I need that perfect product to help my dry hair and dry skin – is this the ‘wonder one’ to do it? asks Sarah Jones
Beauty products are often called wonder, magic or miracle, and although not completely gullible, I admit I remain susceptible to such promises.
So when I was sent a beautiful glass bottle of Spa Ceylon’s Island Rose Wonder Oil, it had me hooked. Looking at the way the light set off pretty gold floral patterns on the glass bottle made me curious. Naming a product “Wonder Oil” sets expectations fairly high, but I have been an oil user for hair, body, and even nails, for years because I know oils solve dryness in a way that creams don’t. I’m forever hunting for that product to help my dry hair and dry skin.
Almond, Coconut, Argan, Jojoba, Grapeseed, Rosehip, Lavender and Vitamin E. Those of you with oilier skins, look away now.
Rose has not always been my comfort scent, not really my thing. It’s familiar, traditional and calming, but sometimes overwhelming if done wrong. I like a citrusy or clean scent, but with Rose Wonder Oil, I liked how the fragrance feels light and natural rather than overly perfumed, making it easy to wear every day. The formula is a cleverly multitasking one, designed for both skin and hair, which I approve of, as who wouldn’t want more bathroom shelf space and to save on buying two items?
I’ve been using it daily for a while now. You can see I’m almost half a bottle in (this has clearly been a very thorough testing). The directions for use recommend spraying directly onto skin and hair, although I’m not sure who has the courage to do that. I preferred spraying it into my palms first. Rubbing my hands together releases the fragrance before applying it to my dry areas: elbows, knees, the ends of my hair, and the skin on my back. There’s also a beauty ritual about this method. Slowing down the morning race to get ready for the day and spending one or two moments lost in the scent you hold in your hands before smoothing it across the body.
Ah, menopause and its many gifts, dry and finer skin which becomes itchy being one of them. My skin has found limited relief with relatively few products in my fifties. Does this light to middle weight oil help to ease this skin type? The answer is a firm yes. Since I started using it, sensitive and itchy areas on my back have soothed significantly. Crispy hair ends have calmed down. It is feeling like the product to help my dry hair and dry skin.
Wonder Oil contains eight Ayurveda Wonderherbs in an ultra nourishing blend. Moringa and Marigold help soothe skin and shield against pollution. Sweet Almond and Virgin Coconut help protect skin from dryness without feeling greasy after applying, while absorbing quickly.
As a hair oil, it works equally well on my thick, coarse mane, smoothing any dry ends without weighing them down and giving a subtle shine.
The packaging is beautiful. The pretty 100ml glass bottle feels suitably luxurious for £32. It’s not inexpensive, but considering it works as both a body and hair treatment, it feels like good value. The bottle is larger than I’d pack for a weekend away, though, and I’m hesitant about decanting an oil into another container. Been there before, arriving somewhere with an oil slick in the makeup bag (that’s a shame, as I’d like to take it everywhere with me in a travel size)
On their website, Spa Ceylon state they are firmly opposed to animal testing and are committed to ethical practices, including sustainability and “creating a better future for people and communities too”. From reducing its carbon footprint and embracing renewable energy to conserving water and empowering women, the brand says it is committed to making a positive difference while staying true to its roots in wellness and care.
So, back to my original question: is it a Wonder Oil? I’m saying yes. This one has earned a permanent place in my post shower routine. For anyone dealing with the double whammy of dry skin and dry hair, particularly menopausal dry skin, it’s a very lovely all rounder.
Article and images by Sarah Jones
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