There is no alternative to this. And this is no market speak; it is my six years of association with the product. It is one of those products, which you can recommend to anyone. (Blindly!!)
For starters, it not only cleanses but also moisturizes the skin (a big plus). Don’t know the specific herbal oils/flower extracts they use for that. Haven’t found any other substitute delivering even 30% of this. Anyone who is exposed to dirt and grime of the city pollution is a target user of this product.
The product copy says that it ’’contains a natural fiber complex that exfoliates, removing complexion dulling impurities and dead skin cells. It contains elder flower extract to soothe delicate facial skin, and is gentle enough for everyday use.’’ And, it does what it says. Period.
When I started buying this, it was available only through the gray marketers at Lajpat Nagar, Gaffar Market, and the chemists who sold smuggled stuff. (Delhiites would know this better!) The thumb rule was, buy the one that says ’’33% more’’ (7.5 oz). It was available for Rs. 120 (only if you are good at haggling!). The other one being ’’25% more’’ (6 oz), which was available for Rs. 90.
Probably, the turning point came when a desi competitor of St. Ives actually copied the design (and the ’’copy’’ too!) before launching its replica of the product in the market. It was a straight lift. Word by word. Design by design. So well copied it was that even regulars like me were fooled into buying it. ’’A smart price tag of Rs. 120 and easy availability, wow!’’ I was really thanking the company for launching it finally. But when I saw the product in broad daylight, I realized what a fake it was.
Thankfully, St. Ives heard our unvoiced pleas and decided to launch its wares through proper channels. Now, it is easily available at retail outlets for Rs. 160. The newly packaged product is like old wine in a new bottle. And, believe me that’s not all. The Original is here to stay.