Just Sampling: Doshacare Ayurvedic Skincare Discovery Kit

A couple of months back, I received this Discovery Kit of Ayurvedic skincare by a brand called Doshacare. I’m unfamiliar with Ayurvedic skincare, but not with the concept. So naturally, I was quite keen to give it a go.

Doshacare is from the USA (surprise!) and is based on the Indian holistic healing system of Ayurveda. I’m told that most of the products are botanically and naturally obtained and are friendly to the environment. Why its called “Customized Ayurvedic Skincare” is because the products you used are  customized for your skin needs. That however, is pretty much the basis of all skincare, so unless its tailored for something more esoteric, I’m not sure how more special it can be. There are 4 categories: Vata (dry and dehydrated skin), Pitta (normal and sensitive skin), Kapha (oily and congested skin) and Sakala (all skin types).

Here’s a brief run down on my thoughts on the products. Do note that due to the size of the samples and the shorter testing period, this is a case of “Just Sampling” so thoughts will be kept brief.

Doshacare Cleansing Gel (Kapha) and Cleansing Cream (Vata)

The cleansing gel is light on the skin and does not lather up very much. If you are used to organic or products with low or no SLS, you will be familiar with the texture. It cleans well without drying but does not deep cleanse. Its a basic cleanser and I found it worked best for me in the morning. I did not like the cleansing cream. It was thick and I found it too oily. Quite fitting that its for dry skin.

Doshacare Sakala Ama Release Tonic for pore purification

The sample sprizter was wonky so that clouded my judgment of this product. It wouldn’t spritz well and when it did, it’d spritz right into my eye and this tonic thing smarts!! The instructions say it goes on the skin before cleansing and is tailored for stubborn blemishes. Not having blemishes during this period I couldn’t test this. It helps clarify the skin and gives brighter skin used about 3 times a week. I like the tingling feel on my skin but as I mentioned, I did not have blemishes and my skin looked normal. Then again, as I have also noted the spritz on the sample sucked and yes that clouds my judgment.

Doshacare Kapha Detoxifying Moisturizer (for light hydration) and Vata Hydrating Moisturizer (for deep hydration)

I liked the Kapha Detoxifying Moisturizer. Its been totally used up! It felt light on my skin yet delivered sufficient moisture both for night and day. It does not feel oily and it isn’t too light either. I’d say its worth taking a look at this one. Although I have slightly drier skin on the cheeks, the Vata Hydrating Moisturizer felt too thick so I did not like that much.

Doshacare Sakala Sunscreen SPF28

I am a sunscreen fiend and I liked the texture of this one! If you hate wearing sunscreen because its heavy and oily, do consider giving this one a try. The cream is a little thick but does not turn my skin oily nor does it feel heavy on my skin. Considering that it contains zinc oxide as one of its ingredients, I’m surprised I did not break out since I am rather sensitive to high contents of zinc oxide!

Doshacare Sakala Exfoliant

This is a physical scrub. However, the scrub feels very gentle on the skin. So gentle, it did not feel like it was doing anything. Its not drying not is it very cleansing. I’m not sure how I feel about this one.

Doshacare Kapha Detoxifying Masque

This feels like a clay mask on the skin and although its supposed to decongest it does not make the skin feel super dry. The grey mask can make you look like a zombie though so make sure you aren’t expecting visitors when you’re using this.

Doshacare Kapha Detoxifying Elixir

This is one of the items unique to Doshacare. Its an elixir which is a bit like an oil. But it isn’t oily. You can use it directly on your skin or mix it with the moisturizer. I like to mix it with the moisturizer because I find that feels nicer this way. This one is supposed to help detoxify your skin, making it look brighter and more healthy. I had no adverse reactions to this and I like how it felt so this is one worth taking a look at.

Doshacare Sakala Environmental Shield

I’m a little uncertain as to what this product might be. Its a liquid in a spray bottle (the sample bottle’s spritzer didn’t work any better so it was too wet) and you are supposed end your skincare with this product, lightly misted over your skin. What it does is protect your skin from the damaging environment like smoke and pollution and has antioxidant properties. I don’t know if it works but it does not bother me, and does feel quite nice. The sample bottle did spray out water rather than mist which was a bother as it made my face wet, but if the full size product is more delicate then its worth a shot.

Doshacare Ayurvedic Skincare – Overall thoughts

As with all skincare, I can’t say that the whole range has been wonderful although I did pick out some stand outs that I liked – Kapha Detoxifying Moisturizer, Elixir and Sunscreen. The full sized products come in a pump bottle which of course, makes a heck lot more sense than these travel sized bottles that don’t allow you to squeeze out proper amounts nor all the product. A lot of wastage this way. The Environmental Shield is, I’m told, one of their star products and its not that I don’t like it, I just don’t think the sample was a good representation of how the product works (it sprayed out too wet). Otherwise, I experienced no adverse effects from trying out this line of skincare.

One note. The scent may not be for everyone. Its got a natural herbal sort of scent that I personally don’t mind, and in fact, quite like. But not everyone will like that sort of scent so do be warned. If you’d like to try this brand, they might sell the Discovery Kit as you see here. Its a good way to try it out and to know what works or what doesn’t for you.

I’m unsure of the exact prices so I won’t list them. Have you tried anything from this brand? Or perhaps Ayurvedic skincare in general. Would you? 😉

Paris B

Doshacare skincare is no longer available in Malaysia