Let me introduce you to the magic trio by Pai Skincare!
Pai is the Maori word for goodness and that’s undeniably fitting for a company that offers such incredible products that contain only the highest quality organic ingredients for skincare that actually works! Quality, purity and transparency are ingrained in the Pai philosophy and that’s exactly what sparked my interest in the brand.
Natural, ethical and sustainable products that are full of goodness and contain no synthetics or irritants! That’s a 1000% yes from me!
I have always been really conscious about what I put inside my body, but no so much about what I use on my skin. That changed at the beginning of 2020 and I have been researching and trying out a lot of clean beauty products. Pai has become one of my go-to skincare brands and these three products, in particular, have quickly become some of my all-time favourites.
I use the exfoliator daily and alternate between the two masks depending on what my skin needs at the time.
Pai Skincare has recently had a re-brand and product names have been changed. You can still, however, find products on their site if you type in the original product names. The best part of the rebrand is the new packaging. The brand has introduced recycled material into over 80% of its retail tubes. They have completely eliminated leaflets by having any product information and instructions printed on the carton itself. You can also find more information about Pai’s Recycling Scheme here.
Pai Skincare has taken a drastic change towards a more sustainable future in a new and innovate way that not only continues to protect the products, looks incredible but also shows that Pai is a pioneer in the industry.
The breakdown of ingredients within this post is based on information that I have been able to find through my personal research and not claims made by the brand itself. The intention is to show you the incredible formulas of Pai products by breaking down each ingredient and its benefits when used in skincare products.
Virtuous Circle
Kukui & Jojoba Bead Eco-based Exfoliator
The Kukui and jojoba exfoliator is ultra-gentle on the skin which makes it perfect for everyday use and double-cleansing. It helps with brightening, smoothing and softening. The two main ingredients in the exfoliator are kukui oil and jojoba beads. The jojoba wax beads, which are 100% natural, gently refine the texture of the skin by lifting away any dead skin cells and impurities without causing any damage to the skin cells. Kukui, on the other hand, is what deeply nourishes the skin. Kukui is a Hawaiian oil that contains a unique blend of Omega 3 and 6 and prevents any water loss from occurring in the skin. I can’t recommend this product enough, not only to those who have sensitive skin but those who are wary of what goes into their products. Amazing natural ingredients without synthetics that irritate the skin.
Ingredients List
Other ingredients include – organic sunflower oil, organically derived vegetable glycerine, organic sweet almond oil, organic kukui oil, organic apricot kernel oil, organic safflower oil, organic avocado oil, organic castor oil, jojoba beads, organic orange fruit water, organic frankincense oil, organic may chang oil, sucrose laurate, beta-sitosterol tocopherol (vitamin E), squalene; citral, limonene, linalool (naturally occurring in essential oils. Impressively, 95% of the ingredients in this product are organic!
Sunflower oil is a non-comedogenic oil which is highly absorbent yet does not clog the pores and helps the skin retain moisture. It contains vitamin E which is believed to help protect the skin from premature ageing and wrinkles.
The fatty acids in sweet almond oil help deeply nourish the skin and maintain hydration while the vitamin E in sweet almond oil soothes irritation.
Kukui oil is a big part of the Hawaiin culture and it has been used for generation in traditional Hawaiin healing. Kukui oil is a rich source of fatty acids, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants that can soothe irritated skin. It has the ability to deeply penetrate the skin without blocking your pores. It also minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and protects the skin against environmental stressors.
Apricot kernel oil has exception antioxidant qualities and it not only firms and tones the skin but it can also reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It enhances the skin natural elasticity while reducing dark circles and acne inflammation. Apricot kernel oil aids in the natural cell turn over of your skin, keeping it younger, smoother and brighter for longer.
Safflower oil is a deeply moisturizing oil that has anti inflammatory properties which makes it perfect for acne prone skin. It is high in antioxidants and can help promote skin cell renewal.
Avocado oil is very soothing on the skin and has anti inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. The best part about this particular oil is that it doesn’t clog pores and it absorbs quite quickly. It is high in vitamin E and omega 3 fatty acids which are responsible for retaining the skin’s elasticity and reducing wrinkles. It also helps to stimulate collagen production which makes it perfect for skin cell repair and aging skin.
