THE PRODUCT
HERBIVORE BOTANICALS: MINI FACIAL OIL SET
In the last few years, it seems facial oils have been THE most talked about beauty product – hands down! Who would’ve thought that applying oils to one’s face would actually be a trending craze? And we, at The Satori Chemist, have never been shy with providing reviews on skincare trends or products, right? In fact, our first facial oil review was Sunday Riley’s Luna Sleeping Night Oil. So why not continue the discussion by reviewing Herbivore Botanicals’ Mini Facial Oil Set, right?
But is it more of a trend? And is this craze actually worth the hype?
All sorts of companies have seemed to follow suit when it comes to this beautifying product form, and Herbivore Botanicals aren’t one to shy away from creating their own notch in the facial oil discussion. This lovely miniature set includes three distinct facial oils: Lapis, Phoenix, and Orchid – with each providing very distinct options for differing skin types.
What’s great about the availability of this trilogy set, is the ability to try out each individual oil to determine which provides the best-maximized results for you.
Botanical oils are a tricky one. And when you have oils that are chock full of botanical goodness, with minimal to no preservatives or stabilizers; stability does become an issue. Therefore, having small quantities to play around and test before purchasing the full-size versions — just makes sense.
At least in my own crazy, scientifically mad mind…..
Alright then, let’s look at the ingredients for Lapis, Phoenix, and Orchid facial oils!
UPDATE: Herbivore Botanicals no longer sells the Mini Facial Oil Set but have released their Jewel Box set (a mini-expansion of their facial oils) on their website. However, both Lapis and Phoenix oils are offered in mini sizes in different sets. Check them out here.
THE INGREDIENTS
Phoenix Facial Oil
Orchid Facial Oil
THE CLAIMS
All facial oils contain:
“no synthetic ingredients— this includes no dyes, no fragrances, and no synthetic preservatives. Additionally, they are concentrated blends containing no fillers and using the minimum amount of ingredients necessary to achieve the maximum results.
Concentrated Moisture: In contrast to traditional cream moisturizers and lotions, which tend to be high in water and emulsifying agents but low in effective ingredients, our facial oils contain no fillers and are formulated with only truly natural ingredients. They absorb easily to get moisture, vitamins, fatty acids, and antioxidants into your skin. Additionally, they form a natural barrier to lock moisture in.”
Ok, the claims as detailed on the Herbivore Botanicals website for the following:
“Lapis Lazuli, a favorite stone of ancient Egypt, is known for its gorgeous deep blue color. Lapis Facial Oil is named for the precious blue oil it contains, Blue Tansy. This oil holds a component called Azulene which aids in soothing dry irritated skin, reducing appearance of redness and balancing skin. Formulated for combination, oily, and blemish-prone skin types or any skin in need of balancing hydration.
Facial Oil for Oily Skin? Often times when we over-wash our skin and do not moisturize thoroughly, it overcompensates by producing more oil and sebum leading to oilier skin and clogged pores. Our facial oils are made with truly natural plant oils that will thoroughly hydrate your skin without clogging pores so that it can stop producing excess oil and find the balance it needs. In short, yes, oily skin needs moisture too and is often dehydrated, leading to dry patches and the overcompensation of oil and sebum.
Blue Tansy: High in Azulene, which is a deep, inky-blue color naturally. Azulene helps to soothe dry irritated skin, reduce appearance of redness and balance oily skin.
Kukui Nut Oil: Naturally high in linoleic acid to balance oily and combination skin. Absorbs quickly into skin for hydration and nourishment at a deep level.
Jojoba Oil: Jojoba is an incredible natural moisturizer and is able to penetrate deeply into the skin due to similarities to our skin’s own natural sebum.
Squalane: Our Squalane is derived from olives. Squalane has excellent emollient properties and acts as a light protective barrier to lock moisture in the skin. It also protects the skin against appearance of hyper-pigmentation and premature aging.
