Before a couple of weeks ago, the only thing I knew about Frankincense was that it appeared in the Nativity. There are no Wise Men in this story, but there is a lot of great science to understand thanks to Neal's Yard's latest innovation: Frankincense Intense. Building on the multi award-winning anti-ageing Frankincense skincare collection, this 'exciting launch which will create a new luxury tier featuring scientific intensive anti- ageing claims, while also staying true to their roots as one of the oldest apothecary brands in the UK.' The new cream has been years in the making and involved several trips to exotic locations to harvest Frankincense from its natural environment - it's effectively sap from the Frankinsense tree that can be used as an anti-inflammatory, as well as helping to even out fine lines and wrinkles thanks to the unique properties it has.
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This highly efficient cream harnesses the Gardenia plant's powerful stem cells, which aid the production of collagen in the dermis and, in turn, help to provide the user with healthy and younger-looking skin. Essentially plant stem cells are a lot simpler than human stem cells as they only have one function - it's much easier to harvest the elements that provide skincare benefits, making this a much more sustainable way of using natural ingredients in skincare products. As the stem cells can be reproduced in a lab, there's no need to grow and harvest thousands of crops at the expense of the surrounding environment. Although there has been a lot of negativity around plant stem cells of late, it really is a great step forward in the science of skincare. In addition to Gardenia, the cream contains a high concentration of Frankincense; this not only improves elasticity of the skin while nourishing the upper layers, but the unique scent also helps to calm body and mind. The traditional therapeutic essential oils in the formula ensure this scientific formula is still fundamentally a Neal's Yard product, something that makes a real difference upon application.
They've conducted significant trials which illustrate the power of this cream on fine lines and wrinkles (information of which is included in the box,) but I can only go on the difference I feel it's made to my pretty youthful skin. Without going into a hugely lengthy description, it effectively feels like a mini facial in a pot - as soon as I apply this my skin feels plump and refreshed, with the longer impact being healthy-looking and a smooth complexion. I've been using this for a number of weeks and I'm really liking the texture of the cream (thick without being too heavy to absorb effectively,) as well as the scent. It's perfect to use on the days you don't want to wear much makeup, but you do need to be lighter with application when layering products as it does have a tendency to cause makeup to slide. As someone with sensitive areas around the eyes, I was expecting the essential oils to irritate my skin - however, it works just as well with no irritation when dabbed on the corner and under eye area of eyes.
This isn't due to launch until September, but I anticipate a lengthy waiting list amongst Neal's Yard fans. They've managed to achieve the perfect mix between naturally derived ingredients, effective results and a product that's a pleasure to use. Although this will retail at the high price point of £55.00 for a 50g tub, it actually works - and that's worth every penny.
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Frankincense Intense will launch this September priced £55.00 - more details on their website.![]()
This highly efficient cream harnesses the Gardenia plant's powerful stem cells, which aid the production of collagen in the dermis and, in turn, help to provide the user with healthy and younger-looking skin. Essentially plant stem cells are a lot simpler than human stem cells as they only have one function - it's much easier to harvest the elements that provide skincare benefits, making this a much more sustainable way of using natural ingredients in skincare products. As the stem cells can be reproduced in a lab, there's no need to grow and harvest thousands of crops at the expense of the surrounding environment. Although there has been a lot of negativity around plant stem cells of late, it really is a great step forward in the science of skincare. In addition to Gardenia, the cream contains a high concentration of Frankincense; this not only improves elasticity of the skin while nourishing the upper layers, but the unique scent also helps to calm body and mind. The traditional therapeutic essential oils in the formula ensure this scientific formula is still fundamentally a Neal's Yard product, something that makes a real difference upon application.
They've conducted significant trials which illustrate the power of this cream on fine lines and wrinkles (information of which is included in the box,) but I can only go on the difference I feel it's made to my pretty youthful skin. Without going into a hugely lengthy description, it effectively feels like a mini facial in a pot - as soon as I apply this my skin feels plump and refreshed, with the longer impact being healthy-looking and a smooth complexion. I've been using this for a number of weeks and I'm really liking the texture of the cream (thick without being too heavy to absorb effectively,) as well as the scent. It's perfect to use on the days you don't want to wear much makeup, but you do need to be lighter with application when layering products as it does have a tendency to cause makeup to slide. As someone with sensitive areas around the eyes, I was expecting the essential oils to irritate my skin - however, it works just as well with no irritation when dabbed on the corner and under eye area of eyes.
This isn't due to launch until September, but I anticipate a lengthy waiting list amongst Neal's Yard fans. They've managed to achieve the perfect mix between naturally derived ingredients, effective results and a product that's a pleasure to use. Although this will retail at the high price point of £55.00 for a 50g tub, it actually works - and that's worth every penny.
Frankincense Intense will launch this September priced £55.00 - more details on their website.