Oh my gosh, I’ve been so unusually excited to write a Beautycounter product review post for you over the past couple of months! I first mentioned I was giving the products a try in this post and requests for this review has been nonstop ever since.
First of all this post is not sponsored and I purchased all the products we’re going to talk about myself. I am always upfront about whether or not a post is sponsored because, well, I have morals and also because it’s illegal not to! Second of all, I do not sell Beautycounter products and won’t make a dime if you decide to purchase any. Or not! Woo!
Mmkay, back to the fun stuff. I’m going to go out on a limb and assume that the majority of you have heard of Beautycounter by now. In case you haven’t, Beautycounter is a company that sells personal care products that are free from 1,500 questionable chemicals and ingredients, over 1,400 of which are banned or restricted in personal care products by the European Union. Personal care products are largely unregulated in the US and Beautycounter’s mission is to get safer products into the hands of everyone.
To give you a brief background, I had zero skin troubles until I reached my mid 20s and developed adult acne basically overnight. I also developed melasma while pregnant with Lincoln, which spread and darkened when I was pregnant and nursing Cameron. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any worse, I became pregnant with baby girl and at this point in time I have dark brown splotches on my cheeks, forehead, and upper lip. Getting rid of melasma is like trying to remove permanent marker from a white couch with a dry kleenex. Needless to say I have pigmentation issues. Additionally my facial skin is extreeeemely sensitive. All that to say, I finally found a skin care combo that kept my skin relatively hydrated with minimal outbreaks using mostly drugstore products a few years ago, and have been sticking to it like a new mom to her 20oz coffee cup ever since.
That said, over the past year I’ve begun to use more natural personal care products. Specifically, I use this deodorant from Primally Pure and this face cleanser from Little Barn Apothecary, though I’ve been hesitant to change anything when it comes to the products I use on my face (aside from facial cleanser) for the reasons mentioned above. My mind began to change a few months ago though after glancing at the ingredient list on a jar of night cream I’d purchased from a well known department store beauty brand and seeing not one but two artificial food dyes on the list, plus over a dozen of unrecognizable ingredients.
In that moment, I had to ask myself, if you don’t EAT products containing food dyes (expect the occasional handful of Wild Berry Skittles – wish I could quit you!) then why are you smearing them all over your FACE?
It was time to make a change. I’d heard about Beautycounter from dozens of sources so I decided to give it a shot, and here we are! Before I get into the product reviews, here are a few initial notes/thoughts about my experience:
- My melasma is tied to my hormones so while I had high hopes that Beautycounter products would help fade the dark splotches on my face, I didn’t expect them to work miracles and – spoiler alert – they didn’t. After talking with my dermatologist, I will most likely go the laser route (frickin’ laser beams – #namethatmovie) after I’m done nursing our third child. Also FYI, I have tried Rodan + Fields and Perricone products aimed at reducing melasma with no success.
- I liked the fact that you can order Beautycounter products directly through their website without going through a consultant. I personally did go through a consultant (a fellow blogger,) but you don’t have to.
- I’ve been using the products below for nearly two full months. As with any new skin care regimen, I gave it at least 2 weeks before starting to judge the product’s effectiveness in order to give my skin time to adjust.
- While Beautycounter’s mission is to get safer products into the hands of everyone, it’s disappointing that they’re so expensive. This is a huge barrier to getting safe products to the masses and seems counterintuitive to their mission statement, which bothers me.
- Please make your own decision as to whether or not you should buy any of the products I’m reviewing. Everyone’s skin and situation is unique so it’s impossible to say what did or didn’t work for me, will or will not work for you.
Ok, I’ll stop blabbering now – I love talking skin care!! On with the Beautycounter product reviews….
No. 1 Brightening Collection
What initially attracted me to Beautycounter’s Brightening Collection was its promise to help achieve a “brighter, more even complexion” and that it was perfect for those concerned with “dull, uneven skin tone”. Given my issues with sun damage and melasma, I had very high hopes for this skin regimen. Here’s what’s included:
Brightening Facial Mask
“This nutrient-rich mask instantly gives skin a brighter look and more even-toned complexion. Polishing kaolin clay deeply cleanses, leaving skin revitalized and renewed, while vitamin C helps reduce the appearance of dark spots.”
