Silky Day Lotion and Calendula Cream by Arbordoun is a line of handmade all-natural skincare products. The Silky Day Lotion comes in an 8 oz plastic bottle. The foundational ingredient in the lotion is shea butter. The other ingredients in the lotion are distilled water, apricot kernel oil, calendula extracts, burdock root, witch hazel, wild carrot seed; saint john's wort infused in apricot kernel oil, xanthan gum, rosehip seed oil, vitamin e, lecithin, and lavender oil. The lotion is designed to be used daily over the entire body, including the face. The Calendula Cream comes in 1 oz, 4 oz, 9 oz, and 16 oz glass jars. The ingredients are in the cream are olive oil, purified water, herbal extracts of calendula, Oregon grape, comfrey, aloe, vegetable glycerin, beeswax, vitamin e, lecithin, lavender oil. The price for the 8 oz lotion is $29.95. The prices for the creams are 1 oz for $10.74, 4 oz for $20.34, 9 oz for 39.54, 16 oz for $53.40.

Both products can be used for the skin of all ages. The products, being that they are all-natural, are non-toxic and even edible. Arbordoun does not promote eating it! The water-based ingredients are readily absorbed into the skin. I suffer from migraines, and strong smells can easily give me a migraine. These products have very subtle scents. The scents are also very pleasing. The Calendula Cream is not thick and doesn't leave a greasy feel. A small amount of the cream goes a long way. The herbs in the cream have historically been used to promote skin healing and have antibacterial properties. I no longer have little ones, but it is said that the cream is excellent for diaper rash. Those that have used it have said that after only two applications, diaper rash has completely disappeared. I sure could have used this with mine years ago. My daughter suffers from eczema, and she has been using it on some of her stubborn spots. The cream has helped soothe and keep her eczema from getting worse. I tend to have very dry skin, and this cream has dramatically helped to lock in the moisture after showers and keep my skin not as dry and itchy. It works great to apply after washing your hands.

With Covid still around, I am washing my hands all the time. With a pea-sized amount rubbed into your hands, your hands remain soft. Using this cream after shaving your legs makes them baby soft and smooth. The cream is a bit like a mini spa treatment for your skin. The Silky Day Lotion supports and balances your skin. It would be best if you shook the lotion very well, or the oil tends to not mix with the shea butter completely. The lotion is oilier than the cream. Both leave the skin very soft and smooth. I am drawn to both products due to the use of all-natural ingredients.

I prefer the cream over the lotion. For me, the drawback to the lotion is the need to shake the lotion to get the oil to incorporate thoroughly. Even after shaking vigorously, the oil and the shea butter were still separated when squeezing out the lotion. Because I am a busy mom, it is nice just to open the jar of cream, swipe the amount out that I need, and close the jar back up—no need to shake a bottle or worry if I squirt out too much. Also, I was not too fond of the oily feel and look the lotion gave. But, again, this is just my personal preference.

I would recommend both products to my friends and family. These products would be great gifts.

-Product review by Jennifer Ladewig, The Old Schoolhouse®, November 2021