Banishing Blemishes - Okoko Cosmetiques Review

Oh yes, you read that right -- it's time for some Okoko Cosmetiques appreciation today!!

I have expressed my adoration for Okoko Cosmetiques previously here on The ecoLogical, so it will be no surprise that my love for this Canadian brand has continued to grow ever since.

Founded by the talented and kind hearted Oyéta Kokoroko in 2016, Okoko Cosmetiques has grown into a beloved brand with green beauty enthusiasts and skincare lovers alike, and offers cruelty free creations that utilize precious ingredients to help get your skin glowing.  They pride themselves on innovation and an ability to incorporate synergy, efficacy, quality, and effectiveness into each of their avant-garde formulations, all aspects that can be felt in the skillful formulations that target a wide array of concerns.

Okoko Cosmetiques' eco-luxe range is incredibly unique, unlike anything else on the market, and every formula is oh so effective.  Whether your skin is dry and dehydrated, lacklustre and in need of a glow up, super oily, or totally acne prone, you can find a solution that will become a hero product in no time.  And that's just what I found when trying out this selection of green goodies!


Okoko Cosmetiques Review - products for acne prone skin
gifted by Okoko Cosmetiques

My skin is congestion prone and can lean towards the more sensitive side depending on a variety of factors.  My face in particular is ultra-fussy, and it can be tricky to find products that nourish without clogging my pores and causing unwanted breakouts.  After a quick consultation with Oyeta, it was decided that the best products for me to test out would be the L'Élixir de Manuka, La D'Tox Noire, and L'Élixir De Pureté, plus I was lucky enough to be sent the special seasonal Trésor Summer Mist to trial during these warm summer months (a product that is stunning and I'll be sharing more of soon!).

One common misconception about oily, combination, or blemish prone skin is that oils will worsen your symptoms, but in fact they can seriously help balance out sebum production and regulate your skin's natural functions.  And when paired with gentle and effective antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and clarifying ingredients, your face can really start to heal.  Whether you have mega-breakouts or monthly problem areas, choosing the right products for your skin can make all the difference.

And that's exactly what Okoko Cosmetiques' strives to do.  Their blend of potent natural ingredients like bakuchiol, blue tansy, dragon's blood, and white lupin combined with clinically tested actives join together to offer a one of a kind experience that addresses skin clarity while also boosting radiance. When you introduce one of their formulas into your routine, you will see visible results - for me it was after just a few weeks!  And by creating a whole ritual using these blemish banishing powerhouses, I found my face transforming before my very eyes...



La D'Tox Noire:
With a deeply cleansing formula and grounding aroma, La D'Tox Noire mask is ideal for some Sunday selfcare, a weekly clarifying treatment, or just a luxurious pamper session when you want to get your skin in tip top shape.


Okoko Cosmetiques La D'Tox Noire Face Mask Review

The powder face mask includes pure clays like Rhassoul and Canadian Collodial, charcoal, cacao seed powder, algae extracts, hyaluronic acid, and various herb and flower extracts, making this formula ideal for removing impurities from the skin, gently exfoliating to rid the face of any cell build up, and revealing radiance.

"Use to decongest and cleanse the skin from toxins, pollutants, make-up residue and bacteria that can cause breakouts. This purifying clay mask is particularly good at helping to revive tired-looking skin from the effects of pollution, daily stress and overindulging."

La D'Tox Noire is unique in true Okoko Cosmetiques' fashion, something that starts to really show as you begin to activate the powder.  As you mix, you will find you can actually see the different constituents of the formula, with the pale mossy green moringa leaf powder and slate grey glacial clay merging into a deep earthy paste, slowly dissolving into a wet solution that continues to reveal pockets of powerhouse ingredients.  Burnt orange clay fused with rich cacao seed streaks the dark mask before blending into the final form - a deep, dark, full bodied emerald, like a sea of kelp, that is so glossy and easy to apply.


Okoko Cosmetiques La D'Tox Noire Face Mask Review


The rich colour also captures the aroma of Okoko Cosmetiques' mask really well, as it has a 'green' smell, simultaneously medicinal and kelpy, but also calming due to the lavender, geranium, and orange essential oils.  I find this product resets not just your skin, but your mind, re-centering your perspective while it draws out all the nasties from your face.