- Product link.
- My experience: Since my skin is crazy sensitive, masks, scrubs, and exfoliators have always been a no-go for me. Unfortunately this mask was no different. The lower half of my face broke out into a rough, itchy rash (for lack of a better word) after using it once which took a couple weeks to clear up.
- Pros: Good sized bottle.
- Cons: Too harsh for my skin.
- Would I buy it again: No.
Brightening Facial Mist
“Active-infused and alcohol-free, this revitalizing mist preps skin, sets makeup, and refreshes throughout the day. Antioxidant-rich vitamin C helps reduce the appearance of age spots, while lime pearl extract gently promotes a brighter complexion. Perfect for all skin types and those concerned with dull, uneven skin tone.”
- Product link.
- My experience: I’ll never be a person who considers blasting themselves in the face with a mist or skin water to be refreshing so, while this product was nice, I’m not obsessed with the idea of including a mist in my daily skin care routine.
- Pros: Lovely scent, product was quick to absorb, and it did actually feel refreshing after a shower. The product also lasts a long time so you get your money’s worth.
- Cons: The directions say press slowly for a gentle mist but when I did that the product just leaked out. I had to really blast the pumper to get the product out.
- Would I buy it again: Nice product overall, but since I can’t determine if it helped my skin, and I don’t like spraying stuff in my face, it’s a no.
Brightening Facial Oil
“This citrus-scented facial oil quickly absorbs and penetrates skin to awaken and replenish. Lightweight and silky smooth, our proprietary blend of seven natural oils moisturizes and improves radiance. Omega-rich marula oil provides intense hydration while antioxidant vitamin C brightens and evens skin tone. Perfect for all skin types and those concerned with dull, uneven skin tone.”
- Product link.
- My experience: I’ve tried a few facial oils over the past year with no results to write home about, but was looking forward to trying this one. I also fell hook, line, and sinker for the product description: “...oil provides intense hydration while antioxidant vitamin C brightens and evens skin tone.“
- Pros: THE SCENT – like pure orange peels (Beautycounter doesn’t use artificial fragrances either.) Loved it! The oil itself is fast-absorbing and lasts a really long time. I use 4 large drops every night before my night cream (see below) and after 2 months I haven’t even used 1/4 of the bottle.
- Cons: No cons. Great product.
- Would I buy it again: Yes!
Overall thoughts on the Brightening Collection: I think I was expecting this collection to work miracles on my skin tone but I didn’t see enough results to justify the cost and/or re-purchase the entire collection. I’ll most likely get another bottle of the facial oil when I run out because it did provide great hydration. Again, my melasma isn’t going anywhere for awhile so that’s definitely part of the reason why I didn’t get the results I’d hoped for. Additionally, I feel like regular use of the mask would have improved the collection’s performance on my skin.
Mooooving on!
Rejuvenating Line Products
I added a couple products from Beautycounter’s Rejuvenating Collection to my order a la carte because they promised to not only help even skin tone but also tackle wrinkles and offer exceptional hydration. I was SO THRILLED to see results using these two products. Not only did they keep my thirsty skin very hydrated but I saw noticeable reduction in fine lines/wrinkes on my forehead, eyes, and vertical “marionette” smile lines. Here are the products I tried:
Rejuvenating Radiance Serum
“Our Rejuvenating Radiance Serum helps even the look of skin tone, improve hydration, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles thanks to a combination of vitamin C, mixed fruit acid complex, and algae and marine extract. Lightweight and easily absorbed, the formula is a must for layering under your moisturizer.”
- Product link.
- My experience: Anything with the word “serum” in the product name is usually a go for me – great marketing, Beautycounter!
- Pros: Extremely lightweight and fast-absorbing. Great scent and perfect for smoothing on straight out of the shower before my moisturizer and Brightening Collection facial mist.
