I’ll be honest: as someone who has worked in the beauty industry for 10 years, it’s difficult to be impressed by most skincare. (Skincare formulated in the U.S., I should clarify.) A touch of jadedness plays a role, but I’d be remiss not to address the rarity in innovation these days. Beauty is fast, simple, and formulaic for the most part; there’s more value placed on the initial splash than the actual purpose it serves its consumers—which means more often than not, most products are variations of one another. Benchmarked regurgitations, mildly updated takes on cult-classic formulas, or a simple swap-of-the-actives are the norm. I participate in the consumption, of course (it’s part of the job, and I’m a bona fide product junkie with impenetrable optimism it seems), but to be truly amazed?

The day has finally come.

I was skeptical at first. Any brand that enthusiastically touts transformational, superlative claims in the clean beauty realm tends to call for a closer look, but when its purported benefits are true, I can’t help but change my tune. What lends Herbal Face Food credibility isn’t just its ingredient philosophy, but the founder’s passion for holistic health and wellness. (A fun fact: J. Michael Zenn’s The Self-Health Revolution is beloved by John Mackey, Whole Foods’ co-founder and CEO. The book is also sold at the grocery chain—and knowing how strict the buying team’s requirements are, it’s clear that this book contains serious insights.) That same 360°-view is poured into The Serum Series, a collection of four supercharged treatments that highlight phyto-cosmetology at its finest. I’ve been using The Serum I and The Cure religiously for two months now and felt compelled to share.

For context: stress and lack of sleep have wreaked havoc on my complexion these last few years—which is why I decided to move to LA on a whim, essentially—but adjusting to the pollution and hard water here has taken a toll on my skin. Since the middle of the pandemic, I’ve been trying to find solutions for (but failing to address) sporadic breakouts, congestion, enlarged pores on my T-zone from said congestion, patchy dryness in random areas, and little flare-ups of foreign bumps and hives.

THE SERUM I

Radical Youth Concentrate, $60 – 170*

What it is: A potent, antioxidant-packed serum that harnesses the powers of supercharged botanicals to address all visible signs of aging. The Serum I is their level-one, introductory formula; every step up delivers additional targeted benefits for skin in want of more intensive results. The concept of “anti-aging” is something that, like most millennials, I’m grappling with (in terms of its implications on self-perception, the vilification of age, and exoticism of youth, etc.), but time does affect the look and feel of skin.

What it (actually) does: Herbal Face Food claims that using this concentrate twice daily, morning and evening, will lead to tangible in just three days. Any hydrating product (even a bog-standard moisturizer or face mist with a touch of Aloe Vera Juice or Glycerin) will temporarily smooth the look of dry lines, but let me tell you: the texture of my skin has completely reverted to its suppler, brighter self—and these aren’t just superficial changes.

Within one week of using The Serum I once a day (in the evenings, directly on freshly cleansed skin), it was impossible not to see and feel the difference. There’s a distinction between topical change and one that happens at a deeper level; for example, dewiness or glass-like skin are popular aspirations at the moment, but that look is typically achieved through occlusive or hydrators that sit atop the skin to give it a glazed appearance. With this serum, however, I see a change in the suppleness and overall clarity of my complexion: texture, discomfort, or blotchiness (from inflammation), and breakouts were completely eliminated.

TL;DR:

• An ultra-light texture sinks into skin seamlessly without a trace. Do layer a face cream or oil over serum application for added moisture if your skin is particularly parched, but I find that after regular use, both oil and hydration levels feel more balanced.
• Skin is left soft and supple—plump, even—instead of dewy…
• … which means you’re actually getting nourishing, antioxidant-enriched benefits that don’t just sit on the surface.
• Fine lines, minor blemishes, excess oil, and discoloration are diminished within a few applications, but the results seem long-term.

Do note: There’s a tingling, “dermal warming” experience—which if you’re like me and have a high tolerance for anything, actually feels good. Important to note is that within the first week of using this, or if you’ve skipped a few days (and went on a health bender), the sensation can teeter towards high intensity on the spectrum. The good news is that on me, my skin was not left red or pink (as truly irritating formulas will do) even on those occasions. And when I’ve taken proper care of my skin, there’s no tingling whatsoever. (Which I think speaks to the efficacy of intuitive ingredients at work.)

Why I think it works: It’s superior in formulation, period. There are 27 different botanical extracts and plant oils in this concentrate and none of the inactive placeholders or additives simply dilute the efficacy of the product.

Final thoughts: I can’t emphasize enough how much this has improved my skin—so much so that when I’ve skipped a few days between usage just to see, my face suffers for it.

Also good to know: Herbal Face Food is vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, synthetic fragrance-free, ethically sourced, and handmade—and because of the latter two, the products are valued at a higher price point. Is this a non-negotiable essential? No, nothing truly is, but if you’re in search of an all-natural treatment that delivers multi-functional benefits, this one is it. Splurge on a solid serum, and go generic on your moisturizer or facial oil.

THE CURE

Extreme Multi-Correction, $95 – $235*

What it is: A targeted solution for blemishes (breakouts, bumps, hyperpigmentation). Think of The Cure as a spot treatment for any pesky problem, not just pimples: it’s your just-in-case secret weapon when things go awry and you’re in need of a fix, fast.

What it (actually) does: Although deeper breakouts may call for a hydrocolloid pimple patch or adapalene cream, The Cure helps resolve the following using non-irritating, plant-based actives:

• Breakouts and bumps
• Sunspots or discoloration
• Inflammation
• Lines

Keep in mind that The Cure is meant to be used sparingly and only when necessary. Do not use this all over the face; if you’re ready to graduate from The Serum I, work series II to III into your routine instead!

Why I think it works: Again, it’s the mindful combination of a highly concentrated formulation and a wellness-first approach to skin that grants it such efficacy. If I’ve worn my mask for extended periods of time, a touch of this in problem-prone zones prevents breakouts at the root. Or, if I’ve had a stubborn blemish, using The Cure helps expedite the re-balancing of compromised skin—even aiding in reducing the mark of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation left behind.

Final thoughts: For me personally, The Cure isn’t a dire essential; The Serum I tends to my most common concerns effectively on its own. (I’m also a millennial with relatively good skin unless stressed, so such intensive, expensive care isn’t something I need to invest in just yet.) However, for the occasions that do call for heavy-duty help, this has been the ultimate skin-saver.

Learn more and shop the complete collection, here*.

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xx

*Peddling promo codes isn’t something I would normally do unless it’s for something I genuinely believe in. (Not to mention: I may be a hedonist, but I’m a frugal one who lives for a coupon code.) If you’d like to save on your order, use KIMBERLY30 for 30% off!