The long awaited review of Dr. Barbara Sturm Molecular Cosmetics is here. This brand easily has a wide variety of opinions. More so than many other brands I review. It's expensive, very celebrity endorsed, wildly popular and I think everyone has opinions either positive or negative about the brand. Anytime something is this expensive it's always going to be scrutinized to the extra degree as well. Dr Sturm was trained as an Orthopedist in Germany. She specialized in joint inflammation which eventually led to certain procedures later known as the "Kobe Procedure" which involves using the patients own blood products as an anti-inflammatory and healing treatment (injecting blood products into the joint). From what I understand she focused on anti-inflammatory orthopedics then later moved into aesthetic injections (I saw 2001 in a few articles was when she started changing her focus to aesthetics). Her anti-inflammatory knowledge base turned into what became known as the 'vampire facial' which is really platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections. PRP is widely done in clinics for rejuvenation (and something I've always wanted to try). This facial and bespoke skin cream using your own blood products kick started her celebrity status. Now she sees clients globally and has clinics in NY and Germany. She launched Dr Barbara Sturm Molecular Cosmetics in 2003 and opened a clinic in 2006 in Germany. However she didn't actually launch the skincare line until 2013.
Sturm has a very anti-inflammatory philosophy about skincare. Inflammation causes aging is at the root of everything she focuses on. So her whole line is geared towards being anti-inflammatory. I read a lot of old articles to get her perspective on skincare in the Q&As (some of her positions on these may have changed, these were just in old articles). I saw that she doesn't cleanse in the morning which is a popular philosophy with many. She likes enzymatic or physical exfoliation but doesn't like acid peels (loosens the conjunctions between healthy cells as well as dead she says, plus multiple other reasons like impaired barrier function and increased inflammation). Sturm also doesn't like retinoids as she feels they destroy the skin matrix rather than repair. Essential oils are inflammatory so they're a no go which is why all of her products are fragrance and essential oil free. I saw multiple comments on acne in articles ranging from acne needs moisture versus drying the skin out, plus acne being caused by inflammation. I think acne is a combination of excess oil production, pores becoming clogged with cells, bacteria and inflammation, not necessarily just inflammation but it was just articles not a really long discussion about the subject. She is OK with injectables obviously as she performs them on clients herself and she favors a natural injectable look. Sturm likes light therapy but doesn't like lasers & peels as from what I read she says they weaken barrier function. Since she believes in keeping the cells from dying and promotes healing that would go with her philosophy. I also saw comments in an article about using sunscreen when in the sun, mixing Sun Drops in cream and favoring the skin needs vitamin D theory (aka no sunscreen at times so you get vitamin D from the sun, this is a popular belief with many actually though not one I favor). You can read one article HERE.
The official website skincare philosophy is:
Inspired by her daily work, the Dr. Barbara Sturm Molecular Cosmetics line was formulated for those who yearn for an uncomplicated yet highly effective skincare regime that provides hydration, nutrition, regeneration and glow. Suitable for all skin types, innovative ingredient science is at the core of Dr. Sturm’s line – potent, active ingredients that have been widely clinically studied for their properties and efficacy. At Dr. Barbara Sturm, our ethos represents the credibility of innovation without the use of toxic, harmful or aggressive ingredients in our products. We use advanced science ingredients that are healthy, healing and safe, nurturing rather than attacking living skin.
So with every popular and expensive celebrity endorsed product comes controversy and skepticism. Rightfully so as we all know things get endorsed all the time just for the hell of it. The PRP facial has been producing great results for a lot of people so that I can get behind 100%. I love growth factors myself. Sturm is not a dermatologist, she's an orthopedist in training. Injectables are allowed to be done by doctors, PAs, NPs and even RNs like myself. You don't have to be a dermatologist or specialist in skin, you just go through a course for injection training. I could apply for a course tomorrow if I wanted to to get certified to do injectables. Injectables are considered non-invasive cosmetic surgery which is why you don't have to be a plastic surgeon or dermatologist to do it. Just be certified and have a medical degree of some sort depending on the state/country regulations. I've seen many colleagues go through changes in their focus of expertise and interest as the years go on. You may start in one field then move into another. I switched from brain injury and rehab to case management and almost went into aesthetics myself. If my hands hadn't gotten early arthritis I might have actually followed through with it. Our passions in life change, just because we started in one field doesn't mean we can't move to another. I only say this as I think she's criticized by some for being an Orthopedist but we can all change focus in life and she moved into non-surgical aesthetics but is not a Dermatologist. Now whether or not you want injections done by a Dermatologist or a person certified like an RN is up to you. That's a whole other discussion honestly.
