Badger has created four lines to suit different skin types, each with a cleansing oil, a face oil, and a beauty balm. Each product is formulated with certified USDA organic ingredients - as you would expect from Badger - and additionally has been tested to be noncomedogenic, meaning they won't clog your pores. I chose to try the Seabuckthorn Cleansing Oil* and Face Oil*, recommended for normal to dry skin, since they seemed the most fitting for my skin moving into winter.
I especially love oil cleansing in the colder months and the Seabuckthorn Cleansing Oil, a blend made with sunflower, olive, jojoba, apricot kernel, and castor seed oils works great to remove makeup, dirt, and impurities without stripping or drying out your skin. It feels very pampering to take a good few minutes to massage the oil onto a dry face, making sure it fully breaks down makeup and dissolves any oil or congestion that might be trapped in the pores. Then, I go in with a warm, wet washcloth to wipe the oil and any accumulated grime off. I often like to go back with a second cleanser after the oil, but I wouldn't say it's an absolutely vital step with Badger's Cleansing Oil, as the oil wipes away pretty cleanly.
One thing that confused me a little is Badger's decision to include menthol crystals in the cleansing oil. Menthol is the component responsible for peppermint oil's cool, tingly feeling, and while it's great for detoxifying the skin and leaving behind that clean, fresh feeling, it can be irritating to sensitive skin and around the eyes. To be honest, I don't notice the menthol on most of my face, but I can definitely feel the cooling vapours and can get an intense cooling/tingly/uncomfortable sensation when I massage the oil directly on or around my eyes. The bottle recommends "caution around the eye area," so I think your ability to use this product around the eyes would depend a lot on both individual sensitivity and preference. I usually choose to go in with another product around the eyes instead.
I've also been impressed by the Seabuckthorn Face Oil. Despite it's affordable price tag, this oil isn't loaded with cheap fillers and instead contains the same potent, active ingredients that you'd find in more expensive oils and serums, including jojoba, baobab, apricot kernel, and pomegranate seed oils, alongside seabuckthorn and rosehip CO2 extracts. The seabuckthorn gives the oil a vibrant orange color, but it applies totally invisibly and doesn't tint or stain your skin at all. The oil has a pretty thin, light consistency that initially had me wondering if it would be hydrating enough for my skin, but I'm happy to say it is. In spite of the light texture, the face oil is quite nourishing and I only need about half a pump to moisturize my whole face.
Both the cleansing oil and face oil are beautifully scented with lavender, sweet orange, and geranium. I'm not always a fan of geranium, but I really like how the fruity, citrus components combine with the floral elements in these blends. The scents are not overly strong, and while I notice them as I'm using the products, they aren't something I smell on my skin throughout the day.
The Bottom Line
These oils are a great addition to Badger's line. With blends to suit different skin types, a reasonable price point, and Badger's usual organic and high quality ingredients, I really don't think you can go wrong here. I could definitely see myself repurchasing these oils in the future, though I will probably opt for the Unscented Cleansing Oil next, simply because of the menthol. (The Damascus Rose Cleansing Oil is also free of menthol.)
As far as I can tell the Face Care line has not launched anywhere outside of the US yet - it's coming to Canada in April - but the products are already stocked on iherb, so if you don't want to wait, you can easily get your hands on them there.
*Press sample.
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