In the past 2-3 years I have started exploring some of the so-called "natural"-based products. I wanted to know what the fuss is about and whether they are really better than the other "non-natural" brands that I have been using for more than a decade. I have finished using a batch of products from Antipodes, Sukin, Trilogy* and Goodness*. This will be the main theme for my next few product review blog posts.
(*Trilogy and Goodness are from the same company)
Goodness Chia Seed Oil
Claims
Your best-looking skin? I’ll make light work of it. I wear my organic certification with pride and know I’ve got the balance of omega 3 to omega 6 essential fatty acids just right. But it’s not all about me. Actually, I’m here for you.
Super-silky, easily absorbed, nourishing and hydrating deliciousness for your face
Natural botanical goodness (no nonsense included)
A winning 3:1 ratio of omega 3 to omega 6 essential fatty acids.
The fatty acids
Well formulated facial oil is a great source of fatty acids.
There are a lot of different types of fatty acids. In fact, so many different ones that it is actually confusing. Different fatty acids have different roles, but by and large they promote skin smoothness by strengthening and enhancing cell membrane functions. Typical composition of chia seed oil includes 3 main fatty acids:
Omega 3 (Alpha linolenic acid) 64-73%
Known to have an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin; it is also widely believed to help clear acne.
Omega-6 (linoleic acid)12-23%
Maintain healthy skin barrier function; also known to have an anti-inflammatory effect. Low level of linoleic acid is thought to be associated with acne.
Omega-9 (Oleic Acid) 5-12%
Improve elasticity, a good occlusive to help seal in hydration. Thicker in consistency.
Note also, this product contains chia seed oil as well as meadowfoam seed oil - not sure what the corresponding percentages of each is, but the additional oil will alter the fatty acid composition in pure chia seed oil.
From my research, I could not find anything useful to explain why a 3:1 ratio of omega 3 to omega 6 is "winning" when applied topically. (On the other hand, there has been lots of research done into the ratio of omega 3 to omega 6 in diet - and yet, there does not seem to be any consensus to a "winning" ratio either). However, what I know for sure, from both research and personal experience, is that a high linoleic acid (omega 6) to oleic acid (omega 9) ratio is associated with less acne and less congestion. Looking at this chia seed oil, at least this box is ticked!
My experience
The Goodness Chia Seed Oil comes in 20mL which is actually a smaller size than most other facial oils (25-30mL). It has a very pale yellow color with a very subtle woody scent.
This oil is marketed is a lightweight, fast-absorbing oil that is nourishing for the skin. Although I found this oil quite lightweight (as in, low in density) and fairly runny, it is actually very difficult to be absorbed into my skin. As usual, I use it on fairly damp skin after cleansing and toning with a mist. I feel that it sits on the surface on my skin without sinking in. If I apply the oil in daytime, my moisturiser and makeup would just move around my skin all day, and my skin would look very greasy. I have used a few different facial oils (including Sukin, Antipodes and Swisse), none of these are as greasy as this.
Because of the greasiness I do not use it during the day. I have been, however, using this product fairly consistently in the evening and have gone through about 4/5 of the bottle. I discarded the rest because it started smelling odd afterwards (see below).
Results
The chia seed oil is very nourishing for my skin. I use it before going to bed, as a step between my serum and moisturiser (or skip the moisturiser altogether - this oil alone is an enough emollient to use). No one looks at my greasy face when I am asleep. The next morning I would wake up with soft, supple skin.
However, I can't really say I enjoy using this oil too much. There are a lot of other alternatives out there which are just as effective, and which I can use for both day and evening. See my posts on Antipodes Divine Face Oil and Sukin Rose Hip Oil.
Shelf life
The expiry date of this product is approximately 3 years from manufacture. The life after opening is 6 months. The "6M" indicator was fairly accurate and I was not able to push beyond that. Towards the end of the bottle, it was also when I hit the 6 months mark from opening, the product started smelling old and rancid. It was time to discard the product.
Full ingredient list
Salvia Hispanica (Chia) Seed Oil, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil
About me
Makeup artist and hair stylist based in Sydney. Founder of the well-known award-winning bridal specialist team Faces Makeup & Hair. Beauty junkie with an obsession for skincare.