The Complete Guide To Herbivore Facial Skincare Products: What To Buy, What To Skip

Ever wondered what the best Herbivore products are? Herbivore is having a moment. The indie brand has won over our hearts with its sleek packaging and natural formulations that promise to exfoliate, soothe, and moisturise without irritating skin. Is it too good to be true?

Kinda… With a few exceptions, most of Herbivore products are just average or worse. The line is proof that just because something is natural, it doesn’t mean it’s good for you. How do you know what’s worth to buy and what’s best left on the shelf? Here’s the complete guide to ALL Herbivore facial skincare products to help you figure out what’s gonna help you minimise wrinkles and fight acne, what’s just so-so, and what’s best left on the shelf so you invest your money in what works and forget the rest. Let’s get started:

About The Brand: Herbivore Botanicals

Herbivore Botanicals was founded in 2011 by two close friends, Julia Williams who learned about the power of medicinal herbs from her healer month, and Alex Kummerow who has a natural aptitude for cosmetic chemistry inherited by his ancestral line of botanists.

Together, the two friends made skincare products they sold on Etsy, before deciding to expand and conquer the skincare world at large. Their mission is to create healthy and safe natural skincare products even the most sensitive of skin types can use. Not sure they’re there yet. Some of the products do contain fragrant plant extracts and oils that have the potential to irritate sensitive skin. But if you avoid those, the line has some gems indeed.

What Are The Best Herbivore Skincare Products Worth The Money?

Herbivore Dream Jelly Strawberry Lip Balm ($18.00)

Herbivore Dream Jelly Strawberry Lip Balm has a rich texture loaded with natural oils to deeply moisturise and plump up lips. Doesn’t matter how dry your pout is, this highly moisturising formula makes it soft and kissable again. Plus, it creates a protective shield on your lips that protects them from environmental aggressors. Did I mention it gives your lips a shiny, glossy finish? It has a lovely strawberry scent, but it can irritate sensitive skin.

Available at: Herbivore, Nordstrom, and Sephora

Herbivore STAR SEED Sheer Glow Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 ($38.00)

You’d never guess Herbivore STAR SEED Sheer Glow Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 is a 100% Zinc Oxide sunscreen. This mineral filters tend to make formulas greasy and leave a white cast behind that makes you look like Caspar The Ghost. Herbivore did some magic because this sunscreen feels like a hydrating serum, gives you that as-if-lit-from-within glow, and laves no white marks – all while providing excellent protection from UV rays. It also has a sprinkle of antioxidants to boost sun protection and prevent wrinkles!

Available at: Herbivore, Nordstrom, and Sephora

Herbivore Emerald Deep Moisture Glow Oil ($50.00)

Herbivore Emerald Deep Moisture Glow Oil is loaded with moisturising oils. Squalane, hemp seed oil, and safflower oil all have their fair share of fatty acids to strengthen the skin’s protective barrier against harsh weather, germs, and anything else that wants to harm your skin. Plus, a strong protective barrier means your skin is better able to retain the moisture it badly needs to heal. Result? Softer, plumper, brighter skin. The catch? Herbivore claims shiitake mushroom and ashwagandha root have adoptogenic properties that can defend your skin from environmental stress. It’s true these plants are able to adapt to the changes in their environments – but they can’t do the same for your skin!

Available at: Beauty Bay, Cult Beauty, Herbivore, Look Fantastic, and Sephora

Related: How To Strengthen Your Skin’s Protective Barrier (And Why It Matters)

Herbivore Milky Way 10% AHA + Oat Soothing Exfoliating Serum ($58.00)

Herbivore Milky Way 10% AHA + Oat Soothing Exfoliating Serum contains 10% AHAs (mostly Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid) and 3% PHA (another family of exfoliants that’s gentler than AHAs) to exfoliate and brighten the complexion. Exfoliation, even when done right, always has the potential to be a little irritating. Herbivore fixed this by adding soothing oats and ceramides to the mix. They soothe redness and irritations and strengthen your skin’s protective barrier. The result? Softer, smoother, younger-looking skin. The texture’s a little sticky, but I can live with that.