- Cons: None, except to request a bigger bottle of it!
- Would I buy it again: Of course I can’t determine exactly which product helped reduce my wrinkles – most likely it was a combination of several – but I feel in my soul that this serum played a huge part. So yes, I would definitely buy again.
Rejuvenating Night Cream
“Lock in moisture as you sleep for skin that looks and feels smoother, firmer, and more hydrated by morning. Formulated with marine extracts and safflower oleosomes, the cream helps intensify the nightly cycle of natural skin repair.”
- Product link.
- My experience: I have so many jars of failed night creams in my bathroom that I could open a CVS. My biggest complaint of the ones I’ve tried is that they’re thick and heavy yet somehow don’t provide lasting, effective hydration.
- Pros: LIGHTWEIGHT yet super hydrating! It was even light enough to put on in the morning after the Rejuvenating serum / before the Brightening facial mist when I ran out of my regular, non-BC moisturizer. I credit my extremely soft skin after two months of using Beautycounter products to this night cream.
- Cons: This is more of a beef I have with night creams in general – I wish it came in a pump vs pot.
- Would I buy it again: Yes! Loved this night cream. My skin is so, so soft because of it.
Overall thoughts on the Rejuvenating products: Big fan of the two Rejuvenating products I tried. Do I wish I would have gotten the whole Rejuvenating Collection versus the Brightening Collection? No. The collection comes with a few products I don’t have a need/desire for, plus it’s double the cost. I like the fact that I can order only what I’ll use and will definitely order these two products again.
Final Verdict
While I didn’t see a major difference in my skin tone after using these Beautycounter products, I enjoyed and appreciated their quality and safety, and the results I DID see in the form of increased hydration and a reduction in fine lines will keep me ordering. I have the Countermatch Collection on standby for when I run out of the Brightening/Rejuvenating products and can report back on those if you like? I also plan on ordering Beautycounter’s All Over Sunscreen to use this spring/summer. No plans to try their make up line just yet.
What about you? Have you/do you use Beautycounter products? What did you think? Which are your favorites?
Nancy 03.23.2018
Kristin, I never heard of BeautyCounter, so I enjoyed seeing your reviews of these products. The Neutrogena oil free moisture for sensitive skin works great for me, so I’ll be sticking with it until there’s a need for me to change.
Glad for you that some of the products you reviewed were good for you!
Abby 03.23.2018
I have been using different BC products for the past 2 years, and more regularly in the past year, and have settled on the following as my “must haves”
– Nourishing cream cleanser – super gentle, not drying, and regular use cleared up my adult acne
– Nourishing night cream with balancing oil blended in – I blend them together and then rub in – try it with your night cream/oil!
– Countermatch eye cream – amazing
– Countermatch daily face lotion
– the sheer lipstick – OMG, try it. seriously. I do not wear lipstick, but I wear this. It is like chapstick with a touch of color. I use twig and it is an awesome neutral
– makeup – I use both the dewskin and the tint skin foundations – usually I layer them. Very light coverage, which is perfect.
I did not love the all over sunscreen (did not work), but I love the sunscreen face stick.
Finally, and I am saying this as someone who does not and never will sell the products, I highly recommend using a consultant. Mine is very knowledgeable and offers me free samples of everything before I buy it. The samples aren’t necessarily enough to know whether it will be 100% effective, but (aside from the sunscreen, which I did not request as a sample) have saved me from wasting my money on a product that was counterproductive or ineffective. Takes the sting away from the price a bit. I usually order online, but through her page so she gets the sale credit.
Liz 03.23.2018
I love Beautycounter! I have been pregnant and/or breastfeeding for most of the past 5 years and these products give me so much peace of mind. And it’s so funny you mention being able to buy directly from their website because that is a big plus in my book too! I buy through a neighbor who is a consultant but the fact that I don’t have to makes me feel more comfortable for some reason. My favorite products are the brightening mask (my skin isn’t sensitive so I haven’t had any issues), the nourishing skin care collection, the kids conditioner (works wonders on my 3 year old daughters knotty hair), and alllllll the makeup. Their makeup is really, really wonderful. Loved this review! I am going to have to try some of the rejuvenating products!