Castor oil deeply nourishes dry skin diminishing the appearance of fine lines. It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties making effective at fighting and preventing blemishes as well as clearing acne scars. Castor oil contains fatty acids that benefits the skin by helping it retain moisture giving your skin a better texture.
The the wax from jojoba plant is formed int tiny spherical beads which are excellent at exfoliating the skin without stripping your skin from moisture.
Orange fruit water is high in vitamin C which is vital in the skin’s production of collagen. It’s an effective way to delay signs of aging such as wrinkles, fine lines and dullness overall.
Frankincense oil has an incredible effect on skin cell renewal. It’s great at improving skin tone and reducing the appearance of imperfections such as dark spot and fine lines. Despite the false misconception some people might have in regards to face oils, frankincense is great at managing sebum production.
May chang oil has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties which make it great for treating eczema and acne.
Sucrose Laurate is a very mild non-ionic surfactant that contributes to the even distribution of the product when it’s used. It has been used in cosmetics for a long time due to its plant origin and high bioavailability. It has emulsifiying and moisturizing properties.
Beta-sitosterol tocopherol (vitamin E) protects the skin from the damaging effects of free radicals thus helping slow down the ageing process. It also reduces acne scars and blemishes.
The squalene used in this Pai product is a natural component of tocopherol (vitamin E) which is derived from soy. Squalene restores the lipids of the skin which has a crucial role in maintaining the strength of the skin’s protective barrier thus protecting the skin from damage and keeping impurities out of the upper layer of the skin
The naturally occurring forms of Citral Limonene and Linalool present in this Pai product are only there because of the oils used within the actual product formula. They differ from fragrances or perfumes found in other skincare brands, as they don’t have the same allergenic activity. Citral Limonene and linalool are mainly used to improve the scent of skincare formulations.
Directions
Now a bit on how exactly to use this goodness by Pai! I use it daily when I first get in the shower. I apply it to clean, dry skin and I massage it into, focusing on the areas of congestion which for me are my nose and T zone. I then moisten my fingertips and continue massaging the product for about 3 minutes. The gel quickly turns into a silky milk that I rinse off with warm water.
Dinner Out
Re – Balance
Copaiba & Kaolin Blemish Mask
If you have sensitive skin that is prone to blemishes and congestion, the Copaiba & Kaolin Blemish mask is the one for you. It helps with decongestion, balancing and brightening. I have tried my fair share of clay-based masks but this one, in particular, is not like anything else I’ve used before. Not only because it actually works, but because the Kaolin clay in this product draws out impurities without that post clay mask tight skin feeling. It clarifies the skin, it draws out impurities but yet it manages to restore the skin’s balance keeping your skin nourished and glowy. Simultaneously, the ultra-gentle pink pomelo fruit AHA acids remove any dead skin cells from the surface of the skin just to reveal a smoother and healthier-looking complexion. Copaiba, on the other hand, is an incredible Amazonian plant that works in synergy to improve the overall health of acne-prone skin. The mask is so gentle on the skin that you don’t necessarily expect to see any results after using it. Yet once you remove it with the muslin cloth provided with the mask, your skin feels extremely soft and smooth. The mask clarifies and brightens under just ten minutes just to reveal a radiant and more even complexion day after day.
I personally have noticed that some impurities that are drawn out by the mask don’t appear on the surface of the skin on the same day of using it. Usually, I notice them the day after using the mask. This is where the Kukui and Jojoba bead exfoliator comes to the rescue. Once I exfoliate my skin using that product, any impurities that have appeared on the surface of the skin are gently removed. No breakouts, no irritation or tightness! Incredible!