Available at: Beauty Bay, Nordstrom, and Sephora

What Are The Best Herbivore Skincare Products That Work Ok, But Not Great?

Herbivore Pink Cloud Soft Moisture Creme ($46.00)

Herbivore Pink Cloud Soft Moisture Creme has a lot going for it. For starters, it’s loaded with natural moisturisers, like squalane and shea butter, that strengthen the skin’s protective barrier and keep the complexion supple and soft. Plus, it has a sprinkle of antioxidants to prevent premature aging. Too bad the jar packaging exposes them to light and air, making them go bad quickly. The other problem with this cream? It has fragrant ingredients, which can irritate sensitive skin. In a nutshell, it does a good job at moisturising cream, but there are better creams out there that give you more at this price point.

Available at: Herbivore, Nordstrom, and Sephora

Related: Is Fragrance In Skincare Bad?

Herbivore Pink Cloud Rosewater + Tremella Creamy Jelly Cleanser ($26.00)

I do like Herbivore Pink Cloud Rosewater + Tremella Creamy Jelly Cleanser, but it gained a place in the average section because it’s very gentle. It removes impurities and excess oil, but if you’re wearing makeup, this won’t cut it. It’s more of a morning cleanser and I do like cleaners I can use it anytime to remove anything. Still if you have sensitive skin and are looking for a gentle formula that cleanses skin without drying it out, you’ll like this.

Available at: Beauty Bay, Credo Beauty, Cult Beauty, Dermstore, Herbivore, Revolve, and Sephora

Herbivore CLOUD JELLY Pink Plumping Hydration Serum ($50.00)

Herbivore CLOUD JELLY Pink Plumping Hydration Serum gains the average slot because it doesn’t contain Hyaluronic Acid. Seriously?! A plumping and hydrating serum without hyaluronic acid? Instead, it uses Tremella Mushroom, a jelly-textured superfood with the ability to hold up to 500x its weight in water (Hyaluronic Acid holds up to 1000 times its weight in water!). Plus, plant-based collagen, which is only moisturising. It can’t penetrate skin and firm it from within. You see what I mean? It’s hydrating indeed, but it doesn’t use the very best ingredients for the job – and, at this price point, it should! Still, it’ll hydrate and plump up skin, so it does keep its promise.

Available at: Beauty Bay, Cult Beauty, Herbivore, Look Fantastic, Revolve, and Sephora

Herbivore NOVA 15% Vitamin C + Turmeric Brightening Serum ($65.00)

I firmly believe that, when it comes to Vitamin C, 15% L-Ascorbic Acid, 1% Vitamin E, and 0.5% Ferulic Acid is the gold standard. Herbivore NOVA 15% Vitamin C + Turmeric Brightening Serum doesn’t have this formula – hence why it’s in the average section. Instead, it contains 15% Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, a derivative of L-Ascorbic Acid, and Turmeric, two antioxidants that brighten skin and prevent wrinkles. It’s a lovely formula that’ll make you glow, but I only recommend it to women who can’t tolerate 15% L-Ascorbic Acid.

Available at: Beauty Bay, Credo Beauty, Cult Beauty, Herbivore, Look Fantastic, and Revolve

Herbivore Moon Fruit 1% Bakuchiol + Peptides Retinol Alternative Serum ($62.00)

Can’t tolerate retinol? Try Bakuchiol instead. This natural extract works similar to retinol: it can slow down collagen breakdown, reduce wrinkle surface area and even fade away hyperpigmentation. BUT, without the irritation. The catch? Despite what brands and the media tell you, there’s no proof that Bakuchiol is as powerful as retinol. Studies show you need twice the amount to get the same results (Bakuchiol needs to applied twice a day instead of once a day)> Still, it’s a good alternative for anyone who can’t use retinol, like pregnant women or people with sensitive skin. Herbivore Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Serum also has its fair share of antioxidants to help keep wrinkles at bay. Plus, it’s hydrating, too!

Available at: Beauty Bay, Credo Beauty, Herbivore, and Sephora

Related: Retinol Side Effects: What Are They And How Do You Deal With Them?

