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Helsinki Sea Buckthorn Retinol-Alternative Moisturizer

Helsinki Sea Buckthorn Retinol-Alternative Moisturizer

Sale price  $45.00 Regular price  $52.00 Unit price $26.47/fl oz
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Nordic Glow Daily Moisturizer — Barrier-Strengthening Face Cream with Sea Buckthorn & Botanical Retinol Alternative

Lightweight barrier repair moisturizer for sensitive, dry, and aging skin


Product Overview

A silky daily face moisturizer that strengthens your skin barrier while targeting fine lines and loss of firmness. Inspired by Nordic skincare rituals, this gentle barrier cream combines Sea Buckthorn (rich in vitamins C and E) with Bidens Pilosa, a clinically-proven botanical retinol alternative that smooths texture without irritation.

Perfect for sensitive and dry skin, this hydrating moisturizer features Aloe Leaf Juice, Mango Seed Butter, and Jojoba Oil to deeply nourish while supporting barrier repair. The silky cream texture absorbs quickly, leaving skin soft, supple, and radiant without heaviness or greasiness.

Safe for morning and evening use, even under makeup. Your daily dose of Nordic nourishment for a healthier-looking skin barrier.

COSMOS Natural Certified • Vegan • Gluten-Free • Nut-Free


Skin Type

✓ All skin types, including dry and sensitive
✓ Combination skin needing barrier support
✓ Mature skin with early signs of aging
✓ Dehydrated or compromised barriers
✓ Retinol-sensitive skin seeking alternatives


Skin Concerns Addressed

Primary Concerns:

  • Dehydration and moisture loss
  • Fine lines and early signs of aging
  • Loss of firmness and elasticity
  • Redness or barrier discomfort
  • Rough or uneven texture

Also Helps With:

  • Dull, tired-looking skin
  • Environmental stress damage
  • Post-procedure sensitivity
  • Seasonal dryness

Key Benefits

Immediate Results (Days 1-7):

  • Deep hydration with a soft, comfortable finish
  • Soothed, calmer-looking complexion
  • Improved skin softness and smoothness
  • Reduced feeling of tightness

Visible Improvements (Weeks 2-8):

  • Supports visibly firmer, smoother skin
  • Helps reduce the look of fine lines
  • Strengthens and nourishes the skin barrier
  • Enhanced radiance and healthy glow
  • More resilient, balanced complexion

Long-Term Benefits:

  • Gentle for everyday use — AM + PM
  • Safe for long-term barrier maintenance
  • Compatible with other actives
  • Builds skin resilience over time

Key Ingredients & Their Functions

Active Botanicals

Sea Buckthorn Extract (Hippophae Rhamnoides)
Vitamin-rich berry extract packed with vitamin C, vitamin E, and omega-7 fatty acids. Provides antioxidant protection against environmental stressors while supporting skin's natural glow and barrier integrity.

Bidens Pilosa Extract
Botanical retinol alternative that helps refine texture and improve firmness without the irritation of traditional retinol. This gentle active works to visibly smooth fine lines and enhance skin elasticity, making it perfect for sensitive skin types.

Hydration & Barrier Support

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Organic)
Anti-inflammatory hydrator that soothes reactive skin, calms redness, and boosts moisture levels. Rich in polysaccharides that support skin healing and comfort.

Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate)
Low molecular weight humectant that holds up to 1000x its weight in water. Penetrates skin to plump and hydrate from within, reducing the appearance of dehydration lines.

Jojoba Seed Oil (Organic)
Biomimics skin's natural sebum to balance moisture without clogging pores. Rich in vitamin E and B-complex vitamins, it nourishes while maintaining the skin's protective barrier.

Mango Seed Butter (Organic)
Rich emollient that softens and supports barrier comfort. Helps reinforce the lipid barrier and prevents transepidermal water loss, keeping skin supple throughout the day.

Shea Butter (Organic)
Deeply nourishing butter that seals in moisture and provides essential fatty acids for barrier repair and protection.

Supporting Ingredients

Pentylene Glycol
Natural humectant and preservative booster that enhances skin feel and product stability

Glycerin (From Organic Ingredients)
Time-tested humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin

Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
Antioxidant that protects against free radical damage and supports ingredient stability


How to Use This Barrier-Repair Moisturizer

Application Steps

Step 1: Cleanse skin thoroughly with a gentle cleanser
Step 2: Apply your preferred serum or treatment (if using)
Step 3: Warm a pea-sized amount between fingertips
Step 4: Gently press and smooth over face and neck using upward motions
Step 5: AM: Follow with SPF 30+ sunscreen | PM: Use as final step in routine

Pro Tips for Maximum Results

  • For extra hydration: Layer over a hyaluronic acid serum while skin is still damp
  • For ultra-dry skin: Mix 1-2 drops of facial oil into moisturizer before applying
  • Maximize moisture retention: Apply to slightly damp skin to seal in hydration
  • Eye area safe: Can be gently patted around the orbital bone for delicate eye area care
  • Neck and décolleté: Don't forget these areas that show aging too
  • Less is more: A little goes a long way with this concentrated formula

Pairs Beautifully With

→ Gentle cleanser for sensitive skin
→ Hydrating toner or essence
→ Vitamin C serum (morning routine)
→ Niacinamide serum (barrier support)
→ Peptide treatments
→ Gentle AHA/BHA exfoliants (use on alternate evenings)


Complete Your Nordic Barrier Routine

Morning:
Step 1: Gentle Cleanser
Step 2: Hydrating Serum
Step 3: Nordic Glow Daily Moisturizer
Step 4: SPF 30+ Sunscreen