Ingredients List
Other ingredients include – water, kaolin, vegetable glycerin, glyceryl stearate citrate, Cetearyl alcohol, organic kukui oil, organic andiroba seed oil, organic grapefruit extract, Arabic gum, organic acai fruit oil, hickory bark extract, organic copaiba resin, xantham gum, sodium levulinate, organic frankincense oil, glyceryl caprylate, sodium anisate, organic may chang oil, tocopherol (vitamin E), lactic acid, citric acid; citral, limonene (naturally occurring in essential oils)
The great thing about kaolin clay is that it reaches deep within the pores to draw out any impurities or toxins without clogging your pores or causing breakouts. Kaolin is extremely gentle on the skin and compared to other clays, it does not dry out your skin. Kaolin is perfect for those with sensitive skin as it’s extremely gentle on the skin. It also clears the skin without stripping it of its natural oils. Kaolin is a great natural detoxifier and exfoliator making it great at removing dirt and dead skin cells yet keeping your skin moisturized and ensuring a brighter and toned complexion.
Vegetable glycerin is an amazing skin moisturizer as it helps retain moisture in the skin. Glycerin also stimulates skin cell renewal giving your skin a healthier and more youthful complexion. It is also perfect for those with sensitive skin as it is very soothing and can help maintain the smoothness of the skin. Interestingly, glycerin is a great facial cleanser, removing impurities from the skin and evening out the skin tone.
Glyceryl stearate citrate helps the skin retain moisture and is capable of penetrating the skin leaving it soft and silky smooth. It also rejuvenates the skin by forming a barrier on the skin which prevents moisture loss.
Cetearyl alcohol belongs to the family of fatty alcohols. It is often used in cosmetic products due to its emollient and binding properties. It is usually used to improve the texture of products but it has the added benefits of softening and protecting the skin.
Kukui oil is a big part of the Hawaiin culture and it has been used for generation in traditional Hawaiin healing. Kukui oil is a rich source of fatty acids, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants that can soothe irritated skin. It has the ability to deeply penetrate the skin without blocking your pores. It also minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and protects the skin against environmental stressors.
Andiroba seed oil is high in antioxidants which fight free radicals. Andiroba oil also reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and it naturally plumps up the skin. Andiroba oil improves the elasticity of your skin by supporting the production of collagen in your skin.
Grapefruit extract contains different types of acid that remove dead skin cells. By exfoliating your skin, grapefruit extract leaves your skin feeling smoother and brighter. Grapefruit extract also contains vitamin C which minimizes the damage of environmental factors, helps fade spots and stimulates the production of collagen.
Arabic gum helps reduce skin inflammation and redness but it is mainly used to improve the texture of cosmetic products.
Acai fruit oil has anti-ageing properties and protects the skin from environmental stressors. Acai fruit oil is high in antioxidants, vitamin C and E, omega 3,6 and 9 fatty acids. Because of all these powerful nutrients, acai fruit oil is incredible for sensitive skin and helps rejuvenate the skin by giving it a more youthful appearance.
Hickory bark extract has anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing properties and is perfect for acne-prone skin. It also increases cell turnover which leads to a more rejuvenated skin and improved skin tone and texture.
Copaiba resin is not only great for reducing acne scars but it also has the ability to regenerate your skin’s collagen. By improving the elasticity, texture and firmness of the skin, copaiba resin is great for maintaining the overall appearance of the skin.
Xantham gum is mainly used as a binder in cosmetics.
Sodium levulinate is great for dry skin as it restores the suppleness of dull and tired skin. It is mainly used as a preservative and a conditioning agent in cosmetics.
Frankincense oil has an incredible effect on skin cell renewal. It’s great at improving skin tone and reducing the appearance of imperfections such as dark spot and fine lines. Despite the false misconception some people might have in regards to face oils, frankincense is great at managing sebum production.
Glyceryl caprylate is used in skincare products to soften the skin as it restores the skin’s natural oils and regulates the skin’s moisture. It is also used as an emulsifier and it is produced from various vegetable oils.
Sodium anisate has anti-microbial properties and it could be used to control the pH levels of cosmetic products. When paired with sodium levulinate, it is used to preserve cosmetic products.
May chang oil has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties which make it great for treating eczema and acne.
Tocopherol (vitamin E) protects the skin from the damaging effects of free radicals thus helping slow down the ageing process. It also reduces acne scars and blemishes.
