Ah, yes, the “natural” product craze continues. Curel jumps on the Green S.O.S. Boat (and does a fantastic job, I might add) with its Natural Healing Moisturizing Lotion with Aloe, Green Tea, and Cucumber Extracts ($7.97, Amazon.com). Filled with effective ingredients, and priced very reasonably, it’s a must-have for soothing and moisturizing your skin! 🙂
There’s not much not to love about this product. Aloe vera has been a popular folk remedy since the 1930’s, during which time the ingredient was used primarily as a soothing and anti-inflammatory ingredient. Indeed, aloe vera’s efficacy as an anti-inflammatory ingredient was verified in this study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, and according to a 1999 review of ten aloe vera-related studies, “aloe vera might be effective for genital herpes and psoriasis,” and “whether it promotes wound healing is unclear.” (Refuting the latter claim is a separate study, which found rather convincingly that aloe vera does promote wound healing.)
Green tea is another favorite ingredient of mine. In a 2001 study in the journal Carcinogenesis, topical application of the active catechin compound in green tea, EGCG, to human skin resulted in decreased oxidative stress and an increase in antioxidant enzymes after UV irradiation. A further 2003 study in Molecular Epidemiology and Cancer Prevention found that the polyphenols in green tea prevent UVB-induced oxidation of lipids and proteins and prevent against the depletion in antioxidant enzymes experienced after UVB exposure in mouse skin. Pretty impressive, to say the least.
As if Curel Natural Healing Moisturizing Lotion with Aloe, Green Tea, and Cucumber Extracts wasn’t great enough, the lotion goes on with a light-to-medium texture and drinks in quickly. It leaves skin lightly fragranced and smelling fresh, something like pure aloe vera extract.
So what’s not to love about Curel Natural Healing Moisturizing Lotion with Aloe, Green Tea, and Cucumber Extracts? I only have two (very minor) complaints. The first is that the level of active compound, EGCG,of the green tea in the lotion is not specified; however, I have only seen much more expensive lotions, like Topix Replenix Cream, specify the level of EGCG. (In other words, the Curel is still a great value for the money, even if it is relatively low in EGCG, although I can’t know this for sure). The second problem is that this lotion is not really natural, as in, organic or certified organic. However, as I have said before, I certainly do not believe that all-natural or all-organic products are better for your skin. I am just stating this as a problem because it may be somewhat misleading to those who prefer all-natural products.
Overall, I love this product, and I think it’s great. I love using it after a bath or shower to lock in moisture and to soothe the skin. I give it a solid 9/10. (High concentration of well-established ingredients: 3/3. Value for the money: 3/3. Unique formulation: 3/3. Sunscreen: 0/1).
Ingredients in Curel Natural Healing Moisturizing Lotion with Aloe, Green Tea, and Cucumber Extracts
Water, Glycerin, Distearyldimonium Chloride, Petrolatum, Isopropyl Palmitate, Cetyl Alcohol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (Green Tea), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract (Cucumber), Propylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Fragrance, Sodium Chloride, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Caramel