While I don’t normally have breakout prone skin, the stress of feeling overwhelmed most of the summer definitely made an impact on my skin. When I do break out, I think it’s mostly due to hormones or stress. As I’ve shared before, after moving, then having almost everyone in the family fall ill or have unexpected surgeries, and realizing we actually purchased a fixer upper that just appeared to be in great shape, and then having my skin freak out- I’d say it has definitely been due to stress this time around. So when True Botanicals added three new lines, including their Clear line, I felt like I needed to give it a whorl. Especially since I also received some reader emails asking for my thoughts on some of their new products. The last few weeks, I’ve been trying their Clear Hydrating Cleanser and Clear Cellular Repair Serum and both have delivered, which is no surprise given that they’re from from True Botanicals.
Clear Hydrating Cleanser
Perfectly packaged in a glass bottle with a pump (have I mentioned I love pumps?), this is not your typical cleanser. It doesn’t foam, but instead you massage 1 or 2 pumps of product onto your damp skin and it somehow manages to really give you a deep down cleanse. Since this targets breakouts, I was expecting it to make my skin squeaky clean (I guess that’s what I remember from the acne face washes from my teenage years), but this really does leave your skin feeling normal and not the least bit stripped. I’ve used it after oil cleansing with great success and I’ve used it on its own and it really does well at removing makeup, sunscreen, and more. True to form with True Botanicals, the ingredients are stellar. They include green and white tea extract, green tea seed oil, Black willow bark extract (which is a natural and safe version of salicylic acid, which skin really responds to), Lavender oil, carrot seed oil and helichrysum flower oil (which is anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory). This cleanser is designed to fight breakouts, calm skin, speed healing and even help with fine lines and aging. The scent is slightly herbal, but clean.
Clear Cellular Repair Serum
This is a true serum. Sometimes you find a serum is actually a light oil, but this is light weight serum that sinks right into your skin. In fact, I really love the silky texture and how fast it sinks into my skin. What’s especially great about this serum, is the fact that it not only gets rid of breakouts, but it actually makes my skin feel more hydrated and softer. The real downside to adult acne is that often your skin is on the dry side or like mine, it’s combo with some really dry areas. It makes it harder to treat acne without stripping your skin or being able to give it enough moisture. The Cellular Repair Serum strikes that perfect balance through ingredients like hyaluronic acid and squalene, which draw in moisture. It has many of the same star ingredients as the cleanser to fight acne, along with the True Botanicals bioferment with seaweed, pumpkin seed oil, vitamin C, olive leaf extract and more. The key here is that it’s very gentle with your skin but actually addresses breakouts and signs of aging. I apply this after cleansing and before I moisturize. This serum has really become one of my go to items and even with my skin looking clear. It just has so many beneficial ingredients for your skin and really helps with a wide range of my skin concerns (texture, aging, moisture level).
I would consider True Botanicals to be a luxury line for sure (read: pricey). BUT, I think it’s important to remember what goes into some of these lines. One of the reasons I first tried True Botanicals and that I’ve continued to love their products, is that they really go above and beyond with their ingredients. They seriously use the best of the best, high-end ingredients that all are extremely potent, without any of the crap ingredients that you’ll find in mainstream high-end brands. I see results from their products and to me that’s worth the money. I love the cleanser, but if I could only choose one of these products, I would go with the serum. I just think it packs the biggest punch and you’ll see the most results from it. True Botanicals also came out with two other new lines: Renew for normal or aging skin and Calm for sensitive, rosacea prone skin. They also have a new quiz on their site that can quickly help the products for your skin. You can shop these products directly on True Botanicals’ site. Use code MOLLYTRUE 20 for $20 your first order of $40 or more from them. xo
