There are one too many skincare routines available for us to try out, but a constant in EVERY routine is the moisturizer. A moisturizer is key not just because it helps to moisturize your skin, but also because a good moisturizer can help seal in water and any actives you might have previously applied. This is important because as you go on with your day, you might lose water and hydration (called Trans-epidermal water loss or TEWL) – and a good moisturizer can help reduce and even prevent that.
The product I’m reviewing today, is one of my absolute favourites, and I have featured it as a part of my #sundayselfcarestories earlier, and is a moisturizer I highly recommend for all skin types – belif – The true cream | Aqua Bomb
belif retails at Nykaa and Sephora stores, as well as on their respective online platform.
The moisturizer retails for INR 1,590 for a 25 ml tub, and INR 2,660 for a 50 ml tub
Nykaa is my go-to as usual, and I picked this up during a sale – paid full price for the 25 ml tub, and got their Moisturizing bomb, Milky moisturizer and The True Whitening Mask free (if you’re like me, and do the math, the freebies come upto almost INR 1,520)
belief | believe in truth
LG Household & Health Care Ltd. is the parent company of belif which was launched in 2010, and the brand entered Indian markets in 2019. The brand is positioned in the high-end cosmetics segment.
belif believes in harnessing the efficacies of natural and pure apothecary herbs and minimizing the use of irritating ingredients. This is why they work with Napiers The Herbalists, an apothecary set up in Britain in the 1860s, using tried and tested herbal formulas and blending it with modern Korean beauty technology. You will find all of belif’s products using one or more of the Napiers formulas – Original, Anti-Aging, Moisture, Aqua, Dark Circle, Trouble and Original#2
The core values of belif, and what the brand really tries to achieve – True Ingredients, True Formulas, True Honesty and True Benefits. This basically means that belif tries to source the best and purest ingredients, has high-performing formulas with unique textures, looks to minimize unnecessary packaging or advertisement to focus on product formulation, and complete transparency in terms of letting the customer know what exactly is in their product.
belif products are free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic preservatives, synthetic fragrances, mineral oils and animal origin ingredients. While belif claims to be free of animal origin ingredients, meaning it is vegan, and while they as a brand do not test on animals – they do sell in China which means they are not exactly cruelty-free.
What’s in my product?
Ingredients: Water / Aqua / EAU, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Methyl Trimethicone, Alcohol Denatured, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, 1,2 Hexanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, PEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract *, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract*, Nepeta Cataria Extract *, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Leaf Extract *, Baptisia Tinctoria Root Extract *, Stellaria Media (Chickweed) Extract * +, Alchemilla Vulgaris Leaf Extract (Lady's Mantle) +, Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Extract +, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Leaf Extract +, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Panthenol, Ceramide NP, Cholesterol, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Phenyl Trimethicone, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, PEG – 150, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate / Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Squalane, PEG - 40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Dimethiconol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, C14-22 Alcohols, Polysorbate 60, Malachite Extract, Triethylhexanoin, Arachidyl Glucoside, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearic Acid, PEG-100 Stearate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil **, Trisodium EDTA, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil **, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil **, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil **, Citral, Citronellol, Limonene, Geraniol, Linalool
* Napiers Original Formula, '+ Napiers Aqua Formula, ** Natural Fragrances
Green - Yay!! Blue - Good/Fair Orange - Bleh! Red - Nope!
Let’s address the elephant in the room – it has over 50 ingredients! While formulation is key, and this product in my opinion is well formulated, having over 50 ingredients is quite ridiculous. Even if I were to club the ingredients that come into the formulation from the Napiers formulas, I’d still have over 40 ingredients!
As this list is really long, I’ll approach the ingredient review differently this time by clubbing ingredients together and breaking down how they work for our skin.
1. Napiers Original Formula
This formula contains oat seed, calendula, catnip flowering tops, raspberry, wild indigo and chickweed. The Napiers Original Formula is claimed to be packed with antioxidants and helps with calming the skin, reducing breakouts, has anti-aging benefits and keeping the skin healthy and radiant. While ingredients like oat kernel extract and calendula have been proven to soothe the skin, there is little to no research regarding the other ingredients. Most of the understanding of the benefits are anecdotal, however, like most plant extracts, these ingredients will be good antioxidants that can help reduce free radical damage, and potentially reduce signs of aging.
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract – Contains beta-glucan (sugar – can improve moisturization), lipids – barrier repairing fatty acids, phenolic antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory agents. Helps soothe the skin, and is especially beneficial for dry, irritated, and inflamed skin.
