Herbivore Review: Does This Vegan Brand Live Up to the Glow Hype?

Herbivore Botanicals is a plant-based skincare brand that emphasizes clean formulations and minimalist aesthetics. Founded in 2011 in Seattle, the brand claims that its products are rich in botanical actives derived from nutrient-dense plants.

Herbivore Botanicals offers a variety of products like facial oils, cleansers, exfoliating treatments, masks, and body care essentials. It also provides wellness options that can support your self-care rituals, such as bath soaks and tools like facial rollers.

In this review, you will explore what makes Herbivore Botanicals unique. You will learn about its brand philosophy, ingredient choices, and product categories. This review will also cover possible benefits, limitations, and what sets Herbivore apart from other clean beauty brands.

About Herbivore Botanicals

Julia Wills and Alexander Kummerow founded Herbivore Botanicals. It claims to formulate its offerings with 99% natural ingredients, avoiding synthetic fillers, parabens, and animal-derived components.

Herbivore Botanicals focuses on botanicals like tremella mushroom, turmeric, bakuchiol, and blue tansy to address common skin concerns such as dehydration, dullness, acne, fine lines, and sensitivity.

The brand’s product line includes options like LAPIS Balancing Facial Oil for acne-prone skin, NOVA 15% Vitamin C + Turmeric Brightening Serum for dark spots, and TREMELLA Silky Hydration Gel Cream for long-lasting moisture. Herbivore also offers gentle alternatives to conventional actives, like bakuchiol in place of retinol, making its formulas suitable for sensitive skin types.

Herbivore Botanicals offerings also include facial oils, serums, cleansers, moisturizers, body scrubs, and eye creams, with products like COCO ROSE Exfoliating Body Scrub, MOON FRUIT Retinol Alternative Serum, and CLOUD JELLY Pink Plumping Serum.

As per the official website, Herbivore Botanicals emphasizes ethical sourcing, cruelty-free practices, and a low-waste approach. With certifications like Leaping Bunny and FSC, the brand claims to maintain a clean beauty ethos while delivering clinically effective results.

Herbivore Botanicals Best Selling Products

1. LAPIS Balancing Facial Oil

   LAPIS Balancing Facial Oil by Herbivore Botanicals may help soothe, balance, and nourish skin that often feels oily, blemish-prone, or generally out of balance. This formula includes Blue Tansy, a botanical ingredient rich in azulene, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory and calming effects. The makers state that this formula is non-comedogenic, making it suitable for oily, combination, and blemish-prone skin types, as well as any skin that appears imbalanced.

   Herbivore Botanicals claims that its LAPIS Balancing Facial Oil uses natural plant oils that provide deep hydration without blocking pores, helping your skin regain balance. It could help prevent dehydration that causes dry patches and uneven texture, ultimately supporting healthier skin by supplying moisture.

   As per the official website, LAPIS Balancing Facial Oil includes vitamin E, emollients, and essential fatty acids. These nutrients might help deeply nourish your skin and promote a radiant, healthy glow.

   LAPIS Balancing Facial Oil also has Kukui Nut Oil, naturally high in linoleic acid that might support blemish-prone skin while locking in hydration with a silky feel. It also combines Jojoba Oil, which closely mimics the skin’s natural sebum, conditioning the skin and preventing moisture loss.

   The makers also added squalane in LAPIS Balancing Facial Oil, derived from olives provides lightweight emollient properties and may help maintain the skin’s protective barrier to prevent dehydration. Jasmine Sambac Oil in this oil could provide moisturizing qualities that keep skin soft and supple.

2. MOON DEW Eye Cream

   According to the official website, MOON DEW Eye Cream might reduce signs of aging around the eyes. It addresses common problems such as fine lines, wrinkles, crow’s feet, loss of firmness, and dryness.

   MOON DEW Eye Cream combines peptides with 1% bakuchiol, which may help promote skin cell renewal without irritation. Bakuchiol could help promote surface cell turnover to smooth and firm the skin.

