Boomsilk ($32 for 2 oz.; $48 for 8 oz.) is a unique moisturizer that can be used on the face as well as all over the body. The entire Boom! product line consists of only four products and was developed by Cindy Joseph, a former professional makeup artist with over 20 years’ experience. Boomsilk is a simple formulation consisting of only six ingredients. Joseph’s intent was to create a moisturizer that would protect, nourish and moisturize the entire body and decided “all you need is one product, as long as it’s safe and does the job.” The product is indeed safe and I would say this heavenly cream certainly gets the job done!

In order to ensure product safety, Joseph has eliminated any potentially harmful ingredients, such as emulsifiers, which are used for keeping the components blended; mineral oils, such as petroleum byproducts; and all preservatives, including parabens and phthalates. As such, she has also eliminated sunscreen. As I am a proponent of always using a separately designated sunscreen product so as not to dilute its active ingredients, I would recommend using a sunscreen under this moisturizer if you apply it to your face during the day.

As to the purity of Boomsilk, it is “handmade” from all organic beeswax, propolis, pollen and honey by beekeepers on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. I had thought the exotic origin of the ingredients explained the substantial price. However, I recently met someone who makes organic soy candles and learned that the best alternative to soy was to use beeswax. Organic beeswax, though, would increase the price of the candles by about five-fold; hence, the hefty price tag of $32 for 2 oz. for this rather simply formulated, albeit, lavish cream.

Organic beeswax is a natural emulsifier that softens and protects the skin. According to a German study, beeswax was found to be superior to similar “barrier creams” (usually mineral-oil-based creams, such as petroleum jelly) and may effectively reduce the frequency of irritant contact dermatitis. Moreover, Penny has pointed out that honey and beeswax reduce the appearance of wrinkles, enhance the skin’s firmness, and fully hydrate even the driest skin.

I have previously noted the benefits of honey and propolis in my review of Lather’s Honey Moisture Mask ($22 in the TIA shop). Honey is a sweetener made by bees from the nectar of flowers, and propolis is the resin from bee hives. Honey has humectant properties and is a mild but effective natural preservative with anti-inflammatory effects. Both ingredients have antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Further, the healing properties of honey are well known and it has been used for centuries to treat burns and other wounds.

An intriguing ingredient in Boomsilk is organic bee pollen, which is often found in skin-softening products used for baby’s diaper rash or eczema. According to Drugs.com, a study found that bee pollen administered to rats was found to possibly display anti-aging effects and it may also possess antioxidant properties, but these benefits have not yet been confirmed. However, research reveals little or no information regarding toxicity of bee pollen when used externally. Of course, I would avoid using this cream if you have allergic reactions to bee stings.

Generally, I found Boomsilk a bit too greasy to apply to my face, but it is ideal for anyone with very dry, mature skin. I do plan to use it sparingly over a retinoid in the future to prevent the dryness and peeling side effects that often accompany retinols/retinoids. Boomsilk can also be used as a spot treatment for problem areas, such as hands, elbows, feet and even on cuticles. I have been smoothing this buttery balm all over my body after showering every evening. It’s quite rich and while a little goes a long way, I have found Boomsilk to initially be a bit sticky and requires a few minutes to fully absorb. But when it does absorb, my skin is ridiculously soft and has a slight glowing sheen. This luxurious cream has a lasting effect, and I always wake up to satiny smooth skin!

Ingredients: Organic extra virgin olive oil, organic beeswax, organic propolis, organic pollen, organic honey, Vitamin E