So what I really want to talk about now that that long history is talked about is the products. I spent more time on the history of this one just because there is a whole bunch on controversy sometimes in this line due to that history, the celebrity and cost of the products. So, all the products have a minimal aesthetic which matches the brand philosophy. I like the simple and minimal look. The packaging is either white plastic or clear glass with a dropper style dispenser. I like the plastic on the cleanser and mist I would myself prefer a pump on the serums especially with their price tag. By now you all have figured out I'm clumsy and I hate dropper style because I spill. I have tried multiple products from the line and it's time to share. I was obsessed with this glowy holographic bag that came in my set. It was such fun to shoot. I will say the products have a similar vibe, they're simple formulations, fragrance free, anti-inflammatory and they have a similar base of ingredients.
You'll notice purslane ferment, hyaluronic acid and panthenol are pretty much in all of her products. Purslane is a weed like succulent plant that's a potent antioxidant and it has skin soothing/anti-inflammatory properties. It has high amounts of beta-carotene, vitamin C & E. It also has antioxidant glutathione. It also has minerals like potassium, magnesium, copper, calcium & phosphorus plus omega 3 fatty acids. There is ongoing research about this plant but so far it shows great benefits for the skin and body. Glutathione is in purslane but also added in a few of her products. It's a tripeptide comprised of three amino acids (cysteine, glutamic acid, glycine) that functions as an antioxidant that helps protect against environmental damage. It also has some skin lightening properties. As we age the natural supply decreases which is believed to coincide with outward signs of aging. We all know why we love the naturally occurring polysaccharide hyaluronic acid the molecule that holds 1000x its weight in water. She uses sodium hyaluronate which is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid and it has a smaller molecular size. Its hydrating and restoring to the skin. Panthenol aka vitamin B5 is a humectant and attracts and holds moisture. Of note Dr Sturm uses fermented purslane in. her formulations. Fermentation helps the natural ingredients break down a little so they're more readily absorbed into the skin. It also helps increase the antioxidant and amino acid levels. I personally love all of these ingredients, there's nothing not to love about them.
The super soft and mild Balancing Toner can be used daily as part of your skincare routine. Applied after cleansing, it removes any traces of make-up, pollution, and other impurities, while regulating the skin’s delicate pH balance that can be altered even by the alkalinity of tap water. Suitable for all skin types, the Balancing Toner helps to reduce the appearance of pores by removing oil build-up, leaving your skin ready to apply moisturizer. Innovative Sugar Bio Vector regulates the natural pH value of the skin to support the protective Acid Mantle. Beta-Glucan and Panthenol soothe irritated sensitive skin so it feels clean and balanced while Hyaluronic Acid provides an intense moisture boost.
Ingredients
aqua/water/eau, lactobacillus/portulaca oleracea ferment extract, hexylene glycol, capryloyl glycine, panthenol, sodium hyaluronate, magnesium carboxymethyl beta-glucan, biosaccharide gum-1, leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, xylitylglucoside, phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin, citric acid, pantolactone, glutathione.
My Thoughts
I actually loved this more than I thought I would. It has a plastic pump style bottle. The toner texture is light and hydrating. It's almost like a hydrating toner/light essence hybrid. It's just a really nice all around hydrating toner. I would go for this if you want something that's not heavy or sticky but is hydrating with some soothing extracts. In addition to purslane, panthenol, glutathione and sodium hyaluronate it's also got beta glucan which is a polysaccharide sugar found naturally in plants. Beta glucan helps soothe and calm as it's anti-inflammatory, plus it's hydrating and has antioxidant properties. It took me months of daily use to finish it and I would actually consider repurchasing it. I really enjoyed its light hydrating texture and soothing feel on the skin plus I love the inci list. If this was half the price it would be a staple in my skincare wardrobe.
These powerful ANTI-POLLUTION DROPS are formulated to protect your complexion from particulate pollution and the often-overlooked danger of blue light from our electronics' screens. The drops strengthen the skin’s defense against urban pollution and signs of atmospheric skin aging. Tiny, ultrafine pollutants all around us can infiltrate the deepest layers of our skin. This not only contributes to dehydration and irritation but also eventually causes a loss in the skin’s elasticity and firmness. This innovative serum contains a special Skin Protect Complex, with extracts derived from marine microorganisms. These extracts strengthen the skin’s defense against urban pollution and signs of atmospheric skin aging. Cocoa seed extract helps the skin to combat signs of digital aging while Disodium EDTA deactivates heavy metal ions. When used daily, this serum boosts the skin barrier function and protects against pollution damage.
