Product Review: Herbivore Botanicals

For years, I used prescription retinols and Benzoil Peroxide to manage my oily, clogged skin.  No doubt the products worked - they kept my breakouts managed and skin clear without too much worry.  That is, not much worry about the breakouts.

When I got pregnant with my daughter I quit using both medications and looked for safer products.  Of course, I was breaking out even more because of the pregnancy.  My skin was not only over-producing oil but also had become twice as sensitive.  I tried different oils, masks, washes, tools, and techniques and nothing worked as well as the unsafe remedies.  Much to my dismay, my skin was badly scarred and blotchy after my daughter was born.  I started using retinol again and had the scars treated with lasers once I stopped nursing her.  My skin was clear again!  Then I got pregnant with my son and had to stop using everything again.

I refused to give up on finding safe, effective skin care and continued to try product after product.  Adding further complication to my search was that I had my son in my 40s and my skin was showing signs of aging.  I settled with products that did 'ok', but resigned myself to the idea that I would never have the skin I had while using retinol.

Boy, was I wrong.

I don't remember exactly where or when I first heard about Herbivore Botanicals, but I am sure happy that I did.  Herbivore uses nothing synthetic, they use only raw and natural materials, and every ingredient has a purpose.  I have been using the Blue Clay Cleansing Bar Soap, Rose Hibiscus Hydrating Mist, and Lapis Facial Oil every day and night for the past 3 months and my skin is nice, calm and hydrated.  The biggest game changer has been their Blue Tansy AHA + BHA Resurfacing Clarity Mask.  I use it a couple of times a week and my breakouts are significantly reduced. I've recently added the Phoenix Facial Oil to take on signs of aging and I'm excited about trying the Moon Fruit Superfruit Night Treatment which is getting insanely positive buzz (it took me so long to try because they sold out so quickly.)  

The best part about using Herbivore products is that the fragrance is mild and pleasant, and I don't have to worry when snuggling my son. Plus, the bottles and jars look positively lovely on the bathroom counter. I no longer panic when I've left the house without makeup and my skin feels great.

Herbivore's products can be bought directly on their website, but is also sold at Sephora, Credo Beauty, Urban Outfitters, Nordstrom, Goop, Birchbox. . .