The balm's active ingredients and their effects
The formula of Orientana's Moisturizing and Regenerating Sandalwood Body Balm was developed to address the skin's most important needs after summer: intense hydration, rebuilding the hydrolipid barrier, reducing roughness, and soothing irritation. Its effectiveness is based on a synergy of natural ingredients with proven skincare properties.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice – aloe
Aloe vera is one of the most researched plant ingredients in cosmetology. Its juice contains polysaccharides (including acemannan), which have hygroscopic properties, binding water and retaining it in the stratum corneum of the epidermis. Clinical studies indicate that using aloe vera products can increase skin hydration by up to 20–30% after two weeks of regular application (Surjushe et al., 2008).
Additionally, aloe:
- soothes irritations and redness caused by UV radiation,
- accelerates the regeneration of the epidermis,
- has anti-inflammatory properties due to the content of salicylic acid and antioxidants.
Mangifera Indica Seed Butter – mango butter
Mango butter is rich in fatty acids: oleic (approximately 45%), stearic (approximately 40%), and linoleic (approximately 10%). This composition acts as a natural emollient, rebuilding the lipid barrier and preventing water loss. It also contains tocopherols and carotenoids, which have antioxidant properties.
Thanks to these properties, mango butter:
- reduces skin roughness,
- increases its elasticity,
- provides a "protective film" without a greasy effect,
- makes the skin smooth and soft.
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil – sweet almond oil
Almond oil is a classic cosmetic ingredient recommended for dry and sensitive skin. It is rich in fatty acids, primarily oleic (65–70%) and linoleic (20–25%). Studies show that, when used regularly, it improves skin elasticity and reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
Its properties include:
- softening and smoothing effect,
- protection against dryness and micro-damage,
- soothing irritations and tightness.
Helianthus Annuus Hybrid Oil – modified sunflower oil
Sunflower oil, although often associated with cooking, is also highly valued in cosmetology. The cosmetic version (Hybrid Oil) contains high amounts of linoleic acid – up to 60%. It is a key component of the intercellular cement of the epidermis, and its deficiency is associated with excessive keratinization and loss of moisture.
Clinical studies show that sunflower oil applied topically improves skin barrier function and reduces TEWL by up to 20% after several days of use (Lin et al., 2018). Additionally, it has antioxidant properties thanks to its high vitamin E content.
Panthenol – provitamin B5
Panthenol is a classic soothing and regenerating ingredient. Upon application, it transforms into pantothenic acid, a key component of coenzyme A, which participates in the metabolic processes of skin cells.
It works in many directions:
- intensively moisturizes (it is a humectant),
- accelerates the regeneration of the epidermis and the healing of micro-damages,
- relieves burning sensations, irritation and redness.
Trehalose – protection against oxidative stress
Trehalose is a natural disaccharide that protects plants and microorganisms against environmental stress. It is used in cosmetology for its ability to protect proteins and cell membranes from oxidative damage.
Studies show that trehalose can stabilize cell structures and protect the skin from the effects of oxidative stress caused by factors such as UV radiation. Its presence in the balm increases its anti-aging potential and supports long-term skin protection.
From a cosmetology perspective, it's not so much the individual ingredients that matter, but their synergistic effect. In Orientana balm, humectant ingredients (aloe, panthenol, glycerol) bind water in the epidermis, while lipid emollients (mango butter, almond oil, sunflower oil) protect against water loss. The addition of trehalose and vitamin E enhances the antioxidant effect, which is particularly important in preventing photoaging.
The effects of using the balm after summer
Systematic use of Orientana Moisturizing and Regenerating Sandalwood Balm provides multifaceted effects that can be observed both subjectively (skin sensations) and objectively (physiological parameters of the skin).
Instant hydration and relief
Application studies have confirmed that 100% of people experienced a significant increase in skin hydration after just one use. This effect is due to the synergy of humectants (aloe, glycerol, panthenol), which bind water in the stratum corneum, and emollients (almond oil, mango butter), which create a protective lipid film that limits TEWL.
