So I bought this $48 serum because the brand screamed “100% NATURAL” from every bottle. Then I read the lab report. That “natural” glow? It’s got phenoxyethanol — a preservative the EU restricts because it can irritate skin.
Not banned outright, but the “clean” crowd treats it like a war crime. The irony? The bottle smells like a fancy spa, not like something hiding a chemical loophole.
It’s a lightweight facial oil-serum hybrid. $48 for 30ml. The claim that hooked me: “You’ll glow like you slept 10 hours.” I have a two-year-old. I need that lie.
Textured Glass Dropper
Pipette design that sucks up exactly 4 drops — no waste, no mess.
Squalane Base
Feels like silk, not grease. Absorbs in 20 seconds flat.
Citrus Scent
Smells like lemon zest, but fades fast. No perfume hangover.
Photo: Fleur Kaan / Unsplash
Real talk: the plant oils are gorgeous. But the preservative situation is a bit sketchy. Here’s the breakdown:
- Squalane: hydrates without clogging pores — the MVP here
- Vitamin C (ascorbyl glucoside): brightens, but it’s a weak form
- Phenoxyethanol: the preservative that’s a no-go in EU — it’s a mild skin irritant
- Fragrance (citrus peel oil): smells great, but can sensitize skin over time
Photo: ibnu ihza / Unsplash
First drop: watery, almost like a toner. Then it turns velvety. Sinks in before I finish my morning coffee. No sticky residue — that’s rare.
Two weeks in, my skin looks… calmer? Less red. But the glow? That “lit from within” thing? Still waiting. It’s more of a subtle polish than a spotlight.
Photo: Element5 Digital / Unsplash
Redness: down 30%. Pores: same. That “glow”? It’s there, but it’s a candle, not a spotlight. My skin looks healthy, not Insta-filtered.
Photo: Ayo Ogunseinde / Unsplash
It’s a good serum with a great texture and a confusing “clean” label. If you can overlook the preservative drama, it’s a solid everyday glow. If you can’t, save your cash.