AVEENO® ACTIVE NATURALS®

At Green Beings we hear a lot about how small, local brands have made a commitment to the environment and we are delighted to publicise their efforts. But its not often we hear about a major global brand taking a grass-roots approach to the environmental cause.

Aveeno is one such brand. They are producers of natural skin care products and are part of the Johnson & Johnson group of companies.

Green Beings was recently contacted by Aveeno’s Australian marketing team to tell us about their Active Naturals® range, which uses 'environmentally friendly' and renewable natural products in a range of skin and haircare products.

As part of that launch we have agreed to put Aveeno’s products to the test and have recruited a panel of regular readers from our email database.

Our testing panel consisted of 20 lovely ladies from all over Australia, ranging from 25-45. Each was provided with samples of Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Moisturising Lotion and Positively Radiant. After using these products for two weeks our testers provided feedback on their experience.

Whilst from the responses it is clear that the skincare needs of our testing panel varied, what they all had in common was that they are all busy active women with green tendencies. Some of the key things that the testers look for in their skin care products are: natural ingredients, moisturisers which are quickly absorbed and provide moisturising effects that last. In terms of facial moisturisers SPF was a key factor.

Daily Moisturising Lotion and Positively Radiant

Of the 20 testers 16 said they would buy or recommend the Daily Moisturising Lotion to friends. It got particularly positive reviews from those with dry skin who commented on the 24 hour moisturising effect the product had.

Our testers had a range of facial skin types, and the response to Aveeno Active Naturals Positively Radiant reflected that. Of the 20 testers 9 liked the product and would use it again. The other 11 found that is was not suited to their skin type or found the SPF element unsuitable.

See what they had to say......

Claire, Freshwater NSW (busy, full time environmental professional)
Daily moisturising lotion - The packaging was appealing as many 'eco' products look a bit cheap. I found the moisturiser quenched the thirst of my dry sensitive skin on my body without being greasy and with no reaction. Many other products I have tried have left my skin feeling greasy and dry. I would buy it and recommend it to my friends.

Positively Radiant - I found that I became sensitized to the positively radiant cream after about 4 or 5 days. However I often have this reaction to sun screens on my face and therefore this was not unexpected.

You may be assured that Johnson & Johnson Pacific values the comments you have made regarding products in the Aveeno Active Naturals range, especially as such feedback provides the company with an opportunity to better understand consumers' concerns about their products. Johnson & Johnson Pacific would appreciate your telephoning their Consumer Service Centre during Sydney business hours on 1800 029 979 quoting reference number 1118277A so they can personally respond to you.

Cassandra, Stanmore NSW (journalist)
Daily moisturising lotion - I loved the Aveeno Daily Moisturising Lotion. It was not too heavy and I really felt as though it was fulfilling its intended purpose. I generally like scented things but I can also see the advantage in non-scented products for pleasing a broader customer range. I would recommend this product to friends provided that it wasn't overpriced. I do not believe in paying too much for such basic beauty necessities.

Positively Radiant - When it came to this face cream, I felt that it did not suit my facial needs. For me, it was too oily and left my face shiny. I am wondering whether it is just incompatible with me, or this is a general consensus. Having said this, I do know that different products work for different people, so do not blame the product in itself- it is just not for me.

Amelia, Bundall, QLD (multi-tasking green mum)
Daily moisturising lotion - I LOVED this product! It's nice and light and easily absorbed into the skin. I love its light fragrance and found it really moisturising on my skin. It even gave me some temporary relief from my dermatitis! I'll definitely buy this product in the future and I'm keeping one of the little sample-sized bottle to keep in my hand bag for hand and elbow moisturising on-the-go!

Positively Radiant - I liked the smell and consistency of the product - not too perfumed or greasy. However I found I had problems with watering eyes and a running nose, as I often do when using SPF products on my face. If I didn't have this sensitivity, I'm sure it would be a great, everyday moisturiser, as it's nice and light.

Emily, Bondi NSW (creative stylist and writer)
Daily moisturising lotion - I did really enjoy using this daily moisturising lotion on my skin as it is dermatologist tested and I am usually extremely sensitive. I do feel that it has kept my skin soft and supple during this period of use. The fact that it is fragrance free is a real bonus for me personally. I'm not sure if I would recommend it as I prefer a richer body cream that absorbs into the skin more readily.

Positively Radiant - I really like this product a lot. Not only does it leave my skin feeling soft and supple – it’s a real pleasure to put on! As you are applying you can feel that lovely radiance within the moisturiser. I would absolutely recommend it to my friends and I will buy it again.

