Natch’s Gabrielle Essence Serum says “100% natural” right on the box. Then I flipped it over and found phenoxyethanol — a synthetic preservative that’s literally banned in natural cosmetics in the EU.
This isn’t just a whoopsie. It’s the kind of fine print that makes you wonder what else they’re not saying. Their “wild-harvested” baobab? Sourced from a single supplier in Ghana with zero third-party certification.
**Section 2 of 6**
It’s a lightweight serum, $68 for 30ml. The claim that hooked me: “From seed to bottle, we control everything.” Sounds noble — until you realize they don’t own a single farm or lab.
Texture Lies
Feels like water going on, then sticky for 90 seconds. Not cute under makeup.
Scent Drama
Smells like a farmer’s market exploded — earthy, green, borderline grassy. You’ll either love it or gag.
Dropper Disaster
The dropper sucks. Half the time you get air. The other half, too much product.
Photo: Poko Skincare / Unsplash
**Section 3 of 6**
Hero ingredients are baobab oil (omega-rich, but cheap) and aloe vera (hydrating, basic). The “proprietary blend” is marketing speak for “we won’t tell you the percentages.” The preservative issue is the real kicker — it’s clean-washing, plain and simple.
- Baobab Oil: softens skin, but not special
- Aloe Vera: soothes, but you’ve seen this before
- Phenoxyethanol: synthetic preservative, not natural
- Fragrance: listed as ‘natural,’ but no disclosure
Photo: Mariia Shalabaieva / Unsplash
**Section 4 of 6**
First pump: smells like I rubbed a salad on my face. Absorbs in about 10 seconds — then leaves a tacky film for another 20. Not dewy, not matte. Just… there.
Week 3: My skin looked fine. Not better, not worse. But a friend with sensitive skin broke out in tiny red bumps. We compared batches — different preservative concentrations. That’s the problem with vague sourcing.
Photo: Content Pixie / Unsplash
**Section 5 of 6**
My skin felt slightly plumper after 10 days. But the glow? That’s just the aloe — you get the same effect from a $12 gel. The fine lines didn’t budge. The “wild-harvested” story is the only thing that’s truly special here, and it’s thin.
Photo: Laura Chouette / Unsplash
**Section 6 of 6**
Natch is selling a story, not a serum. The ingredients are fine — but the label is a lie, and the price is a joke for what you get. There are better, actually transparent options for half the cost.