Jasmine Sambac Oil: Comes from the night blooming variety of Jasmine. It is a sweet and exquisite oil that has been used in skincare and perfumery for centuries with good reason — the scent is intoxicating and the oil itself works to increase the skin’s moisture content and boost elasticity.
Truly Natural. Vegan. Cruelty Free.”
Ok, let’s parse this baby to its bare bones based on its ingredients:
Substantiated | Claims | What's the Problem? |
---|---|---|
👍🏻 | Blue Tansy contains azulene. | None |
🚫 | Blue Tansy: Aids in soothing dry irritated skin, reducing appearance of redness and balancing skin. | No product-specific data to substantiate claim |
👍🏻 | Kukui Nut Oil: Naturally high in linoleic acid to balance oily and combination skin. | None |
👍🏻 | Kukui Nut Oil: Absorbs quickly into skin for hydration and nourishment at a deep level. | None |
👍🏻 | Jojoba Oil: An incredible natural moisturizer and is able to penetrate deeply into the skin due to similarities to our skin's own natural sebum. | None |
👍🏻 | Coconut Oil: Provides superior moisturization to the scalp to combat and prevent dryness and flakiness. | None |
👍🏻 | Squalane: Excellent emollient properties and acts as a light protective barrier to lock moisture in the skin. | None |
👍🏻 | Squalane: Protects the skin against appearance of hyperpigmentation | None |
👍🏻 | Squalane: Protects against premature aging. | None |
🚫 | Jasmine Sambac Oil: Works to increase the skin's moisture content and boost elasticity. | No product-specific data to substantiate claim |
👍🏻 | Formulated for combination, oily, and blemish-prone skin types or any skin in need of balancing hydration. | None |
👍🏻 | Truly Natural, Vegan, and Cruelty Free. | None |
“Like a Phoenix being reborn from the ashes, renew your skin with a blend of luxe botanical oils and CoQ10. Phoenix Facial Oil dramatically re-hydrates and revitalizes dry skin or any skin in need of replenishment and deep renewal.
Rose Hip Oil: Rose Hips are the fruit of the wild rose plant. Naturally rich in Omega Fatty Acids 3,6, and 9 to visibly plump skin. Rose Hip is also high in Trans-retinoic Acid, a natural form of Vitamin A that converts to Retinol making it a natural choice for brightening and evening the appearance of skin tone.
Sea Buckthorn Oil: Known to be the richest natural source of Beta Carotene and rare Omega 7. Sea Buckthorn is a rich and deeply hydrating oil with great benefits to the skin including smoothing, visibly plumping and deeply nourishing and re-hydrating dull, dry skin.
Chia Seed Co2: An excellent natural source of Alpha Lipoic Acid to enhance skin’s natural glow and radiance. Also, high in antioxidants and phytonutrients to reduce appearance of aging from sun exposure.
Meadowfoam Oil: Known for forming a natural protective barrier to lock moisture into the skin.
Neroli Oil: Naturally brightens appearance of skin giving it a fresh new glow.
Truly Natural. Vegan. Cruelty Free.”
Ok, let’s parse this baby to its bare bones based on its ingredients:
Substantiated | Claims | What's the Problem? |
---|---|---|
👍🏻 | Rosehip Oil: Naturally rich in Omega Fatty Acids 3,6, and 9 to visibly plump skin. | None |
👍🏻 | Rosehip Oil: High in Trans-retinoic Acid, a natural form of Vitamin A that converts to Retinol making it a natural choice for brightening and evening the appearance of skin tone. | None |
👍🏻 | Sea Buckthorn Oil: Known to be the richest natural source of Beta Carotene and rare Omega 7. | None |
👍🏻 | Sea Buckthorn Oil: Deeply hydrating oil with great benefits to the skin including smoothing, visibly plumping and deeply nourishing and re-hydrating dull, dry skin. | None |
🚫 | Chia Seed Co2: Natural source of Alpha Lipoic Acid to enhance skin's natural glow and radiance. | No research or data to match claim with respect to lipoic acid. However, chia seed is high in α-linolenic acid. |
👍🏻 | Chia Seed Co2: High in antioxidants and phytonutrients to reduce appearance of aging from sun exposure. | None |
👍🏻 | Meadowfoam Oil: Known for forming a natural protective barrier to lock moisture into the skin. | None |
🚫 | Neroli Oil: Naturally brightens appearance of skin giving it a fresh new glow. | No product-specific data to substantiate claim |
👍🏻 | Dramatically re-hydrates and revitalizes dry skin or any skin in need of replenishment and deep renewal. | None |
🚫 | Truly Natural | CoQ10 may be synthetically derived based on processing information |
🚫 | Vegan | CoQ10 may be animal-derived based on available processing information |
🚫 | Cruelty Free | CoQ10 may be animal-derived based on available processing information |
“Orchid Facial Oil contains lush, exotic floral oils that provide skin with dewy hydration and glow. Formulated for all skin types in need of hydration and protection against visible signs of aging.
