Redwin Sorbolene Moisturiser

I am always on the lookout for a good moisturiser especially since my hands tend to get a little dry due to some housework. So when sis bought a tube of Redwin Sorbolene hand moisturiser, I couldn’t wait to try it.

Redwin is a homegrown Australian brand that promises affordable yet high quality skin care products. Their secret ingredient is sorbolene which is the biggest selling type of skincare in Australia to help Australians cope with the harsh and dry weather there. Sorbolene is a cheap form of moisturiser and easily available in all forms.

When I tried using it, I found it doesn’t absorb too quickly and tends to leave an oily layer on my hands. The oily layer was so pronounced that when I washed my hands, the water remained in droplets form due to the oil layer! There was also a slight smell which I found a little unpleasant. It smelt a little like petroleum jelly. Upon further research, I learnt that sorbolene is actually made from petrochemical by-products, e.g. mineral oils and paraffin which are designed to act as barrier creams to avoid water or chemicals from drying out your skin. They also have a high oil content which also explained the oily texture of the cream. Although Redwin is sometimes prescribed for eczema patients or to moisturise dry skin of burn victims, some experts believe that prolonged use of sorbolene might actually break down the skin’s natural barriers and may expose the skin to irritants in the environment.

I was a little surprised to read that as I always had the impression that sorbolene was good for the skin. However, there are some differing views on these and other dermatologists prescribe it for eczema sufferers and babies with sensitive skin as sorbolene acts as a soap alternative to cleanse and moisturise the skin. In fact, it is the same glycerine and petroleum properties in sorbolene which make this a beneficial cream for eczema and psoriasis for some. 

If you would like to try Redwin Sorbolene Moisturizer, it is easily available in our local pharmacies and retails below RM15or a tube or less if it is on promotion.