Makari Extreme Carrot & Argan Oil Skin Toning Milk, Complete Review

Makari Extreme Carrot & Argan Oil Skin Toning Milk.

Package Dimensions L X W x H, 21.3 x 7.4 x 6.9 centimetres

in a 16.8oz(500ml) orange pump tin,

 

Intended Use

This product is marketed as a Lightening, Brightening & Tightening Body Lotion containing vitamin C, E and “Organiclarine”. A safe alternative to harmful skin bleaching creams. The manufacturer describes it as an anti-ageing treatment, used for lightening dark spots and acne, illuminating skin and unifying tone.

 

Manufacturer

MAKARI is a product of a company that goes under the name Victoria Albi International, Inc based in New York, United States. The manufacturer also seems to hint towards the products being developed in Switzerland (Not quite clear where these are actually produced. There appears to be more information about the distributors and marketers than the actual manufacturer)

Makari means “Beautiful” in Swahili

According to the company’s website, the MAKARI de SUISSE line was established by a New Yorker called Dr Jacques François with the help of a Belgian chemist, Gérard Pinault and some “Switzerland-based expert team of researchers”.

It was impossible to trace the actual identity of the principal inventor behind this line, which is oddly surprising given that the company is worth over a million-dollar. Without in any way trying to sound distort, this does generate some doubt in the credibility of their story.

Also, on the manufacturer’s website, there is supposedly, a doctor recommendation by a Dr Elías Turquie Minian who on research, turned out to be an Otorhinolaryngologist ( Ear Nose and Throat Doctor) in Mexico, whose real picture looks nothing close to the one shown on the manufacturer’s website. This finding again raises further suspicion about the transparency of the product manufacturer.

The company has an excellent marketing strategy which was kicked off in Paris and is now apparently global across 3 continents.

 

Ingredient list

Absolutely love to see manufacturers declare a clear and precise list of each ingredient used in their products. This applies to this product and as an advocate of product transparency, this factor is of supreme importance. However, the question remains as to whether the list is legitimate or not.

 

Key ingredients: Organiclarine, Argan Oil, Carrot Oil, Vitamins C&E

Base Ingredients: Aqua (Water), PEG 100 Glyceryl Stearate, Isopropyl Myristate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Mulberry (Morus Alba) Root Extract, Propylene Glycol, Ceteareth-20, Arbutin, Kojic Dipalmitate, Dimethicone, Mineral Oil (Paraddinun), Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Extract, Parfum (Fragrance), Carrot (Daucus Carota Sativa) Oil, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Oil, Sodium Lactate, Allantoin, Methyl Gluceth-10, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Vitamin A Palmitate, Sodium Metabisulfite, Disodium EDTA, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Benzoate, Hexyl Cinnamic Aldehyde, Benzyl Salicylate, Citronellol, hydroxycitronellal, Benzyl Cinnamate, Isoeugenol, Cinnamyl Alcohol, Cinnamal, Citral, Linalool, Eugenol, Farnesol, Geraniol

While gathering data for this review blog, I noticed that there have been some recent changes in the product ingredient and name (now called EXTREME ACTIVE INTENSE TONE BOOSTING BODY MILK).

The following highlighted ingredients do not seem to appear on the ingredient list of the revamped product on the manufacturer's website; Not sure if they have indeed stopped the use of the ingredients or if they were intentionally omitted;  Citronellol, hydroxycitronellal, Benzyl Cinnamate, Isoeugenol, Cinnamyl Alcohol, Cinnamal, Citral, Linalool, Eugenol, Farnesol, Geraniol.

From the manufacturer’s website, “New Look, Same Great Formula: Name on packaging updated to Extreme Active Intense Unify & Illuminate Tone Boosting Body Milk. This is a phase-in process so expect to see change gradually”

 