Lactic acid is a fruit acid (AHA) and it’s mainly used as a pH regulator. It helps the skin retain moisture and it has the ability to exfoliate dead skin cells.
Citric Acid is also used as a pH regulator. It can help treat acne, dark spots and overall uneven skin tone. It is often used in exfoliating products as it can unclog the pores and remove dirt and sebum from the skin.
The naturally occurring forms of Citral Limonene and Linalool present in this Pai product are only there because of the oils used within the actual product formula. They differ from fragrances or perfumes found in other skincare brands, as they don’t have the same allergenic activity. Citral Limonene and linalool are mainly used to improve the scent of skincare formulations.
Directions
I have found that the best way to use this mask would be straight after a shower, as your pores would be open then. You do that by applying a generous layer to clean, dry skin and leave the mask to work its magic for 8 to 10 minutes. You then rinse it using the enclosed muslin cloth and warm water. The result is perfectly clarified skin without the tightness of clay masks.
Curtain Call
Rosehip & Strawberry Leaf Brightening Mask
The rosehip radiance mask is a must-have all year round but especially during the colder months. It helps with soothing, hydrating and improving the elasticity of the skin. This brightening mask leaves the skin more radiant and dewy after the first use making it perfect for dull and tired skin. Rosehip oil contains high concentrations of Omega 3, 6, 7 and 9 as well as antioxidants carotenoids that help repair and protect the skin against environmental stresses and damage. The full range of Omegas feeds essentials nutrients to skin for a brighter and plumper complexion. Strawberry leaf extract not only brightens the complexion but also refines the texture of the skin. Deeply nourishing and perfect for those with reactive or sensitive skin, the rosehip mask provides a boost of hydration to dull and tired skin while reducing the appearance of redness.
There is an organic Twin Flyer Cloth that comes with the mask. The muslin cloth is double-sided, with a soft terry option for sensitive areas.
Ingredients List
Other ingredients include – water, organically derived vegetable glycerine, organic sunflower oil, organic rosehip seed extract, organic castor oil, organic shea butter, glyceryl stearate citrate, Cetearyl alcohol, organic plum oil, kaolin, strawberry leaf extract, organic rosehip fruit extract, sodium anisate, Arabic gum, hickory bark extract, glyceryl caprylate, xantham gum, tocopherol (vitamin E), sodium levulinate, organic rosemary extract, lactic acid
75% of the ingredients used in the formula of this product are organic!
Water is usually used to improve the texture and the absorption of products.
Vegetable glycerin is an amazing skin moisturizer as it helps retain moisture in the skin. Glycerin also stimulates skin cell renewal giving your skin a healthier and more youthful complexion. It is also perfect for those with sensitive skin as it is very soothing and can help maintain the smoothness of the skin. Interestingly, glycerin is a great facial cleanser, removing impurities from the skin and evening out the skin tone.
Sunflower oil is a non-comedogenic oil which is highly absorbent yet does not clog the pores and helps the skin retain moisture. It contains vitamin E which is believed to help protect the skin from premature ageing and wrinkles.
Rosehip seed extract soaks up in the skin very easily, deeply nourishing the skin without leaving a greasy residue. It is high in essential fatty acids as well as beta-carotene, vitamin E and vitamin A. Rosehip seed extract minimizes signs of aging as fine lines and wrinkles and could potentially halt premature aging. It also helps to even out the skin tone and tone the skin.
Castor oil deeply nourishes dry skin diminishing the appearance of fine lines. It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties making effective at fighting and preventing blemishes as well as clearing acne scars. Castor oil contains fatty acids that benefits the skin by helping it retain moisture giving your skin a better texture.
Shea butter is deeply nourishing and regenerating but also very calming on the skin which makes it perfect for sensitive skin. It reduces scarring and the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and blemishes. Shea butter also encourages the production of collagen in the skin whilst protecting it from UV radiation.
Glyceryl stearate citrate helps the skin retain moisture and is capable of penetrating the skin leaving it soft and silky smooth. It also rejuvenates the skin by forming a barrier on the skin which prevents moisture loss.
