Several weeks ago I was invited to a virtual event for the Canadian launch of Herbivore Botanicals, and I was sent their latest to test out, Moon Fruit — along with another one of their cult-fave products, the Phoenix face oil. I’ve long known about this brand, but as I had yet to actually try any of their products, I was super excited to finally get the chance.
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The star duo of the virtual event I attended
Moon Fruit Retinol Alternative Serum (CAN $78.00/30 ml, 1 fl.oz) | Housed in a lavender coloured glass bottle with a pump dispenser, this is a plant-based retinol alternative that is great for all skin types, even sensitive — along with being pregnancy-safe. The lotion texture bears a light purple hue (so cute, right?) which spreads easily along the skin and is quickly absorbed without any tacky after-feel. Made with 1% Bakuchiol, this is a plant that is well researched for its beneficial properties on acne-prone skin and how similar its effect is to that of traditional retinol, but without any of retinol’s potential side effects (such as dryness, for example). The formula also includes peptides to help plump, firm, and tighten skin, as well as a clinically backed blend of herbs and superfruits that contain vitamins C, E, B5, antioxidants, amino, and fatty acids which also help with skin tightening.
I personally have no issues with retinol and use a 0.5% prescription strength product at least 3 times a week (I’m also able to tolerate it nightly), so I was definitely curious to see how Moon Fruit would compare. When I use my prescription retinol regularly, I can see that my skin tone is much more even and any “wisdom marks” (as my derm likes to refer to age spots — a term which I have now stolen from him) definitely fade. By swapping in Moon Fruit, I can tell after consistent use that my skin agrees with it, with my complexion continuing to appear even. The fact that after several weeks of use I don’t notice any significant difference between the two is something I take as a positive sign, because that implies both full strength retinol and this alternative version are certainly working. That said, if like me you’re able to tolerate retinol, then I would say that that has the advantage in how efficient it is for quickly fading any spots/marks. However, if you’ve found that traditional retinol is too strong for your skin to tolerate, then a Bakuchiol based product such as this is definitely the way to go.
I’m also impressed with the brand’s sustainability efforts, demonstrated in the chart below:
Phoenix Facial Oil (CAN $73.00/30 ml, 1 fl.oz) | Housed in a square glass jar that comes with a dropper dispenser, this is a luxe botanical face oil to help ‘rehydrate & revitalize dry skin, or any skin in need of replenishment and moisture renewal‘ — which basically sums up the way my skin has been feeling the last couple of years. This colourful orange oil is chock-full of amazing ingredients:
- Rosehip Oil: Rose Hips are the fruit seed of the wild rose plant. Naturally rich in Omega Fatty Acids 3, 6, & 9 to help leave skin feeling plump with moisture. Rosehip Oil is also known to be a natural source of Vitamin C, making it an excellent choice for improving skin radiance and overall appearance
- Sea Buckthorn Oil: Known to be a natural source of Beta Carotene and rare Omega 7 Fatty Acid. Sea Buckthorn is an emollient, lightweight oil with great benefits to the skin including softening, smoothing, and leaving dull, dry skin feeling deeply nourished
- Chia Seed: An excellent natural source of Alpha Linolenic Acid to enhance the skin’s natural glow and radiance
- Meadowfoam Seed Oil: Known for supplementing skin’s natural protective barrier to help lock moisture into the skin
- Neroli Oil: Imparts a warm, and lightly floral aroma and is known to have antioxidant properties
I’m really enjoying using face oils lately and what I absolutely love about Phoenix is many-sided; for one, it smells absolutely amazing — fresh, citrusy and slightly green, like walking through a citrus grove. Secondly, a little goes a long way so 2-3 drops are all you need for the entire face, neck, and décolleté. It does take several minutes to absorb into the skin, but the continuous hydration it provides is so worth that extra step. Finally, the glow it leaves behind is absolutely gorgeous. Did I mention how incredible it smells? So good.
I’d call my first foray into this brand a huge success. Both products are hits, in my opinion; Moon Fruit is a wonderful alternative to retinol for everyone — not just sensitive complexions. But my fave of the two is definitely Phoenix – a product that my skin has been absolutely soaking up with love. Two other perks to each product? Moon Juice can be used morning and night and even plays well with Vitamin C — something traditional retinols do not, and Phoenix can also double as a nutrient-packed cuticle oil. I call that a win-win-win-win.
Available at Sephora
Kindly provided by Herbivore for my unbiased consideration
