Rose absolute is greedy when it comes to flower consumption, devouring a full 24 roses for just one drop. Or so I’ve been told. If it is true, then 420 of them were sacrificed for every four ounce bottle of Marie Veronique’s Anti-aging Body Oil Rose and Neroli ($64). Which may help you come to terms with a price that is on the high side for what we spend on our bodies, the poor cousin to our pampered faces. On the grounds that we might have to come to terms with spending more if don’t want to resort to wearing kaftans as we age, this body oil is a pretty good place to start.

I’ve been testing Anti-aging Body Oil (I was sent a sample sized bottle to try) and really like it. Initially reluctant to put aside my SenZen body lotion, I have come to appreciate Marie Veronique’s formula (and I am not really an oil person). What’s more, in a side by side test with Intelligent Nutrient’s serum (which is a more complex blend of oils), I much prefer the Marie Veronique.

It goes on very nicely and is easily absorbed. It leaves my skin feeling well hydrated for most of the day (which in winter is saying something). I feel a warm glow after applying it. The smell is musty rosy and a bit medicinal, which is OK by me.

The good thing about oil-based formulas is that there is no water to attract bacteria and, hence, no nasty preservatives. Rose is a powerful antioxidant and it is joined by others. Avocados are very high in vitamin E, follate, magnesium and potassium. They aren’t bad on the vitamin A and D front either. Apricot kernel oil is comprised mostly (about 70%) of oleic acid, an omega-9 fatty acid as well as plenty of vitamin E. Meanwhile, watermelon oil is sometimes used as a mineral oil substitute, because of its ability to moisturize without clogging pores. But there is much more to it than that: it has high levels of the antioxidant lycopene and omega 6.

If you tend to gravitate to body oils and prefer completely natural products, then Marie Veronique’s Anti-aging Body Oil Rose and Neroli is definitely worth checking out.

Ingredients

Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba oil), Persea americana (avocado oil), Prunus armeniaca (apricot kernel oil), Citrullus Vulgaris/Lanatus (watermelon seed oil), vegetable squalene (from olive oil), Rosemary oleoresin, Rosa damascena (Rose) essential oil, Citrus aurantium (Neroli) essential oil, Helichrysum italicum (Helichrysum), Pelagonium graveolens (Rose Geranium) essential oil, Curcuma longa Rhizome (Curcuma) essential oil