TRANSDERMA is a beautiful line of highly potent serums that can be best described as scientifically advanced yet exceptionally pure.  The serums focus on vitamins and proven natural ingredients and feature patented delivery innovations that enable active ingredients to penetrate more deeply in the skin, where these actives can do the most good.  TRANSDERMA founder Graziella Gallelli is one of the most generous founders I have had the pleasure to meet.  She founded TRANSDERMA with her late husband, Dr. Alvin Ronlán, and the two of them built the company incorporating her skincare expertise and his experience of over 30 years of research on vitamins and their delivery systems.  Dr. Ronlán found a way to preserve vitamins’ potency without the use of preservatives, and TRANSDERMA Serums are unique in that they are water-free, preservative-free, and emulsifier-free.  The line focuses on high-impact formulations with only a handful of ingredients in each formulation.

TRANSDERMA Serums Review

I had the immense privilege of trying all five TRANSDERMA serums, and I can tell you quite honestly that this is highly effective skincare at its best.  Across the board, TRANSDERMA Serums are free of artificial colors, preservatives, fragrance, and other synthetic compounds.  TRANSDERMA offers truly pure skincare. The serums’ lack of preservatives is truly remarkable, especially when you consider the fact that these products all remained fresh and potent for a long duration of use!  Consider me impressed.  I am delighted to tell you a little about each formulation below.

TRANSDERMA C

Ingredients: Organic 1,2-Propanediol, L-Ascorbic Acid.

L-Ascorbic Acid is notoriously hard to keep fresh, but TRANSDERMA C has completely overcome this issue—without preservatives!  TRANSDERMA C uses a revolutionary technique for stabilization and improved absorption of this simple, potent formulation.  This serum goes on and sinks right in where it belongs.  Not only does it provide antioxidant protection, but it is also great for boosting collagen and elastin production.  I noticed brighter, smoother skin when using TRANSDERMA C regularly.

TRANSDERMA O

Ingredients: Organic 1,2-Propanediol, L-Ascorbic Acid, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Creatine, Pyridoxine Cyclic Phosphate (Vitamin B6), Kinetin, Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Disodium Salt (Bio-Pqq), Biotin (Vitamin B7).

TRANSDERMA O is the first formulation I ever encountered with the key active PQQ, which is known to reduce inflammation and revitalize mitochondria.  With this active and B vitamins, TRANSDERMA O is truly energizing for the skin.  I particularly loved to combine TRANSDERMA O with red light therapy for the ultimate skin rejuvenation!

TRANSDERMA R

Ingredients: Organic 1,2-Propanediol, L–Ascorbic Acid, Trans–Resveratrol, Piceid.

TRANSDERMA R is perhaps the best serum I have ever used for evening skin tone and reducing pigmentation.  The formulation is deceptively simple; every ingredient counts, and this one really delivers!  TRANSDERMA R is wonderful for leaving skin brighter and more luminous.

TRANSDERMA A

Ingredients: Squalane, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate.

TRANSDERMA A is one of the best retinol products I have ever used.  I think the formulation is brilliant because the squalene balances out the retinol such that the serum is potent without ever being irritating or drying like so many retinol products tend to be.   TRANSDERMA A is excellent for stimulating skin cell renewal and rejuvenation.  I love TRANSDERMA A because it feels like a complete evening skincare routine (potent anti-aging actives and hydration) in one simple step.

TRANSDERMA M

Ingredients: Squalane, Isostearyl Isostearate, C10-30 Cholesterol / Lanosterol Esters, Alpha–Tocopherol, Ceramide Iii & Vi, Salicoyl Phytosphingosine.

Rather than a cream (which would require an emulsifier and preservatives—neither of which do the skin any favors), TRANSDERMA M is a moisturizing serum.  Formulated with skin-identical ceramides and lipids and using TRANSDERMA’s deep absorbing delivery system, TRANSDERMA M is great for providing deep, healing hydration.  I found TRANSDERMA M to be particularly calming for my skin.

Overall Conclusion:  The entire TRANSDERMA line is superb for maximum results with pure, deceptively simple formulations.  Each serum stands well on its own, but using them together makes for truly exceptional results:  smoother, more luminous, revitalized skin!  I give TRANSDERMA my highest recommendation.

The post TRANSDERMA Serums Review appeared first on The Beauty Librarian.

Pure•ly Mei Botanical Skincare is a tightly curated, sophisticated line consisting of two gorgeous hero-status plant-based products, Renew Cherry Blossom Oil-to-Milk Cleanser and Everlasting Bakuchiol and White Lupin Facial Oil Serum.  Founded by licensed esthetician and trained formulator Sarah Duran, Purely Mei is a line that is designed to bring skin back into balance and harmony by supporting the skin barrier and providing noncomedogenic nourishment.  As I told Sarah after using the products for several weeks, these are not your average oils!  Purely Mei delivers considerable benefits to even the fussiest skin types.  As someone dealing with inflammation, acne, and aging simultaneously, I feel qualified to say that both Renew and Everlasting are exceptional formulations.  Together, these complementary products represent a beautifully streamlined yet complete routine, but each product is also a singular marvel as well.  I was lucky enough to get to try both gems, and I am delighted to have the chance to tell you about my outstanding experience with each.

Renew Cherry Blossom Oil-to-Milk Cleanser is an award-winning cleanser that is perfect for anyone whose skin and/or spirit needs a little pampering.  This rich, luxurious oil cleanser is a sensory delight to use with a lovely scent that hints of its natural lavender, geranium, and orange oils.  Renew is very gentle and hydrating, but it gives a thorough clean, washing clean without leaving an oily film behind or stripping or drying out the skin. Prior to using Renew, I was skeptical of cleansers that did not contain a surfactant, but this formulation has shown me that it is not necessary for a just-right clean.  As a skilled esthetician, Sarah Duran formulated this oil cleanser very carefully, and she has a wonderful blog post in which she debunks several misconceptions about oil cleansers. The formulation is very balanced and delivers benefits for all skin types, but especially for anyone dealing with sensitivity, a compromised barrier, or acne.  The oils in Renew are noncomedogenic and high in linoleic acid, which boosts the skin barrier and helps to prevent acne, making this a perfect cleanser for fussy or “problematic” skin.  As someone with both sensitive and acne-prone skin, I’ve found Renew to be a very calming staple in my routine.  As a bonus, its star active, Cherry Blossom, is both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, reducing both the oxidative and inflammatory damage that can accelerate aging and exacerbate other skin complaints.  Additionally, Cherry Blossom helps to suppress advanced glycation end products (AGE) production and AGE-induced fibroblast apoptosis!  Renew is balanced and nourishing and leaves skin hydrated yet truly clean all in one gentle cleanse.  Renew Cherry Blossom Oil-to-Milk Cleanser  is a beautiful cleanser—a joy to use and truly calming for the complexion.

Renew Cherry Blossom Oil-to-Milk Cleanser Ingredients: *Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Polyglyceryl-4-oleate, Borago Officinalis (Borage) Seed Oil, *Perilla Frutescens Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil & Prunus Serrulata (Cherry Blossom) Flower Extract, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, *Nigella Sativa (Black Cumin) Seed (C02) Extract, *Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf (C02) Extract, Tocopherol, Bisabolol, *Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, *Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Flower Oil, *Citrus Sinensis (Sweet Orange) Peel oil.  *Organic

Everlasting Bakuchiol and White Lupin Facial Oil Serum is truly an oil that does it all:  hydrates, heals, nourishes, regenerates, and strengthens the skin.  Everlasting is another award-winning gem from Purely Mei, and a single use will quickly show why this showstopper has already started garnering awards, most recently from the Beauty Shortlist Awards.  This silky oil serum provides just the right amount of hydration to skin and rather than remaining on the skin’s surface like some heavier oils do, Everlasting absorbs into the skin where the sumptuous oil serum can work its real magic. With its blend of vanilla-infused Jojoba, Moringa, Pomegranate, Borage, Rose Hip, and Helichrysum Oils, Everlasting smells divine and fortifies the skin with anxtioxidants and 3, 6, 9, omega-rich, nourishing oils.  Bakuchiol and White Lupin Seed Extract are two anti-aging superstars in the serum; Bakuchiol has demonstrated similar anti-aging and anti-acne activity to retinol without the irritation and potential for photosensitivity, and White Lupin Seed Extract promotes high-quality collagen production that results in smoother, firmer skin!

