NEW YORK, Dec. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- For years, Curel^® skincare has been the go-to brand for dry skin relief. Now the Curel^® skincare experts are partnering with the charitable organization Direct Relief International^® to offer relief to those who need it most in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. At a moment when many New Yorkers are still without even the most basic personal care essentials, the Curel^® skincare team donated its new Intensive Healing Cream for 500 care packages that were distributed by Direct Relief International^® to a local New York City clinic, giving the city's disenfranchised women and families staples that are critical to their health and well-being. Connie Britton, star of a new hit television show, joined forces with Curel^® skincare and Direct Relief International^® to give out packages to those in need on December 3^rd.

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"I'm thrilled to be partnering with Curel Skincare and Direct Relief International, an extraordinary organization," says Britton. "As witnessed very recently during Hurricane Sandy the simplest things such as toothpaste and body lotion become hard to come by, and these items are often taken for granted."

Helming the largest Hurricane Preparedness non-profit program in the U.S., Direct Relief International^® pre-positions large quantities of medicines and supplies at health centers, clinics and hospitals in order to quickly treat vulnerable people during emergencies. Curel^® skincare chose to partner with Direct Relief International^® in order to provide powerful skincare relief as a part of the charity's outreach to those in need. Each of the 500 packages distributed features Curel^® Intensive Healing Cream, a rich, occlusive cream formula that immediately seals in moisture and restores skin protective barrier over time.

Created with extremely dry and sensitive skin sufferers in mind, the thick, therapeutic formula is clinically proven to provide immediate moisturization to help heal even the driest skin. Petrolatum locks in moisture and protects skin from drying out, while Glycerin acts as a humectant. Together these protective ingredients create the ultimate barrier, ensuring that moisture stays within the skin to relieve and ultimately prevent the chapping and chafing caused by dryness.

About Direct Relief International^®
Direct Relief International^® is a leading medical relief organization, active in all 50 states and in 70 countries. Direct Relief helms the largest hurricane preparedness program in the U.S., pre-positioning hurricane preparedness packs in advance of the start of hurricane season across nine U.S. states and seven countries most likely to be affected during hurricane season. As the only nonprofit in the United States licensed to distribute prescription medications in all 50 states, Direct Relief supports over 1,000 health centers and clinics (including several hundred in the states affected by Hurricane Sandy) that treat the most vulnerable people in their communities. For more information visit www.DirectRelief.org.

About Kao USA
Kao USA Inc. is a leading manufacturer of premium beauty care brands that are recognized around the world for their innovation and quality. The Kao USA Consumer Products portfolio includes Ban^® antiperspirants; Jergens^® and Curel^® hand and body lotions; Biore^® facial care; John Frieda^® Frizz-Ease^®, Root Awakening^®, Luxurious Volume, Sheer Blonde^®, Brilliant Brunette^®, Radiant Red^®, Full Repair™, Precision Foam Colour and Luminous Color Glaze® hair care. Founded in 1882, Kao USA Inc. is a member of the Kao Group of companies.

SOURCE Curel skincare