Cetearyl alcohol belongs to the family of fatty alcohols. It is often used in cosmetic products due to its emollient and binding properties. It is usually used to improve the texture of products but it has the added benefits of softening and protecting the skin.
Plum oil protects the skin from oxidative stress and free radicals. This particular oil is not only deeply nourishing and hydrating but also aids skin cell regeneration. Plum oil is perfect for acne-prone skin as it’s lightweight and non-comedogenic.
The great thing about kaolin clay is that it reaches deep within the pores to draw out any impurities or toxins without clogging your pores or causing breakouts. Kaolin is extremely gently on the skin and compared to other clays, it does not dry out your skin. Kaolin is perfect for those with sensitive skin as it’s extremely gently on the skin. It also clears the skin without stripping it of its natural oils. Kaolin is a great natural detoxifier and exfoliator making it great at removing dirt and dead skin cells yet keeping your skin moisturized and ensuring a brighter and toned complexion.
Strawberry leaf extract contains antibacterial agents and it’s high in antioxidants, vitamin C and essential micronutrients which is always key to keeping your skin in good condition.
Rosehip fruit extract is packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. By increasing the production of collagen in the skin, rosehip fruit extract restores the youthfulness of the skin. It’s an incredible ingredient that brightens the skin and fights free radicals due to the high contents of vitamin C. Rosehip fruit extract also helps protect the skin from premature ageing, it improves the overall texture of the skin and it improves cell regeneration. The oil is also a natural source of essential fatty acids omega 3, 6 and 9 – which help repair and regenerate damaged skin tissue as well as a powerful antioxidants lycopene, which helps improve skin texture and offer protection against premature ageing, and beta-carotene, which helps prevent free-radical damage responsible for skin ageing.
Sodium anisate has anti-microbial properties and it could be used to control the pH levels of cosmetic products. When paired with sodium levulinate, it is used to preserve cosmetic products.
Arabic gum helps reduce skin inflammation and redness but it is mainly used to improve the texture of cosmetic products.
Hickory bark extract has anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties and is perfect for acne prone skin. It also increases cell turnover which leads to a more rejuvenated skin and improved skin tone and texture.
Glyceryl caprylate is used in skincare products to soften the skin as it restores the skin’s natural oils and regulates the skin’s moisture. It is also used as an emulsifier and it is produced from various vegetable oils.
Xantham gum is mainly used as a binder in cosmetics.
Tocopherol (vitamin E) protects the skin from the damaging effects of free radicals thus helping slow down the ageing process. It also reduces acne scars and blemishes.
Sodium levulinate is great for dry skin as it restores the suppleness of dull and tired skin. It is mainly used as a preservative and a conditioning agent in cosmetics.
Rosemary extract is a powerhouse of essential nutrients, minerals and vitamins which are extremely beneficial to keep the skin nourished, rejuvenated and plump. Rosemary extract is perfect for people who have sensitive skin as it has soothing and calming properties when used in skincare products. Furthermore, it helps prevent premature signs of aging by tightening the skin and giving it an overall more youthful appearance. Rosemary extract has anti-bacterial properties thus when used it cosmetics it can not only clear out your pores and help fade acne scars and remove blackheads but also exfoliate the skin leaving it extremely smooth and healthy looking.
Lactic acid is a fruit acid (AHA) and it’s mainly used as a pH regulator. It helps the skin retain moisture and it has the ability to exfoliate dead skin cells.
Directions
I tend to alternate between the Rosehip and Strawberry Leaf Brightening Mask and the Copaiba & Kaolin Blemish mask depending on what my skin needs at the time. I use this mask straight after a shower by applying a generous layer to clean, dry skin. I leave for eight to ten minutes, then rinse with the enclosed muslin cloth and warm water.
I hope that the breakdown of each ingredient of the three Pai Skincare products reviewed in this post has helped you grasp how powerful these formulas are and the incredible attention to detail that goes into creating such amazing skincare products. I not only love Pai products because of their focus on natural and clean ingredients but I can also personally relate to the story of the founder of Pai, Sarah Brown, the company philosophy and last but certainly not least the company values that are engrained in Pai’s culture.
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Yours Truly,
Tanya