The visible benefits of Everlasting are obvious:  smoother, more supple, calm skin, with a healthy glow.  Best of all, Everlasting is a product that is suitable for all skin types and capable of tackling a variety of skin challenges.  I know firsthand just how healing Everlasting is.  It takes an incredibly special serum to appropriately treat and visibly benefit my skin when it is at its most problematic (e.g., dry in some spots, oily in others, irritated, and acne-prone, all while showing advanced signs of aging), and Everlasting is one of a very select number of products that I can trust to not only do no harm but also to bring my skin into better balance, to soothe, hydrate, and heal my irritation and blemishes.  True to the spirit of Purely Mei, Everlasting restores my skin to calm even when it’s been at its most difficult.  It takes a special hero product to earn your deepest trust for the times when your skin is misbehaving, and Everlasting has quickly become such a go-to hero for me.

Everlasting Bakuchiol and White Lupin Facial Oil Serum Ingredients: *Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, *Moringa Oleifera (Moringa) Seed Oil, *Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil, Borago Officinalis (Borage) Seed Oil, *Rosa Mosqueta (Rose) Hip Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil and Lupinus Seed Extract, *Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed C02 Extract, Bakuchiol, *Hippophae Rhamnoides (Seabuckthorn) Berries C02 Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Bean Extract, Tocopherol (Non GMO), Bisabolol, *Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf C02 Extract, *Helichrysum Splendidum Oil.  *Organic

Filled with potent actives, Purely Mei is a line thoughtfully formulated by expert licensed esthetician Sarah Duran.  Purely Mei embraces a pro-aging philosophy, and its products are designed to nurture the skin and empower the user to look and feel their best at any age.  Although the line eschews gimmicky and unrealistic anti-aging marketing, both Renew and Everlasting are beautifully suited for mature skin as well as skin that craves healing, whether from irritation, acne, or both. Indeed, I think it would be accurate to call the products anti-inflammaging, as both Renew and Everlasting contain several actives that tame that inflammatory cascade that can exacerbate skin conditions and accelerate the aging process beyond what it might otherwise be.  Above all, Purely Mei is designed to support the skin barrier and restore calm and balance to the skin while providing the user with an elegant and relaxing experience, and the line succeeds beautifully in doing all this!  For anyone who is ready for a streamlined yet indulgent routine that will yield numerous complexion benefits, I highly recommend trying both Purely Mei products. This is a line worth discovering, cherishing, and sharing!

The post My Review of Pure•ly Mei Botanical Skincare appeared first on The Beauty Librarian.

A new launch from Okoko Cosmétiques is always a cause to rejoice.  Recently, I had the delightful opportunity to indulge in two new Okoko treasures, Diamant Bleu Clarifying Cream with Niacinamide and Blue Tansy as well as Les 16 Précieux Prestige Edition Next-Level, Age Defying Face Oil with Retinol Fusion. Let’s take these beauties one by one.

Okoko Cosmétiques Diamant Bleu: Clarifying Cream with Niacinamide and Blue Tansy

How can I put into words the pleasure of using Diamant Bleu?  A much-requested item from the Okoko line, this cream is utterly luxurious with a sumptuous buttery texture, the gorgeous color of the sky on a clear and bright day, and a natural fragrance (with key notes of sweet Blue Tansy) so delicious that applying it will lift your spirits and allow for a moment of truly regal indulgence even during an otherwise harried day.

Diamant Bleu is a sensory delight to use.  Sometimes “skincare as self-care” can feel like a marketing gimmick, but not in this case!  It is no exaggeration to say that applying Diamant Bleu offers a precious and enjoyable moment of calm in the storms of life.  I have never smelled any product with a fragrance this delicious, and based on its uplifting effects on me, I would say it is the best aromatherapeutic I have ever tried.  All this praise is simply about the joys of applying Diamant Bleu, but there is so much more to this blue beauty than just delivering an indulgent experience.  As with all Okoko Cosmétiques treasures, every precious ingredient in the formulation is truly performance-driven and based on exhaustive R&D by Okoko founder and Chief Formulator, Oyéta Kokoroko. The gorgeous blue color, for instance, is not just for show; it comes from the combination of natural actives Blue Tansy and Blue Spirulina extract, two incredible plant-based ingredients and potent antioxidants that also deliver skin-calming and detoxifying properties.

If you have a history of complexion woes like I do, then when you imagine a “clarifying cream” you may have visions of harsh dermatological prescriptions that leave skin angry and flaking, but this could not be further from the beautiful reality of Diamant Bleu’s skin-calming results.  I have lovingly nicknamed Diamant Bleu “my blue heaven” because of how dreamy it is in both its performance and use.  The texture is like perfect, freshly-churned butter, delivering an immediate wave of calming hydration.  Before you worry that such a rich, buttery cream might be too indulgent for persnickety, acne-prone skin, let me assure you that Diamant Bleu is formulated precisely for the very concerns of rebellious skin. The importance of hydration plays in optimal healing is often neglected in traditional clarifying formulations, but this is Okoko Cosmétiques, and  Oyéta never delivers less than perfection.  Not only does Diamant Bleu not break me out, it soothes and diminishes inflammation of any sort—whether that is acne, acne marks, or redness and irritation.  Anyone with acne-prone skin can tell you that the marks acne leaves behind are often more stubborn and frustrating than the acne itself was.  Here Diamant Bleu also excels beautifully, with encapsulated Niacinamide proven to rapidly diminish the look of post-acne spots and scarring.

The results of Diamant Bleu will surpass even the highest expectations. My complexion is so much calmer and clearer after regular use of this blue beauty.  This transformative cream is both elegant and high-performance, healing and gently hydrating, all without any harshness–a true feat in formulation!  Diamant Bleu is exceptional and has quickly become my favorite moisturizer of all time.  Of all the moisturizers I have ever tried, none have been as pleasurable and had such an incredible array of benefits as the truly heavenly Diamant Bleu.

Les 16 Précieux Prestige Edition Next-Level, Age Defying Face Oil with Retinol Fusion

Les 16 Précieux was already the best anti-aging face oil I had found, but with the new Prestige Edition, you get an entire anti-aging skincare routine all in a single product!  The R&D that went into this treasure is beyond impressive.  As in the White Label version of Les 16 Précieux , Bakuchiol is a key ingredient in the Prestige Edition, but here its effects are further boosted with two evidence-based anti-aging superstars, Encapsulated Retinol and Vitamin C.  The combination of Bakuchiol and Retinol is notable, as the two ingredients work synergistically together, such that their anti-aging and skin-clearing benefits are more than the sum of their individual parts.  Moreover, the Retinol in Les 16 Précieux Prestige Edition is encapsulated to improve its delivery and stability.  All this is further amplified by collagen-boosting  vitamin C in an oil-soluble form, L-ascorbyl Palmitate, that helps to brighten and smooth the complexion.

Other incredible ingredients in this luxury cocktail that is Les 16 Précieux Prestige Edition include powerhouse antioxidants Astaxanthin, skin-smoothing Ceramides, Fermented Willow Bark to help keep skin clear and bright, White Lupin extract for firming sagging skin, and CoQ10 to help protect skin from environmental stress, and Seabuckthorn and Rosehip Oils to help reduce the appearance of scars.  These are just some of the highlights in this truly divine oil serum!  With all the precious actives featured in Les 16 Précieux Prestige Edition, it is noteworthy that the formulation also includes Acai Goji Dehydrasome, an advanced natural ingredient that is not only highly antioxidant and hydrating, but also boosts the delivery and absorption of all the formulation’s beneficial ingredients, of which there are many.

Despite all the potent actives and their enhanced delivery, Les 16 Précieux Prestige Edition is incredibly gentle in its power, never causing even the slightest hint of a reaction even on my sensitive skin.  This rich oil is luxurious, hydrating, anti-aging and yet still a perfect choice for those of us dealing with aging and acne simultaneously, as it addresses both concerns and is non-comedogenic.  Les 16 Précieux Prestige Edition is by far the most advanced and effective oil treatment serum I have ever used.  Once again, Okoko Cosmétiques has surpassed my high expectations and delivered a product that truly elevates the entire category of facial oils.

