By Dev, CN Manager + Skincare Connoisseur
A compliment we frequently get at Cambridge Naturals is that there’s always something exciting and new waiting for customers on our shelves. In a general sense, I would say that every industry puts a lot of energy behind building expectations for the hot new thing that everyone simply must have.
One downside of this tendency in our wider culture is that - in all the hustle and bustle of identifying new up-and-coming brands and fun products - it’s easy to overlook the accomplishments of truly foundational, innovative brands. Brands with products that opened industry doors and delighted consumers in unexpected ways, setting up new possibilities and standards in skincare from which those new up-and-comers work.
One such brand, and the focus of this specific post, is Josh Rosebrook.
Josh Rosebrook introduced his skincare line to the general public in 2009, with a focus on high quality botanical and biomimetic ingredients. (Within the realm of skincare, biomimetic refers to ingredients that “mimic” the natural compounds produced in the human body. These aid in the absorption and maintenance of our skin’s natural pH range. A great example of this is botanical hyaluronic acid, which is highly similar to the same hyaluronic acid our bodies produce in our joints, eyes, etc.) Josh and his team have truly put in the work to produce skincare products that are founded in research-driven cosmetic science.
After an informative brand training, I was recently given the generous opportunity to try a sequence of their face care line, from cleanser to face balm. As a fun challenge to myself (and as a way to really test the renowned excellence of their products,) I decided to use nothing but Josh Rosebrook face care products as part of my daily routine for at least a month. Which I did this July!
(Important note: I didn’t stop after a month! You probably won’t want to, either.)
Here’s a more specific run-down of the products I was gifted, all of which have unique formulas and strengths on their own, but make botanical and biomimetic magic together.
Complete Moisture Cleanse Gel: one thing I appreciate about JR’s skincare line is that you can easily tell from the scents alone that they utilize high quality botanicals in their products. No cloying fragrances at all. Their cleanse gel is pleasantly mild and a great choice for anyone with sensitive or reactive skin. It leaves my skin feeling smooth but not stripped of necessary moisture.
Daily Acid Toner: time to tone! JR’s acid toner is a powerhouse of actives, including citric, malic, glycolic, and pyruvic acids. It’s a great exfoliator and the addition of aloe means that it isn’t too drying, and will leave your skin happy and pH-balanced.
Active Infusion Facial Oil: a great moisturizer on its own, for all skin types. It contains a uniquely gentle retinoic acid ester that provides the antioxidant and age support benefits people are seeking in retinols, but without the associated high level of sensitivity afterwards. Feels light and amazing underneath the next one on our list…
Vital Balm Cream: the true darkhorse of this experiment! I didn’t go in expecting to love this specific product so much, but I’m afraid this is one I won’t be giving up anytime soon. It has a delightful whipped, sponge-like texture and a fantastic scent. It melts into your skin and absorbs quickly, leaving you feeling plump and glowy for hours afterwards.
The following two products are ones I already owned and, of course, already swore by:
Nutrient Day Cream SPF 30: Particularly in the hot summer months, a good SPF is indispensable. Josh Rosebrook’s SPF day cream is light, goes on smoothly, and is additionally a great base for any cosmetics you might want to follow with. They also have produced a tinted formula to cut down on the milky cast for those with darker skin tones.
Advanced Hydration Face Mask: Not a daily product for me, but could be for you! A great staple to have for times when a little extra moisture is needed, or when skin is particularly dull or lackluster. Great for use overnight if you want to wake up with deliciously plump skin. I would say that all of JR’s products are extremely clean and mildly pleasant smelling, but the Advanced Hydration mask is a stand-out in this category with a beautiful color to match.
After a month, I would say that I noticed some specific changes in my skin that I was happy to see. “Plump” is the one word I would lean on the most; my skin was very hydrated and dewy, even after a full workday. I received a lot of compliments on how soft it both looked and felt to the touch, which was definitely downstream of how gently resurfacing and balance-focused their skincare line is.
It’s a brand I would highly recommend to those with reactive and sensitive skin in particular, as so many of their products are geared towards retaining moisture and keeping the facial skin balanced. I always wake up and look forward to the simple ritual of my face care routine, and the added enjoyment of getting to experiment with just a single, powerful line of products is one I’d be more than willing to try again!
Additionally, this past month we did a fun mini-facial event with Josh Rosebrook, as well! Keep an eye on our social media and newsletter for similar opportunities in the future.