Ingredients
aqua/water/eau, betaine, lactobacillus/portulaca oleracea ferment extract, butylene glycol, sodium hyaluronate, alteromonas ferment extract, biosaccharide gum-1, leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed extract, carbomer, ethylhexylglycerin, sodium hydroxide, phenoxyethanol.
My Thoughts
This was my first Sturm product I ever purchased. I went for this one as it was cheaper than the rest of the line and had a similar ingredient base compared to like the anti-aging serum. It has purslane & sodium hyaluronate plus altermonas ferment extract and cocoa seed extract. Altermonas is a polysaccharide found in deep areas of seawater so it's hydrating and soothing plus it may help contribute to some skin repair. Cocoa seed extract is anti-inflammatory, helps soothe and is an potent antioxidant that helps protect against UV damage. The serum has a really nice lightweight hydrating texture. I enjoyed everything about it as far as the texture and hydrating feel it has on the skin. It's not sticky and sinks in easily. I enjoy the ingredients but I would actually not repurchase just because it's too expensive for what it is. It is a good item if you want to get into her serums as it gives you a taste of the purslane and it's the cheapest serum she makes.
Enriched with an active, plant-based complex of Cardiospermum, Echium, and Sunflower, Dr. Barbara Sturm’s CALMING SERUM rebalances irritated skin and helps to reduce redness and burning. Purslane an anti-aging powerhouse helps calm the skin and reduce the visible signs of irritation.
Perfect for soothing your complexion after sun exposure, sleep loss, jet lag, air conditioning or environmental pollution. When used over time this serum strengthens the skin’s natural defenses minimizing the skin’s sensitized reaction.
Ingredients
aqua/water/eau, prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil, dicaprylyl carbonate, glycerin, octyldodecanol, lactobacillus/portulaca oleracea ferment extract, glyceryl stearate, panthenol, echium plantagineum seed oil, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil unsaponifiables, biosaccharide gum-1, leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, cardiospermum halicacabum flower/leaf/vine extract, cetearyl alcohol, stearic acid, carbomer, sodium lauroyl glutamate, ethylhexylglycerin, sodium hydroxide, pantolactone, tocopherol, citric acid, dimethicone, phenoxyethanol.
My Thoughts
This has a light creamy serum texture. It's got purslane and panthenol to soothe plus sweet almond oil and sunflower seed unsaponifiables for nourishing fatty acids. Echium plantagineum seed oil is new to me. It helps repair the skin’s protective barrier, which improves hydration and reduces roughness. Balloon vine extract is anti-inflammatory and soothing. This serum does what it says. It is calming and soothing plus it's moisturizing and nourishing without being terribly heavy. I like it. It's again really expensive at $250 a bottle so I can't see myself purchasing it again. I actually got this as a free gift when I ordered on Cult Beauty so I'll happily use it up. It's a nice serum for soothing if it's in your price range to repurchase, there are definitely other soothing serum options as a lower price point.
GLOW DROPS revitalize tired, dull skin and restore radiance leaving you with a natural, healthy #STURMGLOW whenever you need it.
The active ingredient Polygonum Bistorta Root is a potent anti-aging ingredient, optimizing skin tone, while Wild Rose Extract refines pores giving the complexion a more even appearance. Purslane, whose chemistry boasts high Vitamin levels and Omega 3 Fatty Acids, reduces the visible signs of irritation, while Dr. Sturm’s proprietary blended formulation of low and high weighted Hyaluronic Acid molecules binds moisture and replenishes internal molecular levels, providing a hydrating and plumping effect while supporting the skin’s natural barrier function. Optical Pigments give an instant shimmer to the skin.
Ingredients
aqua/water/eau, prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, glycerin, lactobacillus/portulaca oleracea ferment extract, butylene glycol, glyceryl stearate, panthenol, sodium hyaluronate, polygonum bistorta root extract, leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, biosaccharide gum-1, rosa canina fruit extract, cetearyl alcohol, stearic acid, carbomer, sodium lauroyl glutamate, ethylhexylglycerin, mica, hexylene glycol, sodium hydroxide, alcohol, caprylic/capric triglyceride, synthetic fluorphlogopite, pantolactone, caprylyl glycol, xanthan gum, ascorbyl palmitate, citric acid, ascorbic acid, dimethicone, phenoxyethanol, alumina, tin oxide, iron oxides (CI 77491), titanium dioxide (CI 77891).
