Review: Desert Essence Spa Series Relaxing Awapuhi & Refreshing Citrus Body Washes

What They Say: "Active Sport Hair & Body Wash is perfect after intensive activity or workout. Advanced technology quenches the skin with electrolytes and minerals naturally lost in perspiration while leaving skin and hair feeling hydrated and conditioned. Formulated to cleanse and condition the skin while gently washing away impurities.

• Contains Essential Oils & Organic Ingredients
• Instant Luxurious Lather
• Environmentally Friendly (refillable)
• No Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or other Harsh Surfactants
• Paraben Free
• No Animal Ingredients or Testing

Jamie’s Thoughts: While it’s not the sole reason I purchase spa products, I always love to find out that a company has a conscience – these Desert Essence products fall into the friendly category of organic, non-animal tested, etc. That alone should give them 5 smooches in anyone’s beauty notebooks. However, I found these body washes to be average, at best.

Scent-wise, both the Awapuhi and Citrus were lovely. Neither clung for very long on my hair or my skin (which can be a positive and a negative, depending on whom you ask). They did a passable job at cleaning, but I didn’t find them overly conditioning. Two pumps of product was plenty for a head of short hair, but I needed 5-6 for my skin – maybe I’m a lather hog? Either way, I went through a lot of body wash with each application, even when I used a shower poof. After multiple uses, I found that I needed lotion on my body and conditioner on my hair – perhaps this would simply be better for me in the summer when my body requires less hydration in general.

Long story short, I’m nonplussed, but that doesn’t mean I’ve given up on Desert Essence. I like the message behind the product, and when summer hits, I think I’ll give this body wash another go, just in case.

Retail Price: $6.99 (go to desertessence.com to find a retail location near you)

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Desert Essence Refining Bamboo Body Scrub

What They Say: "Treat yourself to a unique blend of different sized grains from natural bamboo, olive seed and walnut that scrub away rough, dry skin. Natural cleansing agents wash and lift away impurities, leaving the body feeling smooth, supple and hydrated. Contains bamboo, walnut & olive seed."

Jen's Experience: I was so surprised to open up this tub of scrub and see a brown sugary scrub -- with no liquid. My worries were put to ease when I mixed it with my bath water. Used on my knees, elbows and feet, this product did an excellent job of removing the rough spots and left the rest of my skin silky soft. I also really liked the scent, which to me was less bamboo, olive seed and walnut and more dark brown sugar. The skin on my body is less sensitive than that on my face, but even still, this isn't a product I would probably use on my chest or other more delicate areas. For the spots that really do need to be thoroughly exfoliated, this product really worked wonders, though.

Retail Price: $10.49 (Willner Chemists)

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