Lisa, Cammeray NSW (active environmental scientist soon to become a mum)
Daily moisturising lotion - I definitely liked the daily moisturising lotion. I have swimming quite a lot lately in chlorine pools and this product seemed to really make the skin feel soft and smooth all day. I would buy this product if the price was comparable with the other products I use and would recommend it to friends. The only aspect I would note is that I do not recall seeing a list of ingredients on the outside of the bottle - it would be good to see this as after all the product is claiming to be natural.

Positively Radiant - My general test of a good vs bad face moisturiser is whether or not it makes my skin break out and feel oily after use. I have been using this product for 2 weeks and have found it a non-oily product and have not had a breakout. In summary I did like the product and liked the combination of alternative natural ingredients (i.e. have never tried like this before). I would buy the product if the price was comparable with the products I have previously been buying (i.e. around $30 to $60) per bottle and would recommend this product to friends.

Sarah, Heathmont VIC (part time teacher and eco-conscious socially minded parent)
Daily moisturising lotion - A nice product with a pleasant texture that applies and soaks in quickly. I like that it doesn't have a smell. I would consider purchasing this product, depending on price. I don't necessarily believe the product to be superior to other moisturisers I have used, but in general I was happy with the product and might recommend it to friends if they were looking for a non-perfumed moisturiser. Personally I would prefer to buy a moisturiser from a smaller company than from a big multinational like J&J.

Positively Radiant - I do not like the smell of this product, it smells too chemically. Also, I didn't like the way the product felt on my skin on the first day (it sort of stung), although subsequent uses felt fine. I haven't really noticed any change in my skin condition - positive or negative - since using this product but as a moisturiser it did it's job. I don't think I would purchase this product myself and so probably wouldn't recommend it to friends either.

Siobhan, Annandale NSW (business owner and soon to be mum)

Daily moisturising lotion - I would not buy Daily moisturising lotion because it left a thin sticky film on the surface of my skin, which did not feel comfortable in hot weather. It seemed to take a while to soak in. I would not buy it due to this heavy petroleum-like coating or unfortunately recommend it to friends.

Positively Radiant - I did like the positively radiant but it was not moisturising enough for my (more mature ?) skin so I had to add more base moisturiser to my skin to prevent dryness. I would recommend it to some of my younger friends - under 30 years who do not need that much moisturiser for their skin.

Amanda, Randwick NSW (full time writer and dept chief sub editor and busy home renovator)

Daily moisturising lotion - My skin can sometimes be quite dry in areas, so I was looking forward to trying the Daily Moisturising Lotion to find out how it compares to my regular body moisturiser (Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula for Dry Skin). I like the non-greasy element of the Aveeno moisturiser so there’s no ‘oil slick’ feel or appearance after applying. I also like the fact that it doesn’t block pores so the skin can breathe, especially important during exercise, which I do on a daily basis. I’ve been applying the lotion regularly after morning swim and it has kept my skin soft without any dryness. I do usually buy lotions with a subtle scent, but it is quite nice to have one moisturiser in the cupboard that is fragrance-free so I don’t have a clash of scents on the days I wear perfume. I’ve also heard that mosquitoes attract to fragrances so Aveeno is ideal for me to wear in the evening when outdoors as I seem to be a mossie magnet and I have an allergy to bites. I wouldn’t say this lotion is any better or worse than my usual moisturiser, but I do like products that contain natural ingredients like the oatmeal and soy contained in Aveeno’s range, therefore, I would buy it in the future – alongside my favourite Palmer’s Body Butter of course!

Positively Radiant - I love this product! It feels lovely as soon as it touches the skin. It is quite thick in its consistency but it blends in fairly easily. The nozzle dispenser makes it simple and convenient to use. After applying every morning for the past two weeks I can honestly say that my skin feels softer and I don’t appear to have any dry patches, which I was prone to before. When I have a facial I am always told by the therapist that I have “very dehydrated skin” so I will be interested to hear the verdict on my next appointment after using Aveeno Daily Moisturiser for a few weeks. It’s great that this lotion has sunscreen (SPF 15 ) as I cycle to work every day and often forget to apply a sunblock, but I always remember to moisturise, so it is a good way for my skin to be protected. I am not sure if my face is “radiant” as it claims on the packaging, but perhaps after a couple more weeks of daily use I will be positively glowing (I hope!). I will continue to use this moisturiser and would definitely like to try the complete range of facial products from Aveeno to see the benefits of using them combined in a daily routine.

