Albolene was created more than a century ago in 1885. The first product was the Moisturizing Cleanser, which still has the same formula today. It was advertised as a multi-use product that does everything you need when it comes to removing makeup, cleansing, moisturizing your face, and more. Interestingly, one of Albolene’s first uses was to gently cleanse an infant’s tender nose skin.
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Key products
There are only two products in the Albolene skin care line: Albolene Moisturizing Cleanser and Albolene Eye Makeup Remover. The Moisturizing Cleanser liquefies on contact with your skin to gently and thoroughly dissolve makeup, dirt, and environmental residue. After smoothing on Albolene, you can use a soft cloth, tissue, or cotton pad to remove it. No soap or water is needed with Albolene Moisturizing Cleanser, so you’re not left with soap-and-water dryness. Albolene Eye Makeup Remover is a silky smooth serum that gently and effectively removes even the toughest eye makeup without burning or irritation. Both Albolene products contain no fragrance, harsh chemicals, parabens, or preservatives. In the next section, we will discuss each of the formulas for these two products in detail and how they may benefit your skin.
Key formulation
There are only five ingredients in the Albolene Moisturizing Cleanser: mineral oil, petrolatum, paraffin, ceresin, and beta carotene.
The combination of these ingredients not only helps to remove makeup and other impurities, but also keeps the skin moisturized and soft.
Below is a brief description of how each of these ingredients works:
Mineral oil is a clear, odorless oil derived from a mineral source, typically a distillate of petroleum, that functions as an emollient. After application, mineral oil forms a protective film on the surface of skin that helps to prevent evaporation of the skin’s natural moisture. It is used to soften and smooth the skin in the Albolene Moisturizing Cleanser.
Petrolatum is used in the Albolene Moisturizing Cleanser because it is a rich emollient and skin protectant. It is derived from crude oil, however, it is highly purified prior to being used in cosmetics. Petrolatum has a melting point that is close to body temperature, so it softens upon application and forms a water-repellant film over the applied area.
This film prevents evaporation of the skin’s natural moisture and increases skin hydration by causing buildup of water beneath the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of skin). Furthermore, petrolatum has been shown to penetrate deeply into damaged skin and enhance recovery of the skin’s barrier function.
Petrolatum protects the skin after an injury by replicating the occlusive properties of the stratum corneum. Extensive clinical data has shown petrolatum to be a gentle ingredient.
Paraffin is a soft, colorless wax-like solid that consists of a mixture of saturated hydrocarbon molecules which are created by the distillation of petroleum. It is a skin-conditioning ingredient that contains lubrication properties and can also help retain moisture in the skin. One problem with paraffin is that it can clog pores and promote the development of comedonal acne. While this may not be a major issue with Albolene Moisturizing Cleanser since it is intended to be washed off, it is still something to be aware of.
Ceresin is a white to yellow waxy mixture of hydrocarbons obtained by purification of ozokerite, a naturally occurring fossil wax found near soft shale. In the Albolene Moisturizing Cleanser, ceresin functions as an emulsifier and conditioner. As an emulsifier, ceresin helps to keep all of the other ingredients uniformly mixed and consistent.
The final ingredient in the Albolene Moisturizing Cleanser formula is beta carotene, a red-orange pigment abundant in plants and fruits. Beta carotene has the ability to increase cell turnover and regeneration in the outer layers of the skin, giving the complexion a healthy glow.
It is also a potent antioxidant. Antioxidants limit oxidative damage caused by free radicals, the unstable molecules that contribute to the formation of premature wrinkles and fine lines on the skin.
A few of these same ingredients are used in the Albolene Eye Makeup Remover, including mineral oil, petrolatum, and beta carotene. Two additional ingredients in the Eye Makeup Remover include ozokerite and jojoba seed oil. As mentioned above, ozokerite is a naturally occurring fossil wax that functions as an emulsifier.
Jojoba oil is extracted from the seeds of the jojoba plant, Simmondsia chinensis, a perennial evergreen desert shrub.
Inside the jojoba seed, you’ll find a light, golden liquid wax ester that is mostly comprised of long-chain fatty acid esters (97%), but also contains small amounts of vitamins, minerals, triglycerides, phospholipids, and tocopherols.
Interestingly, the chemical composition of jojoba oil mimics the skin’s natural sebum more closely than any other oil. Research has shown that jojoba oil improves the skin’s barrier function and helps to prevent transepidermal water loss.
It also has proven anti-inflammatory effects and can provide soothing effects upon application. Overall, the use of jojoba oil in Albolene Eye Makeup Remover helps promote softer, healthier, and better hydrated skin.
Albolene reviews
Most of the Albolene reviews are positive, with one person providing a glowing review on The Derm Review: “I just received Invisicrepe today. After using this product, my skin absolutely loves it. I would like to mention, that I have very sensitive skin. I have tried Crepe Erase in the past, and it just doesn’t compare to the quality of Invisicrepe. I think it is absolutely fabulous!”.
Where to buy Albolene
If you’re wondering where to buy Albolene, you can look in the facial cleanser or skin moisturizer aisle at retailers in your area, including Walmart, Walgreens, Rite Aid, and CVS. Albolene is also available on Amazon.com.
References:
Albolene.com/albolene-through-the-ages/, PaulasChoice.com “Petrolatum”, Wikipedia “Paraffin wax”, CosmeticsInfo.org “Ozokerite”