Directions Place a pipette’s length in the palm of your hand and spread over the face, eye area, and neck, gently patting it in. Apply after moisturizer for a lit-from-within glow, over makeup, or combine with your preferred skincare product.
My Thoughts
This has a slightly more creamy texture than her normal gel serum textures. It's kind of like a cross between the gel serums and the calming serum. The sweet almond oil and coconut fatty acids are what gives it this slightly creamy texture. This also has the purslane, panthenol and sodium hyaluronate plus bistort root which is anti-inflammatory, an antioxidant and has astringent properties. Rosa canina or wild rose is brightening and high in vitamin C and helps with pigmentation. This serum has a slightly pink hue and adds a nice hydraying glowy layer to the skin. It has a faint amount of mica which also gives a little shimmer and glow to the skin. It's not heavy or oily like some glowy serums can be it does have a nice texture and I like the slightly dewy glow it gives my skin. I like my mini and I'll use it up. I don't reach for it all the time as I normally don't use too many of these types of finishing products. It's an extra step and I'm kind of lazy and forget about using it plus at $145 I can't see myself buying it again. If it's in your budget and you like this kind of light dewy glow finishing serum product then you'll probably like it.
HYDRATING FACE MIST provides an invigorating on-the-go freshness boost to give your skin a natural glow. Dr. Sturm’s formulation of low and high weighted Hyaluronic Acid molecules delivers a potent hydration drench, while Purslane, an anti-aging powerhouse, helps calm the skin and reduce the visible signs of irritation. Detoxifying extracts from Lemon, Aloe Vera, and Broccoli refresh and soothe the skin. An active ingredient from the Prickly Pear, rich in Vitamin E and brimming with antioxidants, soothes stressed and sensitive skin. The HYDRATING FACE MIST has an ultra-fine spray and can be used in the morning, throughout the day and while traveling.
Ingredients
aqua/water/eau, lactobacillus/portulaca oleracea ferment extract, propanediol, glycerin, panthenol, allantoin, aloe barbadensis leaf extract, opuntia ficus-indica stem extract, sodium hyaluronate, leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, bioflavonoids, brassica oleracea italica (broccoli) extract, ethylhexylglycerin, carbomer, sodium hydroxide, pantolactone, citric acid, phenoxyethanol.
My Thoughts
This mist has the purslane, panthenol and sodium hyaluronate plus it also has soothing allantoin, humectant propanediol, glycerin and soothing aloe. This also has antioxidant rich prickly pear extract which I love. It's really high in vitamin E. Broccoli extract helps protect against UV radiation. Bioflavonoids are potent antioxidants. The mist is lightly hydrating. I like it, it's a nice mist. It has some nice ingredients and I like the inci list. It's again a price thing for me at $95 for a small 50 ml bottle I would not repurchase. It this was under $30 I would probably try it again but there are cheaper mists that are better out there.
Thorough cleansing is an essential step of an effective skincare routine. Without it, impurities lodge on and in the skin, and active skincare ingredients cannot be optimally absorbed or used by the skin. This gentle foaming CLEANSER removes makeup, dead skin, pollutants, and other impurities and prepares your skin for moisturizer or serum, without disturbing the delicate pH-balance or skin barrier function. Containing natural functional ingredients, Purslane calms, soothes and moisturizes, while Aloe Vera helps to repair and rejuvenate the skin.
Ingredients
aqua/water/eau, sodium cocoamphoacetate, lauryl glucoside, glycerin, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, panthenol, urea, lactobacillus/portulaca oleracea ferment extract, salicylic acid, leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, sodium cocoyl glutamate, sodium lauryl glucose carboxylate, citric acid, benzyl alcohol, phenoxyethanol, potassium sorbate, tocopherol, pantolactone, sodium benzoate.
My Thoughts
Oddly this is another item I expected not to like. It came in a set I bought. It's a light foaming cleanser that's gentle and not drying. It actually has a low pH which I liked. It has a plastic dispenser style bottle. It won't remove your makeup but it makes a nice morning cleanse or second cleanse. I thought it was gentle and actually one of the only foaming style cleansers I've found that doesn't dry me out. This has aloe, purslane, hydrating and natural moisturizing factor urea plus salicylic acid. The salicylic acid will help loosen some of the dead skin cells for you to remove. It's not cheap but if you like a foaming fragrance free cleanser that doesn't dry or strip and it's in your budget then you might like it. I was actually pleasantly surprised by it.