Kylee, Empire Bay, NSW (busy devoted mother and wife)
Daily moisturising lotion - Aveeno Active Naturals "Daily Moisturising Lotion" is the perfect way to start the day immediately after my morning shower. It is absorbed very well and made my legs feel completely hydrated for over 24 hours with the added luxury of my skin becoming smoother and feeling more velvety and softer. I really liked this daily moisturiser and would definitely buy it and recommend to friends.

Positively Radiant - I have had no negative skin reactions using this product. It is a light-medium weight moisturiser that provides a perfect base prior to applying my foundation. The only drawback for me personally was the sunscreen scent I immediately smelt when it went on my face. Other than that, I have been very happy with my skin feeling smoother and more hydrated. The added bonus is skincare that is additive free and all natural with built-in sun protection. I would definitely buy this product.

Julie, Perth WA (greenie with too much on her to do list)
Daily moisturising lotion - I enjoyed using this. It felt light and gave good coverage, which is what I look for in a body moisturiser. The pump pack was nice and handy too, although it would be useful to know if it's recyclable. I'd buy it, and recommend it to friends.

Positively Radiant - I didn't enjoy using this as much as the other one. It felt too thick for my oily skin. I wouldn't buy it myself, but would recommend it to any friend with dry skin who was looking for a rich face moisturiser with sun protection.

Tara, Stanwell Park NSW (very busy full time mum)

Daily moisturising lotion - I found the Aveeno Daily Moisturising lotion to be more effective in the treatment of dry skin areas. The reason for this is that it has an almost sorbolene consistency. In other areas, I found it a little too rich for my skin, and as I have overall oily skin it did take a while to be absorbed. I like the fact that it wasn't heavily scented, however as I used it as a body cream it would have been nice to be slightly more scented as even though I'm a pro-eco product user, the product still needs to have an element of luxury to it. I would recommend it to friends who have dry skin as I think it would suit their skin type. However as the product stands today I probably wouldn't buy it for myself and that is primarily due to having oily skin, a time- poor mum who needs a product that can be applied and absorbed quickly.

Positively Radiant - I really liked the Positively Radiant Daily Moisturiser. Compared to the body lotion this could be applied quickly and absorbed into my skin. This product had the correct amount of scent for a face cream, and it felt really good once applied, just the right consistency. The added SPF 15 is great, as a busy mum I'm usually the last one getting ready so having this combined in my face cream was very reassuring, as sun cream lotion is a necessity. The look and feel of the product does give the user a feeling that this is a natural product. Overall as the product stands today, I would recommend it to my friends and I would buy it myself.

Caroline, Southport QLD (environmental planner and busy mum of two)
Daily moisturising lotion - For a 'green choice' this product is very reasonably priced. I would definitely recommend this product to friends - it is light and easy to apply but leaves the skin feeling silky smooth. The fact that it is also good for sensitive skins is an added bonus!

Positively Radiant - I'm not sure how this product will be priced but if it is as reasonable as the daily moisturising lotion it beats the competition hands down. I have sensitive-oily skin prone to break outs so was pleasantly surprised with this product - no break outs! Usually 'oil-free' products leave my skin feeling tacky but not this one. It's also a great size - my current face-UV moisturiser is only 25ml, so 75ml is great for waste reduction.

Vanessa, Gladesville NSW (ecologist and low maintenance active outdoors lover)
Daily moisturising lotion - The first few days I noticed that my skin felt moist but not soft, like using a barrier cream. After continued use I found that my skin was soft and never dried out - thrilled! My sister has also found the same. I will definitely keep using this moisturiser as I have trouble with dry skin and sensitivity.

Positively Radiant - I like the consistency and coverage of Positively Radiant. My skin has been soft and did not breakout, as can happen with some SPF formulas. I would recommend this product to fellow ecologists, and those who are outdoors a lot. I would use it to help reduce signs of aging as a good deep moisturiser and with SPF protection.

Andy, Dover Heights NSW (busy environmental scientist on maternity leave)
Daily moisturising lotion - The cream is nice, it feels smooth on my skin and rubs in easily. I would recommend it.

Positively Radiant - I liked this product. It went on easily and my foundation spread nicely over it. The scent is pleasant and it is not greasy. I got a tiny bit of sting one day when I used it but my skin is ultra sensitive and it was just that once. I would recommend it.

