Exploring “ORI” A Vegan Skincare Face Balm

ORI Bakuchiol Face Balm on Floral Flatlay (watermarked)

Consumers choose vegan skincare for several reasons, ethical impact, environmental sustainability, and skin health, just to name a few. However, transparency remains the most important factor.

Although clean beauty initiatives continue to gain popularity, ingredient labels are still causing confusion. Understanding what’s in your skincare often comes with a degree of research. Likely, the first two or three ingredients are clear, but you’re in Alice’s Wonderland after that.

Vegan skincare isn’t just about avoiding animal ingredients, it’s about understanding what’s in your products. With many brands embracing the “clean beauty” movement, consumers are demanding greater transparency in ingredient sourcing and formulation.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at ORI Bakuchiol Face Balm. A plant-based face balm with a retinol alternative. Through review, we’ll also dig into the importance of clear labeling.

Plant Based Face Balm?

A face balm is a rich, oil-based moisturizer designed to deeply nourish, hydrate, and protect the skin. Unlike creams or lotions, face balms do not contain water, making them more concentrated and ideal for dry, sensitive, or damaged skin.

Key Features of a Face Balm:

• Water-Free Formula – Made with butters and oils for deep hydration.
• Seals in Moisture – Creates a protective barrier to prevent water loss.
• Multipurpose – Can be used as a moisturizer, night treatment, or spot treatment for dry patches.
• Great for Harsh Weather – Helps protect skin from cold, wind, and dryness.

Who Should Use a Face Balm?

• Dry or dehydrated skin needing extra nourishment
• Sensitive or irritated skin that reacts to synthetic ingredients
• People in cold or dry climates who need a moisture barrier

We craft ORI Bakuchiol Face Balm using 100% raw, unrefined, organic plant butters and oils. This luxuriously rich and elegant face moisturizer is everything you need to seal in hydration. Used at night, ORI leaves an undeniable morning glow that will simplify your routine to nothing more than SPF.

Plant Butters and Oils

Common among the plant butters listed below:

• Low comedogenic rating (0-2), meaning they’re unlikely to clog pores
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids
• Improves skin elasticity
• Fights free radical damage
• Strong antimicrobial properties

In the following list, we’ll focus on what makes each butter unique.

Kpangnan Butter

Kpangnan butter is a golden-hued butter sourced from West Africa that contains stigmasterol, a type of phytosterol. Phytosterols help reinforce the skin’s lipid barrier, which can improve hydration and protect against moisture loss. Additionally, stigmasterol influences the development of vitamin D3.

Raw Shea Butter

Nilotica shea butter is native to East Africa and comes from the Vitellaria Nilotica tree. Softer and easier to spread than traditional West African shea butter, Nilotica shea also comes from the same tree. Regional differences in climate, soil and traditional processing methods, however, lead to the differences between the two.

• West African shea butter is creamy and has a nutty aroma which is great for barrier repair.
• East African shea butter may be perceived as lighter and less dense, which some users prefer for easier absorption.

Aminata Haadi face balms and Ethno-body Butter uses organic, unrefined, raw shea butter in all of our products. Raw, virgin, and unrefined shea butter is the highest quality and best for the skin.

Kokum Butter

Kokum butter is native to India and derived from the seeds of the Garcinia Indica tree.

Kokum butter is high in stearic acid with a firm texture similar to cocoa butter. Unlike softer butters, kokum butter absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving a residue. This makes the butter suitable for both face and body applications.

Bakuchiol: Plant-Based Retinol Alternative

Bakuchiol is a natural alternative to retinol derived from the babchi plant. It helps reduce fine lines and improve skin texture. It also boosts collagen without the irritation or sensitivity that often comes with traditional retinol. 

Squalane Oil

Squalane oil is a natural skincare ingredient primarily derived from olive oil and sugarcane. This lightweight, non greasy oil helps with skin barrier repair and moisture retention. It also mimics the skin’s natural oils.

Pairing squalane with bakuchiol enhances bakuchiol absorption. Together, the two ingredients hydrate, moisturize, boost collagen production, and encourage faster skin renewal.

Baobab Oil: A Superfood for Your Skin

Baobab oil is rich in antioxidants and omega fatty acids, making it great for elasticity and skin repair. It absorbs beautifully into the skin without leaving a greasy residue, helping to soften and restore the skin.

How to Use a Face Balm

Using a face balm is not like using a lotion-based moisturizer. Face balms have a highly concentrated, rich texture, making them effective with only a small amount. Given their thicker consistency, it’s also best to apply them at night.

• As an Overnight Treatment: Face balms are best when used at night because the skin has time to slowly absorb the butters and oils. This allows for effortlessly dewy skin in the morning. For best results, apply a hyaluronic serum, moisturizer, and a thin layer of face balm.

• As a Spot Treatment: Using face balms as a spot treatment works on dry patches, irritated skin, or areas prone to fine lines. When you use retinoids like retinol or tretinoin, you may experience retinol peel or the tretinoin purge. The ORI Face Balm will calm burning sensations, reduce redness, and protect the skin from irritants.

Final Thoughts: Is Vegan Skincare for Me?

Vegan skincare is understanding that what you apply onto your skin is also what you put into your body.

The ORI Bakuchiol Face Balm is more than just a natural moisturizer, it’s a skincare ritual. A ritual that emphasizes conscious luxury, premium ingredients and elegantly simplistic quality.

Do you have a favorite conscious beauty skincare product? Please share it in the comments below. And if you haven’t done so already, visit the “Collection and Exhibits” section to explore Aminata Haadi skincare products!