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I’m thrilled to share my Chebula Active Immunity Serum review.  A hotly-anticipated new release from True Botanicals, the star active Chebula is one of the most bioactive and potent full-spectrum cascading and anti-inflammatory antioxidants ever to grace a skincare product!  The fact that it is a cascading antioxidant means that after it’s done fighting a free radical, it takes a new form that fights yet another free radical and then another and then another, all the while protecting and calming the skin.  Chebula  contains Chebulinic and Chebulagic acids that are able to penetrate the upper levels of the skin where they intercept oxidative stress before it can trigger inflammation and inflammaging. As such a potent anti-inflammatory, Chebula helps directly address the root of practically all skin concerns from aging to acne: inflammation.  The result is a product that is truly a multi-tasker. Most skincare takes weeks to show any benefits, but Chebula Active Immunity Serum seems to reduce my redness and nip my stubborn acne in the bud overnight!

With continued use, Chebula Active Immunity Serum offers even more benefits, correcting 5 signs of aging:

1. It heals roughness and dryness: Chebula boosts aquaporin 9 and aquaporin 3 to help water flow properly through the lower levels of your skin, strengthening barrier function and helping your skin retain moisture
2. It brightens & plumps dull skin: Glycation happens as we age–it’s when amino acids in your skin combine with sugar and create a flat, dull and sunken appearance of the skin. Chebula is a potent glycation inhibitor: it breaks that chain from happening to give way to brighter, plumper skin.
3. It smooths fine lines and wrinkles: Chebula boosts collagen and reduces collagen degradation which is known to help with fine lines and wrinkles.
4. It evens skin tone: Chebula is proven to inhibit and break up uneven distribution of melanin, reducing hyperpigmentation and helping even skin tone.
5. It improves skin elasticity & firmness: One of the root causes of skin sagging is the breakdown of filaggrin beneath the skin’s surface. Filaggrin binds proteins together, almost acting like glue to maintain a strong surface structure and firmness. Chebula boosts filaggrin to improve overall firmness, elasticity and skin health.

Since I started using the Chebula Active Immunity Serum, my skin is brighter, more even, smoother, and clearer!  This is a formulation that delivers visible results!  I love knowing that the serum strengthens my skin’s immunity to the inflammatory forces in order to fight multiple signs of aging. This is not only a great anti-aging product, but also a brilliant tool for preventing signs of aging, because it actually intercepts the things that cause aging (and other skin complaints) before they happen!  I highly recommend this innovative, highly effective formulation from True Botanicals. If you are curious to try it for yourself, they offer a convenient mini size so you can try it before committing to a full size.

Shop Now: Chebula Active Immunity Serum

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With the launch of Rhubarb Cleansing Jelly, the Skin Herbalists is a line to watch.  Created by one of the foremost skincare formulators in the world, The Skin Herbalists’ founder and formulator Jacine Greenwood combines the unique wisdom of both an expert aesthetician and a certified cosmetic chemist.  Jacine is the force of nature behind the hugely successful, highly effective, and much-loved line Roccoco Botanicals.  A true creative visionary at heart, Jacine is not one to rest on her laurels and was inspired to create The Skin Herbalists to make her special blend of natural plant-based miracles available for home use. The Skin Herbalists line is 100% natural skincare that proves how effective gentle plant-based skin care can be.

The Skin Herbalists Rhubarb Cleansing Jelly

The Skin Herbalists’ first launch is a gorgeous cleanser, Rhubarb Cleansing Jelly.  Starting out with a cleanser was doubtless the explicit intention.  A true expert in all things skin, founder Jacine views cleanser as the foundational, most vital step in any skincare regimen. Why is having the right cleanser so crucial?  Cleansers contain surfactants, and if not chosen very carefully, surfactants can have deleterious effects on the skin, such that a poorly-formulated cleanser can deplete vital lipids, impair the barrier, and generate inflammation.  Moreover, when an overly-stripping cleanser damages the barrier, it can remain in the skin, further exacerbating dryness and inflammation. Without an optimal cleanser, skin is compromised from the very first step, and all the other products that follow are working at a disadvantage and likely to yield mixed results. Choosing the right cleanser is the crucial first step toward setting the skin up for success, which explains why The Skin Herbalists’ first launch falls into this category.  The Skin Herbalists have created a cleanser that avoids all the common cleanser pitfalls.  With Rhubarb Cleansing Jelly, The Skin Herbalists deliver a beautiful, balanced, and gentle formulation that does not strip skin lipids, nor remain in the skin.  Instead of causing inflammation, Rhubarb Cleansing Jelly actually reduces inflammation  and alleviates redness.  This gem leaves skin clean yet soft and hydrated.

The Skin Herbalists Rhubarb Cleansing Jelly is that special cleanser that fully and effortlessly cleanses makeup and debris in one gentle step all without stripping or irritating even the fussiest of skin.  With a rich, buttery texture and gorgeous pink glow, Rhubarb Jelly Cleanser offers a gorgeous and delightful sensory experience that serves as a perfect first step and will elevate the entire skincare ritual.  Even more impressive than the joy of using it, though, is the beautiful effects it has on the skin. Rhubarb Cleansing Jelly leaves skin gently hydrated without any greasy residue, so you get a satisfying cleanse without that parched feeling that some cleansers can cause. Infused with nutrient-dense Raspberry Seed Oil, Kiwi Seed Oil, and Passionfruit Seed Oil, the cleanser provides skin with a generous dose of Omega 3.    The star ingredient, Rhubarb Extract, increases the amount of ceramides and hyaluronic acid in the skin, softening and plumping lines and wrinkles. With its skin-plumping ingredients, Rhubarb Cleansing Jelly also reinforces the skin barrier and prevents moisture loss.   A specially-chosen concentrated, plant-derived essential fatty acid, Ethyl Linoleate, effectively targets pigmentation while delivering antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protection, leaving skin bright and calm.  Meanwhile, Kakadu Plum Extract delivers antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that make it ideal for calming signs of acne or other inflammatory skin issues.  The result is a truly balanced, gentle cleanser that is effective and beneficial for any skin type.

When asked what would constitute the perfect cleanser, Jacine replied, “The perfect cleanser is gentle and doesn’t dry your skin out, yet effortlessly removes makeup, deep cleans pores and doesn’t contain comedogenic ingredients.”   With this brilliant definition in mind, The Skin Herbalists Rhubarb Cleansing Jelly is about as close to perfection as a formulation can possibly get.  Rhubarb Cleansing Jelly is versatile in the way it effectively serves many skin types and concerns, gentle in the way it reinforces the barrier and boosts hydration rather than depleting them, and effortlessly effective in the way it removes makeup and cleans the pores.  Using The Skin Herbalists Rhubarb Cleansing Jelly regularly for just over a week, I am already seeing skin that is calmer, brighter, and better hydrated with noticeably less inflammation.   If you ask me, Rhubarb Cleansing Jelly truly is the perfect versatile cleanser, and I cannot wait to see what other marvels The Skin Herbalists have in store. I highly recommend giving this beauty from the Skin Herbalists a try to see just how high-performance a cleanser can be. Prepare to be impressed!

The post The Skin Herbalists Rhubarb Cleansing Jelly appeared first on The Beauty Librarian.

          Janet Schriever is a sought-after licensed esthetician who draws on her personal experience with rosacea and professional knowledge of the skin and ingredients in formulating her exquisite line of luxury CBD skincare Code of Harmony.  Code of Harmony is the first and arguably the leading luxury CBD skincare line. Unlike many faddish CBD product lines that are white-labeled (e.g., in which a standard formula is put in a given company’s packaging and marketed as unique even though “X” other brands are selling the exact same formulation in a different bottle), each Code of Harmony formulation is original,  unique to the brand, and crafted with the explicit goal of bringing the skin into beautiful balance.  I have reviewed and praised this line before (as you can see here), and Code of Harmony made such an impression on me that I have always wanted to revisit it. When I saw that Code of Harmony had introduced some tempting new products, I was falling all over myself to try them.  Janet, ever generous, so kindly obliged and gave me the opportunity to test several of her new skincare gems!

          The line’s name is reflective of the underlying philosophy of bringing the skin back into vital harmony.  CBD, with its skin-calming powers, is just one of the many star active ingredients you will find in each Code of Harmony product.  Indeed, these are formulations in which CBD is thoughtfully combined with what you might call an entourage of other skin-nurturing, plant-based actives–like antioxidants, vitamins, and phytonutrient-rich extracts and oils.  Janet explains, “We follow a code when formulating our CBD skincare products—to return the skin to homeostasis, a happy, youthful, balanced state of being. Every ingredient in our formulas works synergistically toward that goal.”  Janet has high standards for what she will include in Code of Harmony products, eschewing anything that might be irritating or damage the skin barrier, and relying on the purest standardized actives, chosen based on scientific research.  The end result is a line of beautiful products that are rejuvenating, plumping, smoothing, and calming.  If you are someone who, like me, suffers from sensitivity, redness, blemishes, or all of the above, you will find sweet relief in Code of Harmony. Now, onto the new products and my Code of Harmony review!