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract – Extract from the Marigold plant known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Nepeta Cataria Extract (Catnip) – We all know what catnip is most popular for, gives you the ability to make funny videos of your cat! However, catnip has been used in aromatherapy to relax the senses and reduce headaches and migraines. Does it have any affect when applied topically – well it’s unclear. Catnip does have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antioxidant properties, but there isn’t clear proof of how effective this could be when applied topically.
Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Leaf Extract – While raspberry is very well known for its antioxidant properties, it is unclear whether the leaves of the plant do hold similar benefits as well. It is thought that the leaves also have some antioxidant and anti-aging properties.
Baptisia Tinctoria Root Extract (Wild Indigo) – While there is some research regarding Wild Indigo, however, most of it is not pertaining to the topical application. Wild Indigo is thought to be able to treat signs of aging, acne and other skin inflammations, UV-induced damage, oxidative stress, skin sensitivity and cellulite. Wild Indigo also contain polysaccharides and proteins that can help keep your skin moisturized and help seal in moisture.
Stellaria Media (Chickweed) Extract – This has been used anecdotally to help reduce inflammation and ease itching.
While some of the ingredients do not have much research backing, the basic idea of this formula is to soothe any and all types of skin irritation and inflammation, reduce free radical damage, help with reducing signs of aging and improve moisturization levels in the skin. This can be good for dry skin as well as acne prone skin.
While the thought has always been natural is better, plant extracts have higher risks of creating skin reactions as compared to synthetic ingredients. While from the basic understanding, this formula could be suitable even for those with severe skin issues like eczema, it is always a good idea to patch test first.
2. Napiers Aqua Formula
The Napiers Aqua Formula contains Lady’s Mantle, Horse Tail, Chickweed, Nettle and Plantain (not the Indian plantain, but a different herb that grows in cooler parts of Britain and North America). This formula claims to moisturize and care for the skin by supplying abundant levels of hydration as well as is filled with nutrients and antioxidants, giving increased elasticity to the skin and making it smooth and supple. Just like original formula, these ingredients do not have much research backing it, especially when it comes to topical application, and is more anecdotal based. A discrepancy I noticed was that the ingredients list on the packaging of the product does not contain plantain, however, in all online sources it mentions it does and is a part of the formula. The product claims to be using the Napiers Aqua formula, so I am assuming that it could be an error, or a change in the product formulation.
Alchemilla Vulgaris Leaf Extract (Lady's Mantle) – Lady’s Mantle is rich in phenols, making it a potent antioxidant. It also contains tannins and can act as an astringent, helping reduce the visibility of the pores. Lady’s Mantle does have skin conditioning and moisturizing properties as well, and this has been highlighted in this product.
Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Extract – There is limited research backing the benefits of horsetail and is claimed to also act as an antioxidant and have skin soothing properties.
Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Leaf Extract – Nettle has been used anecdotally to help heal wounds, is anti-allergenic, reduces irritation, has astringent properties and is anti-bacterial.
Similar to the Original Formula, I would say this is good for dry skin types as well as those who breakout regularly. These formulations when paired with the right spot treatments could help those who suffer from acne. Additionally, the astringent properties can also help those with oilier skin types. As always please patch test, especially given that these are plant extracts.
3. Alcohol Denatured
I have previously spoken about alcohol in skincare (Link) and what my thoughts are of it in skincare, but no matter how lenient I am about including alcohols, having it in the top 6 ingredients is very off putting.
However, there are a few things to be kept in mind:
One of the most common ways to derive natural extracts is by using denat. alcohol or ethanol, which do evapourate once the extraction process is completed. However, trace amounts do remain in the ingredient. One possibility of higher percentage of alcohol in your product could be due to the presence of over 7 – 8 various natural extract. Please keep in mind that it is a possibility with respect to this product and not necessarily true all the time.
Alcohol is volatile and over 97% of it evapourates as you apply it. So even if a product contains 10% of it’s weight in alcohol, only about 3% of that is what remains on your skin. While I am not saying that it’s okay, but it necessarily not as bad as people make it to seem.