The HYALURONIC SERUM is the most fundamental creation in Dr. Barbara Sturm’s skincare line. Packed with an optimal concentration of low and high-weighted Hyaluronic Molecules, providing instant hydration at the surface and lasting hydration at deeper skin layers. The low molecular weight Hyaluronic penetrates deeper skin layers, leaving skin feeling firmer, refreshed and visibly more radiant for the long term. High weight Hyaluronic molecules provide immediate intensive hydration to the surface layers of the skin.
When used as part of your daily skincare routine, the HYALURONIC SERUM improves the skin matrix and acts as a super-hydration, improving skin health and reducing the formation of wrinkles caused by dehydration. It’s also the perfect travel companion after exposure to sun and the elements, as Purslane, an anti-aging powerhouse, reduces the appearance of the visible signs of irritation.
Ingredients
aqua/water/eau, butylene glycol, lactobacillus/portulaca oleracea ferment extract, sodium hyaluronate, leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin, potassium sorbate.
My Thoughts
This is an easy one for me. This serum pretty much is purslane and sodium hyaluronate. It's thicker and more sticky than I prefer for a hyaluronic acid serum. It's not the thickest and stickiest I've tried but it's not my preferred thinner texture for a HA serum. There is no reason you need to spend $300 on a hyaluronic acid serum. Ever. I barely even touch my overpriced $110 mini because I just don't like the thicker texture. Easily there are dozens of better ones I can recommend.
This potent concentrate is an anti-aging cocktail, packed with active antioxidant ingredients to nourish the skin while visibly reducing the appearance of irritation and fine lines and wrinkles. The serum helps to replace the skin’s moisture reservoirs using both low and high molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid molecules. Formulated with special extracts of Skullcap and Purslane, an anti-aging powerhouse, which helps calm the skin and reduce the visible signs of irritation.
Ingredients
aqua/water/eau, butylene glycol, lactobacillus/portulaca oleracea ferment extract, propanediol, sodium hyaluronate, leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, baicalin, glutathione, phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin.
My Thoughts
This serum has a light gel serum texture. It's hydrating and has purslane, sodium hyaluronate and glutathione. The only extra ingredients in this is the skullcap. Skullcap is a potent antioxidant, it's anti-inflammatory and has some brightening properties. It can also help heal and protect against sun damage. It's in quite a few skincare products out there. I like both purslane and skullcap, I think they're great antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients. I had a mini I used up of this and while I liked it there's no way I would purchase a full size bottle at $350. It's way overpriced for what it is. Again it's nice and has nice ingredients but I can't justify the cost in order to buy it again. If you have the budget and want a nice antioxidant, soothing serum go for it. It does have a nice texture.
This innovative light-textured sun serum that doubles as skincare provides a truly broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection against both UVA (photoaging) and UVB (sunburn) rays. An active complex of Vitamin E and Beta-Glucan protects the skin from oxidative damage, while Purslane, an anti-aging powerhouse, helps calm the skin and reduce the visible signs of irritation.
Ingredients
aqua/water/eau, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, dibutyl adipate, ethylhexyl triazone, glycerin, methyl methacrylate crosspolymer, phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid, bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, arginine, cyclohexasiloxane, lactobacillus/portulaca oleracea ferment extract, lauryl glucoside, polyglyceryl-2 dipolyhydroxystearate, tocopheryl acetate, panthenol, acetamide MEA, butylene glycol, carnosine, sodium hyaluronate, propylene glycol, pentylene glycol, leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, sodium carboxymethyl betaglucan, ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, tocopherol, pantolactone, DNA, phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, xanthan gum, ethylparaben, cyclopentasiloxane, citric acid, caprylic/capric triglyceride, carbomer.
Directions Apply Sun Drops liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply as directed. Sun Drops can be used 5 minutes after putting on your Face Cream or once Face Cream is absorbed. Avoid the midday sun and reapply frequently to maintain sun protection, as directed especially after perspiring, swimming or drying off with a towel. Do not overexpose yourself to the sun, even if you’re using Sun Drops.
My Thoughts
I love the lightweight texture of this. It's a chemical sunscreen. I find sunscreen drops are hard to use the proper amount to get the SPF on the bottle. You can't apply the same amount you can with a more concentrated sunscreen. So if you can remember to apply quite a bit of this it might be an option for you. I'm not a chemist but I'm guessing it's about three dropper fulls to get coverage of SPF 50 like some other similar sun drop brands. At $145 a bottle this will go very fast for you. It's too expensive for me to consider logically as sun protection. Now there was some controversy on Instagram a while back about the brand suggesting mixing sun drops in their cream for sun protection but sunscreen should never ever be mixed into a cream or lotion. Apply after moisturizer alone, never mix it. The directions now reflect the way it should be (I don't know what the directions were before that post online, I just remember seeing it).
