A few weeks ago, Pure Papaya contacted me on Twitter asking me what I thought of their ointment... the only problem was that I didn't have any to review! It was meant to be included in the goody bag from the Leeds Blogger Meet Up, but for some reason mine wasn't there. I did receive an information card about the product in the bag, and it did genuinely interest me to the point where I checked it out online, but didn't think much more about it. So it was a lovely surprise when Pure Papaya very kindly said that they would send me a tube in the post, which I can now review for you guys!

First off, let me explain what this is. This product is an ointment made primarily from fresh papaya fruit and Calendula (which is a flower - marigolds to be exact!). Along with these the ointment includes ingredients such as shea butter, macadamia oil, vitamin E and beeswax, which are all well known to be very beneficial to the skin. The wondrous thing about this ointment is that it is a multi-use product, so while initially it seems a bit expensive, thinking about it you're actually getting a lot for your money. I've primarily been using this as a lip balm, but it can also be used on dried/cracked/irritated skin (including skin conditions such as eczema), cuts, nappy rash, insect bites, sunburn and many, many more. Because all of the ingredients are natural, it is safe to use pretty much anywhere on the body.


The thing that makes this product stand out for me though is that it is 100% petrochemical free, which basically means that it contains absolutely no petrolatum (petroleum jelly to you and me). Normally something like that wouldn't interest me, but the more I've been using the ointment, the more I've realised how beneficial that fact is. All my life I've suffered with dry, cracked lips - especially in cold or harsher weathers. It even got to the point where my lips were bleeding because they were so sore! I had been using lip balms that you can find in any chemist; everything from Vaseline to Chapstick and nothing seemed to cure the problem completely. With this ointment, I can honestly say hand on heart that I don't think I will ever use anything else on my lips. Since using this product, I have not suffered with any dry, sore skin there at all and that is a mean feat considering how bad I know it can get!


As for the product itself, it's completely different to anything I've ever used. It has a unusual smell - not unpleasant at all, just that I can't compare it to anything else! The texture is very thick and the tiniest amounts are needed, wherever you're applying it. I will say that it does have a very greasy texture; which on the lips feels just fine, but anywhere else and it feels a bit unpleasant. With that in mind I apply it to my skin before I go to bed, so that it can really do its work and I can rinse any residue away in the morning. I have tested it on some particularly dry patches on my face and the results are pretty impressive - they were pretty much gone come the morning.

Final verdict: An ointment that is perfect to use both at home and whilst travelling - you will get so many uses out of this! Cannot recommend this product highly enough.

Pure Papaya Ointment* is available to buy from their website in various sizes; this 25g tube is £9.99. Enter the discount code PUREpapaya25 at the checkout to enjoy 25% off and FREE UK/EU delivery!