Evening:
Step 1: Oil or Balm Cleanser
Step 2: Water-Based Cleanser
Step 3: Treatment Serum
Step 4: Nordic Glow Daily Moisturizer


What to Expect — Your Timeline

Week 1-2:
Improved hydration levels, softer texture, reduced tightness and discomfort

Week 3-4:
Noticeably smoother skin surface, minimized appearance of fine lines, enhanced comfort

Week 6-8:
Enhanced firmness, more resilient barrier function, healthy natural glow, improved overall texture

Continued Use:
Maintained barrier health, sustained improvement in firmness and smoothness, long-term protection against environmental stress


Product Claims & Certifications

Certifications:
✓ COSMOS Natural Certified
✓ Vegan
✓ Gluten-Free
✓ Nut-Free

Formulation Standards:
✓ For all skin types including sensitive
✓ Free from synthetic fragrances
✓ Free from parabens
✓ Free from sulfates
✓ Free from phthalates
✓ Cruelty-free


Aroma Profile

Scent: Soft • Clean • Subtle Citrus-Floral

The gentle natural aroma comes from botanical extracts, not synthetic fragrance compounds. The scent is barely perceptible and quickly dissipates after application, making it suitable for fragrance-sensitive individuals.


Texture & Finish

Texture: Smooth cream with a lightweight, skin-cushioning feel
Finish: Soft, breathable, non-greasy
Absorption: Quick-absorbing yet deeply nourishing
Feel: Comfortable throughout the day without heaviness
Under Makeup: Excellent base that doesn't pill or interfere with application


Size & Packaging

Volume: 50 mL / 1.69 fl oz
Packaging: Airless pump bottle for optimal product preservation and hygiene
Estimated Use: 2-3 months with daily AM/PM application (usage varies)


Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is this moisturizer good for sensitive skin?
A: Yes, this barrier-repair moisturizer is specifically formulated for sensitive and reactive skin types. The botanical retinol alternative (Bidens Pilosa) provides anti-aging benefits without the irritation of traditional retinol. It's also COSMOS Natural certified and free from common irritants.

Q: Can I use this if I have oily or combination skin?
A: Absolutely. While rich in hydration, the lightweight cream texture absorbs quickly and won't clog pores or leave a greasy film. Jojoba oil actually helps balance sebum production, making it beneficial for combination and oily skin types that still need moisture.

Q: When should I apply this in my skincare routine?
A: Apply morning and evening after cleansing and serum application, before SPF in the AM or as your final step in the PM. It works as the moisturizing step in your routine.

Q: Is this a good moisturizer for barrier repair?
A: Yes, this formula is designed specifically to strengthen compromised skin barriers. Ingredients like Mango Seed Butter, Shea Butter, and Jojoba Oil support the lipid barrier, while Aloe and Hyaluronic Acid provide hydration that helps barrier function.

Q: Does this contain retinol?
A: No, this contains Bidens Pilosa, a gentle botanical alternative to retinol that smooths fine lines and improves firmness without irritation—perfect for retinol-sensitive skin or those new to anti-aging actives.

Q: Is this fragrance-free?
A: The formula contains a subtle natural fragrance from plant extracts (soft citrus-floral notes), but no synthetic fragrance compounds. The scent is very light and dissipates quickly after application.

Q: Can I use this with other active ingredients?
A: Yes, this moisturizer is designed to complement other actives in your routine. It pairs well with vitamin C, niacinamide, peptides, and gentle exfoliants. If using prescription retinoids, apply those first and let absorb before moisturizer.

Q: Is this pregnancy and breastfeeding safe?
A: While our ingredients are natural and gentle, we always recommend consulting with your healthcare provider before introducing new skincare products during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Q: How long will one bottle last?
A: With daily morning and evening use, one 50mL bottle typically lasts 2-3 months. A pea-sized amount is sufficient for face and neck.

Q: Can I use this around my eyes?
A: Yes, the gentle formula can be carefully patted around the orbital bone area. Avoid direct contact with eyes.

Q: Will this work under makeup?
A: Yes, the quick-absorbing texture creates an excellent base for makeup. Allow 2-3 minutes for full absorption before applying primer or foundation.


Full Ingredient List (INCI)

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin**, Pentylene Glycol, Isoamyl Laurate, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Parfum/Fragrance, Glyceryl Caprylate, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Fruit Extract*, Bidens Pilosa Extract*, Sodium Hyaluronate, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter*, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Limonene***, Linalool***

*From organic farming
**Made using organic ingredients
***From natural essential oils


Storage & Care

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Close pump firmly after each use. For best results, use within 12 months of opening.


Our Commitment

At VAHNAI, we believe modern skin deserves modern care. Our barrier-supporting formulas are designed with both efficacy and gentleness in mind, using COSMOS Natural certified ingredients that respect your skin and our planet.

Every formula is developed to calm, hydrate, and restore balance—bringing Nordic skincare wisdom to your daily ritual.


Ready to strengthen your barrier?


Free shipping on orders over 30-day satisfaction guarantee

 

CARE & MAINTENANCE

To maintain the beauty and integrity of your purchase, we recommend treating it with care. Simple maintenance practices, such as gentle washing and proper storage, can effectively preserve the longevity of your favorites. We encourage you to refer to the care instructions included with each item, designed to help you keep your purchase in top condition.

SHIPPING & RETURNS

We strive to process and ship all orders in a timely manner, working diligently to ensure that your items are on their way to you as soon as possible. Need to return something? Just let us know.

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