

Must Buy:  Dr. Hauschka Moisturizing Day Cream ($62.19)

I’ll admit, Dr. Hauschka Moisturizing Day Cream isn’t my normal pick for a daytime moisturizer.  It doesn’t contain sunscreen, nor does it have listed potent concentrations of antioxidants.

The reason I like Dr. Hauschka Moisturizing Day Cream is simple:  It works.  It’s a basic, lightweight moisturizer that just happens to leave the skin feeling soft and hydrated.  When I’ve tried it, I used it at night over a retinoid, and it worked great.  Left me feeling soft and soothed – not irritated at all.

It does have some irritant potential – apricot oil and peanut oil are both known to have substantiated allergic potential.  That said, alcohol thins the solution and witch hazel is also soothing.  The result?  Comforted, lightly hydrated, freshly scented (citrus) skin.

Water/Aqua, Anthyllis Vulneraria Extract, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Alcohol, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Arachis Hypogaea (Peanut) Oil, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Hypericum Perforatum (St. John’swort) Extract, Glycerin, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Lecithin, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Fragrance/Parfum (Essential Oil), Limonene, Linalool, Farnesol, Benzyl Benzoate, Geraniol, Citronellol, Citral, Eugenol, Benzyl Salicylate, Algin, Xanthan Gum

PASS BY:  Dr. Hauschka Rhythmic Night Conditioner ($89.99)

Let’s put it this way:  This might be a little bawdy for my blog, but I know a woman who used the rhythmic method of birth control, and she ended up with six children.  Similarly, don’t expect phenomenal results from the Rhythmic Night Conditioner.

Yes, there is a sleep cycle, but there is nothing about the herbs in Dr. Hauschka Rhythmic Night Conditioner that is going to capitalize on that sleep cycle.
And for $89.99, there are so many better creams you could get – prescription Retin-A, for one; a concentrated peptide serum, for another.  Just not worth it.
Water/Aqua, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil (Rose Essential Oil), Althaea Officinalis (Marsh Mallow) Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Extract, Kalanchoe Daigremontiana Extract, Anthyllis Vulneraria Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Extract, Lilium Candidum (White Lily) Bulb Extract, Rosa Damascena (Rose) Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Mica, Royal Jelly, Honey/Mel (Spring Blossom Honey), Silver, Sodium Chloride

Bottom Line

Most holistic remedies have yet to be compared in efficacy to known anti-agers, like sunscreen, retinoids, CoffeeBerry, niacinamide, and the like.  Nonetheless, the beauty industry is embracing everything natural and holistic with open arms, so I will follow suit for once and say that Dr. Hauschka does have some quality products, particularly the Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Milk and Dr. Hauschka Moisturizing Day Cream.  I would let the buyer beware, however, on the fancier-sounding products, such as the “Toning” Day Cream or the “Rhythmic” Night Treatment.  

Overall, if you’re looking for holistic cleansing and moisturizing, Dr. Hauschka products are solid.  But if you’re looking for potent anti-agers, look elsewhere.  Another approach for those who love holistic products:  Combine the cleansers and moisturizers with established anti-agers (like prescription retinoids) so you’re getting the best of both worlds.

Got a line or store you’d love FutureDerm writers to review?  Let us know!

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