Reduction of roughness and improvement of elasticity
Regular use of the balm for at least 2 weeks:
- 100% of respondents confirmed a reduction in skin roughness,
- 96% of people noticed improved flexibility and elasticity.
This effect is especially important after summer, when collagen and elastin fibers are degraded by UV radiation. Moisturizing and regenerating them support their function, resulting in improved skin firmness.
Restoring comfort and hydrolipid balance
After summer, skin often loses its natural hydrolipid barrier, making it sensitive to irritants. The plant oils contained in the balm (sunflower, almond) rebuild this barrier, as confirmed by literature data: applying sunflower oil for 7 days reduces TEWL by up to 20% (Lin et al., 2018).
Softness and smoothness of the skin
100% of study participants confirmed that the balm leaves skin smooth and soft to the touch. This is due to the emollients and mango butter, which fill in micro-damages in the epidermis and give it a velvety finish.
Protection against photoaging
The presence of trehalose, vitamin E, and natural antioxidants supports the neutralization of free radicals, which are responsible for photoaging. Scientific data shows that UV exposure increases free radical production by up to 65% within 30 minutes (Pandel et al., 2013). Regular use of antioxidant cosmetics slows down these processes and helps maintain younger-looking skin.
The scent of sandalwood on the skin
Thanks to a carefully selected blend of essential oils, we have achieved a scent identical to the scent of the Sandalwood and Turmeric Cream, which has been appreciated by our customers, among other things, due to its scent.
How to use balm after summer?
Time and frequency of application
It's best to apply the balm daily, after an evening bath or shower. This will leave your skin slightly warm and moist, which increases the absorption of the active ingredients.
During periods of intense dryness (e.g. after a holiday in a warm climate), I recommend applying it twice a day – morning and evening.
Application technique
Apply a small amount of the balm to the skin of the entire body, paying particular attention to the areas most exposed to the sun: arms, décolleté, and legs.
Massage in using gentle, circular motions – this improves microcirculation and facilitates the absorption of active ingredients. It's worth devoting more time to problem areas (elbows, knees), which are more prone to dryness.
Synergy with other products
To enhance the scent of the balm, use Sandalwood Hair and Body Mist.
Why is regularity key?
Research shows that a single application of the balm improves the skin's moisture level, but only regular use (at least 2–4 weeks) leads to the permanent restoration of the hydrolipid barrier and a visible improvement in the skin's condition.
Why choose Orientana balm?
A natural formula based on proven ingredients
Modern consumers expect balms to deliver not only immediate hydration but also long-term skin support. The Orientana Sandalwood balm formula was created with these needs in mind – over 95% of its ingredients are of natural origin, and the INCI list is transparent and understandable.
Effectiveness confirmed by research
Orientana bases its claims on the results of application studies. Its high level of acceptance and effectiveness places this balm at the forefront of natural skincare products.
Comfort of use and unique fragrance experience
One of the distinguishing features of Orientana balm is its warm, deep, oriental scent of sandalwood. Aromatherapy research shows that the scent of sandalwood has a calming effect, reduces stress, and improves sleep quality ( Hongratanaworakit, 2004 ). This makes daily application of the balm a ritual combining skincare with mental relaxation.
Ethical values and brand responsibility
From the beginning of its existence, Orientana has been guided by the principles of ethics and sustainable development:
- cruelty free – the brand has never tested and does not test cosmetics on animals,
- transparency – all INCI compositions are public and communicated in a transparent manner,
- environmental responsibility – the brand is constantly looking for solutions that reduce the impact on the environment (e.g. recyclable or recycled packaging).
Thanks to these values, choosing Orientana balm is not only an investment in the health and condition of your skin, but also a conscious consumer decision in line with the clean beauty trend.
Advantages over conventional balms
Compared to traditional drugstore balms, which are often based on paraffin and silicones that only provide a superficial smoothing effect, Orientana balm works on many levels:
- short-term – immediate hydration and smoothing,
- medium-term – restoration of the hydrolipid barrier, reduction of irritation,
- long-term – antioxidant protection, slowing down photoaging processes.
Thanks to this, it not only improves the appearance of the skin "here and now", but also supports its biological condition for the future.