          First, there is the COH-GLO Moisture Mist.  If you are looking for a mist that is soothing, lightweight and non-comedogenic yet truly hydrating, gentle enough to pamper sensitive skin yet active-packed with skin benefits, teeming with antioxidants and skin-calming superstars like Edelweiss, and delicious with a naturally bright, citrusy scent of orange hydrosol with a dash of strawberry sweetness, look no further than COH-GLO Moisture Mist!  This gorgeous mist not only treats all skin types to delicious, refreshing nourishment, it also leaves skin with the perfect dewy glow.  Ethically-produced mineral mica imparts a luminous finish for the perfect subtle glow that is visible yet natural.  Imagine yourself in the best lighting; the bright and dewy glow of COH-GLO Moisture Mist delivers this look—plus supple, hydrated skin—all day.  This gorgeous moisturizing mist is a beautiful multitasker, and it’s both gentle and non-comedogenic. Those of us with sensitive and/or acne-prone skin, rejoice!

Coh-Glo Moisture Mist INGREDIENTS:

Water, Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Water, Caprylic Capric Triglycerides, Leontopodium alpinum (Edelweiss) extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract, Sodium Isomerate, Sorbitol, Sodium PCA, Rosa mosqueta (Rosehip) fruit oil, Glycerine, Hyaluronic Acid, Hippophae rhamnoides (Sea buckthorn) fruit oil, Fragaria Vesca (Strawberry) Fruit Extract, Cannabidiol, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Gluconolactone (and) Sodium Benzoate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid (and) Glyceryl Caprylate (and) Glycerin.

          Next, we have what has quickly become my favorite exfoliator of all time, Code of Harmony Acidelic Micropolish (formerly called Acid Trip). There is something so satisfying about an effective-yet-gentle exfoliator—one that targets and dissolves dead skin without harming the skin barrier, and that is what you have in Acidelic Micropolish.  This balmy beauty is the best of both worlds: potent enough to reveal fresher skin yet gentle enough not to upset the skin barrier. Using it is addictive! Imagine a rich, skin-nurturing buttery base of Hemp Seed and Milk Thistle Oils that also features an impressive blend of natural alph-hydroxy acids (AHAs) from Bilberry (Lactic Acid), Sugar Cane (Glycolic Acid), Orange and Lemon (Citric Acid), and Sugar Maple (Malic and Tartaric Acids), and add a gentle sprinkle of superfruit seeds from Blueberry, Cranberry, and Pomegranate to further smooth and revive tired skin.  Is it effective?  You bet it is!  I have probably never used a more effective exfoliant when it comes to clearing away dead skin, yet at the same time, Acidelic Micropolish is never harsh. The waterless, creamy oil-gel base protects the skin barrier and calms redness with plant oils and a hefty dose of CBD (100mg per jar!) while the AHAs and seeds together work on and take care of dead skin, revealing a brighter, revived complexion.  Acidelic Micropolish is balanced and gentle enough that it can be used as a gentle micropolish a few times a week.  If you are like me, when you try Acidelic Micropolish, you will be tempted to leave it on, and this is actually a wonderful way to use it; Acidelic Micropolish doubles beautifully as a mask. Just keep in mind that this beauty works quickly, so you don’t need to leave it on long (say, more than 10 minutes) for optimal results.

Acidelic Micropolish INGREDIENTS:

Capric Caprylic Triglycerides, Silybum Marianum (Milk Thistle) Seed Oil, D1-PPG-2 Myreth-10 Adipate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil & Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit/Leaf (Bilberry) Extract & Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract & Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract & Citrus Lemon (Lemon) Fruit Extract & Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Seed & Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed & Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed, Palm Wax, Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil, Cannabidiol, Tocopherol, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf (Green Tea) Extract, Tetrahydrocurcuminoids.

          Finally, we have Code of Harmony Chill Gel Masque.  You know those times when even your regular products might sting when applied and you really need to baby your skin? Chill Gel Masque is a skin savior perfect for those times.  This is a cooling, calming gentle gel mask that combines a super dose of CBD (200mg per jar) with skin-plumping hyaluronic acid and sodium PCA that naturally promote deep hydration.  In addition to CBD, Chill Gel Masque has an array of superstar soothing actives powerful enough to calm even the angriest of skin:  Colloidal Oat, Panthenol, Allantoin, and Centella Asiatica.  This rejuvenating mask is a cool drink of water for parched or fussy skin.  Chill Gel Masque is great for all skin types and makes a brilliant sleeping mask! You won’t want to wash this one off!

Chill Gel Masque INGREDIENTS:

Water, Colloidal Oatmeal, Lecithin (Sunflower, Non-GMO), Sodium Hyaluronate, Oryza Sativa Extract + Water + Cannabis Sativa Seed Extract, Glycerin + Water + Hydrocotyl (Centella asiatica) Extract, Glycerin + Water + Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) Extract, Caprylhydroxamic Acid (and) Glyceryl Caprylate (and) Glycerin, Allantoin, Sodium PCA, Water, Glycerine, Camellia Sinensis Leaf (Green Tea) Extract, Saccharide isomerate, Panthenol DL, Betaine, Xanthan Gum, Lecithin, Sclerotium Gum, Pullulan, Cannabidiol, Cannabis Sativa seed oil, Hippophae rhmanoides (Sea buckthorn) berry oil, Ubiquinone (CoQ10), Bisabolol, Caprylic capric triglycerides, Cananga odorata (Ylang Ylang), Copaifera langsdorffii.

          If you are tempted to treat yourself to one of these Code of Harmony treasures, don’t hesitate.  Although I wholeheartedly recommend investing in full sizes of these gems, if you want to test them out for yourself first before committing, each one is also available in a “mini” size just big enough to fall in love!  In even better news, Janet has just released two more exciting new formulations, Pomplio Brightening Serum and Copius Barrier Balm.  You can bet I will want to try those next!

The post Code of Harmony: A Review of New Skincare Products appeared first on The Beauty Librarian.

Janet Schriever, Code of Harmony Skincare founder, approaches her passion for clean, multi-benefit cannabidiol (CBD) skincare with impressive commitment and energy.  Her products synergistically combine hemp with a luscious array of soothing plant-based cosmeceuticals.  Code of Harmony Skincare formulations are loaded with active ingredients yet designed to nurture even sensitive skin, with a strong emphasis on soothing the symptoms of irritable and problem skin and promoting youthful vitality.  In addition to doing tons of research on ingredients and formulation, Ms. Schriever has taken classes at UCLA and the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, and recently enrolled in a 40-hour-a-week esthetician school as well!  Somehow, she also finds the energy to singlehandedly manage Code of Harmony Skincare, an indie beauty line that she has singlehandedly crafted start to finish.  If Ms. Schriever is particularly committed to Code of Harmony and its customers (with whom she genuinely enjoys connecting), perhaps it is because she knows the potential her products hold as well as the huge weight that is lifted when a person finally finds a fix for troubled skin.  For decades, Ms. Schriever herself struggled with and tirelessly sought a topical solution to help calm her rosacea, which led her to discover the soothing benefits of CBD.  Knowing she was onto something, Ms. Schriever built Code of Harmony Skincare—the original beauty-focused CBD line–out of a genuine love for the skin benefits.  Looking at her clear and glowing complexion now, I am eager to incorporate Code of Harmony products into my regular routine.  Indeed, it’s hard to believe Ms. Schriever’s skin was ever troubled; today at 50, she exudes radiance and easily looks 15 years younger.  Lucky for me, once I started using her high-performance products, a bit of that youthful luminosity seemed to rub off on me.  (You can read my reviews of Code of Harmony Skincare here and here!)

Code of Harmony Skincare Founder Janet Schriever

Are there any misconceptions about CBD that you would like to clear up right off the bat? 

