Nature’s Gate Persimmon & Rose Geranium Body Lotion
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Green is everywhere these days. Cars are green, our chip bags are biodegradable, even my electric company has changed the color of its logo from blue to green. But does that actually MEAN anything? Sadly, “green” can sometimes be less of a corporate dedication to sustainability and more of a marketing ploy. That’s why it’s refreshing to have companies like Nature’s Gate on the market who walk the walk and talk the talk, and have for a very long time.
Nature’s Gate was started over 30 years ago by two brothers in California who had a dedication to nature and the desire to create natural and organic products. Their first product was a Rainwater Shampoo, blended with herbs and rainwater they collected at Venice Beach. This shampoo, ladled out from a barrel in their herb shop, was the start of decades of natural, pH-balanced skin and hair care products that are inspired by nature and created with the commitment to preservation, conservation and sustainability. Nature’s Gate products are eco-friendly, cruelty free and recyclable; using organic ingredients whenever possible and using the latest technology to develop products that are not only green, but have the latest skin and hair care advances. And know what the best part is? They work.
photos: we heart this
We received Nature’s Gate Organics Persimmon & Rose Geranium Body Lotion for all skin types. Now I must preface this with the fact that as a Southern dark girl, I have a fear that has been bred into me (and many others) since childhood. It is….the fear of being ashy. If you dared walk out the house with ashy legs, you might as well not come home. So I was a bit hesitant on switching body lotions. I still have the shame of possibly using a product that won’t moisturize properly and that will leave me “not fit for company” in my grandmother’s eyes. But I can happily say that the Antioxidant Defense Lotion leaves me happily hydrated. Even my hateful areas, my elbows and knees, were soft, smooth and blessedly ash-free!
I checked out the ingredients on the Antioxidant Defense Lotion, and it seems that the nourishing ingredients are the Organic Persimmon and Pomegranate extracts which are blended with Organic Jojoba Oil. A fan of organics? This orange bottle (a recent redesign for the company) is packed with them; almost 35% of the ingredients are Certified Organic. Seriously, I counted. In fact, if you’re curious about any of the natural extracts or oils in Nature’s Gate products, all you have to do is check out their website; they provide a glossary of ingredients. As for Persimmon & Rose Geranium Antioxidant Defense Lotion, the Persimmon is rich in vitamin A & C and provides moisturizing properties while the Rose Geranium is a refreshing anti-irritant.
This review wouldn’t be complete without a mention of how Persimmon & Rose Geranium Antioxidant Defense Lotion smells. Honestly, it reminded me of a gardening salve that my mother had; very green, earthly and just like geraniums. The persimmon adds a slightly sweet/tart note, but the geranium is the overall scent for me. It wears off quickly so it won’t interfere with your perfume.
If you get a chance, check out Nature’s Gate’s website for info on their partnership with WaterAid America; a company that helps promote the use of rainwater as a sustainable and long-term solution to providing families in Africa and Asia with safe and cleaning drinking water. There’s also a page that lists ways that you can help.
A company that lives up to its natural and organic roots, continues to make products that promote that legacy AND that looks for charitable ways to help out others? Guess it actually is easy being green. (My apologies to Kermit the Frog.)
Don’t forget to check the comments for the we heart this review team’s thoughts and experiences.
Disclosure: This review includes products that were provided by the manufacturer/PR firm for our consideration. It also contains an affiliate link, a link that gives us a small commission if you purchase the item. For more info, or any questions, please see our disclosure policy.
I didn’t receive this officially to test, but I have bought and currently own their mango lotion and bath gel. I originally bought this set for my guest bath because I had friends coming to visit. I wanted to have some pretty products in there for them to use. After my guests left, I quickly snagged these products and moved them into my bathroom and I’ve been using them ever since. It comes in a nice pump bottle. The mango has a nice sweet scent, but definitely isn’t overpowering and quickly disappears. The lotion is very moisturizing and soaks right in. To me it’s one of those lotions you are going to be able to tell your wearing. It’s a little on the sticky side at first, but once it dries you are left with super soft moisturized skin. Best of all this lotion stays with you and keeps you feeling moisturized throughout the day.
Hmmm..I am intriqued. I have been trying more and more ‘eco-friendly and natural’ products from the wonderful Whole Foods Market and have to say, I have been very pleased. I think these products have come a long way, and I am excited to sniff this lotion on my next trip to Whole Foods!
Thanks Alyssa!