Description Of Ingredients

1. - Aqua (Water): Acts as the solvent for other ingredients and provides hydration.
2. - PEG 100 Glyceryl Stearate: Emulsifier and surfactant, helps to stabilize the formula.
3. - Isopropyl Myristate: Emollient, provides a smooth, non-greasy feel.
4. - Cetearyl Alcohol: Emulsifier and thickener, helps to stabilize the formulation and provide a creamy texture.
5. - Glycerin: Humectant, attracts moisture to the skin, keeping it hydrated.
6. - Mulberry (Morus Alba) Root Extract: Known for its skin-brightening properties, helps to even out skin tone.
7. - Propylene Glycol: Humectant and solvent, helps to keep the product moist and stable.
8. - Ceteareth-20: Emulsifier, helps to blend water and oil-based ingredients.
9. - Arbutin: Skin-lightening agent, helps to reduce the appearance of dark spots.
10. - Kojic Dipalmitate: Skin-brightening agent, helps to lighten skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation.
11. - Dimethicone: Silicone-based polymer, provides a smooth, silky feel and helps to lock in moisture.
12. - Mineral Oil (Paraffinum): Emollient, forms a protective barrier on the skin to prevent moisture loss.
13. - Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Extract: Contains antioxidants and has skin-soothing properties.
14. - Parfum (Fragrance): Adds scent to the product.
15. - Carrot (Daucus Carota Sativa) Oil: Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, nourishes and moisturizes the skin.
16. - Argania Spinosa (Argan) Oil: Moisturizing and nourishing oil, rich in fatty acids and antioxidants.
17. - Sodium Lactate: Humectant, helps to maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier.
18. - Allantoin: Skin-soothing and moisturizing agent, helps to calm irritation and soften the skin.
19. - Methyl Gluceth-10: Humectant, attracts moisture to the skin.
20. - Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E): Antioxidant, helps to protect the skin from free radical damage.
21. - Ascorbic Acid: Form of Vitamin C, antioxidant properties, helps to brighten the skin and even out tone.
22. - Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: Surfactant, helps to cleanse the skin by removing dirt and oil.
23. - Vitamin A Palmitate: Form of Vitamin A, antioxidant properties, helps to promote skin cell turnover.
24. - Sodium Metabisulfite: Antioxidant, helps to preserve the product.
25. - Disodium EDTA: Chelating agent, helps to preserve the product by binding to metal ions.
26. - Methylparaben, Propylparaben: Preservatives, inhibit microbial growth and extend shelf life.
27. - Benzyl Alcohol: Preservative and solvent.
28. - Benzyl Benzoate: Fragrance ingredient and solvent.
29. - Hexyl Cinnamic Aldehyde, Benzyl Salicylate, Citronellol, Hydroxycitronellal, Benzyl Cinnamate, Isoeugenol, Cinnamyl Alcohol, Cinnamal, Citral, Linalool, Eugenol, Farnesol, Geraniol: Fragrance ingredients, add scent to the product.

Safety and Toxicity

This product is not listed on the European Commission Safety Gate: Rapid Alert System for dangerous non-food products. There are no safety alerts on any of the ingredients used.

 

Target Population (Who is the product made for?)

 This product seems tailor-made for those with melanin-rich skin, aiming to address a range of skin concerns. It's designed to tackle issues like acne marks, melasma, uneven skin tone, sunburn, sun damage, dark patches on knuckles, elbows, knees, toes, and underarms, as well as age spots, fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. While these concerns aren't exclusive to darker skin tones, they are commonly encountered in this demographic.

 

 

How does the product work?

There are a million and one (not an exaggeration) products out there promising the exact same thing this product is promising. So, what is the difference?  According to the manufacturer, their Switzerland-based expert team of researchers used state-of-the-art technologies to develop powerful, high-quality brightening products. One of them is called “Organiclarine”.

What is Organiclarine:  Wikipedia does not know!

Organiclarine is a trademark of VICTORIA ALBI INTERNATIONAL INC. (Ref: trademarks.justia.com)

The manufacturer describes Organiclarine as a naturally based (plant extract), proprietary non-chemical skin-brightening ingredient.

Organiclarine is classed as a non-medicated organic lightening ingredient used in the manufacture of skincare products. It belongs to the International Class 003: “Bleaching preparations and other substances for laundry use; cleaning, polishing, scouring and abrasive preparations; soaps; perfumery, essential oils, cosmetics, hair lotions; dentifrices”

In the quest for information on Organiclarine, it quickly becomes clear that details are hard to come by. However, one nugget stands out: Organiclarine is a flavonoid. Now, flavonoids are fascinating compounds found in plants, lending them their vibrant colors - think berries, fruits, and more. But they're not just pretty pigments; they also pack a punch when it comes to anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Plus, they're known to tinker with pigmentation, which explains why they're often tapped into for their lightening abilities.

