Written by Benita
It’s only been three months since the Rose Glow Elixir Face Oil was officially introduced on A for Apothecary, and it is already a staple in the skincare routine of many women in Singapore. We sit down with Jingyi, the brains behind this blend of six specially-curated plant oils, to find out more about her creation process.
The Rose Glow Elixir Face Oil works especially well for those with hormonal, cystic acne. Which ingredient is your favourite, and why?
The star ingredient in this face oil is no doubt Oat Lipid E, a natural lipid complex extracted from oat kernel. Studies have shown that Oat Lipid E significantly reduces papules, blackheads & lesions, while maintaining skin balance and locking in moisture. It also has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant properties, which makes it beneficial for healing and reducing breakouts.
Approved by French organic certification organisation Ecocert as a natural hypoallergenic oil, it is safe for those with sensitive skin, even babies!
People who struggle with breakouts sometimes tend to avoid the use of face oils, as they’re afraid that oil can lead to further acne. Is this something to worry about?
It's a myth that oils will clog pores and cause more breakouts. On the contrary, with the right blend of oils, you’ll notice improvements in your skin condition rapidly! Unlike conventional face creams and moisturisers which often contain silicones or mineral oils leading to clogged pores, most plant oils are non-comedogenic and deliver loads of vitamins, omega fatty acids and antioxidants to your skin.
Our blend of plant extracts -- Rosehip, Sea Buckthorn, rosemary and calendula -- delivers ultra-soothing properties to help your skin maintain a healthy balance. The Rose Glow Elixir has a luxurious texture that absorbs into your skin without leaving a greasy feel. Instead, you will notice a slight glow when you apply it to your face, and may even feel the need for less foundation coverage with regular use.
How long did it take you to create this product and what was the biggest challenge?
Our face oil is handcrafted in Singapore in small batches, ensuring that it is fresh when delivered into the hands of our customers. It took more than one year of fine-tuning the formula for the rose Glow Elixir and testing it before I officially launched the product.
Initially, I struggled to find the right consistency, as I wanted to ensure that the product did not end up feeling too oily on the skin. I was aware that most women prefer a light oil, especially in Singapore’s hot and humid climate. Eventually, after many rounds of trial-and-error, I managed to find a consistency I was happy with.
Ensuring that the scent of the oil was not only tolerable but pleasant was also a priority to me. When I was pregnant, I was easily triggered by fragrances in my usual skincare routine and this would easily trigger nausea. Hence, the rose glow elixir was calibrated to have a neutral, earthy and herbal scent which most women can accept. The herbal fragrance is from our blend of 100% natural rosehip, calendula and sea buckthorn extracts.
Where are the oils from and how do you ensure their quality? What are some key factors you look out for when considering which ingredient can make the cut?
Our oils come from all over the world, including countries like Israel, UK, and Germany. I make sure all the oils used are certified natural and/or organic with proper certification. For example, our jojoba oil comes from seeds of jojoba plants grown in organic, sustainable farms in Israel. They are cold-pressed using natural non-chemical procedures.
What's the best way to incorporate this face oil into your existing routine?
I recommend using the elixir right after your face mist or toner. In fact, spritzing our lavender face mist before applying the elixir is quite the winning combo, in my opinion. Simply warm 3-5 drops of the rose elixir in the palms of your hands and gently apply it to your face and neck. Pat the areas lightly, or even treat yourself to a gentle massage in upward motions!
If you have a more complex skincare routine, remember: Always layer water first, oil last. This is what the order may look like at night: Toner, serum, moisturizer, face oil.
In the daytime, it could look like: Toner, serum, moisturizer, face oil, sunblock, foundation.
Here’s a bonus tip I picked up from a makeup artist, for those of you who’ve read this till the end: Mix 1-2 drops of rose glow elixir with your liquid foundation, then apply it onto your face.
You’ll notice a natural, healthy-looking glow that keeps you coming back for more!
Good news for pregnant and breastfeeding moms - this A For Apothecary Rose Glow Elixir is safe for you!
