With the recent arctic blast that sends convulsing shivers down my spine every time I walk outside, I realize that the dramatic temperature change is not our biggest problem. It seems that everyone is enduring a bad case of dry, irritated skin these days, with chapped lips, patchy spots and cracking hands (not exactly on the cute list this year).  While sitting at my desk, frustrated with the performance of my current moisturizer, I remembered these sample packets I was given, just sitting in my desk drawer. AHAVA Mineral Hand Cream – I had seen it before, but knew nothing of the brand.

Not only did this sample cream provide instant relief, but my hands continued to feel silky smooth hours later. Curious about the company’s products and origin (with “Dead Sea Laboratory” printed on the packet) I wanted to learn more.

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In a nut shell, AHAVA (Hebrew word meaning love) is an Israeli cosmetic company that produces skin care products made from mud and mineral compounds from the Dead Sea. The four elements that AHAVA draws their pure ingredients from are dead sea water, dead sea mud, dead sea salt and dead sea plants – all combining for an indulgent, spa-like experience. These elements also divide the products into skin care categories that are specific to your personal needs.

Dead Sea water is the body essentials line, including lotions, creams, and shower gel that are quick absorbing and mineral-rich.

Dead Sea mud is the body therapy line, with the intensive hand and foot creams (what our winter skin probably needs), mud masks, and purifying soap.

Dead Sea salt is the body relaxation line with salt products that sooth the muscles and soften the skin.

Lastly, the Dead Sea plants category produces the body pampering line – with oils and body washes that are plant based and nourish the skin.

All of the AHAVA products are paraben free, petroleum free, not produced with any harsh synthetic ingredients and are not tested on animals.