Dr. Barbara Sturm’s anti-aging FACE CREAM will keep your skin hydrated and firm throughout the day. When used at night, it acts as an intensive regeneration treatment, so you awaken to healthy-looking and refreshed skin 24/7. Its lightweight texture quickly absorbs into the skin to give your complexion a radiant glow. Skullcap and Purslane an anti-aging powerhouse, helps calm the skin and reduce the visible signs of irritation. For SPF protection, you can use Dr. Sturm's SUN DROPS separately 5 minutes after applying your FACE CREAM or add a few drops to the cream. Re-apply SUN DROPS every 2 hours for maximum sun protection.
Ingredients
aqua/water/eau, octyldodecanol, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, glycerin, butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, decyl oleate, zea mays (corn) germ oil, cetearyl alcohol, hydrogenated vegetable glycerides, lactobacillus/portulaca oleracea ferment extract, sorbitol, propanediol, potassium cetyl phosphate, cocoglycerides, dimethicone, tocopheryl acetate, baicalin, panthenol, squalane, leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, hydrogenated palm glycerides, carbomer, xanthan gum, ethylhexylglycerin, potassium sorbate, alcohol, caprylic/capric triglyceride, pantolactone, ascorbyl palmitate, citric acid, ascorbic acid, phenoxyethanol.
My Thoughts
I like her cream. This one has a medium weight texture. It's a nice texture cream. She does now have a light and heavier version which is great as not everyone can one use shea butter and there's no one cream fits all skin types. I have easy thoughts about this one too. It's simple and while it's a nice texture it's way overpriced at $215. There are a ton of simple moisturizers that will do the same thing for cheaper. I'm not against a $300 cream, I own several. Lets just say I've had multiple free minis of this and I never reach for it because it is so simple and I have others I just really prefer more. It'll do the job I just found it a bit mediocre for me I guess.
So overall thoughts on the brand is that I like the products themselves. I like the inci lists and ingredients there's nothing I don't like about the products. Their textures of her products are actually really beautiful (minus the HA serum which is thick for my tastes). None of them are heavy, greasy or really silicone like in texture. They all layer well. They will suit all skin types even sensitive due to their no acid/retinol and more gentle antioxidant/anti-inflammatory ingredients. The formulations are simple and for the purpose of anti-inflammatory skincare they're effective. It is true that chronic inflammation leads to aging and other chronic diseases. I think chronic inflammation is something everyone should think about not just in skincare but with our bodies as well. I think her products are grossly overpriced for what they are. You're paying for her name and celebrity. Granted that doesn't matter for many and if you have the budget you'll probably enjoy her products. She's not the only overpriced skincare line out there, just one of the more popular ones that everyone likes to put in the spotlight.
My recommendations are the toner and cleanser as they surprised me and I enjoyed their gentle nature. I would also probably go for the Anti-Pollution Serum or Glow Drops. They're more affordable and you get to try the purslane. I think many will like the dewy finishing Glow Drops if you can afford them. The Calming Serum is also nice if you're OK with the cost. I can't get behind the Anti-Aging Serum price to recommend it, it's nice but there are many great anti-aging serums you can get for $350. If the range was about 1/3 the price I could more easily recommend most of her stuff because it is nice. A lot of the serums are really similar they might have a few small ingredient differences. I actually prefer the Anti-Pollution Serum to the Hyaluronic Serum because it has a better texture, more benefits and is half the price. I have not tried the eye cream, mask or other new serum launches. I have samples of the eye cream and mask I just haven't cracked them open yet. I'm curious why she doesn't have any peptide or growth factors in her products since she deals with growth factors a lot. That would help me justify the cost of the anti-aging serums more but without, I just can't. I'm curious if you've tried the brand drop me a comment letting me know what you thought of the products.
Great write up! I feel the same way about this brand. Everything I've tried is nice, but no wow factor that would make shell out that much $$$ again.
Yes 🙂
Thank you for this! I have bought the entire line to see what the hype is all about—faves are the enzyme cleanser (babor has 100% dupe), mask, and I am obsessed with the sub drops. Will not repurchase anything else. Not worth the price tag. Still trying to find that perfect nighttime serum for my 38 year old, skin. Thank you, again!!