Beauty Without Secrets: OY-L Zero Chemical Skincare

My very first experience with natural and organic skincare went down in 2007 during a mass splurge on the Stella McCartney CARE range of products, popular at the time. Does anyone even remember it? The heavy, oily and very earthy line up did not impress. The toner, however, was fabulous. Sadly, shortly afterward, it turned out the designer’s line was neither as natural nor additive free as promised and as a result disappeared from Sephora’s shelves unceremoniously.

10 years later…

Intrigued by some truly incredible eco-luxe additions to my vanity (think Vintner’s Daughter, African Botanics, Votary), I am consciously expanding my green, natural and organic beauty horizons. After attending the most recent Indie Beauty Expo in August, my skincare repertoire has been heavily influenced by a handful of super natural potions. Not supernaturals. Close though.

Meet OY-L

Known as ‘zero chemical skincare’, OY-L is an elegant range of skin and body care with a straightforward message: beauty without secrets. Formulated to address her daughter’s unexplained weakness, pain and discomfort, Andrea Pierce-Naymon, the brand’s founder, perfected 100% natural, plant-derived treatments and provides a luxurious experience with anti-aging benefits.

A rare treasure in the often deceiving green segment of the beauty industry, OY-L delivers a chic aesthetic and masterful fusions of plant extracts, minerals and essential oils. All are built on a lush base of Hemp Seed Oil, which is both ultra nourishing and rich in omega 3-6 fatty acids. It is the star ingredient and a constant across the entire OY-L spectrum.

Face Wash

I don’t even know where to start with this one. Real talk. The OY-L Face Wash is fueled by Manuka 20+ Honey, a medical grade compound with insane antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Brought to you by bees that pollinate tea tree bushes in New Zealand, this uber repairing extract is your skin’s new best friend. Combined with raw local honey, hemp seed, grapeseed, and saponified coconut oils, it purifies, soothes and cleanses the skin without stripping its protective barrier.

Apply to damp skin, add a tiny bit of water, and watch the soft lather rinse away dirt, makeup, and pollutants in a single step. Infused with a proprietary blend of essential oils, the OY-L Face Wash turns an ordinary task into an aromatherapy ritual. P.S. Shake well before each use.

Exfoliating Manuka Mask

Admittedly, I was hesitant. The OY-L Exfoliating Manuka Mask looks messy. It so is not. Slightly goopy, the mix of honeys and oils is folded with ground organic rose petals and lavender buds, colloidal oatmeal, blueberry and cranberry seeds as well as rosehip and willow bark extracts. I mean… right?

A thin layer on clean skin is all you need. Cooling and invigorating, it dries soft and feels comfortable while you keep it on for twenty minutes. I dampened my fingers and massaged in the seeds and flakes to boost the exfoliation and jumpstart the regenerating process. With the help of a face towel (these work wonders and are very affordable), the OY-L mask wipes off without a trace. You will not be able to avoid doing so but show some control and stop touching your new face.

Body Care

With options for body scrubs, butters and bath salts, OY-L nails the spa experience by offering pure, clean, and sensory stimulating formulas. Those living for a rewarding scrub down, will appreciate the grit only provided by pink Himalayan salt with nourishing butters and oils. If you opt for the Pink Grapefruit Body Scrub, you’ll appreciate its vibrant aroma, which makes for a perfect start to the day. The Body Butter – a huge surprise. Whipped to fluffy perfection and not at all buttery (far from dense is what I am trying to say), the lightweight cream glides on the skin, absorbs within minutes, and delivers lasting moisture. The Listea Basil scent is very garden fresh, almost epicurious. Other options include Pink Grapefruit, Lavender (OMG), Tiare Lime (OMFG), and Unscented.

I highly recommend treating yourself to some OY-L Bath Salts since the company donates 15% of all proceeds to Dysautonomia International, a non-profit organization looking to find a cure for Dysautonomia.

In Summary

OY-L is pretty fab. From impressive ingredient decks through classically understated packaging and tangible results, the brand needs to be on your green beauty radar. Formulated WITHOUT Phthalates, Parabens, DEA/TEA/MEA, Color Pigments, Formaldehyde, Preservatives, Isopropyl Alcohol, Mineral Oil, PEGs, Propylene Glycols, SLS, Triclosan, Talc nor Petrolatum. Effective, non-intimidating and made in the U.S.A., I am very much impressed by OY-L. Personal favorites are the Face Wash ($18 – $36) and Exfoliating Manuka Mask ($60) without a doubt.

Available at oy-l.com.

*press samples