 Janet Schriever (JS): CBD won’t get you high.  My products won’t cause you to fail a drug test or smell like weed.  Also, people sometimes assume that Code of Harmony Skincare is hippie-dippy or that it’s simple and homemade because CBD is the star ingredient, but in reality, my formulas are very complex.  For example, the delivery system I use, Safflower Oleosomes, work in a time-released fashion and gradually releases the active ingredients.  When it comes to beneficial ingredients, I use a lot of them; every ingredient in my products has been chosen because of its skin benefits.  There are no ingredients there just for sensorial effect or fragrance because I want everything to serve the skin rather than just serving the formulation.

 How did you get started in skincare?

JS:  I looked at the skincare I was using and noticed all the fillers and things that really didn’t need to be there—about 98% of the formulations were fillers and ingredients that weren’t helping skin.  I wanted formulations with ingredients there to truly benefit skin. I originally started making products by myself with every soothing and anti-aging ingredient I could find.  I had no intention of selling anything.  I hate to say I was going for something gentle because the products are actually very efficacious, but I didn’t want them to worsen skin problems or cause irritation.  I spent a ton of time doing trial and error and conducting research.    My research led to discoveries like the fact that chamomile, despite being soothing, can cause a reaction in a number of people, myself included; I went a little deeper in my research and found that the calming component in chamomile, bisabolol, gives the same benefit without the risk of reaction [hence, the reason Code of Harmony uses bisabolol extracted from chamomile rather than the full-spectrum plant].  I would love to put all the botanicals on the label, but for people with sensitized skin, often highly-purified extracts deliver more optimal benefits without irritation.

What has your journey been as a formulator?

JS:  I’m 80% self-taught.  I took some classes at UCLA and some workshops here and there for some formal training, but most of what I know I’ve learned through research.  At first, I was reading a ton, but I wasn’t discerning enough about the source.  Eventually, I stopped reading blogs and informal publications and started reading clinical trials.  I also used my own experience, looking to other products and ingredients that have worked well and are proven effective.

Can you describe your own skin frustrations, how you discovered CBD, and the difference it made?

JS:  I struggled with rosacea for years, and it was bad off an on, but at 46, it really flared up.  I spent several years experimenting, doing DIY projects trying to find and create something to get my skin under control.  It was a long experimental process.  I started another skincare line briefly.  Then I went to a meeting with an organization called Women Grow that supports women getting into the cannabis business.  I was not particularly interested in cannabis being a business, but I was slightly curious about CBD.  At the meeting, I learned about CBD and what it could do internally in the body.  It immediately clicked for me that it could be a fantastic skincare ingredient.  At the time, CBD in skincare was primarily targeting pain relief, and there were not any beauty-focused CBD lines on the market.  I decided to try it, and it took the products I had been making to a whole new level.  My skin responded beautifully, and I soon got confirmation that others’ did as well.

What are your favorite benefits of CBD for skin?

JS: The calming, soothing benefits are pretty great.  Studies have proven we have an endocannabinoid system in our skin that responds to CBD, and when that system is toned, you can see good results. CBD is wonderful at helping to alleviate the symptoms of acne, eczema, rosacea.  It’s also a great ingredient for sensitive skin and aging.  If you react to some skincare or have trouble tolerating a lot of it, you may have better luck with a CBD product.  That said, every CBD skincare product has to prove itself on its own merit.  They are not all created equal!

Have there been any challenges related to introducing a CBD line specifically?

JS:  I spent an entire year trying to educate consumers about some of the basics about CBD. The type of CBD I use is not going to get you high or test positive on a drug test.  The CBD isolate I use in Code of Harmony Skincare is completely free of THC (e.g., tetrahydrocannabinol, the chemical compound in cannabis responsible for the high), so what they test for in a drug test is completely absent.

A report by market research firm Brightfield Group notes that hemp-derived CBD is still treated as a controlled substance by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency despite the fact that it will not get a person high or test positive on a drug test.  Why is a non-psychoactive substance being treated as dangerous, and what challenges does this present to Code of Harmony Skincare as a small independent business?

JS:  The US government has a patent on CBD as a neuroprotectant and antioxidant and yet maintains that CBD is not therapeutic.  It is still a Schedule I Drug according to the DEA, and the DEA treats CBD the same no matter where it’s derived.  In their eyes, hemp-derived CBD is the same as cannabis-derived CBD.  However, we have to remember who actually makes the laws—Congress, not the DEA.  The problem that this creates for me is consumer perception.  The consumer is confused about whether they can legally buy a CBD product.  Yes, it’s legal; the DEA will not come arrest you.  The Farm Bill says that hemp-derived CBD is legal as long as it is under 0.3% THC [note: Code of Harmony Skincare’s hemp-derived CBD isolate contains no THC], and luckily the stigma is lessening as people realize how safe and beneficial it is.  There’s no reason that hemp should not be 100% legal without any “grey” area or question about where it is derived.  Hemp is grown for all sorts of purposes—paper, clothes, food, medicine.

Many CBD beauty companies encounter banking difficulties due to federal regulations. Has it been difficult to obtain the financial backing you need, and how have you managed?

JS:  Code of Harmony Skincare has faced the same issues with banking that any cannabis business would.  Most banks will shut down merchant processing, and this has happened to me several times.  Larger CBD companies have resources to work this out, but I am self-funded and doing everything myself.  Customers have to buy Code of Harmony Skincare by virtual check.  A lot of customers get put off by that because it can make them start wondering if it’s an illicit purchase.  Really, it’s just a banking issue and not a legality issue, but it has certainly been a challenge for my business.  In terms of larger funding issues, there has been interest from investment companies, but unless they understand the CBD market (which most don’t), it may seem like too much risk for them.  Regulatory issues have made growth slower for me.  As a small business owner who is self-funded, it has been daunting at times.  CBD is a great ingredient, but if it were easy to incorporate CBD into products, you would see all the big corporations jumping on the trend.  Still, I think it [the trouble] will be worth it.  CBD is still new on the market, still seen as somewhat of a novelty ingredient.  I keep hoping things will get easier (business-wise) as CBD’s benefits and safety record become more common knowledge.

What is your approach to formulation?  How did you decide on the additional beneficial ingredients to include in each product along with CBD?

JS:  I’m a big proponent of natural and botanical ingredients and use a variety of them in Code of Harmony.  [Indeed, Code of Harmony ingredient lists feature an array of precious botanicals like Sea Kelp Bioferment, Tremella Mushroom Extract, Safflower Oleosomes, Goji Berry Root Extract, Licorice Root Extract, Prickly Pear Seed Oil, Guava Seed Oil, Watermelon Seed Oil, CoQ10, Pomegranate Oil, Sea Buckthorn CO2, and many more!]  I use them whenever possible, but I also use cosmeceutical extracts, vitamins, and antioxidants.  It’s not easy formulating products naturally.  What many consumers don’t understand is that full-spectrum plant extracts are strong, and there are often a lot of things in them that can irritate and inflame skin.  I love botanicals, and I choose the most efficacious ingredient that is best for the formula.  For instance, I use CBD-isolate rather than the full-spectrum hemp extract, as I use extracts like Centella Asiatica, Resveratrol, and Bisabolol to deliver the benefit without risking reaction.  Yes, they are highly purified, concentrated, and standardized plant extracts, which contain only the benefit and much less of any potential irritant. A lot of this goes against what people want to believe, but not every plant extract is good and not every synthetic is bad; a lab-created ingredient or extract may deliver equal or greater benefit and be a lot easier on the skin than something directly from a plant.

What have you learned about what it takes to launch and run a successful skincare line today?

JS:  I made a ton of mistakes and said yes to things I shouldn’t have.  The main takeaway is this, though:  if you stare down your fears, they eventually go away.  The success I have had is due to blind faith and a ton of work.  Through Instagram and events, I have met really cool people who trust and love Code of Harmony Skincare products.  I’ve really loved the aspect of connecting to my customers, and there’s been a lot of really great support and excitement.  It’s been unexpected and very cool.  That said, I am still very small and still growing.  I have much to do before I will feel secure about calling my business a success.

How would you describe your beauty and skincare philosophies?

JS:  I like a combination of natural and high-performance ingredients in my products.  The market tended to have very natural and organic products without much efficacy (they don’t offer much to skin issues).  On the other hand, traditional fully synthetic products with synthetic emulsifiers and lots of fillers are not helping the skin either.  Traditional skin care formulations can also cause irritation and are far from “clean.”  I wanted to create products with a natural emphasis that were full of every beneficial calming/soothing/nurturing ingredient I could find.  I wanted the products to be gentle in the sense that they won’t trigger irritation yet highly effective and results-driven.  Because I am not a traditional cosmetic chemist (and most of them learn in the lab and on the job), I don’t use a ton of surfactants or lab-created ingredients that are used in traditional skin care.  I came at this with the intention that every ingredient in my products should benefit and serve the skin.  I didn’t want filler ingredients in the products, so you won’t find white and fluffy creams in the line; my products are sort of a light ochre color because of the botanicals and antioxidants in them, and they have natural scents that come from the ingredients that are also helping your skin.

