Kaia Naturals is a boutique natural skincare brand based in Toronto. The brand is known for featuring sustainable, biodegradable bamboo as a main ingredient in their products notably, their Juicy Bamboo Cleansing Cloths. (I’ve been eyeing these ever since I said a bitter goodbye to my convenient but seriously irritating Neutrogena makeup wipes.) All Kaia Naturals products are made in small batches, are paraben-free, gluten-free, cruelty-free, and contain biodegradable ingredients.

The brand was founded based on “the need for multi-functional products that are naturally derived, environmentally friendly and simple to use. By harnessing the power of bamboo, they create custom-crafted products that nourish the skin and respect the environment.” 

I was intrigued when Kaia Naturals asked me to try their newest product release, the Bamboo Tapioca Beads Daily Cleansing Powder ($30 for 1.5oz/43g). Though I usually steer away from loose powder exfoliants in fear of my sensitive skin, the Bamboo Tapioca Beads had some pretty unique ingredients that caught my eye. (I mean, tapioca?!) The bamboo beads are suspended in 100% natural powder. Plus, it’s claimed to be a daily exfoliating cleanser gentle enough for those with sensitive skin, rosacea, and eczema. This is also a multi-tasking product: an exfoliator, cleanser, and facial mask all in one. You can simply mix this powder with water for a basic exfoliating cleanser or add any of the advised mixing options to create a more nourishing cleanser or mask (add plain yogurt for a facial mask). Oh, you know how multi-use products get me! (Check out some of the recommended mixing options with different benefits here.)

Another reason I think this product is so cool? Since bamboo is a biodegradable ingredient and makes up most of this powder formula, you won’t have to worry about polluting the oceans and lakes when using this cleansing exfoliant. Common exfoliating powders are formulated with (plastic) polyethylene micro beads which have been polluting large bodies of water and eventually kills sealife.

“Micronized spheres derived from natural bamboo maintain healthy skin tissues without tearing or enlarging pores, while the tapioca powder absorbs oil to prevent breakouts and keep face oil-free for the warmer months ahead.”

My initial inspection of this powder was that it is super lightweight and airy, the texture doesn’t really scream exfoliant but rather resembles more of a loose facial powder. The Bamboo Tapioca Beads formula is crafted to gently polish and remove dead skin and impurities. These properties will also help diminish any blemishes. Made from natural ingredients including tapioca, coconut, chickpeas, and citrus fruits, there’s a lot for your skin to love here. Plus, this powder can be used as a body exfoliator as well.

It took me a while to figure out the best approach for my skin with this cleanser, but I finally discovered what works for me. Initially, I found that the texture resulting from mixing the powder with just water felt a bit too harsh for my skin. I experimented with mixing in some Sea Buckthorn Oil as well as Rosehip Oil and both resulted in a more nourishing, gentle formula for my skin. Combined with the powder, both essential oils create a slicker, creamier cleanser with a more hydrating texture. I also found that I needed to add enough water to create a thin, runnier consistency and not a paste texture, for a softer scrub on my face. I use this exfoliating powder about once per week, alternating between using a mixed in oil or just water, and am slowly able to use it more often during the week.

I like how the exfoliating properties of this product do not feel harsh on my skin. The minuscule grains from the natural bamboo ensures gentle, non-irritating exfoliation and cleansing. I love how effectively this powder buffs my skin getting rid of any blackheads or impurities and leaves my skin feeling smooth, rejuvenated and looking very fresh.

The packaging on this product is also really convenient. I love how this powder is housed in a travel-friendly jar (it’s carry-on approved) with a dial and lock sifter to prevent any spills. Loose powders can be messy (especially for a klutz like me), but nice packaging like this really helps. The clutter-proof design actually prompts me to want to use it more often. The smaller, travel size of this product ($5) comes in a cute, pocket-size tube that also looks pretty cute and nifty for taking on-the-go.

This powder is a great addition to my skincare routine as I wasn’t a huge fan of exfoliating. Now I can really see how a little exfoliation goes a long way for better looking skin! Buh-bye blackheads and grease! In the meantime, I’ll be in my bathroom concocting different cleansing mixtures with this powder…

Click here to find a store near you that sells Kaia Naturals in Canada or the U.S.  Buy the Bamboo Tapioca Beads Daily Cleansing Powder here or a D.I.Y kit which includes the Cleansing Powder and moringa oil here.

Have you tried anything from Kaia Naturals? What products do you use to exfoliate?

 

~The detailed ingredient list from the Kaia Naturals’ website is very helpful and detailed:
kaolin/white clay: absorbs excess moisture from the skin and purges pores of toxins and impurities to help cleanse and exfoliate the skin.

manihot esculenta (tapioca) root starch): absorbent powder that absorbs oil and helps control shine.

sodium cocoyl isethionate/coconut fatty acid: mild cleanser derived from coconut with emulsifying properties that is gentle enough for rosacea or eczema.

cider arietinum seed powder/chickpea powder: derived from ground chickpea seeds, a gentle exfoliant that softens debris to clear pores and soothe skin.

bambusa arundicacea stem extact/bamboo: micronized bamboo exfoliating spheres that are rich in natural silica which help to eliminate dead skin cells.

calcium silicate silica: naturally derived anti-caking ingredient that helps absorb moisture.

citrus tangerine: pure, clinical grade tangerine essential oil.

citrus grandis: pure clinical grade grapefruit seed extract essential oil.

citrus nobilis: pure, clinical grade mandarin orange oil essential oil.

Ingredients: kaolin/white clay, manihot esculenta (tapioca) root starch), sodium cocoyl isethionate/coconut fatty acid, cider arietinum seed powder/chickpea powder, bambusa arundicacea stem extact/bamboo, calcium silicate silica, citrus tangerina, citrus grandis, citrus nobilis.

 

*Product was provided to me for consideration but as always, all opinions are honest and my own. I’m never paid to write reviews or posts of any kind.