 

Is the product easy to use?

Is using the product a breeze? Well, it's a bit of a mixed bag. If you're just talking about slapping it on your skin, then yeah, it's easy. But if you're looking at the bigger picture of skincare needs and treating specific skin issues, the waters get murkier.

I gave this product a whirl some time back, managed to get through a bottle, and then promptly called it quits. Why? Well, let's just say I wasn't vibing with the side effects.

Now, most treatment products come with a handy-dandy instruction manual, right? Not all non-medical cosmetic goodies do, though. This product falls into the non-medical category, but surprise, surprise, it packs some active ingredients that can do a number on your skin if you're not careful. And get this: the original packaging didn't even throw up a caution flag about slathering it on your face. Nope, it cheerfully suggested daily use, which, you guessed it, led to some not-so-fun skin reactions. So, is it easy to use? Not exactly.

Thankfully, the manufacturer has since wisened up and slapped some clear warnings on the bottle, advising against using it on your face and nixing the daily routine idea. They're also giving a gentle nudge to go easy on certain, ahem, lighter areas of your body. So, yeah, it's getting there.

 

Is the product of high quality?

The Makari products in general are described by some as luxury products. This is very well reflected in their price. Going by the information about the product ingredients and manufacturing process, this product could be classed as relatively high-quality

 

Is it geared towards dark acne-prone skin?

 Let me tell you, this is a biggie for me. So, a while back, I decided to give this product a whirl. Back then, the manufacturer wasn't exactly handing out user manuals with it. And let me tell you, it was a doozy. This stuff unleashed a breakout storm like I'd never seen before. Picture this: angry, inflamed spots popping up not just on my face, but setting up camp on my chest and back too. And if that wasn't enough, it's got some serious skin-bleaching potential if you use it every day. 

Once I kicked it to the curb, it took ages to undo the damage it caused. Turns out, it's a real troublemaker for acne-prone skin like mine. So, in short, this stuff ain't the best match for those of us with darker skin dealing with acne. 

Yep, that's the scoop on the fallout from using Makari Extreme Carrot & Argan Oil Skin Toning Milk.

The manufacturer now explicitly advises.

• To first apply a base oil to the skin before applying the product.
• To Apply sparingly to lighter areas of skin such as inner arms, thighs and legs.
• This product is for the BODY ONLY, DO NOT USE ON THE FACE!!!
• Do not use more than 3x per week. Excessive usage may damage the skin.
• Do not use for more than 3-4 months consecutively.
• To use other safe non-brightening emollients on alternate nights to keep skin hydrated.

Is the product worth my money? 

Ah, let's talk cash. So, this product's price tag? We're looking at about £80-£100 for a 500ml bottle, give or take depending on where you snag it. But hey, that's pretty much par for the course, matching up with what you'd fork over on the manufacturer's site.

Now, is it worth it? Well, if you play by the rules and use it right, it might just be worth every penny. When it comes to brightening up your skin, this stuff is top-notch. Seriously, it's like a magic wand for dullness.

 

Summary

Alright, let's dive into the world of Makari Extreme Carrot & Argan Oil Skin Toning Milk. This stuff is a game-changer when it comes to brightening up your skin, all without breaking the bank. Plus, it ticks all the boxes for modern skincare enthusiasts, especially if you're all about that natural, cruelty-free vibe. And hey, it's even got the thumbs up from the European Commission Safety Gate, so no worries on the safety front.

But hold up, there's a bit of mystery swirling around this product. Who's really pulling the strings behind the scenes? While our detective work points to a company in New York as the manufacturer, the marketing vibes seem to be channelling some serious Swiss sophistication. And let's talk about those bold claims of doctor recommendations—some folks are raising an eyebrow or two over their credibility.

Now, here's the kicker: if you're not careful with how you use it, this stuff can pack a punch. Too much of a good thing can lead to pesky pimples and more blemishes than you bargained for. But fear not, with some clear instructions straight from the source, that little hiccup could easily be smoothed over.

 

Product Effect Rating