Despite all the detoxifying ingredients, La D'Tox Noire doesn't dry my skin out.  Instead, it leaves it looking and feeling totally renewed and refreshed.  The nineteen superpowered ingredients work to boost radiance, reduce the appearance of large pores, treat acne, and even out your complexion, all without stripping your skin.  My face is so smooth after I rinse off the rich green potion, as there is a very slight grain to the mask that helps buff away dead cells.  It's so gentle, so there is never any redness or irritation after washing off the paste, and since it exfoliates the upper dermis the remainder of my routine seems so much more effective after I use this mask!

Do be sure to get off all the excess product, as I do find it can cling to skin a little, especially if you add in additional oil when mixing.  There have been a few times where I forgot to look in the mirror after rinsing, and have been met by very confused looks by Tim as I had a greeny-grey tinge to my face.  A quick cleanse sorts that out, or if you are okay with additional exfoliation you can use a muslin cloth to remove La D'Tox Noire.

This mask has been ideal as a first step in my anti-blemish routine, and I have found that my skin not only looks brighter and more clear since introducing La D'Tox Noire into my skincare regime, but my face looks so much more toned.  The uneven texture along my cheeks is all but gone (thanks both to this mask and L'Élixir De Pureté), and it really helps create a clean palette for the remainder of my lotions and potions.  I have a sneaking feeling that this mask will become a permanent part of my collection.

Ingredients: Moroccan Lava Clay (Rhassoul Clay), Canadian Colloidal Clay (Glacial Clay), *Moringa Oleifera Leaf Powder, Sodium Chloride (Himalayan Pink Salt), **Theobroma (Raw) Cacao Seed Powder, Niacinamide, Charcoal Powder, Dimethyl Sulfone (MSM), *Salix Alba (White Willow) Bark Extract, *Salvia Hispanica (Chia) Seed Extract, *Arctium Lappa (Burdock) Root Extract, *Chlorella Vulgaris (Algae) Extract, *Spirulina Platensis (Algae) Extract, Allantoin ,Hyaluronic acid, *Citrus Sinensis Peel Oil Expressed, *Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium Rose) Flower Oil, *Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil
* Certifié Biologique/Certified Organic
** Certifié Équitable/Fair Trade Certified




L'Élixir De Pureté:
Oh my goodness, now this is what Okoko Cosmetiques means when they say they create innovative products!  L'Élixir De Pureté is a staple in the range, as it's one of the most well-known and hyped (or at least it's a bestseller!).  This elixir is neither your run of the mill serum nor oil, but a solution all of its own- a fluid that is loaded with actives, plant botanicals, and natural extracts, all of which work to purify and soothe the skin.

"L'Élixir de Pureté - Sang du Dragon (or the Dragon’s Blood serum) is the answer to a lot of problems all rolled into one. Water-light in texture and fast-absorbing by nature, this oil-free, expertly blended soothing elixir helps skin recover from the effects of pollution, stress, diet, sun, etc. It reduces the appearance of skin imperfections, hydrates and has a firming effect."


Okoko Cosmetiques L'Elixir De Purete Review

The elixir has such an interesting consistency, as it is a very aqueous substance that is ultra-light and so pleasant on the face.  A little goes a long way, as it spreads well and is so potent, meaning this bottle should last a fair amount of time.  And it absorbs almost instantaneously, making it so easy and mess free, plus it dries down matte so your skin isn't left shiny or tacky at all.

One of my favourite things about Okoko Cosmetiques' L'Élixir De Pureté is the smell - it has soft vanilla notes that really make this a welcoming and comforting product to use, and it's just so warming and different compared to everything else in my skincare lineup.  Delicately fragrant, a bit mysterious, and totally decadent, the aroma is outstanding and really helps to make this part of my routine feel extra special.  I love to breathe in the excess, just taking in the scent and letting it sweep over me and lift up my senses.  It's pretty addictive actually!

And since there are so many ways of using this formula you'll get to enjoy it over and over again, morning or evening.  Try it as a skin pumping serum and focus on its high antioxidant qualities, or apply as a brightening treatment that also helps with hyper-pigmentation and scarring.  Worried about acne?  Well this is the perfect as a blemish banishment!  Or if you are needing nourishment rather than a daily serum, pop this on overnight as a mask instead, and be prepared to wake up to totally replenished and radiant skin!

I've even tried this as an after sun and was shocked by how well it worked.  L'Élixir De Pureté is like first aid in a bottle, with superb healing abilities that make this a multi-functional wizard.


