(Products gifted for review) I’m sure you have heard of Manuka honey. In case you don't know what makes it different from regular honey it comes from bees that mainly pollinate the Manuka plant (or the Leptospermum scoparium if you prefer Latin names for plants). Whilst all honey is thought to have a number of beneficial properties, Manuka honey is believed to have special anti-inflammatory action and antimicrobial qualities. Applied topically it has been shown to help eczema by calming inflammation and irritation. It can also help other skin disorders, soothe inflammation and fight infection. 

If the thought of covering yourself in honey makes you feel like like a messy Winnie the Pooh don’t worry as Manuka Doctor has a skincare range which harnesses the properties of Manuka honey without making you sticky or attractive to insects. I received some of their new products to review.

The new skincare range from Manuka Doctor

Manuka Doctor Skincare Review

The new Manuka Doctor Ceramide skincare range includes: a smoothing cleaner, a moisturising lotion with SPF30 and a moisturising cream. Each of the unscented products contains 3 essential ceramides as well as Manuka honey and other great ingredients making them ideal for dry and aging skin. They are made with sustainable and genuine Manuka honey, certified by the New Zealand Government to a high standard.

Key Ingredients and their benefits according to Manuka Doctor

Manuka honey - repairs and regenerates skin cells by removing dead skin cells, stimulating new tissue growth, ideal for those looking to gently refresh their skin. Thought to help fight conditions like acne and rosacea as well as protecting against damage.

Ceramide complex - skin-identical active ingredient for enhanced skin moisturisation and protection. Ideal for ageing skin, dry skin and sensitive skin. A concentrated mix of Ceramides, Cholesterol and Fatty acids.

Hyaluronic acid - helps reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles by retaining moisture to the skin, creating a plumping effect. When the skin is protected and hydrated, increased skin cell production can take place, as the skin isn't busy fighting for hydration. This leads to smoother, plumper skin.

Manuka Doctor Ceramide Smoothing Cleanser

Coming in a compact 200ml bottle with a push down dispenser this cleanser is applied to wet skin. It is a clear gel which creates a gentle foam on the face. The cleanser contains salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, ceramide complex and Manuka honey so as it cleans the skin it gently exfoliates and cleanses without being overly drying. 

I like the shape of that the bottle isn’t round so it’s more space efficient in crowded bathrooms. It is also easy to twist the dispenser into an off position if you want to take it away with you (unlike many dispenser bottles which need to be pushed and twisted to close, waisting product, or come with a lid which I tend to lose).

Ceramide Smoothing Cleanser by Manuka Doctor

Manuka Doctor Ceramide Moisturising Lotion SPF30

We all know that it’s important to use SPF on our face every day, not just in the height of summer, but I find that most moisturisers with skin protection in feel thick and greasy, even on my dry skin. This facial moisturiser feels light when I am wearing it. If I touch my skin it feels like there is a barrier of cream protecting it, but my skin doesn’t feel greasy.

This moisturiser has the key ingredients of the range: Ceramides, Hyaluronic acid and Manuka Honey as well as bunch of other ingredients known for their moisturising properties: coconut oil, shea butter, glycerin, betaine. This makes it perfect for protecting and rehydrating your face.

The face moisturiser is SPF30

Manuka Doctor Creaming Moisturising Cream

So your face is clean, well moisturised and protected from the sun, what about the rest of your body? That’s where the tub of Ceramide Moisturising Cream comes in. Designed for dry to very dry skin and including those key ingredients of Manuka Honey, Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid this cream can be used on your face and body for maximum hydration. 

I love the large tub which makes it easy to scoop out the unscented cream without getting the container greasy. I find it takes a little while to absorb in: eg I apply it to one arm and it doesn’t fully absorb in, but if I do the other arm and then go back to the first one and give a final rub it is no longer visible. It’s great for applying all over when you come out of the shower and your skin is slightly damp so the ingredients lock in all of that moisture and protect your skin. 

An all over moisturising cream

Key Take Aways

• The Manuka Doctor Ceramide Skincare range is ideal for dry and aging skin.
• The products are unscented and easy to use.
• The great properties of Manuka Honey mean the products can help sooth red, irritated skin.
• The combination of ingredients provide a great moisture boost to skin.
• You can buy all the Manuka Doctor products including the new Ceramide Skincare range here.