PENDOUR PAMPER : Review of Alteya's Bio Damascena Organic Rose Otto Face Sunscreen Cream -

If you’re looking for a daily facial moisturiser that protects your skin from the sun whilst being free from additives and harsh chemicals, your search is finally over!

Featuring organic rose and lavender oil from Alteya‘s farm in Bulgaria, along with jojoba and shea butter, there’s plenty to moisturise and care for your skin.

This is my daily go-to cream (I hope you’ll love it too!). I always have a bottle or two on the go – one at home for a mini morning ritual and another in my go-bag to top up when I’m out and about, especially on a sunny day!

UVA & UVB PROTECTION

Let’s start with the SPF factor of this rosy cream. At a concentration of 18%, Non-nano Zinc Oxide is the active ingredient. Too large to be absorbed through the epidermis, the molecules of this mineral filter sit on top or on the outside of your skin when applied and behave like tiny mirrors reflecting the sun’s harmful rays. Non-nano Zinc Oxide effectively blocks the rays by creating a physical barrier over the skin.

In contrast to chemical sunscreens which are absorbed by the epidermis and usually contain harmful ingredients such as oxybenzone and octinoxate (endocrine and hormone disruptors), Non-nano Zinc Oxide is safe for sensitive skin and it has never been found to have entered the human bloodstream via the skin. Non-nano Zinc Oxide provides Broad Spectrum SPF meaning it reflects both UVA (which burns the top layer of the skin) and UVB rays (which penetrate the middle layer of the skin and lead to melanoma). Additionally, there is evidence to suggest that the Broad Spectrum protection provided by Non-nano Zinc Oxide can offer a ‘shielding’ quality against blue light emitted from our phones, laptops and devices.

And if you’re heading out for the beach or a bit of wild swimming, of course the toxins in chemical sunscreen can enter the water and are responsible for coral reef bleaching and harming aquatic ecosystems. Not only that . . . but showering off chemical sunscreens further enables these harmful ingredients to enter the water ways and even our drinking supplies!

On the other hand, Non-nano Zinc Oxide is reef safe and has been proven to be non-toxic to humans. Alteya’s Bio Damascena Organic Rose Otto Face Sunscreen Cream is therefore a safe and effective barrier against the skin-damaging effects of the sun!

COMING UP ROSES

And now for the Roses!

Alteya’s organic farms are located in Bulgaria, where the most prized roses and rose oil can be found.

Nestled between the verdant slopes of Sredna Gora and the Balkan Mountain lies Bulgaria’s Valley Of The Roses. The first rose plantations were established in this region in the 16th century around the city of Kazanlak. Since then the area has developed, now offering the world’s most sought-after blooms.

Land of the Tharacian Kings, the fragrant Valley of The Roses erupts into euphoric colour every May – June during the rose harvest. This wonderland of blooms is famed for its treasures and many festivities are held during the harvest, inspired by the beautiful abundance of the roses.

This idyllic setting provides favourable growing conditions for the most celebrated of roses. Over half the world’s rose oil is produced here. More expensive than gold, over 3,000 pounds of rose petals are required to produce just one pound of rose oil!

Alteya Organic‘s rose gardens can be found in the very heart of this sheltered 87 mile long valley. Fluffy clouds deliver just the right amount of rain (and shade) while the air humidity and protection from the mountains ensures a mild winter climate. Rich sandy soil also contributes to the rose bounty, unrivalled in its radiance.

Alteya does not use any harmful pesticides or herbicides on its organic farms, carefully controlling the production of their flowers to benefit both Nature and your skin!

The delicate roses are harvested in the early morning whilst it is cool before the heat of the afternoon sun evaporates the precious rose oil. Picking roses is a labour intensive and skilled task performed completely by hand and timing is crucial. Freshly harvested petals are immediately taken to the Alteya distillery. Distillation is a complex procedure but ensures the high quality of Alteya’s unparalleled rose oil. The process is strictly controlled to maintain USDA Organic standards throughout.

The freshly plucked rose blossoms are placed in a still where low pressure steam is used to release the essential oil. This aromatic vapour is then cooled to enable condensation. As the vapour condenses the oil and water separate because of their different densities. Alteya’s special distillation process ensures a high quality rose oil, reflecting the luscious nature of the organically grown rose petals.

And what a glorious effect this rose oil has on the skin blended with the Non-nano Zinc Oxide in this daily Damascena Sunscreen Cream!

MOISTURISING INGREDIENTS

From coconut oil to aloe vera leaf juice there’s an array of skin-loving ingredients packed into this lovely lotion to soothe and moisturise.

Complimenting your usual facial serum and moisturiser, this ‘top coat’ provides much needed sun protection and an extra layer of nutrient rich pampering for a luminous, dewy finish. Alteya’s Bio Damascena Organic Rose Otto Face Sunscreen Cream can even work as a gorgeous primer for make-up.

Several of the ingredients such as acai fruit oil and seabuckthorn fruit extract are rich in antioxidants. This helps to prevent premature ageing whilst keeping the skin nourished and protected from the sun.

All this, from one little glass bottle

to make you feel as luminous as

a beautiful Bulgarian rose!

Within about two weeks of using this cream every morning over my usual Ethique serum and Ilex Wood moisturiser, my complexion transformed! Smoother, with fewer blemishes and outbreaks, my skin started to look much clearer and I’m sure this is down to the goodness of the organic rose and lavender oils!

