Purely Simple Face Cream: The Gentle Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin

July 08, 2025 by Sarah Villafranco, MD

Purely Simple Face Cream wasn’t born in a lab—it began in a kitchen, while visiting my dear friend Juliet from medical school. She’s always been the type to stock her fridge with kombucha and kale, so when I saw a drugstore face cream on her bathroom counter—full of parabens and mineral oil—I was surprised. When I asked her about it, she said, “My skin is so sensitive, it’s the only thing I can use.”

My internal response? Game on.

I was already in the early stages of Osmia and struggling with perioral dermatitis myself. I knew there had to be a better option for skin like mine—and hers.

A Dermatology-Inspired Formula—With Upgrades

I based the formula for Purely Simple Face Cream on one of the moisturizers most commonly recommended by dermatologists for sensitive skin. But I made key substitutions to create something skin-loving, effective, and elegant:

  • Instead of mineral oil, I chose sweet almond oil and vitamin E—gentle, nourishing, and full of skin-repairing nutrients.

  • Instead of water, I used organic aloe vera juice as the base—for true hydration and barrier support.

  • To seal in moisture, I used jojoba oil, which closely resembles our skin’s natural sebum. I also added a touch of kukui oil, which, were I not a scientist, I might describe as borderline magical.

Essential Oils Used With Surgical Precision

Some people avoid essential oils when dealing with sensitive skin, and that’s often smart. But when used at safe, infinitesimal levels, they can be both effective and therapeutic.

Purely Simple contains a whisper-light blend of rose, chamomile, and neroli essential oils—with a total concentration of just 0.03%. That’s three-hundredths of one percent. Enough to soothe the skin and calm the nervous system, without triggering irritation. It’s true aromatherapy—without the drama.

Light Texture, Deep Hydration

One of the most common comments we hear? “It feels so light—but my skin stays hydrated all day.”

Time to set the record straight: hydration ≠ heaviness. The word "hydrating" refers to water-based ingredients. Thick creams and balms, while they may feel richer, usually contain less water. Oils don’t hydrate—they seal in moisture. So Purely Simple, with aloe as its first ingredient, is hydrating in the truest sense.

If your skin still wants a little more, you have a few options:

How to Use Purely Simple Face Cream

  1. Cleanse with your favorite Osmia facial cleanser

  2. Gently pat your face dry

  3. (Optional) Apply Purely Calm Gel Toner

  4. Apply 1–2 pumps of Purely Simple to face and neck

  5. (Optional) Add 2–4 drops of Nectar to your cream before applying

  6. Safe to use around the eyes

How to Transition from Another Moisturizer

If your skin is sensitive or reactive, ease in gradually:

  • Start by mixing a tiny amount of Purely Simple into your current face cream

  • Gradually increase the ratio over several days

  • Eventually use Purely Simple on its own

Even if your skin isn’t particularly sensitive, a slow transition helps your skin acclimate to the new formula and ingredients. Here's a more detailed explanation of this approach. 

How Long Does One Bottle Last?

Most people find that a single bottle lasts 30–45 days with consistent, twice-daily use. If you're using it just once a day (or alternating with other products), it’ll last longer.

Packaging That’s Thoughtful and Practical

We chose packaging that protects the product—and the planet:

  • Outer shell: lightweight, recyclable aluminum (less weight = less carbon footprint when shipping)

  • Inner container: an airless bag to keep the formula safe from light and contamination

  • When finished:

    • Discard the white cap

    • Unscrew and remove the pump

    • Discard the inner bag

    • Recycle the aluminum shell

Bonus? Aluminum hurts way less than glass if you drop it on your toe. Ask me how I know.

Final Thoughts

Purely Simple Face Cream was designed with medical insight, real-life sensitivity, and a deep respect for the skin’s natural rhythms. Whether you’re managing perioral dermatitis, reactive skin, or just looking for a smart, hydrating moisturizer that disappears into your skin—this formula delivers. It's pure and simple hydration, as it should be.

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The information contained in this post is for educational interest only. This information is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment of any physical or mental illness, disease, or skin conditions. 

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OUR WELLNESS + SKINCARE EXPERT

Sarah Villafranco, MD

Dr. Sarah Villafranco attended Georgetown University Medical School, and went on to complete her residency in emergency medicine at George Washington University. She moved to Colorado, where she practiced as a board-certified emergency medicine physician at Aspen Valley Hospital, Snowmass Clinic, and Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs, CO. After losing her mother to pancreatic cancer, she took a local soap making class, and fell in love with the chemistry and artistry of making soap. Sarah went into research mode and was alarmed to learn how many potentially harmful ingredients were in most skincare products on the market. She knew she could make better, safer products that were as effective (if not more so) than conventional products. After a few years of research and development, Sarah stepped away from the emergency room to launch Osmia Skincare in April of 2012. She remains a licensed physician in Colorado, and now helps people find healthier, happier skin as CEO of the brand.