Okoko Cosmetiques' L'Élixir De Pureté Review

If your skin needs a lot of care, L'Élixir De Pureté is your one stop saviour.  Exfoliant, hydrator, moisturizer, and luminizier, all rolled into one all natural formula.  It helps sort out sensitivities by comforting the skin and reducing inflammation with beta you glucan, licorice root, and cucumber extract, leaving your face soothed and ready to take on the world.  It also revives tired complexions thanks to 10% niacinamide and willow bark extract that gently remove dead cells and keep pores unclogged, plus keeps pesky spots at bay as the sap of dragon's blood ensures imperfections are sorted at the source.

Seriously, since starting to use  L'Élixir De Pureté my skin has been incredible.  After a few weeks I noticed my face was much less prone to redness, and it was feeling less irritated at the end of the day too.  Now over a month in the spots along my jawline faded and are all but gone, and I have a lovely bright and clear complexion every morning when I wake up.  It's like Okoko Cosmetiques transformed my face into someone else's, one that's always supple and glowing!


L'Élixir De Pureté is so powerful that there are times where I forget the next steps of my routine - I use a floral mist before applying this liquid nectar, then my skin feels so at ease and sorted that it's almost like I don't *need* an oil or balm.  In fact, since this is so lightweight I find myself just using this some mornings, especially now that it's summer and many other formulas feel like they're going to melt off in the warm weather.  I can't wait to see how it fairs during winter, but I feel it will be the perfect base that keeps my face healthy and luminous even on the driest and coldest of days!

Ingredients: *Water And Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract, **Croton Lecheri (Dragon’s Blood) Resin Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, *Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, *Boerhavia Diffusa (Punarnava) Root Extract, Gnaphalium Leontopodium (Edelweiss) Flower Extract, *Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf, Gluconolactone, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Glucosamine (Vegan), Beta-Glucan, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Fruit Ferment Extract, Pisum (Pea) Peptide, Beta Vulgaris (Beet) Root, Vanilla Planifolia (Vanilla) Oleoresin, Sodium Hyaluronate (Vegan), *Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot fcf***) Fruit Oil, *Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium Rose) Oil, Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Sodium Phytate
* Certified Organic 
** Wild Harvested
*** Bergamot fcf* is free from bergapten – it has no photosensitizing effects

L'Élixir de Manuka:

The star of the show for me has to be L'Élixir de Manuka, an oil based reparative serum that diminishes the appearance of breakouts while also strengthening the skin's natural barrier to protect against environmental stressors.

This nectar is rich like honey, glides on like silk, and is unlike anything I have ever experienced before.  Burnt orange, like a setting midsummer night's sun, with every drop absolutely glowing like campfire embers, this potent creation utilizes the powers of sea buckthorn, manuka active concentrate (a type of myrtle similar to tea tree), and rosehip to not only look like a stunning oil paint used by the likes of Bob Ross, but to moisturize, soothe, and heal.


Okoko Cosmetiques L'Élixir de Manuka Review

"The product contains an innovative blend of the finest acne-taming ingredients such as black cumin, seabuckthorn oils, natural salicylic acid (naturally found in willow bark), ceramides, and essential oils of helichrysum, lavender, petit grain, and manuka all working together to help diminish the appearance of breakouts.

The serum infuses the skin with vitamin A, E, C, and bakuchiol (gentler alternative to retinol for sensitive skins) which work together to improve the appearance of uneven skin tone, brighten a dull complexion, and strengthen skin’s defenses against the impact of environmental assault. It has been shown that when combined together, the action of these antioxidants is even more powerful.
"


With a medicinal aroma reminiscent of tea tree, you can tell from the very first moment that L'Élixir de Manuka will be an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory treat for problematic skin.  While a little acrid, there is a residual sweetness that comes through the more spicy notes, and I find that the overall effect is a grounding aroma that helps reduce tension and ease the mind.  It's a fantastic mix, both surprising and somehow homely, and I have really grown to appreciate the unique combination!





Rich, but not at all heavy on the skin, L'Élixir de Manuka follows the legacy of its predecessors by proving to be lightweight and quick to absorb, ensuring those with blemish prone skin won't find their pores clogged or skin irritated by the seemingly slick serum.  Often I find I cannot use oil based formulas during the day as they leave my skin feeling greasy or looking too shiny, but that is not at all the case here.  Okoko Cosmetiques has produced a product ideal for use day or night, and I never am self conscious while 'wearing' L'Élixir de Manuka.