Herbivore Phoenix Rosehip Anti-Aging Face Oil ($88.00)

Herbivore Phoenix Facial Oil started off so well. The base of the formula is made up of non-fragrant oils like rosehip and jojoba that moisturise skin, soothe irritations, and prevent the premature signs of aging. Plus, they make your skin glow. Unfortunately, Herbivore also added Morroccan rose and Neroli extracts, two ingredients that smell lovely but can irritate sensitive skin.

Available at: Beauty Bay, Cult Beauty, Dermstore, Herbivore, and Sephora

Related: Why Rosehip Oil Is My Go-To For All My Skin Woes

Herbivore Orchid Antioxidant Beauty Face Oil ($74.00)

Like most Herbivore Facial Oils, Orchid is a mixed bag. On the plus side, it has moisturising, non-fragrant oils like camellia and squalane that deeply moisturise skin and keep it soft and supple. On the downside, jasmine and orchid extracts can irritate sensitive skin. Use it carefully.

Available at: Beauty Bay, Cult Beauty, Dermstore, Herbivore, Nordstrom, and Sephora

Related: The Complete Guide To Squalane: What It Is, What It Does, And How To Use It

Herbivore Rose Hibiscus Hydrating Face Mist ($36.00)

Let’s start with the good: Herbivore Rose Hibiscus Hydrating Face Mist is every bit as hydrating as it claims. Glycerin and Hyaluronic Acid pump moisture back into the skin while aloe vera soothe skin. But the lingering rose scent may be a problem for sensitive skin.

Available at: Beauty Bay, Cult Beauty, Herbivore, Look Fantastic, Revolve, and Sephora

Related: The Complete Guide To Hyaluronic Acid: What It Is, What It Does, And How To Use It

What Are The Worst Herbivore Skincare Products To Avoid?

Herbivore Super Nova 5% Vitamin C + Caffeine Brightening Eye Cream ($48.00)

If you’re a regular here, you’ll know I’m not a fan of eye cream – and Herbivore Super Nova 5% Vitamin C + Caffeine Brightening Eye Cream is no exception. Eye creams are just facial moisturisers in a smaller jar (and they usually cost more!). This does a good job at moisturising skin, but don’t expect more than that. The brightening effects come from THD, a derivative of Vitamin C that’s gentler than the real thing. But you can get the same thing from a facial serum, know what I mean? Don’t waste your money on such a small jar when a moisturiser or serum with Vitamin C will give you the same results.

Herbivore MOON DEW 1% Bakuchiol + Peptides Retinol Alternative Firming Eye Cream ($48.00)

This eye cream is in the worst section for the same reason as the one above: you do NOT need an eye cream. This has bakuchiol and peptides to fight wrinkles, but they’re not really an alternative to retinol (bakuchiol works a lot more slowly). Plus, it does nothing a Bakuchiol serum does NOT do. Wouldn’t you prefer to buy a Bakuchiol serum you can use all over your face, eye area included, than spend $48 on this?! Me too. Plus, it can’t really do anything for dark circles (no eye cream can, or no one would have dark circles anymore!).

Herbivore BAKUCHIOL Retinol Alternative Smoothing Serum ($56.00)

Herbivore Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Smoothing Serum gained its place in the worst list because it does NOT contain Bakuchiol! It uses Babchi extract, which contains Bakuchiol (and many other things!). Bakuchiol works like retinol, but you need to apply it twice a day instead of once a day to get the same results – and there’s not much of it here! It’s a hydrating formula with a mild exfoliating action that will help your wrinkles look smaller. But, you’re much better off with a retinol serum if you’re concerned about anti-aging.

Herbivore Green Magic Cica + Ceramides Redness-Reducing Serum ($48.00)

Let me start by saying I’m a huge fan of cica and ceramides to reduce redness and irritation. The problem with Herbivore Green Magic Cica + Ceramides Redness-Reducing Serum? For starter, it uses a big dollop of Propanediol, a type of alcohol that enhances penetration of active ingredients. It’s not a bad ingredient, but in these high concentrations, it can irritate sensitive skin. Plus, it has too many fragranced oils that can cause allergies and irritation. Listen up, Herbivore: if you’re creating a serum for sensitive skin, you need to remove ALL irritants from it! Otherwise, what’s the point?!