   MOON DEW Eye Cream also combines quinoa plant peptides, which could help reduce puffiness and diminish eyelid creases, creating a lifted and refreshed appearance. Enriched with squalane, this formula helps lock in hydration to keep the eye area moisturized throughout the day.

   To use, the makers advise using MOON DEW Eye Cream by gently tapping a pea-sized amount around the orbital bone using the ring finger, applying before your serum and moisturizer. With regular use, MOON DEW Eye Cream may help smooth, firm, and tighten the skin around your eyes.

3. Nova Brightening Serum

   As per the official website, Nova Brightening Serum may help improve dark spots, even out skin tone, and combat dullness, all while remaining gentle on the skin. This serum combines 15% THD vitamin C with antioxidant-rich super root turmeric to deliver noticeable brightening effects without irritation.

   Nova Brightening Serum also has THD vitamin C, an ultra-stable, oil-soluble form of vitamin C, which may help penetrate deeply into your skin to target hyperpigmentation and dark spots effectively. It could help provide an immediate boost of radiance and can significantly brighten skin.

   Nova Brightening Serum also contains arbutin, a naturally derived compound from bearberry. Arbutin may help reduce discoloration and tighten the appearance of pores, which may contribute to a smoother and more even complexion.

   The makers state that Nova Brightening Serum has turmeric, which might help even out skin tone and protect against environmental stressors. For optimal results, the makers recommend applying 1 to 2 pumps of the serum onto cleansed skin before moisturizing.

4. Herbivore Healthy Aging Ritual

   Healthy Aging Ritual by Herbivore Botanicals could help smooth fine lines, decrease wrinkles, and improve overall skin radiance. This duo may help address concerns like fine lines, loss of firmness, and dryness, offering comprehensive anti-aging support.

   The ritual includes two core products, such as MOON FRUIT Retinol Alternative Serum and PHOENIX Face Oil. MOON FRUIT Serum features 1% bakuchiol, a plant-based retinol alternative, which might promote skin cell renewal and reduce visible signs of aging. The MOON FRUIT Serum in this Healthy Aging Ritual contains plant peptides, which support collagen production to enhance skin firmness and elasticity.

   Healthy Aging Ritual combines PHOENIX Face Oil, which is rich in botanical oils such as Jojoba Seed Oil and Rosa Canina (rosehip) Seed Oil. It might balance moisture without clogging pores, while providing essential fatty acids and vitamin A derivatives to support skin regeneration and decrease the appearance of scars and wrinkles.

5. Brighten & Awaken Set

   The Brighten & Awaken Set is a targeted skincare duo that might help revive dull, uneven skin and tired-looking eyes. This set pairs the NOVA Brightening Serum, formulated with 15% Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (THD Vitamin C), and the SUPER NOVA Eye Cream, which combines 5% THD Vitamin C and caffeine. These products might help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, dark circles, and skin radiance while remaining gentle enough for sensitive skin. As per the official website, NOVA Brightening Serum in The Brighten & Awaken Set penetrates deeply to target dark spots and uneven tone, while helping calm your skin and promote clarity.

   The Brighten & Awaken Set also combines SUPER NOVA Eye Cream, which could help brighten and energize the delicate eye area. It combines caffeine, which might help visibly reduce puffiness and dark circles while supporting firmer, more refreshed skin around the eyes. The formula also has hyaluronic acid to hydrate and smooth fine lines, along with shea butter and jojoba seed oil to nourish and strengthen the skin barrier.

6. Oil Discovery Set

   As per the official website, the Oil Discovery Set includes three targeted facial oils that address different concerns. This set includes three 30 mL oils such as LAPIS Face Oil, PHOENIX Face Oil, and EMERALD Face Oil.

   LAPIS Face Oil in the Oil Discovery Set might help visibly calm irritation, balance oil production, and keep pores clear, while the PHOENIX Face Oil could help restore radiance and deeply moisturize dry or dull skin.

