This $45 Woodsy Solid Moisturizer Calms My Body Acne

When I first got my hands on the Forest Stone, one thing that made me raise my eyebrows (in a good way) is how short the ingredient list is. Along with conditioning cocoa butter, this particular body bar is enriched with a slew of nourishing oils derived from sweet almonds, apricot kernel, avocado, and coconut. James Y. Wang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles, says these oils are well-known moisturizers that also help repair the skin barrier. “These light oils can help moisturize the skin and replenish stripped oils from [harsher] body washes and soaps,” he says.

The only other two ingredients in this body bar are citrusy yuzu and arboraceous hinoki wood essential oils, a duo that gives the Forest Stone its woodlands-inspired fragrance. Though Dr. Wang says that you should always consult a board-certified dermatologist before incorporating anything scented in your routine (especially if you have sensitive skin like myself), he does note that these essential oils are a better alternative to synthetic fragrances. “Artificial fragrances can cause allergies and other issues in sensitive skin,” he says. 

My favorite part about this solid moisturizer is how easy it is to apply. To keep my body stone clean, I make sure to only use it on freshly-showered skin (there’s no way to cleanse the stone itself, after all, so keeping acne-causing bacteria away from it is a must). Once I’m fully showered, I simply warm the stone in my hands until it begins to melt and then glide it onto my skin, coating myself in a lightweight, woodsy-scented veil of moisture.

After every inch of my body (from my chest downward) has been covered, I massage my skin so it completely absorbs the product and I’m left with supple, dolphin-smooth skin. Once I’m done, I wrap my trusty Forest Stone back in its linen cloth, pop it inside its wooden carrying case, and tuck it away on my nightstand until it’s time to use it again.

I love that this solid moisturizer actually makes my skin look more radiant than usual, plus, it boosts the vibrancy of the color of my tattoos. Although my skin tends to freak out from most scented products, I was pleasantly surprised to see that my body was irritation-free after rubbing nearly every part of myself with the Forest Stone. This formula also dries down about 30 seconds after applying it, so I don’t feel like I’m covered in oil after using it.