I was worried back in February when Nature’s Gate filed for Ch. 11 but I’m glad they’ve gotten back into the swing of things. I think it mainly affected their line of Arbonne products (direct-buy natural cosmetics). Just goes to show how resilient this company really is!
I have a long standing affair with Nature’s Gate. Every time I’m at my local supermarket or natural foods store I like to sniff all the Nature’s Gate shampoos, LOL! They just smell so great!
I’ve never actually bought Nature’s Gate shampoos but they’re the ONLY kind of shampoo that my twin sister can use. She has allergic reactions to a lot of chemicals and Nature’s Gate offers the gentle, organic cleaning power that she needs without leaving her a) broke and b) itchy. Win win! I use the Nature’s Gate deodorants from time to time and I love them. They effectively block all stinkyness and are even slightly moisturizing! But remember- it’s a deodorant, NOT an antiperspirant. We’re supposed to sweat, why block up all those pores with metals and chemicals? Sure, if I’m going to a more formal event and I expect to be hot (think- black tie wedding in July) I’ll use an antiperspirant but on a day to day basis I LOVE Nature’s Gate deodorants. 4 Stars from me!
Nature’s Gate has deodorant? Nine times out of ten I’ll use deodorant and not antiperspirant. I have not tried this line before and will look for it, thanks Amanda Miller! Currently, I use Weleda and a few others.. Origins has a nice one too..
I’ve never used any of Nature’s Gate’s products and you have me intrigued, @lyssachelle! Great review.
@mandaleem, I HAVE used Arbonne’s products and liked them. I had no idea they were affiliated with Nature’s Gate…
Great review! So glad you enjoyed this product as I’ve been looking for an organic lotion to try…I’m a sucker for anything with Rose in it too. Off to my daily Whole Foods run!
Amanda and Pamela-
I have been looking for a deodorant and not antiperspirant..I don’t like having all those chemicals on my lymph nodes every day- scary!
I think the Tom’s is quite sticky, so am in the market for a new brand. I do love the Weleda brand Pamela, so I will check those out. Any favorites are welcome!
Thanks!
I didn’t receive anything for review but I just wanted to chime in and say that I’m a long-time lover of Nature’s Gate and I loved this review, @lyssachelle! You’ve got me seriously craving this lotion now, darn you! :D
I did not review this lotion. But I have used a variety of Nature’s Gate products and have always been immensely satisfied. Everything always smells and feels great. I think that the company offers excellent products and at a reasonable price. And it is good for you and the environment. Can’t beat that!!
Mmmm, love the scent of this Body Lotion! This is the first Nature’s Gate product I’ve used and I was very happy. From the cool orange metallicy (yes I made that word up) bottle with the perfect pump (pushes out just the right amount of lotion and can be twisted and “locked” in place so there is no seepage when traveling or not in use)to the light, but super moisturising lotion that leaves no greasy residue to the yummy bright scent.
I’m not sure exactly what persimmons smell like but this scent is very citrusy and fresh, not a sweet fruit smell. I love it! The lotion is a very nice everyday body lotion, it’s not super thick so you may want something heavier for feet or elbows. But, with frequent use, this lotion has helped calm some of the super dry areas and may soon wipe out the need for the heavy duty lotions all together. Great product, fair price and a long standing green focused company – I’m going with 5 stars!
.-= Tyna Werner´s last blog ..A fresh crop of Summer Cookbook Suggestions =-.
Thanks for the comments guys; I’m so glad that everyone else liked Nature’s Gate also! It shows that the company is good when so many people are already fans!
@Amanda Miller, I had no idea they were affiliated with Arbonne! I’m glad they survived too, this was the first time I’d tried any of their products and I’m sold!
@Tyna Werner, you are so right about the bottle! Orange metallicy is the perfect description for it, it’s such a bright and refreshing color! Great pics for this review, by the way!
And I didn’t mention it in my review, but this one gets 5 stars from me.
Great review @lyssachelle!
I was pretty excited when I got a bottle of this lotion to review as I’ve used Nature’s Gate products before (shampoo and conditioner) and was very pleased with them. And this lotion definitely did not disappoint!
After the first use, Nature’s Gate body lotion is now part of my daily regime. I usually apply it immediately following my morning shower and it keeps my skin very well moisturized without feeling heavy or greasy. Perfect for Minnesota summers which get really sticky and humid, because the last thing you want to put on is a coating of thick lotion. Plus it feels great knowing I’m not rubbing a bunch of weird chemicals and parabens into my skin!
