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Jul 16, 2023

Kate McLeod's Forest Stone Solid Body Moisturizer Doesn't Break Out My Acne

By Jennifer Hussein All products featured on Allure are independently selected

By Jennifer Hussein

All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

My skin is so sensitive and acne-prone from the neck down that it makes Goldilocks seem low maintenance. Ever since I had my first body acne flare-up at 11 years old, my body's complexion has been like walking a minefield — one bad misstep and an explosion of blackheads, ingrown hairs, and painful cystic acne erupt across my chest, back, and thighs.

Due to this, I tend to be pretty picky when it comes to body products, especially if we're talking about scented lotions and body butters. Usually, I skip body moisturizers entirely and live with the consistent dryness, but Kate McLeod's Forest Stone Solid Body Moisturizer has become a saving grace for its gentle, non-clogging formulation and intensely conditioning ingredients.

If you're as much of a fan of Kate McLeod as we are, you're probably aware of the brand's beloved solid moisturizers, which are called Body Stones. These "stones" aren't solidified just for looks — although they are very elegant, especially when wrapped in their accompanying linen cloth and wood case. The solid format lightly disperses their moisturizing blends as you glide them across your skin, minimizing stickiness and tugging as you go. There are 12 different stone blends to choose from, but the Forest Stone has become a staple in my routine for its woods-inspired scent.

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.

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My sole issue with this solid moisturizer is that it only lasts for a month's worth of use, so I'm constantly restocking. (However, I'm using it on a daily basis, sometimes even more than once per day.) Other than that, this divine body conditioner has converted me to the world of solid moisturizers, and it doesn't look like I'm turning back anytime soon.

If you want to butter yourself up with Kate McLeod's Forest Stone Solid Body Moisturizer, you can grab this moisturizing pick for $45 at sephora.com and katemcleod.com.

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