Orchid Extract: A natural humectant that draws moisture to the skin and locks it in. Orchid Extract works to smooth and condition the appearance of skin. Additionally, it contains important minerals such as Calcium, Magnesium, and Zinc.
Camellia Oil: Known in Japan as Tsubaki, Camellia Oil has been used for centuries in Japanese skincare routines. It is a lightweight oil that easily absorbs into the skin. Rich fatty acids Omega 3 and 6, Camellia naturally gives skin a luminous new glow.
Jasmine Sambac Oil: Comes from the night blooming variety of Jasmine. It is a sweet and exquisite oil that has been used in skincare and perfumery for centuries with good reason — the scent is intoxicating and the oil itself works to increase the skin’s moisture content and increase elasticity.
Squalane: Our Squalane is derived from olives. Squalane has excellent emollient properties and acts as a light protective barrier to lock moisture in the skin. It also protects the skin against appearance of hyper-pigmentation and premature aging.
Truly Natural. Vegan. Cruelty Free.”
Ok, let’s parse this baby to its bare bones based on its ingredients:
Substantiated | Claims | What's the Problem? |
---|---|---|
👍🏻 | Orchid Extract: A natural humectant that draws moisture to the skin and locks it in. | None |
👍🏻 | Orchid Extract: Works to smooth and condition the appearance of skin. | None |
🚫 | Orchid Extract: Contains important minerals such as Calcium, Magnesium, and Zinc. | No publication or data to match this statement |
👍🏻 | Camellia Oil: Lightweight oil that easily absorbs into the skin. | None |
🚫 | Camellia Oil: Rich fatty acid, Omega-3. | Based on chemical composition, it's actually rich in Omega-9 and NOT Omega-3. |
👍🏻 | Camellia Oil: Rich fatty acid, Omega-6. | None |
🚫 | Jasmine Sambac Oil: Works to increase the skin's moisture content and boost elasticity. | No product-specific data to substantiate claim |
👍🏻 | Squalane: Excellent emollient properties and acts as a light protective barrier to lock moisture in the skin. | None |
👍🏻 | Squalane: Protects the skin against appearance of hyperpigmentation | None |
👍🏻 | Squalane: Protects against premature aging. | None |
👍🏻 | Truly Natural, Vegan, and Cruelty Free | None |
SKIN TYPE & USE
According to Herbivore Botanicals, the facial oils were formulated and applied per the following:
- Lapis Facial Oil: For combination, oily, and blemish-prone skin types or any skin in need of balancing hydration. Apply 3–10 drops to cleansed and toned skin morning and night. Massage in and allow to absorb for 1–3 minutes before applying makeup.
- Phoenix Facial Oil: For dry skin or any skin in need of replenishment and deep renewal. Apply 4–10 drops to cleansed and toned skin morning and night. Massage in and allow to absorb for 1–3 minutes before applying makeup.
- Orchid Facial Oil: For all skin types in need of hydration and protection against visible signs of aging. Apply 3–10 drops to cleansed and toned skin morning and night. Massage in and allow to absorb for 1–3 minutes before applying makeup.
