A best-seller from Sampar’s Pure Perfection* line, Prodigal Pen contains a blend of eight different essential oils to combat and heal blemishes. A slender vial measuring less than 7 cm and weighing a mere 6 ml, this portable and very handy blemish-control product has a delightfully-cooling metal roller ball applicator.
I am quite intrigued by its name – why the adjective ‘prodigal’? Could it be an allusion to the many essential oils the brand has put into the product or a reference to its many abilities? :D According to the brand, Prodigal Pen has the following properties:
- Eliminates impurities and small skin eruptions
- Protects from aggressive environmental elements
- Treats and prevents pimples and blackheads
- Anti-seborrheic (that is, it fights the excess production of sebum that leads to negative skin conditions)
- Antiseptic, anti-bacterial and anti inflammatory
- Soothes insect bites and razor burn
This product is also known as a blemish corrector as it apparently has the ability to diminish the appearance of unsightly blemishes, as well as help the skin heal from acne attacks.
Its ingredient list: denatured alcohol, aqua (water), satureia hortensis (savory oil), lavandula angustifolia (lavender oil), cinnamonum cassia (cinnamon oil), thymus vulgaris (thyme oil), rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary oil), origanum majorana (sweet marjoram oil), eugenia caryophyllus (clove oil), salvia officinalis (sage oil), linalool, eugenol, limonene, cinnamal, coumarin, benzyl alcohol
I believe the alcohol and essential oil ingredients kill bacteria and discourage the nasties that can plague skin. Sage essential oil is also known to regulate sebum production, thus effectively reducing blemish problems. However, it appears quite far down the list, so I’m not certain of its actual effectiveness.
Late last year, Sampar Singapore sent me one of these pink cylinders to try. I’ve used it on and off for a while now but am still undecided on its efficacy – my pimples and other blemishes seem to clear up within a certain time frame, regardless of my usage of the Prodigal Pen. I’m currently trying it on my husband who is more prone to acne than I am; perhaps it will work better for him. ;)
That said, I really like it for its soothing sensation that brings relief to uncomfortable blemishes. I welcome its cool touch the most during pre-menstrual days when my skin sometimes becomes home to zits and bumps that tend to feel sore – Prodigal Pen often soothes the pain effectively.
An online review mentions that compared to a chemical product such as benzoyl peroxide, Prodigal Pen might not be a quick spot treatment product because of its gentle and (mostly) natural ingredients. I can’t do a comparison because I don’t use pimple creams (I usually let nature do its work). However, as a facial pain reliever and skin soother, I can assuredly say it works (just don’t apply it on open wounds, please!). :)
Available at Sephora Ion Orchard, this tube of facial relief costs S$38 in Singapore. As Prodigal Pen is composed of many essential oils, it carries a medley of scents. The fragrance dissipates after a while but it can be strong upon application. It would be wise to test it on the back of your hand before making a purchase.
Image source: Sampar Singapore
* According to the information sheet inside the box, Pure Perfection is a line that aims to ‘restore harmony and balance to your skin with products that are rich in essential oils which help protect the epidermis from the polluted environment and hormonal changes.’
