Ursa Major of Vermont: Fantastic Face Wash with Cedar, Spearmint and Lime

SUMMARY: Ursa Major's Fantastic Face Wash is a foaming gel cleanser with a natural brightening complex and whole essential oils including cedar, spearmint and lime.

ABOUT THE BRAND: Ursa Major is an American grooming brand from Vermont specializing in naturally-derived, cruelty-free skincare utilizing a wide array of whole essential oils.

BEAUTY ALMANAC TESTED

USE: Ideal for daily use, after fitness and for all skin types, Ursa Major's Fantastic Face Wash removes oil and grime while clarifying complexion. Its high percentage of aloe and sulfate-free formula help sooth irritated skin. It can be left on skin for 30-60 seconds for extra exfoliation.

AROMA & TEXTURE: Despite the array of whole essential oils, Fantastic Face Wash is not highly scented; the most noticeable aroma is mint. The texture is a clear, lightweight gel.

INGREDIENTS:

• Aloe - soothes & hydrates while promoting healthy tissue regeneration Coconut-derived surfactants - naturally derived cleansing agents
• White tea - protects skin from sun damage & oxidative stress
• Sugarcane - reduces oil & fights acne; anti-ager & natural source of alpha hydroxy acid "AHA" (exfoliator)
• Lemon - contains astringent properties; anti-ager & natural source of alpha hydroxy acid "AHA" (exfoliator)

Full list (* denotes organic): Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice*, lauryl glucoside, cocoglucoside, sodium cocoyl glutamate, sodium lauroamphoacetate, water/aqua/eau, inulin, glyceryl laurate, sodium lauroyl glutamate, xylitylglucoside, anhydroxylitol, xylitol, oryza sativa (rice) seed extract*, camellia sinensis (white tea) leaf extract*, vaccinium myrtillus (bilberry) fruit/leaf extract, saccharum officinarum (sugar cane) extract, acer saccharum (sugar maple) extract, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) fruit extract, citrus medica limonum (lemon) extract, picea mariana (black spruce) needle oil*, pseudotsuga menziesii (fir) needle oil*, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf/ flower water, lavandula angustifolia (lavender) flower water*, citrus paradisi (pink grapefruit) peel oil, citrus aurantifolia (lime) peel oil, artemisia ludoviciana (owyhee) leaf oil, juniperus virginiana (cedar) wood oil, tanacetum annuum (blue tansy) flower oil, nardostachys chinensis (spikenard) root oil, vetiveria zizanioides (vetiver) root oil, mentha spicata (spearmint) leaf oil, sodium phytate, alcohol, PCA glyceryl oleate, citric acid, gluconolactone, sodium benzoate

PACKAGING: Fantastic Face Wash is available in a range of recyclable packaging in various sizes. The simple white plastic bottle and tubes are decorated in black and teal graphics. The large 8 oz bottles are available with either flip or pump caps.

WHERE CAN I BUT IT?: Starting at $12 USD for a 2 oz travel size; $28 USD for an 8 oz bottle at UrsaMajorVT.com.

PROS & CONS: Ursa Major's Fantastic Face Wash is made from the highest-grade natural ingredients (99.5% naturally-derived, 51% organic), sourced wherever possible from family-owned, sustainable growers. The product does not contain any petrochemicals, sulfates, parabens, synthetic fragrance or color, glycols, silicones or PEGs. This product is gluten-free, vegan & cruelty-free. 

The price is slightly higher than typical supermarket brands but the ingredients are far superior. I have combo oily/dry skin (t-zone) and I keep a shaved scalp; I can use Fantastic Face Wash on both face and scalp without irritation. Fantastic Face Wash is slightly drying and needs to be followed with a moisturizer to reduce tightness.

Products mentioned in article

Ursa Major Fantastic Face Wash

Marlen Elliot Harrison

Dr. Marlen Elliot Harrison’s journalism in the fragrance industry has appeared in international print and online publications such as Playboy...(more)