Even though the Indian market is flooded with various moisturizing creams, not many help dry skin retain its natural moisture to look hydrated throughout the day. Here comes the importance of Nivea Moisturizer. When I came across this one, I could not help but pick it up instantly. Read the full Nivea Soft Light Moisturizer review below to get a detailed idea about the product. Also, know about choosing the right moisturizer for dry skin and the ingredients to avoid.
Choosing Moisturizer for Dry Skin
Just like oily skin is prone to breakouts and pigmentation, dry skin also has issues. Forget special winter care; dry skin must be pampered with a high dose of moisture even during the rest of the year. But when finding the right product to infuse lots of moisture into dry skin and lock it in, most people feel helpless! So, here are a few tips for you to start with:
- Opt for cream-based moisturizers that are heavy in consistency and thick in texture.
- Look for ingredients like water, emollients, humectants, vitamins (A, C, and E), antioxidants, etc. (1)
- Skip products that include irritating substances as they may cause stinging or burning sensations. Instead, look for soothing components.
- Try to find moisturizers with SPF 30 or more for adequate sun protection.
- If you have specific dry skin conditions, consult a dermatologist for a complete evaluation of your skin and expert recommendations based on that.
What to Avoid in a Moisturizer?
As mentioned, you should avoid certain ingredients in your moisturizer to prevent your dry skin from worsening. Some popular ‘extras’ in facial moisturizers that cause more harm to dry skin than good are (2):
- Synthetic colors and perfumes that are potentially irritating to the skin
- Acidic substances, which may aggravate several dry skin conditions
- Antibacterial agents that rip the skin of its natural essential oils
- Alcohol and steroidal ingredients, which turn dry skin even drier
- Body-friendly elements (waxes, shea butter, mineral oil) that may clog skin pores
So, if you are looking for a great facial moisturizer that will pamper your dry skin and keep it healthy without harmful ingredients, Nivea Soft Light Moisturizer is the right choice. We’ll tell you why.
About the Brand ‘Nivea’
Nivea is a 100+-year-old German personal care brand that started its journey in the skincare industry according to its own words,
“Over 100 years ago, we invented modern skincare with NIVEA Creme. Today, millions of people worldwide, all with different skin types, rely on the NIVEA brand. That is why our researchers work extensively with different skin types and the different care requirements brought about by culture, gender, and age. Thanks to this approach, we have developed numerous innovative skincare products over the past few decades – from deodorants to sunscreen products. We work with over 50 institutions worldwide to ensure our products suit your skin. At our headquarters in Hamburg, we have even set up our laboratory for Asia and Latin America, where we conduct research specifically aimed at skin types and climate conditions found in these regions. We do this so that one day everybody can place their trust in NIVEA products (3).“
About Nivea Soft Light Moisturizer
Nivea Soft Light Moisturizer is a dermatologically tested moisturizing cream that suits all skin types. The brand follows a unique formulation for this product in which a water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion is created instead of an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion. It is enriched with vitamin E and jojoba oil, which go deep into the skin and turn it into a fresh, soft, smooth, and healthy-looking one. The product’s light texture and fast-absorbing formula make it highly effective and stimulating. It comes in 5 different sizes to suit everyone’s needs.
Although a W/O emulsion takes time to get stabilized, it offers long-lasting hydration to the skin by improving its natural barrier properties to a large extent.
Ingredients
Aqua, Glycerin, Paraffinum Liquidum, Myristyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat. 3.6% v/v, Stearic Acid, Myristyl Myristate, Cera Microcristallina, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Lanolin Alcohol (Eucerit), Polyglyceryl-2 Caprate, Dimethicone, Sodium Carbomer, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum.
Shelf Life
30 months
Application
Apply to the face and hands twice daily after cleansing the skin thoroughly with a mild cleanser.
Price
- 300 ml. – Rs. 559
Availability
Readily available online and offline beauty stores
Read Also – Pond’s Silk Cream Review
Packaging
The packaging of Nivea Soft Light Moisturizer may appear very classy and feminine, but it is the biggest drawback of the product. The cream comes in a white plastic tub with light blue designs instead of Nivea’s typical ancient blue tin container. The tub’s side and bottom have the necessary information mentioned on it. Once you open the tub cap, you can see a silver foil covering the cream.
Now, the issue is I need to dip my fingers into the cream each time I use it, which is unhygienic. It increases the chances of developing infections a hundred times. I don’t understand why a big brand like Nivea can’t still get out of the tub concept! It isn’t enjoyable. Moreover, I can’t carry the tub with me. No, I’m not talking about the size, as it is already available in two smaller sizes. The silver foil’s absence and the cream’s consistency make it a complete mess if the tub ever gets flipped during traveling. I didn’t expect this!