Meredith Welch 03.23.2018
Hey lady. I also struggled with melasma after pregnancy. Try the balancing facial oil and the rejuvenating toner pads on your darker spots. Mine have almost gone away. I have such sensitive skin that laser and other dermalogic procedures arent options for me. Good luck! PS – I’m a consultant for BC and wasn’t blown away by the brightening set either.
Jen S. 03.23.2018
I am in the same boat as you and I’m doing “the laser” right now. I’ve only had one treatment and so far I’m not seeing much difference so fingers crossed.
Janelle 03.23.2018
Thanks for this review – very helpful. My dermatologist explained to me that lotions in a pump (compared to the pot) have to include a thinning agent which can cause dryness in many people. This can be why many of the really effective hydrating lotions don’t come with a pump. Just thought I’d share to maybe give you 1 more reason to love the night cream!
Emily S 03.23.2018
That’s so interesting! I had no idea. Thanks for sharing.
Hilary Fox 03.23.2018
Full disclosure: I am a BC consultant as a side hustle. I just wanted to say that the combo of the #1 oil and the Rejuvenating Serum did fade my melasma into almost nothing – but it took several months. And since you are pregnant again, I wouldn’t think it would work as well right now, because hormones.
And yes – the BC price point is department store+. But “getting safer products into the hands of everyone” doesn’t necessarily mean BC products – it means BC is trying to change the whole industry so maybe your kids won’t have to read labels so carefully when they are grown. It’s hard work and expensive to lobby for increased regulation, so the price point of BC products does have to help subsidize that very important work.
Elise 03.23.2018
Yes, I too love the night cream! Additionally, I use the facial oil and the cleansing balm which I thought would be weird, but turns out not weird–love it! The sunscreen lotion and the facial stick are amazing, not chalky and gross. I use them for me and my two boys. I love that they are safe to use and so far I’ve not had any skin problems…and I’ve just recently learned I have rosacea. All in one year–celiac disease and rosacea, good times. I received the charcoal face mask as a Christmas gift and tried it and it was great too. Love your blog! Thanks for putting so much into it!
Jenny 03.23.2018
I started using beautycounter in January and I am loving it. I use the countermatch collection and I think you’ll be excited about the night cream. It comes in a pot BUT it pumps out of the middle of the pot. And I love it. Also, I use the plumping oil (#2) and agree with you. The oils are amazing!! I also use the kid products on my littles and they smell like a mimosa so I love bath time! You should consider ordering the baby stuff. Someone ordered it for me when I had my second (my intro to beautycounter). The moisturizer for baby skin is to die for (especially when they start shedding) and so is the oil. Love it. I use their mascara. I’m not overly wowed with it, but it isn’t clumpy which is my biggest complaint with mascaras usually.
JoDee Claussen 03.23.2018
I am a beautycounter consultant – thank you for your review:) I am going to post to my FB group!
Michelle 03.23.2018
OMG! I’m a bit obsessed with Beautycounter. Have you tried the cleansing balm? It is great for just about everything. Although pricy ($80ish), it lasts forever because you use so little at a time (I’ve had a jar for over a year and it’s still half full). Although Beautycounter is expensive, it lasts a long time. I also adore their shampoo and conditioner. You wouldn’t think it’s that different, but my hair is so soft after I use it and you don’t need as much (it took 6 months for me to buy replacements).
deb 03.23.2018
Hi! I was going to ask the same question as Emily! Can you tell us what worked for you from the drugstore? I can’t afford these other products, although some of them sound great.
Thank you!!!
