What we thought of award-winning CBD products from the science-backed, sustainably sourced and natural wellness and skincare brand sweeping the spa world.
OTO has been an emerging name in spa treatments and skincare since it was founded in 2018 by Gemma Colao and her husband, James Bagley. From her former life in the world of fashion, Gemma became a CBD convert when a friend introduced her to it to help manage anxiety and sleep. However, she felt that the quality of products available didn't serve everyday experiences in the way she wanted, leading her to ultimately create her own.
Fastidious about what they put into their products, their ingredients are sustainably sourced, naturally derived, vegan and cruelty-free. Underpinning their philosophy is the name, OTO, which means 'sound' in Japanese. Fascinated by the relationship between sound and silence, each needing and responding to the other to create balance, they say that OTO exists to help you ‘amplify the silence’ so that you can find your space.
For our part, we love the opportunity to take a little piece of the spa world home and absorb that sense of wellbeing into meaningful moments in everyday life, and that's what OTO delivers. Used in many spa treatments, this is an opportunity to continue the feel-good-factor wherever you are.
We tried three of OTO's products:
The CBD Cocktail Bitters were an interesting and unique opportunity to try a cordial-type drink minus all the sugar.
Blending cocoa, cinnamon, liquorice, lemongrass and lime and CBD, it's all natural, sugar-free, vegan, and it's intended to promote a sense of calm. It smells quite strong when you open the bottle, but then you're only meant to add a couple of dashes to your drink.
Not being a mocktail or cocktail drinker, I chose to simply add it to water, and the subtle but apparent taste is a pleasant surprise. As someone who struggles to find anything to flavour non-alcoholic drinks without layering it with sweetness, it was an eye-opener to discover an option that fits the bill.
True to its name, it is reminiscent of the traditional bitters drink, and the bittersweet flavour may take some getting used to. It has definite home spa vibes and a distinctly classy, sophisticated feel that's both enjoyable and a talking point if you have guests.
The concept of roll-on aromatherapy is one that we absolutely love at Spabreaks.com, knowing the impact that it can have on our mood almost instantly and therefore making it a wonderful, healthy pick-me-up at any time of the day. OTO has a variety of these roll ons, supercharged with CBD.
Their Focus CBD roll on is ideal for mid-afternoon slumps and smelling simply beautiful. It contains peppermint, ylang ylang, mandarin orange, basil, rosemary, ginger and coriander in a jojoba oil base, is super easy to use and does have a gentle reviving effect.
In addition, the scent encourages you to breathe a little deeper, which helps you to relax as well. Simply roll a little onto your inner wrists and temples.
The Ultimate Balm is a deceiving little miracle in a tube, perfect for popping in your handbag and simply using as a lip balm, but also with a whopping 40 other uses, from cracked elbows and dry cuticles to wind burn, aching joints and tense muscles. Melting on the skin, it's one of those products that you only need a very small amount of, but it packs a punch.
Containing a fusion of coconut oil, shea butter, mango butter, sweet almond, as well as lemon, rosemary and peppermint, it really does smell like a spa in that wonderful organic way that instantly makes it feel as though it's doing you the world of good. As a lip balm it also really is a step above, looking and feeling great - it would also work well on top of lipstick to add a hydrating, glossy effect.
Don't let the size of this little one deceive you either - you really need very little, so it's almost certain to last you a while!
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