I too am digging the bright orange metallicy (great word @Tyna!) bottle. And the scent is awesome! I’ve also never smelled a persimmon and I’m actually not 100% sure what a geranium smells like, but @lyssachelle and @Tyna described it perfectly…earthly, refreshing, tart, citrusy…it’s a perfect light summery lotion!
Luckily the local co-op down the street from me carries Nature’s Gate products so I’ll be able to replenish my supply as this is one of my favorite daily products to use now. I highly recommend with 5 stars!
Great post @lyssachelle! I remember Nature’s Gate Rainwater shampoo so well. Not the version that was ladled out in their herb shop, but a later version that every hippie friend of my Mom’s had in her bathroom! As lovely as the redesign is (and it is indeed lovely. Metallic orange? Love it!) I still remember that hippie looking bottle and feel a twang of “awww”.
I love how this lotion smells. Again with the sentimental, but my Grandparents always seemed to have a fresh Persimmon in their kitchen. One. And it was a big deal when it was ripe and ready to eat. It always smelled a tad bit spicy, and really fresh and juicy. That’s what this lotion smells like. Like an adult fruit, fresh but a bit sexy too. I don’t smell much rose, which is good for me because I’m not a rose fan. It’s very unique.
As far as the moisturizing, it’s on the light side. A good every day lotion. It wouldn’t be something I’d reach for when I was feeling really parched. But def. something I’d use in the summer when I don’t want to feel slick.
I give it a solid 4 stars, for the scent, the value and the green aspect.
.-= Stef´s last blog ..MOR Little Luxuries perfume oils =-.
Glad you all like metallicy @lyssachelle and @kari – it’s still a simple recyclable plastic bottle but the orange shade makes it look so fancy.
@Stef – do persimmons taste like they smell? They seem like a taste you may not like as a kid and grow into -true?
.-= Tyna Werner´s last blog ..How To: Take the Perfect Family Portrait =-.
@tyna – That’s exactly it, persimmons are not a kid fruit. I never understood why my Grandparents were always so excited when it was finally ripe (and if I remember right, it took forever). It’s kind of like a cinnamon fruity-date. Back that, I didn’t get it. Today, I think I’d love them.
And yes, that tart sort of spicy smell to this lotion is exactly from this. Yum!
.-= Stef´s last blog ..Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure =-.
I liked the lightness of this lotion for an everyday afternoon freshen up. It’s too light to be my primary moisturizer, though. The natural aspect is, of course, a good thing since I’m making a conscious effort to buy organic products more often.
What am I not crazy about? The scent and the packaging. Sorry to all of you who enjoyed these (which is, I think, everyone but me). To me, the rose geranium scent eclipsed the persimmon entirely. I would have liked a little more persimmon in my flower garden. I just felt this was a little too old-lady’s-powder-room scent-y. Luckily though, the scent didn’t linger…in this case, that’s good.
The packging says “New Look” and I’m thinking they should look again. I know where they were going with the persimmon-colored bottle but I think it looked like a Thanksgiving-scented room spray bottle. The design seemed to be reallly countrified and folky (like a Yankee Candle). Just not my thing.
I would like to give this product a straight-down-the-middle 2 1/2 stars but since I can’t, I’ll round up to 3.
This is a great every day lotion if your skin isn’t too dry. It’s not super rich but it does the job. It has a soft fruity smell that lingers but not too strong that it overpowers. The price, and green-ness make this a definite four stars from me.. I would have gone higher, but I tend to need something a bit stronger in the moisture dept. It would be ideal to moisturize in a humid climate, I think it would be just enough. But where I am it’s on the dry side so it’s just not strong enough.
I hadn’t tried any of their products, and after reading this great write up.. @lyssachelle has me wanting to try more for sure!
@Sherri Houtz, I feel ya on the smell. Looking back at my review, it isn’t clear; but while I didn’t hate it, I also didn’t really LIKE the smell. It really does remind me of my mom’s gardening salve, a little sharp and extremely earthy. But the scent did fade and the overall scent grew on me after a while. (I started to feel very earth momma and hippie-like every time I put it on. :-) ) But I think that my next NG purchase is going to be the Asian Pear and Red Tea Antioxidant Defense Lotion, it just SOUNDS yummy!
And I should also add that I tested this in Dallas in the middle of April and May. It’s not rainforest type humidity here, but damn near close. I’d be interested to see how this holds up in the winter…
All i know is that when it is persimmon, i get a little nutty!
stef..i do think you would like them! but the fuju kind are the best…the other ones are kinda weird. when the season hits, i’ll guide you towards finding a good one :)
in the mean time i would think that lotion would be divine.