Kristin 03.23.2018
Of course! So prior to using these products I used the Little Barn Apothecary face wash I linked to at the beginning of this post followed by this Neutrogena moisturizer: https://www.neutrogena.com/skin/skin-moisturizers/rapid-wrinkle-repair-moisturizer-broad-spectrum-spf-30/6802121.html?cgid=skin-moisturizers#start=3. At night I used (and still use) Neutrogena make up removing wipes followed by Cerave daily moisturizing lotion. I would also use a night cream on top of that but literally none of them worked so I will spare you the details!
Additionally, in 2010 I wrote this post after developing adult acne: https://iowagirleats.com/2010/08/19/the-best-skin-care-advice-ive-ever-received/
deb 03.23.2018
Thank you for taking the time to write that! Love love love your site!
Allison 03.23.2018
I highly recommend the Charcoal Cleansing Bar! I bought it a few months ago to combat pregnancy acne and it has worked really well! It is very gentle but has also helped to balance my oily skin. My face feels so fresh after I use it!
Melissa Buresh 03.23.2018
I had melasma when I was pregnant too. It is not attractive but it did go away on it’s own after I was done breastfeeding. So before you do anything drastic you might wait and see if it fades over time.
Kristin 03.23.2018
Mine mostly disappeared after I was done nursing Lincoln but never went away after Cam. :( Fingers crossed that it does lighten when all is said and done though – laser treatments are definitely last resort for me.
Candy 03.23.2018
Yes – love Beautycounter products. Like you my favorite is the oil. I also really like their shampoo and sunscreen.
Emily 03.23.2018
Do you mind sharing what products you’ve used for adult acne?
Tiffany 03.23.2018
I’m interested as well…thanks for asking Emily :)
Kristin 03.23.2018
Totally forgot to finish that thought in my post – ack!! My adult acne went away when I became pregnant with Lincoln and FINGERS CROSSED has yet to return. At the time I found that anything with salicylic acid was gentle enough for my sensitive skin and helped make a difference with my acne at the time. Sharing the fact that I had adult acne was more to say that I have and have had skin troubles only in the past decade or so.
CF 05.09.2018
I found going gluten free cleared up my skin issues. Any link to this for you?
Kristin 05.10.2018
I have heard that from several people! I never had an external reactions from gluten personally.
JoDee Claussen 03.23.2018
The charcoal bar and mask work great for acne!!
anna* 03.23.2018
I had issues with cystic acne as an adult (late 20s/early 30s) and tried everything. CeraVe face wash has worked the best for me, but what really helped was changing my diet. No more dairy for me, boo (okay, I cheat sometimes… very little dairy).
Erika 03.24.2018
My adult acne miracles: CeraVe face wash, Aczone cream, and spironolactone. My hormonal breakouts finally gone at 42.
Erica 03.23.2018
I personally like the Rejuvinating better than the Countermatch, but I have oily skin. My consultant said oily skin is not a good combo with Countermatch. If you’re ever looking for an eye cream to add in, I love the Rejuvinating eye cream!
krista 03.23.2018
YES – the rejuvenating eye cream is something else. I was a skeptic, not expecting anything great, but it honestly reduces lines and feels amazing. And you use such a little bit, it’s totally worth the cost.
Chris 03.23.2018
Love the BC review! I personally love their Rejuvenating line – especially the eye and night cream, but I recently tried the Countermatch collection and I think you’ll like that as well. Light, hydrating and effective!
Ginny 03.23.2018
Great review! They have a nourishing cream cleanser that I cannot live without. It’s so gentle yet effective. I initially bought it to use as a make up remover before my R+F regimen. It works so well that I’ve transitioned to all BC products. Loving the countermatch adaptive moisture lotion as well.
Lindsey 03.23.2018
Thanks for the honest review! I haven’t tried it personally, but all the moms in a Facebook group I’m in swear by The Ordinary. I think their policies on ingredients and testing are similar to Beauty Counter, but the price point is WAY lower. I think I would need help deciding what to get because it’s a lot of individual treatments, but might be another thing to check out!
Alex 03.27.2018
If you check out beautyeditor.ca, she does a fairly comprehensive overview of The Ordinary’s line-up.