Gatineau Vitamina Hand Cream

I first came across this on QVC while flipping through channels. I used to be sceptical about shopping channels but after realising one of my favourite brands, Liz Earle, was first introduced in QVC, I became more receptive to other products on QVC.

The show host and the beauty expert emphasised the anti-aging benefits in the hand cream and how nice it smells but she only really caught my attention when she tried and said it didn't ...
...wondering whether it contains dimethicone, which makes cream or lotion easy to absorb but can actually irritate more sensitive skin. I forgot whether they said anything about it being gentle or not. I just felt that I really wanted to try it although I was quite happy with L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream, which has been highly recommended by many.

I finally bought mine over eBay because QVC only sells the duo. To someone who wouldn't ... more

I first came across this on QVC while flipping through channels. I used to be sceptical about shopping channels but after realising one of my favourite brands, Liz Earle, was first introduced in QVC, I became more receptive to other products on QVC.

The show host and the beauty expert emphasised the anti-aging benefits in the hand cream and how nice it smells but she only really caught my attention when she tried and said it didn't feel greasy but very moisturising and absorbed quickly. I was wondering whether it contains dimethicone, which makes cream or lotion easy to absorb but can actually irritate more sensitive skin. I forgot whether they said anything about it being gentle or not. I just felt that I really wanted to try it although I was quite happy with L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream, which has been highly recommended by many.

I finally bought mine over eBay because QVC only sells the duo. To someone who wouldn't take a risk with their slightly sensitive skin, it is bad enough not to have a choice of buying a sample let alone buying two in one go. I know QVC has a very good return policy but just didn't want the hassle. It was added bonus that my first one cost slightly less than RRP!

HAND CREAM

This hand cream is advertised as anti-aging because it contains antioxidants such as vitamin A and E. It's contains glucose-derived softening properties. It also contains mineral oil, which is a by product in producing petrol. This has been added to a lot of skin care product because it's readily available and very cheap. In fact, Johnson's baby oil is pure mineral oil mixed with some fragrance. However, it has been considered harmful to skin in a long run because it coats the skin. Some raise concerns over the prolonged use of mineral oil as it may clog pores and does not allow skin to breath. Over time, it may interfere with skin's ability to get rid of toxins and speed up skin aging. Some also claim that it's toxic and the toxic properties would get absorbed into the skin, as 60% of everything we apply to the skin gets absorbed. Of course there are counter arguments, saying that it's also natural and the cosmetic grade of mineral oil does not clog pores. Some argue that the molecules are too big for the skin to absorb. Anyway, a recent research study has shown that mineral oils will not result in blackheads and whiteheads but does not clarify other claims. I don't know what to believe but would rather go for the safe side if I can manage.

It also contains urea, which rehydrates skin and helps skin retain moisture longer. Urea is something produced from protein, put out by kidneys and, yes, past out in the urine. It's been medically used in creams for skin conditions like eczema because a lack of urea has been observed in such skin conditions. Urea would speed up absorption of other ingredients in the same cream.

This hand cream has a noticeable but very pleasant smell. I actually quite like it. The packaging is a white plastic tube - quite standard for hand cream like this. It's not too heavy or clunky to carry.

VERDICT

To be honest, I'm torn between the effects and the fact it contains mineral oil. I have always been very happy with it and listed it as one of the ten beauty products I can't live without because it feels moisturising but very light weight. It absorbs into the skin fast and I love using it at work because I can get on with typing soon after application. This beats the thick and creamy L'Occitane. My hands feel softer and the moisturising effect does last. It also feels like there is a protective film over my hands after application, as claimed. In fact, I haven't come across any hand cream that feels this pleasant on the first application. I'm on my second/third tube now (I keep one in my office and have another one for travel). However, I may not get anymore as soon as I can find something just as nice (or at least nearly as nice) but without mineral oil or dimethicone.

I'm actually phasing out skin care products with controvesial ingredients by trying organic hand cream. I hope to find something that can replace those that contain questionable ingredients. If you ask me whether I'd recommend it, I'd say you don't mind the ingredients, then, yes definitely because it does work and feels lovely. If you would rather steer clear from those ingredients, then, no, don't risk it.

PRICES & AVAILABILITY

This hand cream only come in a 100ml tube. It costs between £10 and £13.50, depending on where you get it. It's available in a duo pack on QVC UK but you may be able to find something cheaper on eBay. 

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