Janet Schriever

How is  Code of Harmony Skincare unique among CBD-skincare lines?

JS:  I blindly jumped into this, because I loved it.  I was the first to create a CBD-enhanced “clean” beauty line.  I have put a lot of love, faith, and time into crafting my products.  Now CBD is becoming a hot ingredient, and there are a bunch of lines popping up.  Some of these other companies white-label [i.e., buying their products from a huge producer and then rebranding it to make it appear like they made it].  I would love to see other brand owners put a little more time and thought into their formulas and sourcing, so they know exactly what they’re selling, what every ingredient does, and why it is in the formula.  So even if you are not the chemist, you can be aware of what you are selling and the potential benefits and risks.  For the consumer, you still want to find thoughtfully-formulated products with good reviews.  I choose every ingredient in my products to serve the skin, and my line shows that.  I strive to keep Code of Harmony Skincare accessible rather than pricing it out of range.  I am able to keep prices reasonable because I don’t have a lot of overhead.  It’s just me, and I’m not paying myself.

Code of Harmony Skincare uses a CBD isolate rather than a full-spectrum extract.  What are the advantages of this?

JS:  I find the isolate is less allergenic than the full-spectrum.  The isolate has the terpenes taken out, so there’s no scent, and this is greatly preferred by most people.  Taking the terpenes out lessens reactivity.

What current trends or pressures in the beauty industry frustrate you and which ones excite you, and why?

JS:  The clean beauty/indie thing happening right now is awesome.  Code of Harmony uses clean formulas that are free of fillers and harsh synthetics and full of rich phytonutrients, soothing ingredients, and anti-aging actives.  I think this is a smart approach.  At the same time, though, I think people need to get a little more educated about clean beauty because things are less black-and-white than a lot of consumers believe.  There are a lot of black-and-white attitudes without much digging deeper, and a lot of people are rule-bound to a fault, saying, “I will not use chemicals on my face,” when everything is chemical, or, “I’m not going to use anything I can’t pronounce.”  Some vendors put their consumers at risk by not using preservatives in products that require them.  Then there’s the sustainability issue.  I’m all for natural ingredients, but some things will actually be more sustainable when they’re not taken from nature—such as Sandalwood Oil or Hyaluronic Acid (that used to come from only an animal source and is now created in a lab).

What do you see as the greatest success of your line so far and what are your hopes for the future?

JS:  The response and interest have been great.  My business has been very much about integrity and being transparent.  I try to give people realistic ideas about what to expect or not from each product.  The other thing to know is that the whole line has come from one person from start to finish.  I have done everything myself.  In terms of success, I am still so new!  There’s been a lot of interest from estheticians who want something new and effective.  There’s also been a great response from clients with hormonal cystic acne, rosacea, and other skin troubles; people send me dramatic Before and After pictures.  I don’t solicit these, but they send them in out of gratitude for the transformation they’ve seen in their skin.  Indie Beauty Expo (IBE) has been really invaluable in getting press exposure.  I participated in IBE’s BeautyX live deskside pitch contest, Deskside Domination and was chosen by Glamour, Allure, and Fat Mascara podcast as the winner.  This is huge for a little indie brand like me!  It proved to me that I am doing something of value.  I don’t plan on going anywhere.  I’m really passionate about this and not just jumping on CBD as a fad.

Read my reviews of Code of Harmony Skincare here and here!

The Code of Harmony Skincare Collection

The post Code of Harmony Skincare Founder Interview: Meet Janet Schriever appeared first on The Beauty Librarian.

True Botanicals is an uncompromising, highly effective clean skincare line that combines the best natural ingredients with the latest scientific advances in formulation.  Their motto is “pure, potent, proven,” and they live up to it, backing up product efficacy with actual research that demonstrates their products outperform some of the most iconic skincare on the market!  Additionally, their results-driven formulations truly are kind to skin and to the planet.  For example, the US bans only 11 ingredients in beauty products; Europe bans 1,328.  True Botanicals holds itself to a higher, safer standard, banning over 5,000 chemicals known to hurt human or environmental health.  True Botanicals appeals to me because they prove that natural and sustainable skincare can be luxurious and effective.  Today I am going to tell you about an incredible holiday gift set, True Botanicals You Make Me Glow Face Care Kit!

As True Botanicals has been on my wishlist for a few years, I was thrilled to have the chance to try a PR sample of a special holiday gift set, the True Botanicals You Make Me Glow Face Care Kit.  This set offers a lit-from-within glow with True Botanicals iconic Clear Nourishing Cleanser (4 fl oz), Clear Pure Radiance Oil (1 fl oz), Radiance Facial Roller, and a reusable True Botanicals Essentials Bag perfect to use as environmentally-friendly gift wrapping.  The set I tested is focused on giving clear, bright skin, but the “You Make Me Glow” set is also available featuring the Renew line for those who want to focus on anti-aging.  Having enjoyed the Kit for a couple of weeks, I have already seen improvements in my skin in terms of more even tone, less inflammation, and fewer blemishes.  I credit the Clear Nourishing Cleanser and Clear Pure Radiance Oil used with the Radiance Facial Roller for these visible benefits!

How to Use True Botanicals You Make Me Glow Face Care Kit

Here is how I have used the “You Make Me Glow” Face Care Kit to such great effects.  First, I cleanse my face with Clear Nourishing Cleanser.  Next, I apply about 7 drops of Clear Pure Radiance Oil to my skin while it was still moist.  I use the Radiance Facial Roller in short, gentle strokes starting at the center of the jawline and moving up and out towards the hairline. The smaller roller offers gentle precision, and I use it to roll up and out under the eyes and over my temples.  Finally, I roll above my eyebrows up and out on my forehead toward the hairline. I repeat each of the strokes 3-5 5imes until one side of my face was complete and then move to the other side, repeating these steps.

The Clear products themselves are great and truly encourage clear skin while also leaving skin pleasantly hydrated and supporting the skin barrier. Clear Nourishing Cleanser is a creamy, non-foaming cleanser that strikes the perfect balance between sloughing away dead skin and providing healing hydration.  Almost every acne-fighting cleanser I have ever used has been somewhat harsh or drying, but not True Botanicals Clear Nourishing Cleanser!  The base ingredient is not water as you would commonly see, but instead nutrient- and polyphenol-rich green and white tea!  The tea is not only highly antioxidant, but also very restorative.  It is complemented by nature’s salicylic acid, black willow bark, which exfoliates and smoothes skin without irritation. Another star ingredient of many is helichrysum, a soothing antibacterial and antifungal botanical renowned for its wound-healing and scar-minimizing benefits.  Rather than drying out the skin (which can exacerbate breakouts and worsen scarring), Clear Nourishing Cleanser is hydrating and offers truly the perfect balancing cleanse!

Clear Pure Radiance Oil is a plumping moisturizer that simultaneously prevents pesky breakouts and helps minimize signs of aging. It serves these dual purposes beautifully with healing , antibacterial helichrysum, sebum-balancing oils of hemp, pumpkin, and grape seed, and the potent anti-aging ingredients algae and astaxanthin.  Packed with skin-loving essential fatty acids, Clear Pure Radiance leaves skin plump and hydrated, restores the skin barrier, and does all this while also balancing oil production and preventing blemishes.

Clear Nourishing Cleanser and Pure Radiance Oil are especially amazing when used with the Radiance Facial Roller included in the True Botanicals You Make Me Glow Face Care Kit.  Radiance Facial Roller boosts circulation and product penetration, reduces puffiness, eases tension, and helps promote elasticity!  This Face Care Kit would make a wonderful gift for anyone who loves skincare or deserves some quality self-care!

The post True Botanicals “You Make Me Glow” Kit Review appeared first on The Beauty Librarian.

