I am always on the hunt for the best natural products on the market! So when one of my fellow green beauties recommends a product I haven’t tried I am like a dog with a bone. That is how I discovered Herbivore Botanicals. It all started with the Blue Tansy AHA + BHA Resurfacing Clarity Mask. After spending a few days on their website I wanted the whole line!

ABOUT HERBIVORE BOTANICALS

Being a Washingtonian myself I was so thrilled to find out Herbivore Botanicals was founded by Julia Wills and Alexander Kummerow in 2011 in their Seattle kitchen. The pretty packaging and amazing results were icing on the cake!

Every ingredient that they include in their products is there for a specific therapeutic reason. They do not use fillers of any kind, meaning that almost every ingredient in our products is an “active” ingredient. This results in pure, highly concentrated, and effective formulas that are a rarity in the skincare and cosmetics world today. All of their formulas are original, created and tested by us, on real people — never on animals and always from scratch. All of our products have an emphasis on organic, high quality, and food-grade ingredients.

Knowing that everything we put on our skin quickly absorbs into our bodies, we ethically source the finest raw natural materials the earth has to offer. With ingredients ranging from French pink clay to Brazilian gemstones, they formulate treatments that combine essential vitamins, minerals, and botanicals to restore skin to its optimum health and vitality.

In addition to creating products that give you noticeable results, they also create their products with personal rejuvenation and a little indulgence in mind. They believe that daily bathing and skincare rituals should be enjoyable — a way to carve out some much-needed downtime in your hectic routine. From thoughtfully designed packaging and labels that really allow their ingredients to shine through, to intoxicating scents and luxurious textures, they truly want you to love your skincare and bathing routines.

BAMBOO CHARCOAL CLEANSING BAR SOAP

My skincare routines almost always start with a cleanser and I really enjoy when all the products I use are from the same line. I chose the Bamboo Charcoal Cleansing Bar Soap because it works especially well to clean and care for oily, combination, and blemish-prone skin types, aka me! This now sits next to my bathroom sink. Not that I don’t love a good oil cleanser to remove my makeup in the evening I really wanted to mix things up. With the warm water running I lathered the bar between my hands and applied generously to my face. It removed my makeup and mascara! Because I didn’t want to waste a drop by storing it in my shower, I have been using this to cleanse in the evening. It thoroughly cleanses my skin and the activated bamboo charcoal is said to draw impurities and toxins from deep within your pores all while gently exfoliating your skin. I am a huge fan. For those of you who like the clean feeling you get from a traditional foaming cleanser you will love the Bamboo Charcoal Cleansing Bar Soap! After cleansing with the bar soap I followed with one of these two Herbivore Masks.

BRIGHTEN GEMSTONE + PINEAPPLE MASK 

I am seriously obsessed with green beauty masks and I am a sucker for anything that brightens my complexion. I really tried several times to resist the urge to get this mask. I even removed it from my cart a few times before I decided I just had to try it and see what all the hype is about for myself. My years as a tanning salon manager are coming around to bite me and sometimes I feel like my face is one big blotchy sun spot. My mom did warn me about the sun but I just couldn’t resist and now I am paying to reverse all that sun damage! I used this mask in the evening as directed, after cleansing with the Bamboo Charcoal Bar Soap. As soon as I opened the Brighten Gemstone + Pineapple Mask jar I couldn’t stop smiling, the citrus, pineapple scent is seriously delicious. The texture is perfection. You only have to apply a thin layer, it is really smooth and easy to apply. I left it on for 15-20minutes. Slight to moderate tingling is normal with this mask, I didn’t notice it at all! After rinsing with warm water I immediately noticed how soft my skin was and the next morning I noticed a brighter more even complexion. So I used it for the next three days in a row! In just three days I could see the spots on my face had significantly lightened, which is pretty amazing. This is a keeper.

INGREDIENTS

Brazilian White Tourmaline Gemstone: Naturally brightens and illuminates the complexion. It also creates a slight warming effect and increases circulation within the top layers of the skin leading to healthier skin cells and more vibrant skin.

Pineapple and Papaya Enzymes: Natural forms of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) that gently resurface and exfoliate the skin, leaving it smoother and brighter. Natural fruit enzymes are more gentle than traditional chemically produced alpha hydroxy acids, which tend to dry out the skin.