In fact, this serum doubles as a highlighter for me, as it gives a gorgeous natural glow to the skin.  I love that my face looks so radiant after applying, especially since it helps fight blemishes at the same time!  I've had close to zero spots since starting to use this, and the few stragglers healed so much faster than before.  It's not often something good for you is so enjoyable, but L'Élixir de Manuka once again breaks boundaries and proves that even something pseudo-medicinal can be beautiful.

I say pseudo-medicinal because Okoko Cosmetique's serum works better and faster than any acne reducing product I have ever come across - it's so effective that if I didn't know any better I would believe it was a prescription!  The formula works to fade hyperpigmentation including scars and brown spots, soothe and relieve inflammation, hydrate, visibly reduce acne, prevent the appeareance of future imperfections, balance, and strengthen the skin's barrier against external aggression.  But that's the power of nature - plants posses incredible properties, and Oyéta is able to harness and bottle them into her creations.  L'Élixir de Manuka may just be her masterpiece, and at the very least it is my hero product from her range.

Ingredients: *Nigella Sativa Seed Oil, *Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, *Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil, *Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, *Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, *Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Lactobacillus Bulgaricus/Salix Alba Bark Ferment Filtrate, *Copaifera Officinalis Resin, Bakuchiol, Glycine Soja Oil, Tocopherol, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Ceramide NP, **Leptospermum Scoparium Oil Active Concentrate, *Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Peel Oil, Bisabolol, *Carapa Guaianensis Seed Oil, *Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Oil, *Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, *Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil, *Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, *Helichrysum Italicum Flower Oil, *Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
* Certifié Biologique/Certified Organic
** Culture Sauvage/Wild Harvested


L'Élixir De Clarté:
Really quickly I just want to touch on the latest discovery from Okoko Cosmetiques that I've made thanks to a sample I picked up - L'Élixir De Clarté.  An AHA radiance serum like no other, L'Élixir De Clarté is actually an all in one multi-tasker that serves as an essence, serum, natural exfoliant, and toner.  This beauty is potent, effective, but also surprisingly gentle for 5% alpha hydroxyl acids, making it a great option for those of us with more reactive skin types.

"L’ÉLIXIR DE CLARTÉ  (The Radiance Elixir) just won Earth Day Beauty Awards best serum 2019. It is a weightless, fast absorbing serum formulated with organic aloe vera and complexion enhancing ingredients to impart radiance and a healthy glowing complexion. This concentrated yet gentle concoction is made with 5% alpha hydroxyl acids (AHA), naturally sourced from blueberries, sugar cane and citrus, combined with soothing plant extracts to gently exfoliate your skin."


Okoko Cosmetiques L'Élixir de Clarté review
photo from Okoko Cosmetiques 

The formula is a mix of glycolic acid, lactic acid and citric acid, and is ideal for those looking to chemically exfoliate their skin to eliminate buildup of dead skin cells.  By doing so, Okoko Cosmetiques' concentrate works to improve uneven skin tone, prevent clogged pores, brighten complexion, hydrate, refine and smooth texture, reduce breakouts and the appearance of imperfections, firm, and bring about visibly smoother and softer skin.

L'Élixir De Clarté is a unique elixir that is enriched with twenty active ingredients and plant extracts, and it can be used as a serum, essence, or toner, making it a fantastic multi-functional hero product.  I love when I can rely on one super-powered creation, as it saves on waste, time, and space, but also highlights how great the formula actually is - and this radiance concentrate is amazing.

I will admit, since my skin can verge on the more sensitive side I do have to be careful not to overuse L'Élixir De Clarté. Rather than a nightly application, I opt for just a few times a week, but even with this less consistent usage I have seen extraordinary results.  After a few times, I already could tell my skin was responding well to the gentle exfoliation.  My cheeks in particular were looking silky and the uneven texture was smoothing out, with fewer bumps and pretty much no redness!

Since AHAs can cause photo-sensitivity, I choose to apply L'Élixir De Clarté only during my evening routine, as this ensures my skin is protected while reaping the benefits of this gorgeous creation.  And since Okoko Cosmetiques' formula buffs away dead cells, I find my other products are even more effective since they can penetrate further as they don't have to fight with buildup.  Since introducing this formula, my skin has not only felt like silk and looked clearer, it has been visibly healthier, plumper, and radiant.  It really helps give a confidence boost, and I don't have to be worried about spots or bumps across my face that I'm trying to hide with my hair, hands, or makeup.