Herbivore Prism Botanical AHA + BHA Exfoliating Glow Facial ($58.00)

With such high concentrations of acids (have you ever seen 5% BHA anywhere before?!), Herbivore Prism 20% AHA + 5% BHA Exfoliating Glow Facial looks like an exfoliant on steroids. Too bad it’s all smoke and mirrors. Here’s why: this exfoliant doesn’t contain glycolic acid (AHA), salicylic acid (BHA) & co. Instead, it uses natural extracts, like sugarcane and willow bark, that contain these acids. Brands will tell you they work just as well as their synthetic counterparts. They don’t. Please, don’t drink the Kool-Aid. Getting these acids from plants and extracts is useless. They won’t exfoliate your skin. But hey, at least they’ll hydrate it.

Related: AHAs VS BHA: Which One Should You Choose?

Herbivore Lapis Blue Tansy Face Oil ($74.00)

Herbivore Lapis Facial Oil owes its blue colour to blue tansy, an oil with mixed properties. On the one hand, it has azulene to soothe dry and sensitive skin. On the other, its fragrant components can irritate dry and sensitive skin! See why it’s often better to isolate the beneficial chemical instead than using the whole plant? Worse, blue tansy isn’t the only irritant here. Shame, because this oil is moisturising indeed.

Related: 7 Natural Ingredients That Can Irritate Sensitive Skin

Herbivore Blue Tansy Invisible Pores Resurfacing Clarity Mask ($50.00)

Herbivore Blue Tansy Resurfacing Clarity Mask promises to exfoliate skin without irritation – but DOESN’T deliver. As I’ve already mentioned, fruit enzymes and willow barks are NOT effective alternatives to exfoliating acids. Plus, blue tansy and other fragrant extracts can irritate skin.

Herbivore Aquarius BHA + Blue Tansy Clarity Cleanser ($26.00)

You already know how I feel about Blue Tansy. It can irritate sensitive skin. Plus, Herbivore Aquarius BHA + Blue Tansy Clarity Cleanser doesn’t even contain exfoliating BHA. It uses willow bark, a natural source of BHA that doesn’t exfoliate as well. The cleanser will remove dirt and impurities indeed, but given its drawbacks, I’m NOT a fan.

Herbivore Aquarius Pore Purifying Clarity Cream ($46.00)

Herbivore Aquarius Pore Purifying Clarity Cream suffers from the same problems as the other creams on this worst list. For starters, you need Salicylic Acid to unclog pores and create a clear complexion. This cream has willow bark, a natural source of Salicylic Acid that simply doesn’t work as well. Plus, tansy oil, which could irritate sensitive skin. It makes skin softer and smoother, but it doesn’t really help decongest pores or clear acne. *sighs*

Herbivore Pink Clay Cleansing Bar Soap ($14.00)

I’m not a fan of bar soaps because they tend to have high pHs that can disrupt the skin’s protective barrier. Unfortunately, Herbivore Pink Clay Cleansing Bar Soap is no exception. The brand itself states it has a pH of 9 – and that’s way too drying for skin, especially when used regularly. Please Herbivore, reformulate!

Herbivore Bamboo Charcoal Cleansing Bar Soap ($14.00)

I’m not a fan of Herbivore Bamboo Charcoal Cleansing Bar Soap for the same reason I’m not a fan of Herbivore Pink Clay Cleansing Bar Soap. It has a high pH of 9, which can disrupt the skin’s protective barrier, dry out skin, and in the long run, cause more acne. Thank you, but no thank you!

About Gio

Hi, I'm Gio. I'm a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is skin coach and writer on a mission to help you achieve your best skin day ever - every day. I bust skincare myths and debunk marketing jargon to help you figure out what's worth the splurge and what's best left on the shelf - using science, not hype. I also offer skincare consultations to help you create the best skincare routine for your unique needs.