If the tub or jar is not airless, the components of the moisturizer breaks down easily. Also, if it is transparent or translucent, the exposure to daylight decreases the efficacy of the ingredients to a large extent. Hence, always choose tube packaging over jar packaging as it reduces the chances of contamination as well as ingredient breakdown.
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My Take on Nivea Soft Light Moisturizer
The product is pure white and very soft and buttery. It has a signature Nivea smell, which is, to some extent, strong for sensitive noses. As the company said, the product’s texture is extremely light. It can be spread throughout the skin without tugging and does not make it greasy or sticky. You may see a shiny cast on your face for the next 15 to 20 minutes of application, but it gradually disappears.
I usually apply it to my cleansed face and neck before bed. Even though my skin is dehydrated, I need only a tiny amount. It gets absorbed into the skin within a few minutes and must not be massaged thoroughly. My skin becomes perfectly soft, supple, and smooth in the morning. The moisturizing quality of this product is excellent. I’ve used it even during the daytime, and my skin remained hydrated almost throughout the day without making me reapply it. I’ve also used it for my dry hands and chapped feet during the chilled winter days; the result was fantastic! For me, it is a beautiful night cream that is affordable enough and lives up to its claims.
Pros
- Amazing buttery texture
- It feels light on the skin
- It gets absorbed in the skin fast
- It doesn’t make the skin sticky
- Requires a tiny amount for each application
- Moisturize very well
- It makes skin soft and supple instantly
- Results last almost the entire day
- It suits all skin types
- Perfect for moisturizing the rest of the body, especially hands and legs
- Reasonably priced
- Very easily available
- Multiple sizes available
Cons
- Unhygienic tub packaging
- Container not travel-friendly
- It contains denatured alcohol, which may make super dry skin even drier
- Strong smell
- It makes the face a little shiny, which remains for 15-20 minutes
Rating
4/5
Recommendation
Absolutely! It can save the day for dry skin during the winter months. If Nivea introduces improved packaging, it will become a must-have in my collection.
Tricks to Make the Most of Your Moisturizer
Finally, learn a few surefire tricks to make the moisturizer work perfectly for your dry skin:
- Do not apply the same moisturizer for both your face and body.
- Dampen your face slightly before applying the moisturizer for better absorption.
- Pick a tinted moisturizer to reduce dry patches and get an even skin tone.
Do You Require A Moisturizer?
Wait a moment! Some dermatologists argue that prolonged and excessive use of moisturizers can negatively affect your skin. Moisturizers may disrupt the natural hydration process, causing the skin to become reliant on them. Consequently, the skin may reduce its moisturizing efforts, resulting in dry, lackluster, and sensitive skin over time. While applying a moisturizer is generally safe, overusing it can potentially harm your skin. (4)
Read Also – Lotus Sweat And Waterproof Sun Block Cream With SPF 30 Review
Summary:
Nivea Soft Light Moisturizer is a dermatologically-tested moisturizing cream that suits all skin types. It is a fast-absorbing, water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion enriched with vitamin E and jojoba oil that makes the skin look fresh, soft, smooth, and healthy through deep penetration. The white-colored product has a light, buttery texture and a signature smell. It provides deep penetration sans greasiness or stickiness. The jar packaging of the product may increase the chance of contamination and ingredient breakdown. But the moisturizer suits all skin types and gives invigorating results immediately. If you have dry and dull skin, the Nivea Soft Light Moisturizer can be a perfect choice under budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Should I Use It on my Face?
Nivea Soft Light Moisturizer can be used on any body part, including the face. Its unique formula takes excellent care of the soft and delicate facial skin so that it looks healthy and beautiful all through the year.
Does the Product Clog Pores?
All products by Nivea are non-comedogenic, meaning they do not contain any pore-clogging ingredient.
Is It Suitable for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin?
This product is suitable for all types of skin regardless of its kind and texture. As it is non-comedogenic, you can use it on oily and acne-prone skin without worry.
What are the Natural Alternatives to It?
If you are not into commercial moisturizing products, you can replace your Nivea Soft Light Moisturizer with several natural moisturizing agents readily available in your kitchen. These include honey, buttermilk, olive oil, coconut oil, castor oil, shea butter, avocado, aloe vera, cucumber, and many more.
References:
- “Choosing a Good Moisturizer for Your Skin,” Health.Harvard.edu
- “Choosing the Right Moisturizer for Your Skin“, WebMD.com
- “Nivea History – 100 Years in the Making“, NiveaUSA.com
- “This Dermatologist Thinks You Should Give Up Moisturizer Forever” – refinery29.com