Overall, I'm finding that L'Élixir De Clarté could easily become a crucial part in my lineup, not only because it smells delicious, but because it really has helped refine my skin and get it glowing.  I loved my sample, and will be gutted when it's gone.

Think of this as a solution that helps keep the 'canvas' clear - it prepares the face, providing a smooth surface that serves as a perfect base, and it preps it for other products so everything can work as effectively as possible.  I don't think I have ever come across a chemical exfoliant that works so well for me without irritating my semi-sensitive skin, and I'm so thankful Okoko Cosmetiques crafted such a perfect all-in-one multi-tasker!

Ingredients: *Aloe Barbadensis Leaf (Organic Aloe) Juice, Aqua, Glycerin, Lactobacillus Ferment, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Citric Acid, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi (Bearberry) Leaf Extract, Citrus Aurantium Flower Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate (Vegan), **Citrus Bergamia (Bergamot) Peel Oil Expressed, Benzyl Alcohol, Salix Nigra (Black Willow) Bark Extract, Acer Saccharum Extract,
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Fucus Vesiculosus (Seaweed) Extract, Dehydroacetic Acid, Linalol, D-Limonene
* Certified Organic
** Bergamot fcf* is free from bergapten – it has no photosensitizing effects



Okoko Cosmetiques Review

Since starting to use these three blemish reducing products from Okoko Cosmetiques, my skin has never been better.  I'm honestly shocked how much of a difference they've made, especially L'Élixir de Manuka.  My skin is nearly flawless, with only the ocassional spot appearing, and even then it is never as angry or as long lived as previously.

If you have acne prone skin, or just want a super soft, smooth, and radiant complexion, I highly recommend giving these products a go.  They're such a wonderful representative of the potential plants offer us for health, wellbeing, and beauty, and I'm so happy I had the opportunity to incorporate all of these into my skincare line-up.

I asked this question last time I talked about Okoko Cosmetiques, and I think it is important to pose again - is this brand outside my usual budget?  100% yes.  They are a true luxury range, price tag and all.  But I also truly believe their collection of all natural, vegan friendly, and organic skincare products is well worth the cost.

Just as I said previously, I will be making the occasional (and well-planned out) splurge so I can continue to experience these incredibly unique formulas.  My skin looks so clear, bright, and naturally radiant whenever I incorporate the products into my routine, and my confidence levels always spike thanks to my glowing complexion.   I mean, there is just nothing else like Okoko's range that I have come across, and their work is truly a piece of art just like they promise.

If you have a birthday coming up, if your budget allows, or if you are a beauty enthusiast who is wanting a special treat, Okoko Cosmetiques is a brand you should really check out.  Not only are they so warm, welcoming, and genuine, but they craft exceptional formulations that make a real difference.  After just four weeks my hormonal acne began to clear, the redness in my cheeks faded, and the uneven texture in my face became more toned.  My skincare routine became more like a wellbeing ritual where I could breathe in the sumptuous aromas and let my mind clear and tensions ease.  This isn't your average regime - this is an expertly crafted range of healing products made with love.  And that love can be felt with every last drop of Okoko Cosmetiques formulations.

If you are wanting to try these magical potions for yourself, you can pick them up direct from Okoko Cosmetiques, or you can find them at any of their stockists, including Aurora BeautySo Natural BeautyMon Corner BThe Green Beauty Jungle Shop, and Genuine Selection.


Okoko Cosmetiques review for acne prone skin

7 comments

  1. I’ve never had a mask you’ve had to mix yourself like the detox mask. Looks like a great way to have a weekend pamper x

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    1. really?? I think you'd love a powder mask :)

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  2. I've never had a mix your own mask before! What an interesting idea :) I've been enjoying a lot of face masks lately so I'll have to look into adding this to my growing collection!

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    Replies
    1. I love powder masks as they tend to be more potent in my experience, and you get more room to customize for what your skin needs x

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  3. What fabulous products, I really like the sound of the Dragons Blood serum, that sounds so light and refreshing. Mich x

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  4. I like the sound of L'Élixir De Pureté is it suitable for sensitive skin? The Dragon's blood sounds intriguing too

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    Replies
    1. yes it actually helps soothe sensitive skin!

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