Alteya’s Bio Damascena Organic Rose Otto Face Sunscreen Cream is lightweight and non-greasy with a thick, viscous consistency. Compared to other Non-nano Zinc Oxide sunscreens which have to be thoroughly rubbed in, this has a lot more flow; it effectively melts into the skin. The cream’s slightly cooling effect produces a soft, dewy finish with the refreshing feel and scent of crisp, fragrant rose petals.

Breathe in that rosy radiance!

Gentle enough to close your eyes and transport your senses to the flourishing bouquets of the Valley Of The Roses. . . . .

With no sulphates, parabens or nasties in sight,

you can indulge your beautiful face in the

organic radiance of this rose-hearted Sunscreen Cream.

PENDOUR PRO-TIP

It’s recommended to apply this cream 15 minutes before heading out into the sun. With an SPF of 25 I find it beneficial to team up with Raw Elements or Sol de Ibiza’s Sunscreen and a hat for added protection when out in the strong afternoon sun for a while!

IN THE PINK

Non-nano Zinc Oxide has been known to leave a white, chalky cast. However, for this luxurious product iron oxides have been added – not only to slightly increase the SPF value – but to offer an attractive sheer pink tint for your nose and cheeks! Gone are the days of looking like a milky white ghost!

The first time I applied this cream I was a little anxious by the colour!

Afterall, it is a rather bright shade of pink . . . . In fact, I wasn’t even sure if I liked it at first! All childhood memories of camomile lotion aside, once smoothed over my face the intensity of the shade did fade after a few moments. As I’m rather fair, I find that this pink tinge actually works wonders for me. The tone adds light and depth to any pasty patches. It’s especially perfect in the winter months (whatever time of year or climate it’s now recommended to wear SPF every day, even indoors) but is perhaps a tad bit too pastel-y in the summer when my natural bronze glow is go. In which case, I add a little All Earth Mineral Bronzer!

However, if you have a darker complexion I’m not sure if this pink tinge would be a bit much? Let’s hope Alteya soon release this product in a few different shades!

And did I mention that this Bio Damascena Organic Rose Otto Face Sunscreen Cream makes an amazing makeup primer? It’s a super base for foundation and behaves almost like a full-face concealer, offering enough ‘grip’ for All Earth’s Mineral Foundation. I do not wear make up on a day-to-day basis, but the sheer tint makes my face feel slightly less. . . . naked.

Honestly, I rarely go out now without having put this gorgeous organic facial sunscreen on. I think it gives the impression that I have put an undercoat of makeup on and that I’ve taken more time, care and attention in my appearance than I actually have!

PENDOUR PRO-TIP

If you have to put eye drops or contact lenses in, or need to brush your teeth, be sure to do this before you apply this soothing cream, or wait a good 20 minutes so that the cream has time to dry and soak in. Otherwise, tears may cause the pink finish to run and look a little streaky if it hasn’t fully ‘set’!

PACKAGING

Alteya’s Bio Damascena Organic Rose Otto Face Sunscreen Cream is packaged in a slimline pink box with a hint of sparkle. This outer packaging is thin card, which can be recycled. However, it would be good to know if eco-friendly inks have been used.

The glass bottle inside contains the glass bottle of mesmerising rosy-pink cream and easily slips out. Its dark shade compliments the pink label; the product looks classy and sophisticated!

Although the glass can be recycled, the cream is dispensed by a push pump. This of course is plastic, as is the little removable locking cap. Although this system allows a little to be pumped out each time, I’m not sure so much plastic is entirely necessary and that the Sunscreen could instead be in a glass jar with a wide opening to fit your finger tips in to scoop out a small amount. Additionally, there is always a little bit left at the very bottom that you can’t quite reach!

Moreover, the cream is perhaps a little to thick for the pump system and on several occasions has blocked the tube.

However, this is still the best organic facial SPF I’ve found with no nasties, nor dreaded Xanthum Gum, so these points are only minor drawbacks. I look forward to how Alteya expand and whether they will continue to uphold their commitment to the environment by reducing reliance on plastic.

The outer packaging is usually a large cardboard sleeve which is not only lightweight and easily recyclable, but always seems to offer great protection for the rose infused products inside!

DELIVERY & REWARDS

When buying online directly from Alteya there is a delivery cost of £3.95 for all orders under £49.99. For free delivery, spend over £49.99. Orders are dispatched by Amazon logistics, which might be a bit quicker than other carriers, but possibly not so environmentally friendly! I think we’d all love it of Alteya could find a way to make deliveries at least carbon neutral by off setting credits in some way.

Alteya also offer a Rewards System. This is quite new so I’ve yet to enrol and will update you on this.

ALTEYA ORGANICS

Alteya is committed to organic farming and building a sustainable agricultural model to protect the very special Valley Of The Roses. By incorporating traditional, organic farming and distillation methods, the air, soil and water are protected whilst products are free from any residues of harmful chemicals!

With over 300 employees, Alteya has worked hard to support the local population, ensuring economic survival for many families in the region whilst striving to maintain the area’s agricultural identity.

This is just another reason why I find Alteya’s Bio Damascena Organic Rose Otto Face Sunscreen Cream a must have for radiant skin and respectful farming practices!

A PENDOUR PAMPER P.S.

Unfortunately I manged to knock a bottle of Alteya’s Bio Damascena Organic Rose Otto Face Sunscreen Cream over to create a wonderful mess on my friend’s bathroom floor! In future now I will now transfer this rosy cream to a refillable aluminium tin, which also makes more sense when travelling as there’s no risk of broken glass.

Be sure to check out some of Alteya’s other blissful products using organic rose and lavender oils for beautiful, delicate scents and luxurious treat for your skin!