Ranavat is one of my favorite beauty brand loves. I’ve fallen in complete love with the hair line, which includes the Regenerative Veda⁴ Bond Complex Shampoo and Conditioner ($48 each), and tried-and-true products like Radiant Rani ($75), the Resurfacing Saffron AHA Masque. But the Ayurvedic brand has been a lifesaver with its latest launch, especially because I’ve been dealing with something out of the ordinary when it comes to my skin: itchy redness that is probably due to the cold, dry weather. I’m not exaggerating when I tell you the universe was looking out for me the minute I started using the gorgeously named L’Immortale Empress Restoring Moonseed Treatment ($125).
How it works
The Restoring Moonseed Treatment contains over 30 medicinal Ayurvedic ingredients, including bala, an herb that revitalizes the skin and soothes inflammation and irritation, as well as shatavari, or adaptogenic asparagus that helps keep wrinkles from forming and encourages collagen production. And then there’s moonseed of course, which is an antioxidant plant that is known as “the root of immortality,” has heart-shaped leaves (cute), and targets fine lines and wrinkles.
“I created the Restoring Moonseed Treatment because bala, moonseed and shatavari are some of the most advanced ingredients when it comes to delaying the effects of age and they were not accessible in modern skin care,” explains founder Michelle Ranavat. “Not only did these ingredients show some amazing results when it came to fine lines, skin irritation, and skin barrier strengthening, but I took the formula a step further by combining these in a highly nourishing base of mango seed and kokum butters.”
Ranavat says that the treatment is inspired by the Ayurvedic philosophy of vayasthapana, which is a group of medicinal plants that are classified as ‘preventing the effects of age,’ and is intended to be used at night during your skin’s peak renewal period. It’s also meant to be used as a biweekly treatment and after your moisturizer as a final step in your routine.
“Moonseed, known as the root of immortality in Ayurveda inspired the Restoring Moonseed Treatment,” explains Ranavat. “By harnessing the power of this healing ingredient, our treatment not only treats existing concerns but also proactively protects the skin from future concerns.” In fact, in a clinical study (commissioned by the brand—just FYI) with 30 participants over the course of four weeks, 97 percent of users saw a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles.
My honest review
The Restoring Moonseed Treatment stood out to me for many reasons. First, that purple hue! It’s rare for a skin-care treatment to have a really gorgeous color, and that’s something I appreciate with Ranavat products in general. Also, the product has a beautiful botanical scent. Though it has a balm-like consistency, it goes on like a serum. And as mentioned, the treatment goes on as a final step to your routine, which takes a little getting used to.
My intention with the Moonseed Treatment was that it could help with the weird itchiness and irritation I was getting on my neck and underneath my chin. I warmed up a small dime-sized amount using my fingertips and applied it on the areas that needed help (I also used it on my knuckles, which were also dry and itchy.) I noticed that after the first week, my skin had calmed down, even on my hands, though I’ll still continue using it to see if it has any effects on fine lines. I have to say, I loved having the Moonseed Treatment as the last thing I do before bed. Ranavat is all about self-care and rituals, and you can really feel that when you use its products.