In the future, an innocent Amazon seek for lip balm one way or the other took my hand and dragged me down an hour-long rabbit hole, one which plopped me down in front of the landing page for Ancient Greek Treatment Oil. This multipurpose product had amassed over 30,000 reviews and the praise has change into abundant with affirming phrases like “miracle in a bottle.” I obviously had to purchase it and after 4 months of consistent use, I can confirm the reviewers weren’t lying.

Ancient Greek Treatment Oil is a moisturizing combination of vitamin E and olive, lavender, almond, and grapeseed oils, intended to tackle a wide range of skin-care concerns like dryness, dullness, discoloration, and scarring. It’s suitable for the face, body, and hair, and ergo might be considered a million-in-one product that does not require an enormous caboodle for transportation. In other words, packing this one item means not having to pack face oil, hair oil, cuticle oil, or body moisturizer.

This oil is the very first thing I pluck from my medicine cabinet every morning in addition to the very first thing I reach for post-shower. I apply one pump to my face before following up with moisturizer and the finish, I’ve realized, is analogous to Rhode’s Peptide Glazing Fluid — in other words, it makes my complexion super dewy. Not only has it not triggered a single breakout (I’ve written at length about my body breakouts), but I’ve also noticed that my face feels more consistently moisturized throughout the day. It is also the proper base for sculpting and lifting my cheekbones via gua sha. And when my body feels extra dry (thanks a lot, winter), I’ll apply this before moisturizer on my back and chest.

Although my devotion to Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil runs deep, I’ve used this Amazon alternative on the ends of my hair with great results: no weigh-down, no grease, light shine, and plenty of hydration. There’s even a touch of lavender that is gorgeous but subtle, lulling me to sleep without making me feel suffocated by fragrance.