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astral original moisturiser review

Did you know that Astral Original All Over Moisturiser has been around since 1950? That’s a huge achievement – especially in a beauty world where most products don’t make it to 5 years old… What’s so special about Astral Original cream to make it last the test of time? Is it just a habit passed down from generation, the reputation of days of yore, or is the formula still as groundbreaking today as it was when it first hit the market? Only one way to find out. I’ve put it to the test and here’s what happened:

Key Ingredients In Astral Original All Over Moisturiser: What Makes It Work?

GLYCERIN TO HYDRATE SKIN

Glycerin is a moisture magnet. Literally. Like a magnet, it attracts moisture from the environment into your skin and binds it there. Like Korean skincare taught us, moisture is just what skin needs to thrive. When skin has all the moisture it needs, it become softer to the touch. Fine lines plump up, so they look smaller. And the whole complexion takes on a dewy glow.

Related: Why Is Glycerin In All Your Skincare Products?

LANOLIN (AND LANOLIN ALCOHOL) TO WATERPROOF SKIN

Lanolin is the thick, greasy, yellow substance sheep naturally produce to protect themselves from harsh weather. It’s super moisturizing. It literally waterproofs skin, so that the extra moisture glycerin brings into your skin stays there. It can’t evaporate out and dry your skin again. Phew!

You may have heard that lanolin is a common allergen. That’s not true. Not anymore, anyway. Let me explain. Lanolin is a problem only when you put it in skincare products as is. That’s when the pesticides farmers used on their crops (and sheep) make their way onto your skin and irritate it.

These days, lanolin undergoes a purification process to remove all kinds of pesticides and other impurities before being added to moisturizers, like Astral Original. The end result is very safe and gentle.

P.S. No sheep are harmed during the collection of lanolin.

Related: Is Lanolin Bad For Skin?

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MINERAL OIL (& CO) TO MOISTURISE SKIN

Astral Original cream contains Mineral Oil, Paraffin, and Petrolatum. Yep, all ingredients derived from oil. Aren’t they the devil incarnate? Not so fast…

Like lanolin, these ingredients undergo a strict purifying process that removes all traces of toxins and other impurities from them. The end results don’t resemble oil at all. So, no, they won’t give you cancer. Phew!

They won’t give you pimples, either. True, if you use a serum with comedogenic ingredients before slathering on Mineral Oil, that’ll get trapped into the skin and make you breakout. But on their own, they’re not comedogenic. Just be careful what you use them with.

But why are they here, anyway? They’re very moisturizing. They create a protective barrier on the skin that keeps moisture in and germs, pollutants, and other skin enemies out.

Related: 5 Myths About Mineral Oil You Need To Stop Believing Right Now

astral intensive moisturiser original review

ISOPROPYL MYRISTATE TO SOFTEN SKIN

Mineral oil may not give you pimples, but Isopropyl Myrisytate will. It’s true there’s no scientific evidence it’s comedogenic… But there’s plenty of anecdotal one. Just ask my face about it! Every time I use a cream or lotion high in Isopropyl Myristate, my face breaks out like crazy. Unfortunately, Astral Original cream was no exception (when I use it on my face, that is).

Oddly enough, it doesn’t seem to have the same effect on my body. But then, my skin there is a lot drier. Truth bomb: just because an ingredient can cause pimples, doesn’t mean it will. It really depends on how much you use and your skin type. If you have very dry skin, you can bathe in this stuff and not develop a pimple. Oily skin? A tiny amount may be enough to trigger a breakout. Be careful!

Related: What Ingredients Are Comedogenic?

The Rest Of The Formula & Ingredients

NOTE: The colours indicate the effectiveness of an ingredient. It is ILLEGAL to put toxic and harmful ingredients in skincare products.

  • Green: It’s effective, proven to work, and helps the product do the best possible job for your skin.
  • Yellow: There’s not much proof it works (at least, yet).
  • Red: What is this doing here?!
  • Aqua (Water): The main solvent in the formula, it helps dissolve other ingredients. Plus, it hydrates skin too.
  • Ozokerite: A texture enhancer that helps the active ingredients stay blended together.
  • Magnesium Sulfate: It thickens the texture of skincare products.
  • Parfum (Fragrance): It makes the product smell good, but can irritate sensitive skin.
  • Propylparaben: A common preservative that extends the shelf life of skincare products by inhibiting germs and bacteria.
  • 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol: A formaldehyde-releasing preservative that kills bacteria and fungi in your skincare products. It’s not toxic or carcinogenic, but it can irritate sensitive skin.
  • Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone: A fragrance compound that makes the cream smell good, but can irritate sensitive skin.
  • Amyl Cinnamon: Another fragrance compound that smells good, but can irritate sensitive skin.
  • Benzyl Alcohol: It smells good, but it can irritate sensitive skin.
  • Citronellol: Another fragrant ingredient that makes the cream smell nice. It must be listed separately because it’s a common allergen.
  • Coumarin: Another fragrance ingredient that must be listed separately on the label because it’s a common allergen.
  • Geraniol: A fragrant compound found in rose and lavender, it can irritate sensitive skin.
  • Hydroxycitronellal: It gives the cream a citrusy fragrant note. But it can irritate sensitive skin.
  • Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde: It has a light floral odour. But it can irritate sensitive skin.
  • Linalool: Another fragrant component that makes the cream smell good. It’s also a common allergen.