Ro, Hunters Hill NSW (relaxed events producer currently on maternity leave)
Daily moisturising lotion - I am enjoying using the Daily Moisturising Lotion. I find it soft on my skin & enjoyed the fact it was free of chemicals. Its non-greasy and has a non-offensive fragrance, its very similar to sorbolene, but seems to offer more for my skin than sorbolene. I like the packaging, and the twist "off/on" cap - very handy for travel. I was impressed & would recommend to others.

Positively Radiant - Unfortunately the Positively Radiant face cream did not agree with me. I used it for 10 days on my face in the morning after cleanse & toning. The cream would sting on application and actually made my skin dry out and become flaky and continue to sting throughout the day.

Jo, Gladesville NSW (new mum juggling jobs)
Daily moisturising lotion - This is a great moisturiser. A small bit goes a long way and it absorbs quickly leaving my skin feeling soft and moisturised all day. I like the fact its not perfumed which means all members of the family can use it too.

Positively Radiant - I like the fact this product is derived from natural ingredients. It ticks all the boxes for me, it contains a SPF, is light and absorbs easily and my skin did look better from using it, so I'll certainly be using this product in future.

Sarah McPhee, Putney NSW (PA on maternity leave, now busy, caring wife and mother)
Daily moisturising lotion - I would definitely purchase this product in the future. I like the idea of using a more natural product and helping support the environment and this would be one of the key factors in me purchasing this product. After trying the daily moisturising lotion for 2 weeks I was unable to tell a difference from using my rather expensive usual creams. Although Aveeno daily moisturising lotion did not appear as thick and creamy as my usual product, I found by using the same amount it still covered all areas and kept my skin hydrated throughout the day. It was slightly sticky until absorbed completely and I do prefer my creams to have a slight fragrance and with a sun block but overall I was happy with the product and would recommend to family and friends.

Positively Radiant - I’m sorry to say but did not find the product “Positively Radiant Daily Moisturiser” as good as the daily moisturising lotion.It did feel thicker and creamier but failed to make my skin feel as soft and smooth as my normal product used. Sun block in my creams is something that draws me to buy that product and this particular product only contains SPF 15 where my usual cream contains SPF30.I also prefer that my facial creams contain some form of fighting the signs of aging. I did like the scent of the cream and it was over all a good product, but unfortunately I will stick to my usual product.

Denise, Cherrybrook NSW (young full time environmental professional)

Daily moisturising lotion - I found this lotion to be quite a good body moisturiser. The lotion was easy to apply as it seemed to absorb into my skin very well, and kept my skin moisturised throughout the day without drying it out. After using it for a couple of weeks, my skin definitely felt softer, and a little bit smoother. I would buy this product, and I would definitely recommend it to friends.

Positively Radiant - This moisturiser is a bit thicker than what I'm used to. I found that it made my skin a bit harder to 'breathe' and often felt that it clogged up my pores. I also felt that parts of my skin remained dry and flaky, which did not improve over the trial period. I'm not sure that I would buy this product, as it did not seem to absorb into my skin very well. I often find that moisturisers with sunscreen contained in them tend to dry out my skin.

Billie, Mullumbimby NSW (crazy busy businesswoman)
Daily moisturising lotion - I love the daily moisturising lotion, feels so lush yet absorbs so quickly. I also love that it is not perfumed.

Positively Radiant - not sure about this yet - I love the tingle when you apply it & that it absorbs quickly but it could be too rich for my skin. I will keep going & see if it is just a settling adjustment phase.

Uma, Annandale NSW (hectic full time advertising professional)

Daily moisturising lotion - I really liked this product, would definitely buy it and recommend it to people who suffer from dry skin. My legs tend to get a bit dry (scaly) and this product made them look smooth and well moisturised until the next morning. I liked the lack of smell and the feel. I also used it on my feet (bottom and top/heels) and they are smooth and soft. My elbows are also looking good. Overall 2 thumbs up!

Positively Radiant - The Aveeno Positively Radiant Moisturiser was great for the oilier parts of my face but not moisturising enough for the dryer parts of my face (cheeks). I liked the smell and the 'pump' application. I had to use 3 pumps of the product to feel well moisturised which is maybe too much? I think I would need to use this moisturiser in conjunction with the cleanser and toner to get the full benefits. At this stage I wouldn't buy this product or recommend it.

Johnson & Johnson Pacific appreciates your feedback and we have forwarded this to them for their information.