   The makers also added EMERALD Face Oil in this set, which might help soothe the rescue procedure for sensitive, stressed, and reactive skin. It features nourishing hemp seed oil, rich in omega fatty acids, which could help strengthen your skin barrier, and adaptogenic ashwagandha to help calm visible redness and support skin resilience.

   To use any of the oils, the official website highlights applying four to six drops to clean skin morning and night, after serums or moisturizers. Gently press into your face, avoiding the eye area, and allow the oil to absorb for one to three minutes before applying makeup or SPF.

7. PINK CLOUD Rosewater + Tremella Creamy Jelly Cleanser

   The PINK CLOUD Rosewater + Tremella Creamy Jelly Cleanser could help thoroughly remove makeup, dirt, and impurities without ever stripping or drying the skin. This cleanser effectively addresses common concerns like dryness and redness while supporting your skin’s natural barrier.

   As per the official website, The PINK CLOUD Rosewater + Tremella Creamy Jelly Cleanser’s pH-balanced composition, measured at 5.5, ensures that your complexion remains calm and comfortable after cleansing. It helps cleanse and replenish moisture, supporting your skin’s health and preparing it to better absorb the rest of your skincare.

   To use The PINK CLOUD Rosewater + Tremella Creamy Jelly Cleanser, makers advise to simply pump one to two times into wet palms, add water, and work into a gentle foam. Massage on the damp skin for 30 to 60 seconds, allowing the active ingredients to lift impurities and dissolve buildup.

   The PINK CLOUD Rosewater + Tremella Creamy Jelly Cleanser combines tremella mushroom, which can hold up to 500 times its weight in water, potentially providing deep hydration. It also has rose hydrosol, which could help calm redness and leave behind a delicate, naturally light rose aroma.

Herbivore Botanicals Advantages

1. Vegan And Ethical Sourcing

   Herbivore Botanicals claims that all its products are free from animal-derived ingredients, avoiding commonly used components like beeswax, lanolin, and carmine. The brand publicly commits to 100% vegan formulations and backs this with third-party certifications, including being Leaping Bunny Certified cruelty-free and EWG Verified. It also holds FSC Certification, reflecting responsible packaging choices. Herbivore formulates using plant-derived materials such as cold-pressed oils, steam-distilled essential oils, and GMO-free soy wax. Many of its raw materials are sourced within the U.S. to reduce carbon emissions tied to international transport and to maintain production oversight. The brand’s dual certification under PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies and the Leaping Bunny program confirms that neither ingredients nor finished products are tested on animals.

2. Minimalist And Transparent Design

   Herbivore Botanicals uses clear glass containers with white lids, giving you a direct view of each product’s texture and color. The soft pink tone of the Pink Cloud Soft Moisture Cream or the golden hue of the Nova 15% Vitamin C + Turmeric Brightening Serum are visible through the jar, which supports a sense of transparency and purity. This design choice makes the formulas feel more honest and helps you evaluate them at a glance.

   The labels are minimal, typically showing only the product name and one or two key ingredients in a clean sans-serif font. Products like Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Serum and Blue Tansy Resurfacing Clarity Mask are presented without exaggerated claims, bold slogans, or distracting visuals.

Herbivore Botanicals Limitations

1. Limited Retail Store Availability

   Herbivore Botanicals has limited in-store availability within the U.S., making product access more difficult if you’re not located near a major metro area. The brand partners primarily with select boutiques, spas, and clean beauty retailers such as The Detox Market (New York, Los Angeles, Santa Monica) and C.O. Bigelow (New York), as well as smaller independent locations like Levato Salon in Hinsdale, IL, and Driftwood Maui in Makawao, HI. However,

   Herbivore does not maintain a presence in national chains such as Sephora, Target, or Whole Foods, which limits visibility and convenience for shoppers who prefer mainstream retail channels. If you’re located outside these specific cities or regions, in-person access is unlikely, making online ordering through the official website the most practical option.

