Planted Oil Cleanser with Black Cumin and Raw Honey – A New Favourite for Sensitive Skin

If you’re a regular reader, you’ll know that I have dry skin with rosacea – a combination that demands a very selective and gentle skincare routine. Over the years, I’ve tested countless products, and it’s rare for something new to immediately earn a spot on my re-buy list. But the Planted Oil Cleanser from Planted Bioavailable Skincare? It's absolutely made the cut.

There’s something particularly reassuring about skincare created out of necessity – especially when it's born from personal experience. That’s exactly how Melissa Chartan developed Planted. Having battled eczema, psoriasis, and persistently dry skin, she sought solutions that worked where conventional products hadn’t. After finding relief through the use of plant oils, she created Planted – a brand rooted in efficacy, simplicity, and skin-kind ingredients.

First Impressions: Texture and Performance

The texture was the first thing that won me over – a dreamy blend that sits somewhere between an oil, a balm, and a gel. It’s officially described as a gel-to-milk hydrophilic cleanser, and that’s exactly right. Applied to dry skin, it glides on beautifully, melting away dirt, makeup, and the day’s residue. Add a little water, and it emulsifies into a light milk – not too thin, just enough to rinse away cleanly without leaving a film.

It removes every trace of makeup effortlessly, making it ideal as the first step in a double cleanse, if that’s your thing. But honestly? It performs so well, it works well solo which is how I use it. My skin feels thoroughly cleansed – something I can confidently say, as my LumiSpa never picks up any leftover residue or base in the morning. There’s no tightness, no dryness, and crucially, no irritation or dragging – a huge win if you’ve got sensitive or rosacea-prone skin like mine.The brand claims it works for all skin types, and I don’t see why that wouldn’t be the case. I haven’t tested it on oily skin yet, but in my experience, oilier skin types often respond well to oil-based cleansers. As always, it's worth checking the ingredients list in case something doesn’t agree with your skin.

Results

Since incorporating this cleanser into my routine, I’ve noticed a genuine improvement in my skin’s softness and comfort. I wasn’t expecting visible results from a cleanser, but this one has surprised me – in the best way.

Skin Type Suitability

The brand says it’s suitable for all skin types, and from what I’ve seen, I’d agree. While I haven’t tested it on oily skin personally, oil-based cleansers are often well tolerated by oilier complexions – they can actually help regulate sebum production. As always, it's worth checking the full ingredients list if your skin is reactive or acne-prone.

Ingredient Highlights

Now, onto the formulation – which is thoughtfully crafted and genuinely impressive. While I adore essential oils in daily life, I approach them with caution in skincare due to my sensitivity. That said, I’ve had no issues with this blend. Here’s a closer look at the standout ingredients:

• Raw Honey – A natural humectant that attracts and retains moisture. It also gently exfoliates, offers antimicrobial benefits, and helps protect against transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

• Macadamia Seed Oil – Rich in oleic and linoleic acids, this oil supports barrier repair, softens skin, and reduces inflammation.

• Black Cumin Seed Oil – Known for its potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it helps balance the skin and improve tone and texture.

• Apricot Kernel Oil – Soothing and vitamin-rich, it calms inflammation while deeply nourishing the skin.

Together, these ingredients create a formula that supports a healthy skin barrier, locks in moisture, and offers gentle but effective cleansing.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cleanser that’s both effective and gentle – particularly if you struggle with dryness, sensitivity, or reactive skin – I wholeheartedly recommend giving Planted Oil Cleanser a try. It’s nourishing, thoughtfully formulated, and – most importantly – it works.

I was sent this and other Planted products to test but the choice to review them was mine and all opinions shared are true and I would happily buy this product myself

Rosacea Favourites

Having rosacea is one of the main reasons I wanted to learn about skin science and skincare. These products are ones I recommend to my clients, consistently use myself and rebuy when they run out. 

You can find all these products in my rosacea favourites list

Rosacea

A common chronic disease of unknown cause, characterised by redness with inflamed spots and pustules. Though it may be under control it is a relapsing condition. The skin appears tense and shiny (though it's not an oily skin condition) and on close inspection often reveals spider or thread veins. Rosacea is usually confined to the face, though it may spread onto bald scalps and, rarely, even onto the upper arms.

It used to be associated with acne but it's actually a very different condition. There is no oil present and the spots don't usually leave any scarring or pits. Symptoms include flushing, heat and stinging, spots, visible blood vessels, skin sensitivity, sometimes skin thickening. It effects about 1 in 10 people and 1 in 600 people are diagnosed with it in the UK every year. It's most common in fair skin (used to be called 'the curse of the Celts'). Occurs in men and women but more common in women between 30 & 50 and though it's three times more common in women it tends to be worse in men.

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