With the publication of How to Decode Your Cosmetics Labels, green beauty visionary Oyéta Kokoroko has written a vital book that will empower consumers, beginning formulators, and retailers to make informed and educated choices about product selection within the beauty sphere.  Trying to assess the quality of a beauty product before you purchase it can be mystifying and intimidating; most of us would benefit from an insider’s guidance. From ingredient lists that read like an organic chemistry textbook to a broad array of marketing claims (e.g., natural, green, clean, non-toxic, free of X, clinically tested, clinical grade, etc.), cosmetics labels make it difficult to determine whether a given product is worthwhile and/or suitable for our particular needs. We struggle to discern what really matters, what claims are exaggerated, and where should we pay the most attention. Enter Oyéta Kokoroko, and her fabulous new eBook How to Decode Your Cosmetics Labels. This eBook provides all the guidance and education consumers need to read, understand, and evaluate confusing cosmetics labels. Author Oyéta lets readers in on an important secret about assessing cosmetics–one that she has learned through years of formulating skincare: the quality of a product is directly related to the quality of its ingredients and some ingredients are more important than others. Thus, decoding cosmetics labels is an imperative step in the assessment and selection process. As the book points out, the claims may lie, but the ingredients do not, and knowing where to focus our attention is the first step. 

What makes understanding ingredient labels a bit tricky for most of us is that the cosmetic industry uses its own standard language to list ingredients, called International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI), that is anything but intuitive. INCI names are almost like another language. Fortunately, How to Decode Your Cosmetics Labels truly walks us through the process of decoding labels, giving us step-by-step instructions and even practice exercises (with answers in the Appendices so you can check your work). Readers will also gain the knowledge necessary to be able to understand the different parts of formulations by categorizing ingredients based on their purpose. Living up to its name, the book teaches how to decode cosmetics labels and provides access to several insider tools and resources (e.g., some brilliant decoding software and more) that will make demystifying labels easy and virtually effortless. With the tools provided here, readers can translate the names of INCI ingredients into plain English in no time at all. How to Decode Your Cosmetics Labels makes technical information about ingredients and formulation understandable and accessible even to those of us who do not have a strong background in formulation or cosmetic chemistry.

In this book, Oyéta generously shares her insider knowledge and perspective from years in the industry. What is more, she educates in a truly balanced, non-biased way, showing a level of discretion and evenhandedness that is hard to find in beauty.  How to Decode Your Cosmetics Labels is fullydevoted to educating and empowering consumers without even a hint of a hidden agenda. First, Oyéta does not promote or even mention her own line or products in any way.  This sort of restraint is rare in books written by founders! Additionally, although written by a green beauty luminary, the book does not at all malign or vilify mainstream cosmetics.  In fact, the book compares natural and conventional cosmetics in a radically evenhanded way, offering insights about the relative advantages and disadvantages of each. For instance, the book points out that although mainstream cosmetics use more lab-made ingredients, this is not necessarily a negative, as some of these synthetic ingredients are identical to their natural counterparts and may even be more sustainable. The book also presents that while natural formulas are typically more eco-conscious than conventional, they are also likely to degrade faster than their conventional counterparts due to a shorter shelf life. How to Decode Your Cosmetics Labels has an entire chapter filled with evenhanded nuggets such as these, and the entire book is written with this sort of integrity. Anyone seeking truth amid all the distortion in the beauty industry will find this book refreshing and informative.

An invaluable reference, How to Decode Your Cosmetics Labels will enable readers to see through the wild, unrealistic promises and greenwashing tactics that plague the cosmetics industry to make truly informed choices and selections.  The eBook will also make product selection easier for specific skin types, as it contains a particularly useful Ingredients Directory that lists common active ingredients—in both plain English and INCI– organized by the user’s desired skin goal. Whether the issue is dehydrated skin, dark spots, or something else, the Ingredients Directory will provides a list of special actives tailored to the user’s specific concerns.  These lists will help readers identify solid, targeted formulations that suit their needs.  Although readers will get a lot out of their first pass through this book, How to Decode Your Cosmetics Ingredients is also a wonderful reference to keep on hand to come back to for anyone who wants to better understand the heart of cosmetic products, their ingredients.  In conclusion, Oyéta’s eBook is an important and generous contribution to the beauty canon and an essential read for the beauty consumer seeking honest and transparent information to empower his/her choices.  

The post How to Decode Your Cosmetics Labels by Oyéta Kokoroko: A Review appeared first on The Beauty Librarian.

Okoko Cosmétiques founder Oyéta Kokoroko is well known in green beauty circles for her uniquely high-performance luxury skin care products, and hardly a person (myself included) can encounter her without commenting on her radiant complexion and uncommon beauty. Yet what lingers after a conversation with the Okoko Cosmétiques’ founder is her passion for excellence, her desire to unite foes for good, and her drive to elevate green beauty to its highest performance yet. As our interview reveals, Okoko Cosmétiques is ready to take part in the future of green beauty.  With the help of Okoko Cosmétiques Team Members Natalia Lavaggi and Sui-Ling Chin, Founder Oyéta is a green beauty visionary on a mission.

I read that your interests in wellness and green beauty were inspired in part by your desire to heal health concerns you had when you were young.  You educated yourself in naturopathic medicine including holistic nutrition and herbal medicine.  What are the most important things you’ve learned about natural healing?

Oyéta (O): I view natural healing as involving a combination of inside and outside changes.  When I first explored these issues, I had some health challenges that were linked to my lifestyle; when I began consciously improving my diet and paying attention to my lifestyle (by exercising, managing stress and taking time for relaxation), my problems went away.  The changes I experienced were amazing, and I became very interested in ingredients found in my food. You know what they say: “Let food be thy medicine.’ The good stuff, the simple foods, the plants foods, the fruits, the nuts, and the vegetables are really what the body needs to heal itself and be healthy.  If you are interested to know more, watch the documentary called “Hungry For Change.” It’s one of the best out there and it says it all.

We live in a highly toxic world and it’s important to take necessary measures to reduce the impact on your body, health, and environment. Try to reduce process foods, support your Farmer’s market, buy organic and fresh whenever possible, do a gentle cleanse from time to time and “clean your beauty routine” are a few steps in natural healing. As I said, the way I see it, healing is holistic. Take care of yourself inside and out. Eat clean, exercise regularly and do things that make you feel awesome. I also think that healing involves thinking about your own life story and working to be in a good place mentally. So yes your life story, state of mind, and thoughts really matter too.

Can you describe how and why your line brings together the best of botanical skincare and scientific skincare to produce such amazing results?

O: I studied natural organic skin care formulation, and most people don’t know this, but I also studied conventional skincare formulation as well.  Mainstream products are still the bulk of products sold on the market, and even though I approach things from a perspective of green beauty, I want to be informed and educated about the industry as a whole.

I find it important to study the conventional market or try to stay abreast of the latest conventional actives. I spend my free time researching novel ingredients and reading clinical studies. I’m in touch with chemists, suppliers, and pharmaceutical companies.  I’m passionate about natural and green, but I still want to work together with others with specialized knowledge. I learn from them, but at the same time, if they are a supplier, I don’t just take their word for it; I read the clinical studies and do my own digging.  I am a researcher at heart.  I like to understand what I’m buying and using—whether it’s food or beauty—really anything I’m using. I aim with my line to deliver ingredients of only the most extraordinary quality while doing good by supporting eco-driven suppliers and small cooperatives from around the world.

Can you tell us about your new mission and vision for Okoko Cosmétiques?

O: I want to bring together the good from modern science-based formulation with the best in green beauty, taking the valuable aspects of both and combining them.  I took the time to listen to green skincare consumers, and what I what I learned is that they want green formulation with proven natural active ingredients to amplify results. This feedback is really what inspired me to combine the best of natural skincare with safe, clinically tested actives. I am committed to innovation and ultimately I want to provide a top-level product line that includes bioferments, botanical extracts, functional actives, enzymes, etc.  I want my green products to deliver results on par with conventional products. But I will not use low-quality, mass-produced ingredients or fillers in my products.  If I say I can deliver something (with Okoko Cosmétiques), you can be sure I’ve done my homework on it.

At times, there’s a lot of hate between green beauty and mainstream beauty, but for me, it’s not about spreading fear; it’s about bringing something new and different to the table. I think natural skincare should be effective, not just safe. I think consumers have the right to expect more from their beauty products. Not just “safe” or “non-toxic,” it should go above that and help to improve your skin for the better. My goal is to bring green products up to the same level of results as conventional products.

What’s your process as a formulator?