Rice Powder: Has been used in Japan for centuries to brighten, soften, and smooth the complexion.

Rose Distillate: Tones, brightens, and calms the complexion.

Aloe Barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Leaf Juice, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (plant derived), Glycerin, Carica Papaya (Organic Papaya) Fruit Extract, Carica Papaya (Organic Papaya) Leaf Extract, Ananas Comosus (Organic Pineapple) Fruit Extract, Brazilian Tourmaline, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Powder, Leucidal (Radish Root) Ferment Filtrate, Pineapple Melange.

BLUE TANSY AHA + BHA RESURFACING CLARITY MASK

I am frequently asked what are my favorites or my must haves. Listen up ladies and gents, the Blue Tansy AHA + BHA Resurfacing Clarity Mask …IS A MUST HAVE! Whether you are a new to green beauty products, haven’t yet made the switch or think you already have everything…YOU NEED THIS MASK. I used in the morning after cleansing with the Bamboo Charcoal Bar Soap. It has a very similar texture to the Brighten Mask, it glides on smooth and you only need a little to apply a thin layer. Oh and the scent is also delicious. I left it on for 15-20 minutes. Slight tingling is normal with the mask as it works to gently exfoliate and resurface the skin. After rinsing with warm water, my normally huge clogged pores on my nose were almost nonexistent. Hello bright, radiant, glowing complexion! Not only is it effective but it is gentle, reducing and calming the fussy spots on my chin. This gooey blue goo is a serious overachiever in the multi-tasking department.

INGREDIENTS

White Willow Bark: A natural beta hydroxy (BHA), it is high in salicylic acid which works by gently shedding the top layer of skin in order to decongest and unclog pores.

Fruit Enzymes: Natural alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), including papaya and pineapple, work to gently exfoliate and rid skin of dead cells to leave the complexion smoother, softer, and fresher.

Blue Tansy Oil: Naturally high in Azulene, which in addition to giving the oil its beautiful blue color works as a powerful anti-inflammatory to reduce redness and soothe irritated skin.

Aloe Leaf: Naturally contains salicylic acid and works to gently unclog pores and soothe the complexion.

Aloe Barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Leaf Juice, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (plant derived), Papaya/Pineapple Base (Aloe Barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Carica Papaya (Organic Papaya) Fruit Extract, Carica Papaya (Organic Papaya) Leaf Extract, Ananas Comosus (Organic Pineapple) Fruit Extract, Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract, Tanacetum annuum (Blue Tansy) Leaf Oil, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Extract.

ROSE HIBISCUS HYDRATING FACIAL MIST

The Rose Hibiscus Hydrating Facial Mist is perfect for unruly skin like mine! I spritzed it on my face morning and night after cleansing and rinsing of my mask of prior to applying my facial oil. The rose + coconut scent is light and delicate. It left my skin feeling calmed, nourished, supple and glowing. This will be coming to work with me! It is the perfect mid-day pick me up to refresh your skin.

INGREDIENTS

MINI FACIAL OIL SET

The Mini Facial Oil Set is the perfect way to try all three of Herbivore’s facial oils! I applied one of the facial oils after cleansing, masking, and spritzing with the facial mist.

LAPIS FACIAL OIL

It includes the best selling Lapis Facial Oil, which is recommended for for balancing and calming troubled or inflamed skin like mine. This was my go to in the morning. It is very lightweight, absorbs quickly, keeps my skin moisturized all day and makeup goes on it flawlessly!

INGREDIENTS

Blue Tansy: High in Azulene content giving them a deep inky blue color naturally. Azulene is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial that aids in reducing redness and clarifying the complexion. Additionally, blue oils are excellent at balancing oily skin without drying.

Squalane: Our Squalane is derived from a vegetable source — olives to be specific. Vegetable-derived Squalane has excellent emollient properties and acts as a light protective barrier to keep moisture in the skin. It also protects the skin against hyper-pigmentation and premature aging.

Jasmine Sambac Oil: Comes from the night blooming variety of Jasmine. It is a sweet and exquisite oil that has been used in skincare and perfumery for centuries with good reason — the scent is intoxicating and the oil itself works to increase the skin’s moisture content and increase its elasticity. Our Jasmine Sambac comes from the steam distillation of thousands of jasmine petals.