Herbivore Botanicals Alternative Brands

1. Dr Hauschka

   Dr. Hauschka and Herbivore Botanicals are both clean beauty brands, but they cater to different types of skincare users based on their philosophies, product offerings, and ingredient sourcing.

   As per its official website, Dr. Hauschka is rooted in anthroposophical medicine and holistic skincare, emphasizing biodynamic farming and rhythmic processing. Its formulations are NATRUE-certified and use over 90% botanicals from biodynamic gardens or ethical wild harvesting. Meanwhile, Herbivore Botanicals focuses on 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and non-toxic skincare made with sensorial, plant-based ingredients.

   In terms of product range, Dr. Hauschka offers a much broader and more diverse portfolio. It includes daily essentials like the Soothing Cleansing Milk ($39) and Daily Hydrating Eye Cream ($55), as well as anti-aging products such as the Revitalizing Day Cream and Night Serum ($48). It also features a specialized MED line for sensitive skin concerns, including the Ice Plant Face Cream ($50) and Ice Plant Intensive Cream ($55), which are clinically formulated for dry and eczema-prone skin.

   Dr. Hauschka also offers a full range of natural makeup, such as foundations, blushes, mascaras, and lipsticks, all NATRUE-certified and free from mineral oils and silicones. Body care options from this brand include the Shower Cream, which is available for $12, Stone Pine Sea Salt Cleansing Gel for $17, and Ice Plant Body Care Lotion for $50. The brand also provides accessories like brushes and sharpeners, as well as value-packed gift sets such as the Shower & Hair Care Ritual for $24.

   Herbivore Botanicals, by comparison, maintains a tighter focus on skincare and body care without branching into clinical or makeup categories. The brand offers face care products, including the Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Serum, priced at $56, known for targeting fine lines without irritation, and the Nova Vitamin C + Turmeric Brightening Serum, priced at $72, which addresses dullness and uneven tone. The Tremella Silky Hydration Gel Cream, priced at $48 from Herbivore Botanicals, provides mushroom-derived hydration, while the Blue Tansy Resurfacing Clarity Mask, also priced at $48, helps with acne-prone and oily skin. In body care, Herbivore Botanicals offers products like the Coco Rose Exfoliating Body Scrub for $38 and Calm Bath Salts for $22. Herbivore also offers skincare sets like the Glow Potion Discovery Set and minimalist accessories, but lacks specialized options for conditions like rosacea or eczema.

   Pricing structure further separates the two. Dr. Hauschka has a wider pricing spectrum, with entry-level products starting at $12 and advanced products and serums reaching up to $90. Herbivore generally stays in the $36–$72 range, with fewer budget-friendly or travel-size options. While both brands are positioned in the clean beauty space, Dr. Hauschka provides a more therapeutic and clinical-grade offering, whereas Herbivore focuses on sensorial, visually pleasing skincare aligned with current ingredient trends.

2. Image Skincare

   Herbivore Botanicals and Image Skincare serve distinctly different skincare audiences, grounded in opposing brand philosophies.

   Image Skincare is a clinical-grade, physician-formulated brand with a strong presence in professional environments like spas and medspas. Its formulations are rooted in dermatological science and focus on high-performance actives like retinol, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and stabilized Vitamin C. The brand follows a Clean Clinical™ philosophy, blending safe botanicals with lab-tested ingredients for targeted skin correction.

   On the other hand, Herbivore Botanicals claims to offer vegan and cruelty-free products. Its formulas rely heavily on plant-based actives such as bakuchiol (a gentle retinol alternative), tremella mushroom, blue tansy, turmeric, and rosehip oil, all chosen for their skin-soothing benefits.

