One thing about me: I’m incredibly picky when it comes to body lotion. My skin leans dry – sometimes dragon-scale dry – and as a result, many body creams just sit on the surface, requiring serious effort to really work them in. I’m also lazy, so if a product demands a lot of arm strength to rub in, I’m not going to use it. However, when I do find a body cream or serum I love, I go through it at an unparalleled speed, which can lead to significant environmental waste. So when the newly launched Natura Ekos Castanha Body Lotion Concentrate ($17) arrived at my doorstep, its ingredients and refillable format seemed to solve both conundrums.
What is this liquid vial, and how does it transform into a creamy body lotion? I decided to test it out – and quickly discovered my new secret to more hydrated skin.
About the Natura Ekos Castanha Body Lotion Concentrate
- This kit contains concentrated Brazil nut oil (meant to be mixed with water) and a refillable bottle.
- In addition to the Brazil nut oil, it also contains hydrating emollients and canola oil.
- The refillable bottle is made entirely from plastic collected from Amazonian rivers and can be recycled.
- It is lightly fragranced with a nutty, fruit-forward scent.
- It’s formulated without parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, and is cruelty-free.
- The bottle comes in one size: 250 mL.
What I Like About the Natura Body Lotion Concentrate
I was holding my breath as I applied this product because I’m obsessed with all of Natura’s products, and I would’ve been devastated if this lotion didn’t absorb well. I typically opt for body serums since they tend to blend in more easily, but this one is a thicker cream. Thankfully, it rubbed in effortlessly, leaving my skin so smooth that I even asked my roommates to feel it as a way of showing off. It’s also not sticky at all, so I could put my pajamas on right away without having to linger in the nude for a few minutes to dry off.
I also appreciate how affordable it is compared to some high-end lotions. At $17 for the first round and $14 for each concentrate refill, you’re not breaking the bank to keep your skin moisturized. You can even reach those often-neglected crevices that you might skip when using a fancy lotion you splurged on. Obviously, my Le Labo body lotion is more of a bathroom showpiece than something I use every day.
Mixing it together is really easy too, adding a fun, mad scientist vibe to the process.
How to Use the Natura Body Lotion Concentrate
I hate reading instructions, but thankfully, there was an easy-to-follow graphic on the packaging that showed how to mix the concentrate into the vial. If you’re someone who does read the instructions, you won’t run into any issues, but here’s what the brand suggests: Fill the empty bottle with 210ml of room temperature drinking water. Then, with the lid facing down, shake the Castanha Concentrate (30mL bottle) well until it becomes homogeneous, ensuring there are no residues at the bottom. Pour the entire contents of the Castanha Concentrate into the water-filled bottle. Close the valve securely, then shake vigorously for at least one minute until the mixture transforms into a uniform cream. It’s important to shake the product immediately after mixing with water.
I wasn’t entirely sure what the brand meant by “drinking water” – I used New York City tap water since everyone assures me it’s the best in the country – but next time, I might opt for bottled or filtered Brita water just in case.
What to Consider Before Trying the Natura Body Lotion Concentrate
Personally, I love the scent of all of Natura’s products, especially the Ekos Takumã collection – I use both the shower gel and hand cream religiously. They remind me of visiting a foreign aunt for the summer and using all of her products after your TSA-approved samples run out in three days, leading you to embrace the local beauty staples. However, the scent of this concentrate is quite specific – I’d describe it as fruity with a capital F – so if you prefer unscented products or something more subtle, this might not be the product for you, as the scent lingers for hours post-application.
Where Is the Natura Castanha Body Lotion Concentrate Available?
The Natura Castanha Body Lotion Concentrate is available directly on the brand’s website and Amazon.
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Iman Balagam is a freelance journalist and brand consultant who specializes in beauty, fashion, and lifestyle content. The Texas native’s work has appeared in a variety of publications, including Vogue, Allure, and Elle.