Alcohol is drying and will definitely dry out your skin in the long run, however, you can counter that by using ingredients that are hydrating, are emollients and skin replenishing. The belif aqua bomb is loaded with humectants and moisturizers that I will highlight later on, but there are a number of emollients as well (that are in gray) that will help seal all the goodness within
4. Moisturizers
As mentioned before, one of the main facts that I love is how this moisturizer is chock-a-block with really good moisturizing ingredients that not only draw in moisture to the skin, but also act as an emollient that seals in all the moisture. The product contains:
Glycerin – Attracts water (humectant)
Shea Butter – Rich source of fatty acids that can help protect the skin barrier
Ceramide NP – One of my favourite ingredients, and acts literally as the cement that holds skin cells together – helps improve skin barrier function
Squalane – Rich source of fatty acids and antioxidants and can help improve the skin barrier function – especially good for dry skin
PEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin – An alternative to glycerin, and when used together provide wonderful moisturization to the skin
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil – High in oleic acid and palmitoleic acid, acts like an emollient and makes the skin soft and supple
Apart from these, the product has other ingredients that also act as emollients. In addition, the product does contain 6 silicones which further act as emollients and make the skin soft.
5. Malachite Extract
Since the brand does not use any synthetic dyes, one of the questions that bothered me for a long while was the fact that where did it get the colour from. Drum roll please – Malachite – That’s a semi-precious gemstone that has this brilliant green and blue colour. It is rich in copper and is believed to be particularly effective in increasing the production of collagen and elastin in our skin, acts as a good antioxidant and helps protect the skin from pollution.
While there is limited research on how effective it truly is, I am just glad there aren’t any synthetic dyes that can sensitize the skin – and who doesn’t love the feeling of knowing that their product is literally a gem of a product (pun intended).
6. Essential Oils & Fragrances
A common point in most Korean skincare brands is the use of fragrances, and they do know how to concoct really nice smelling products. However, this doesn’t mean that it’s okay. While they have not used synthetic fragrances, there are 4 essential oils and 5 fragrance elements (probably by-products of the essential oils) all of which are well known to be sensitizing to the skin.
Essential oils can be beneficial and even have antioxidant properties, however, they are photosensitive and react in sunlight to breakdown into harmful ingredients.
They are definitely used in small amounts in this formulation, however, it can sensitize your skin in the long run.
My thoughts on the product
Despite the ingredients that seem a little “Hmmm…Do I really need this in my routine”, this is one of my favourite moisturizers of all time! I nearly finished the tub and had to stop myself so I had something to show in this review.
As usual let’s break this down into packaging, touch & feel, how-to-use, and changes I’ve noticed in the time frame that I’ve been using the product.
1. Packaging
The outer packaging is this rather flimsy
transparent plastic box, that makes reading the information on the packaging next to impossible. The packaging mentions the product details, what the consumer can expect from the product, ingredient list, directions of use, warnings, manufacturing and import details.
Personally, I find the product packaging quite cute, and yet at the same time very neat and professional. The tub is white, with product details and directions of use mentioned on it in black, and some product information highlighted in a nice blue. The lid is black, and is shaped almost like a hat, with a little sticker on top that shows a whale with a belif aqua bomb on it’s spout, shooting out water. However, what I do not like, and is a popular packaging and marketing gimmick is having a large tub with a smaller container within that actually holds the moisturizer. It is a little disappointing to see so little product inside a larger shaped tub, especially at the price point it is at.
This does not come with a spatula, so if dipping your fingers into the tub multiple times to apply product irks you out, you’ll need to get yourself a spatula.
2. Touch & Feel
The moisturizer is gel based and light weight, and spreads extremely well. A little goes a long way and you could probably make it last about 2 – 2.5 months or so (if you use it once a day).
It absorbs beautifully well into the skin, however, does leave a slight film over the skin that kind of gives a glossy look.
On application, makes the skin softer and moisturized, yet is not suffocating and is perfect for hot and humid climates.
This has a really nice, pale blue colour, however, this colour would not show when you take a little bit of product – comes off as a little milky – and the pale blue shows up only in the container.
Coming to the fragrance, I don’t mind fragrances when they are subtle and smell good – and the belif aqua bomb is right up there. It has an herbal, lemongrass, aqua scent which is honestly quite nice. However, the fragrance does linger, especially if you’re not going to apply anything over this, you’d still catch a whiff of the moisturizer even after an hour or two.
The whole experience of applying something that is spreads so well as well as smells nice gives a really nice experience overall.
3. How-to-Use
The general rule of thumb while using any skincare products is to go from thinnest to thickest in terms of consistency.
The packaging of the product recommends to, “Apply evenly to face and neck, after a serum. Use daily, morning and evening.”