O: I start with a need or a problem to solve and start imagining a product to do it.  I asked myself, what would be the benefits? How would it feel on the skin, and what ingredients do I want? Then I will imagine and develop my dream product that would do exactly that. I LOVE the development phase because I get to experiment a lot and try different combinations, textures, scents which is an incredible experience for a beauty alchemist like me. I research ingredients and actives that can help solve the problem, and then I determine through more research which of these ingredients work well together.  Then finally I formulate. Because of all the thorough researching, it takes a year even many years to formulate a product depending on its level of complexity.

What hurdles have you run into as a green beauty formulator?

O: I often hear people in the beauty community say things like “the chemical stuff just works better.” First off, what is the chemical stuff, lol? There are lots of amazing green beauty brands that have launched incredible products that perform as well or even better than their conventional counterparts. I realize that there is still lots of work to be done to promote natural alternatives. Many people still think that natural skin care doesn’t work or that they will not see the same results they were used to, which is completely false.

Another challenge is, as formulators, we have a responsibility to make products that are safe.  For example, a lot of people right now are against having preservatives in their skincare, but without them, products can end up being truly dangerous. If [a product] goes bad, someone could be harmed; people have ended up blind. We have to ask ourselves, which is the bigger danger using a preservative or leaving it out?  In the chemical industry today, there are more and more naturally-derived preservatives, so it’s possible to research carefully and choose a safe and natural one.

How do you use the products in the Okoko line?

O: The masks [Gentle Facial Treatment LA BOUE DE BEAUTÉ and Clay Face Mask LA D’TOX NOIRE] are great for relaxation and preparation.  The masks also make the serums [L’ÉLIXIR DE CLARTÉ (The Radiance Elixir) and L’ÉLIXIR DE PURETÉ Sang du Dragon (The Dragon’s Blood)] more effective, enhancing results.  After serum, I will follow with the Radiance Serum and Youth Oil LES 16 PRÉCIEUX (The Precious Oil) and then Sublime Balm.  For a truly amazing glow, I’ll mix Sublime Balm and a few drops of The Precious Oil together and then apply. And my skin looks and feels amazing!

I know this may be somewhat akin to asking you to choose a favorite child, but which of your products are you most proud of creating?

O: Haha, that’s a good question. I will need to think about it because I truly love the entire Okoko line and I find that each Okoko product works in synergy and you will see better results by using them together. But if I had to choose, maybe The Sublime Balm or The Dragon’s Blood serum. . . .

When I created Sublime Balm, people would tell me they had never seen anything like it, and it was very appealing [with lycopene from tomato oil in a sumptuous blend that includes mango butter, cacao butter, carrot tissue oil (rich in beta carotene) astaxanthin, turmeric, and rosehip oil, all balanced with white clay, bisabolol, and calendula to soothe and repair].

The Dragon’s Blood, even the name is a head-turner. This formula is designed to address a number of challenges. It was inspired by a custom formula I initially created for customers who had problematic skin. We received incredible feedback and I decided to elevate its formula. One of the key ingredients, Dragon’s blood, is a resinous sap, a healing red latex harvested from Dragon’s blood trees which contain taspine, a remarkable tissue-healing agent. I love this serum so much because it promotes skin renewal and healing in such a special way.  Niacinamide powerfully addresses inflammation, discoloration, and signs of aging.  This is a soothing serum, but it also provides gentle exfoliation with willow bark and pomegranate enzymes.  I injured myself (with a curling iron), and I have used The Dragon’s Blood to heal my scar.  I just put up Before and After pictures of my scar with no makeup [on Instagram] so that people can see for themselves how this serum performs.

[Oyeta reflects on this for a moment and smiles.]

I love the whole line. It’s me. I put my heart and soul into Okoko and I’m dedicated to creating and delivering safe, effective skincare products that can help you achieve optimal skin health and healing for real skin issues.

What do you most want your customers to get out of using your products?

O: I designed Okoko Cosmétiques to deliver a spa experience with true effectiveness. Okoko offers the opportunity to indulge and see results. There is everything you need to plump, nourish, repair and exude radiance.

What are some of the misconceptions people have and mistakes you see people making when it comes to skincare?

O: I see a lot of women with hundreds of products, especially bloggers.  Many people tend to use way too many different products and actives at once without knowing how they will mix and without giving each product a systematic chance to work.  I understand that bloggers work with brands and try new things, but with so many alternating products, how can you even begin to tell what’s working and what’s not?

Another mistake I see a lot is that people forget to keep their own needs and their skin type in mind and will use a product just because their best friend does despite differences in skin type.  When the product disappoints, is it really that the product is bad or is it just a poor match for that person’s skin?  Perhaps I didn’t see results because it was not formulated for my skin type.

Other common mistakes I see are:

• Not paying enough attention to ingredients
  • Putting too much makeup on to cover up
  • Not being consistent with your skincare routine

In this same vein, I would really like to see bloggers specify their skin type at the beginning of review articles so that readers can take the review in appropriate context.  I also see a lot of bloggers and consumers not doing their own research to verify and back up their claims.  If you want to blog for a living or be seen as a go-to reliable source, I suggest investing in a course or a book [on skincare ingredients and/or skin care formulation]. For example, Formula Botanica Diploma of Organic Skincare is a great course for beginners that will provide you a solid foundation on ingredients, formulation, and how to make products. Even if you don’t formulate skincare, you will understand how products are made and what makes them effective. This type of knowledge is a HUGE plus for a blogger. If you prefer a lesser investment, here are a few books that I recommend:

1)  The Holistic Beauty Book (Star Khechara)

2)  Carrier Oils for Aromatherapy & Massage (Len Price)

3)  Milady’s Skin Care and Cosmetics Ingredients Dictionary

I prefer to work with bloggers who do their homework, and in general, I would like to see bloggers digging a little deeper. We have to continually challenge ourselves and dig. Even as a formulator, I continually invest in my education because I want to provide the best experience possible to my customers and show that I have done my homework.

What can you tell us about your new podcast series, The Connector Podcast?

O: I was hearing a lot of frustration and confusion and, as I mentioned, a lot of animosity between green beauty and mainstream beauty.  For me it’s not about hating or spreading fear; I want to help have a discussion and provide information from reliable sources.  We’ll bring specialists like scientists, formulators, aromatherapists and other brand founders, etc. and discuss issues like, “How important is the choice of ingredients when you are buying your products?” I want to create a place where people can learn, exchange and find some answers. We’re recording several episodes before we launch and are currently looking for guests who want to be on the show. If you are interested, please get in touch with me, and let’s chat!

What drives you?

O: I try to think, how can I be of service to people?  That’s my mission.  It’s a lot of work, and I’m trying to be consistent in order to: open minds, set a higher bar, deliver advanced high-performance products that rival the results from conventional beauty products. I want to start a conversation with other brands, rally others, and invite them to take part in the future of green beauty and make it kick ass.

What’s on the horizon for Okoko Cosmétiques?

O: I’m working on developing products that fill a need and bring something innovative to the table. We are launching our limited-edition Trésor, Summer Mist, to hydrate and protect, as a special summer indulgence. There are a lot of beautiful hydrating mists on the market, but I wanted mine to be different and highly functional.  Not only is it hydrating, but it contains lycopene and will also provide UV protection due to a special key active, Venuceane. Venuceane is an active ingredient from algae ferment that provides UV protection as well as protection against infrared rays and is actually heat-activated such that when the sun is hitting you, the protection becomes stronger. So you’ve got a hydrating, antioxidant mist that will also provide protection in the sun. I’m so excited about introducing Trésor, Summer Mist this summer because the UV protection is unique and really answers a need. Please note though, that this product does not replace your sun protection, it complements it beautifully.

Watch out for Okoko Cosmétiques. We are not just about the glow, but we are here to go above that and bring something valuable to the table.

What do you love the most about what you do?

O: One of the things I love the most about what I do is the personal dialogues I have with my customers. Knowing what you like, what you need, and how I can help you with your skincare objectives. Every product is made with love and care, from my hands to yours.

Most of all, I want these products to feel amazing for you, to deliver results and to become part of your daily ritual. There is everything you need to plump, nourish and repair. Prepare to look amazing! Exude radiance.

Thank you, Oyéta for this inspiring interview! Okoko Cosmétiques elevates self-care with the finest formulations.

Be sure to watch this space, because soon we will feature a second, updated interview with
Oyéta about the Okoko Gives Back initiative, The Connector, and what’s next for Okoko!

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