And remember, store all oils at room temperature and out of direct sunlight!
THE GOOD & THE BAD
These are definitely luxurious botanical facial oils, brimming with potent goodness. So much so that I could hardly contain myself.
As in all products, just because something is made entirely of extracted oils and butters; doesn’t mean it comes without issues. In fact, tocopherol (vitamin E) use has been shown to produce mild dermatitis – just something to be aware of. And I’m still unsure whether there should be some corrections when it comes to omegas and fatty acid facts relative to some of the ingredients.
And be forewarned, the addition of CoQ10 in the Phoenix oil may warrant some additional research for my vegan friends out there. Since we don’t necessarily know where and how CoQ10 is processed, I’d definitely advise treading lightly.
THE UGLY (PRICE)
Mini Facial Oil Set (Update: Sadly, no longer available)
Jewel Box (mini facial oil expansion set)
DO I NEED THIS?
There is certainly a large facial oil contingency out there. So one might ask oneself, where do I begin? It becomes quite daunting and with such a wide variety (and selection) to parse through. And you may never find that right facial oil that compliments your skin. Or you may be lucky enough to determine which one works best, either from any one of these three or from other brands out there.
One thing is very clear, the facial oil craze doesn’t seem to be slowing down. Every day, I come across a new brand and product which promotes some sort of facial oil. So whether this type of product works for you, remains to be seen.
In the end, most good quality facial oils, tend to be on the pricier side due to extraction methods, formulation combinations, and botanical uses. So, if you were looking to venture your first steps into facial oils, the Herbivore Botanicals’ Mini Facial Oil Set might be a good start.
And again, the choice is always yours!
UPDATE: Herbivore Botanicals no longer sells the Mini Facial Oil Set on their website. However, both Lapis and Phoenix oils are offered in mini sizes in different sets. Check them out here.
DUPES
For Lapis Facial Oil:
Acure Seriously Soothing Blue Tansy Night Oil
Leahlani Happy Hour Balancing Serum
La Bella Figura Travel Therapy Mood Booster
Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil (Reviewed here)
Nazan Schnapp Celestine Balancing & Calming Azulene Rich Face Oil
For Phoenix Facial Oil:
naked + thriving rejuvenate restorative facial oil
Maya Chia Pure Supercritical Omega-3 Chia Oil
Marie Veronique Protective Day Oil
Beuti Skincare Beauty Sleep Elixir
Marie Veronique for Ayla – Dara’s Oil
Marie Veronique Rejuvenating Night Oil
True Botanicals Renew Pure Radiance Oil
For Orchid Facial Oil:
naked + thriving detox balancing facial oil
Nazan Schnapp Jasmine Orchid Youth Protecting & Hydrating Moisturizing Facial Oil
ARE THE CLAIMS BACKED BY SCIENCE?
The incorporation of plant extracts in the form of emulsions and oils is drawing more and more attention in the fields of therapeutics, cosmetics, and research.
But there is a definite slippery slope, folks.
Brands are increasingly proposing claims or make outrageous assumptions that may or may not be drawn from non-academic or medical sources. In short, be careful. When parsing through some of the ingredient descriptions in Herbivore Botanicals’ Lapis, Phoenix, and Orchid facial oils; I was taken aback at some of the precise wording. More specifically, one might be a little concerned that the scientific breakdown (such as chemical composition) and correlation to the purpose of an ingredient may need some tweaking and editing.
And let’s not forget the addition of CoQ10 in the Phoenix oil. I’m still on the fence as to how this might be processed and whether it actually falls under the “vegan/cruelty-free” label.
But that’s me being nerdy and doing the best that I can for you folks.
My advice would be to take heed to what can be drawn from some of these botanical ingredients and really understand whether these statements truly fit. Not all essential oils or plant-derived extracts are all the same. Therefore, we should not just assume that they are all going to be beneficial in some universal way.
Until my next review!