I prefer to use this in my daytime routine rather than my night, as I prefer to have products that are thicker and with some forms of vitamins or ceramides to help my skin repair.
If you live in a more humid climate, this can be used as a night cream as well, as this would work well to keep your skin moisturized through the night.
Also, I feel this is perfect to layer with as it isn’t too thick, absorbs really well, and forms a nice base for you to work your make-up into as well.
As recommended, I would say using this in conjunction with a good serum underneath can really help the skin.
4. Changes I noticed in over a month
I have normal to combination skin (oily T-Zone), my skin doesn't breakout very often, but I do get very painful deep-seated pimples during my time of the month. My skin concerns are mostly unevenness of skin tone, dark spots/moles on my face - I lost count of how many of those I have, blackheads & whiteheads on the nose, appearance of fine lines on my forehead and around my eyes, and a small degree of sensitivity. I do have a bit of melasma on the sides of my face. I also have dark circles that refuse to let go despite everything I do for them. My skin tolerates acids quite well, and I have not had any skin irritation or peeling even with higher concentrations of acids.
I used the moisturizer once a day (AM) for over 2 months.
On occasion, if I felt my skin felt dehydrated or needed some moisture, I would use this as a second moisturizer (Eg. After applying moisturizer in the morning, in case I felt my skin needed more hydration after 2 – 3 hours, I would go in with this moisturizer)
The product claims that on usage of the moisturizer, clinical evaluation of the skin hydration levels increased by 70%. This is a tall claim, and I do not know how true or not it is – but this delivers everything I look for in a good light-weight day moisturizer.
It spreads very well, is light, absorbs well into the skin, and provides moisturization for atleast half the day (4 – 6 hours, maybe even longer depending on the climate).
Like all moisturizers, the hydration is temporary, so there isn’t a lasting change as such, but the product did make my skin a whole lot softer and felt supple. My skin did look hydrated and definitely felt happy.
Skin type also plays a role in this, and since I have combination skin with an oily T-Zone and dry cheeks, I personally felt that this worked very well for my skin and didn’t leave any part of my face wanting more or less hydration.
Final Thoughts
A definite repurchase for me, and something I’d like to keep in my vanity at all times.
If there was one aspect, I would like to see change, it would be to hopefully see maybe a fragrance-free version of this – if that were to happen, it would be a no-brainer for me.
One of the main drawbacks for me is the cost, at about INR 64 / ml it seems to be a little expensive, especially since it’s a moisturizer and you tend to use more product quickly.
Overall Rating: 4 / 5
This can be used by all skin types but would be best suited for oily and combination skin types.
This could be a good option even for those with dry skin but might not be moisturizing enough if you have extremely dry skin. The Napiers Formulas are said to help even those with eczema, however, from a product perspective belif has a Moisturizing Bomb that is cream based and could work better for drier skin types or those who live in cooler climates.
Disclaimer: I am not a dermatologist. The product review is my personal opinion on the product, and what I understand from articles available online. The overview on ingredients has been sourced from websites that specifically look to provide information on commonly used ingredients in skincare and make-up.
Wherever I have mentioned a specific fact or figure, these have been sourced from published Journals, Paula’s Choice Ingredient Dictionary or INCI Decoder, and Journal sources listed on these websites. Information gathered from specific websites will be referenced as well.
I neither take credit for this information, nor can I guarantee the accuracy of these facts and figures and do not take responsibility for the same.
My main aim is to help people understand the various ingredients in their skincare and how those ingredients work, to help make intelligent purchase decisions with regards to skincare. If I have made any error or mistake, please do let me know, and we can work together to make the necessary changes.
References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23413745/https://www.lesielle.com/int/en/alchemilla-vulgaris-extract-alchemilla-vulgaris-leaf-extract-916#:~:text=What%20is%20Alchemilla%20vulgaris%20extract,America%2C%20Europe%2C%20and%20Asia.&text=The%20extract%20is%20light%20to,characteristic%20odor%2C%20prepared%20from%20leaves.https://labmuffin.com/how-bad-is-alcohol-in-skincare-really/https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-600/wild-indigohttps://europepmc.org/article/pat/ep1321123https://www.surechembl.org/document/EP-1321123-A1file:///C:/Users/Sneha/Downloads/cosmetics-04-00057.pdfhttps://www.allure.com/story/catnip-facial-mist#:~:text=Also%20known%20as%20catnip.,director%20of%20education%20for%20Decl%C3%A9or.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3385634/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3875507/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7027822/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3529973/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4298861/
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