Amaranthus Squalane Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Capric Triglycerides (Fractionated Coconut Oil), Aleurites Moluccana (Kukui) Seed Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Tanacetum annuum (Blue Tansy) Leaf Oil, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Extract, Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract (Rose Extract)

PHOENIX FACIAL OIL

The Phoenix Facial Oil is a regenerating, deeply hydrating anti-aging powerhouse featuring Rosehip and cell renewing CoQ10. This was my go to in the evening. It is a little thicker and really helped my tired, sleep deprived skin wake up refreshed! In the morning I noticed I would wake up with a dewy glow.

INGREDIENTS

Rosehip Oil: Comes from the fruit of the wild rose plant; naturally rich in essential fatty acids Omega 3, 6, and 9 that regenerate skin cells and repair damaged tissue. Rosehip is also high in trans-retinoic acid which aids in preventing premature aging.

Sea Buckthorn Oil: The richest natural source of Beta Carotene available. Beta Carotene is a natural form of Vitamin A that penetrates deeply into the skin to restore and revitalize from within.

CoQ10: An important naturally occurring substance that assists in producing biological energy within the cells. After the age of 30, the body produces less CoQ10 each year which in turn decreases the skin’s natural collagen production and ability to regenerate skin cells. Nourishing the skin with natural CoQ10 can increase the skin’s collagen production leading to greater skin elasticity and less fine lines and wrinkles. It also boosts the skin’s ability to regenerate itself. CoQ10 is a very small molecule that can easily penetrate into the skin.

Chia Seed Co2: An excellent natural source of Alpha Lipoic Acid to smooth fine lines and decrease inflammation while increasing skin’s natural glow and radiance. It is also the richest source of Omega 3 found in nature which makes it extra nourishing to the skin. Additionally, it is high in antioxidants and photonutrients to protect against premature aging from sun exposure.

Meadowfoam Oil: Known for forming a natural protective barrier to keep moisture and vitamins in the skin. Additionally, it works to naturally preserve the other oils around it.

Neroli Oil: Has been used for centuries to soften wrinkles, reduced veins and capillaries, and stimulate new growth in skin cells.

Simmondsia Chinensis (Golden Jojoba) Seed Oil, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Seed Oil, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Salvia Hispanica (Chia) Seed Oil, CoQ10, Hippophae Rhamnoides L (Sea Buckthorn) Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract (Rose Extract), Citrus aurantium (Neroli) Oil

ORCHID FACIAL OIL

The Orchid Facial Oil is youth preserving and glow enhancing. The first thing you will notice is the scent, so intoxicating I found it hard not to roll it on my neck and wrists throughout the day as a perfume! I alternating using this in the morning and evening. It is lightweight and absorbs quickly. I noticed a softer more youthful appearance to my skin.

INGREDIENTS

Orchid Extract: A natural humectant that draws moisture to the skin and works to smooth and condition. It is also a powerful antioxidant that fights against the oxidant effects of free radicals and premature aging. Additionally, it contains important minerals such as Calcium, Magnesium, and Zinc for skin to absorb.

Camellia Flower Oil: Known in Japan as Tsubaki oil and used for centuries in skincare by the Japanese; it is a lightweight oil that easily absorbs into the skin. Rich in skin cell renewing fatty acids Omega 3 and 6, it naturally increases skin’s elasticity and gives it a luminous glow.

Jasmine Sambac Oil: Comes from the night blooming variety of Jasmine. It is a sweet and exquisite oil that has been used in skincare and perfumery for centuries with good reason — the scent is intoxicating and the oil itself works to increase the skin’s moisture content and increase its elasticity. Our Jasmine Sambac comes from the steam distillation of thousands of jasmine petals.

Capric Triglycerides (Fractionated Coconut Oil), Orchid Root Extract, Camellia oleifera (Camellia) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Amaranthus Squalane Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Jasminum Sambac (Jasmine) Extract

FINAL THOUGHTS

I already placed my next order for some more Herbivore Botanical goodies I can’t wait to review for you! (Coco Rose Body Polish, Citrine Body Oil, Coco Rose Lip Collection, Sea Mist Texturizing Salt Spray / Coconut)