Texture

Astral Original Cream is THICK. It glides smoothly on the skin, but takes a while to absorb. Yes, even on very dry skin.

Fragrance

You know me, I’m not a fan of fragrance in skincare products. It makes them smell good, but it’s irritating. This one is fresh, clean, and forgettable. Doesn’t hang around long. It’s there more to mask the natural odour of the ingredients than for anything else.

How To Use It

You can use Astral Original moisturizer in three ways:

  • Face moisturiser: It’s the last step of your skincare routine at night.
  • Body moisturiser: Slather it on as soon as you get out of the shower.
  • Makeup remover: It’s the first step of your skincare routine at night (cos you didn’t go to sleep with your makeup on, right?)

Packaging

Astral Original moisturiser comes in 3 sizes:

  • 50ml pot to keep in your handbag
  • 200ml pot for everyday use
  • 500ml pot for your body

I’m usually not a fan of jar packaging because it allows light and air to come in contact with the antioxidants in the product, spoiling them. But this cream doesn’t have any, so that’s not an issue here. Just make sure to wash your hands before you use it. Hygiene first!

astral intensive moisturizer in original and with shea butter

Performance & Personal Opinion

I personally can’t use Astral Original moisturiser on my face. It’s too thick for my combination skin – yes, even in winter where everything gets a little drier… Oh, I tried. It makes my skin super soft and smooth, but it also made a couple of pimples pop up on my chin. Bummer!

Instead, it makes a wonderful body moisturiser. The skin there is so dry and dehydrated, it’s hard for me to find a moisturiser that keeps it happy for more than a couple of hours. *sighs*

Astral Original moisturiser comes to the rescue. It glides smoothly on my skin, getting rid of all my dry patches. Sure, it takes few minutes to absorb, but once it does, my skin feels soft, smooth and hydrated for the entire day. And nope, there’s no greasy residue.

I also like to use it to remove my makeup. In just a couple of minutes, it removes even the most stubborn of long-lasting foundations without leaving skin a tight, irritated mess.

What I Like About Astral Original Moisturiser

  • Very moisturising, makes skin softer and smoother.
  • Protects skin from environmental aggressors.
  • Versatile, can be used on face and body.
  • Affordable.
  • Jar will last you for a long time.

What I DON’T Like About Astral Original Moisturiser

  • Texture is thick and takes a while to absorb.
  • Has fragrance, which can irritate sensitive skin.
  • Doesn’t have anti-aging properties.
  • Jar packaging isn’t hygienic.

Who Should Use This?

Dry skin – especially if you’re looking for a multitasking product on a strict budget.

Does Astral Original Moisturiser Live Up To Its Claims?

CLAIM TRUE?
It’s hydrating after a shower, nourishing after a day in the sun and cleansing after an evening in makeup.  Yes, yes, yes.
Our intensely rich formula protects your skin from head to toe and keeps essential moisture locked in – so you can still feel it working hours later. Again, true. It’s incredibly moisturising and locks in hydration for hours.

Price & Availability

From £9.99 at Superdrug

The Verdict: Should You Buy It?

If you have very dry skin and are on a strict budget, Astral Original moisturiser is worth a try.

Dupes & Alternatives

  • CeraVe Moisturising Cream (£9.50): A basic moisturising lotion loaded with ceramides to strengthen your skin’s protective barrier and makes skin softer and smoother. Available at Boots, Cult Beauty, Look Fantastic, Stylevana, and Ulta
  • Nivea Creme (£5.99): Less thick than Astral, it’s another very basic cream that makes even the driest of skin types softer and smoother, but has no anti-aging properties. Available at Boots and Superdrug

Ingredients

Aqua (Water), Paraffinum Liquidum, Glycerin, Paraffin, Lanolin, Ozokerite, Lanolin Alcohol, Petrolatum, Isopropyl Myristate, Magnesium Sulfate, Parfum (Fragrance), Propylparaben, 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Amyl Cinnamon, Benzyl Alcohol, Citronellol, Coumarin, Geraniol, Hydroxycitronellal, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Linalool.

About Gio

Hi, I'm Gio. I'm a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is skin coach and writer on a mission to help you achieve your best skin day ever - every day. I bust skincare myths and debunk marketing jargon to help you figure out what's worth the splurge and what's best left on the shelf - using science, not hype. I also offer skincare consultations to help you create the best skincare routine for your unique needs.