   The product lineups of the two brands also diverge significantly. Image Skincare categorizes its products into tightly structured collections, each addressing a specific concern. For instance, Image Skincare’s VITAL C line may help brightening and hydrating (with products like the VITAL C Hydrating Facial Oil and Overnight Masque), while AGELESS and AGELESS+ focus on anti-aging through retinol and hyaluronic acid. The CLEAR CELL range targets acne-prone skin with products like the Salicylic Gel Cleanser and Restoring Serum, and ORMEDIC® caters to sensitive skin with pH-balanced botanicals. There’s also IMAGE MD®, a line reserved exclusively for licensed professionals, and PREVENTION+®, which includes broad-spectrum SPFs in various formats.

   Herbivore Botanicals takes a more minimalist, sensorial approach, offering a smaller but thoughtfully curated product range. Instead of rigid collections, the brand formulates multi-functional products that emphasize simplicity and ingredient purity. Herbivore Botanicals offers products like the NOVA Vitamin C + Turmeric Brightening Serum, the MOON FRUIT Bakuchiol + Peptides Retinol Alternative Serum, and the LAPIS Blue Tansy Facial Oil.

   The brand’s bath and body line featuring products like the COCO ROSE Exfoliating Body Scrub and CLOUD MILK Firming Body Cream adds a spa-like self-care element absent from Image Skincare’s more treatment-focused catalog.

   When it comes to accessibility, Image Skincare uses a dual-distribution model, selling both through licensed professionals and its official website, with certain lines like IMAGE MD® being restricted to professionals. It also offers a Subscribe & Save program and fast U.S. shipping. Herbivore Botanicals, in comparison, is entirely consumer-facing, available online and through clean beauty retailers like Credo Beauty and The Detox Market, with no professional exclusivity.

   Both brands offer a 30-day return policy, but with slight variations. Image Skincare only accepts unopened, unused items for a full refund and charges a 20% restocking fee after 30 days, while Herbivore processes returns within about 10 days and allows more flexibility, except for final-sale items.

   While Image Skincare focuses on clinical strength, targeted options, and professional-grade routines, Herbivore Botanicals provides products containing gentle actives and sustainable, cruelty-free beauty that aligns with a holistic lifestyle.

How Did We Evaluate Herbivore Botanicals?

1. Brand Credibility

   To evaluate Herbivore Botanicals, we looked at several key factors, including the brand’s history, longevity, customer feedback, and third-party credibility. Founded in 2011, Herbivore Botanicals focuses on plant-based, cruelty-free skincare and visually minimalist branding. The brand is stocked by major retailers like Sephora, which adds a layer of credibility through product vetting.

   However, concerns arise when examining its customer service record. The brand currently holds an “F” rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which typically reflects unresolved consumer complaints, lack of responsiveness, or poor handling of issues like shipping delays and damaged products.

   Herbivore Botanicals does not have a profile on Trustpilot, which limits access to transparent, third-party consumer reviews. This absence may suggest limited public engagement or a lack of proactive review collection.

   Taking these factors into account, the brand has a strong visual identity and retail presence, but its low BBB rating and lack of visibility on Trustpilot raise concerns about post-purchase support.

2. Refund Procedure And Policy

   When evaluating Herbivore Botanicals, we considered its return and refund policy to analyze if it is customer-centric.

   Herbivore Botanicals offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for products purchased directly through its website, which is a fairly standard practice. However, the policy has several limitations that could affect your experience if you’re not fully satisfied with a purchase. Final sale items, partial sets, and bundles can’t be returned, which may be inconvenient if you’re trying out a kit or curated set. Shipping costs aren’t refundable either, and the company doesn’t take responsibility for lost or stolen packages, something that places more risk on the customer.

   To initiate a return, you’re expected to use the Herbivore Returns Portal. If you can’t complete the process there, the brand directs you to contact them at [email protected], where their “Experience team” will assist. While gift returns are accepted, they are only eligible for store credit, not a full refund. Purchases from unauthorized retailers aren’t eligible for return or exchange at all.

   Herbivore Botanicals provides a structured but somewhat limited return policy. It covers basic concerns for direct buyers but lacks flexibility in areas like shipping protection and bundled purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are oils offered by Herbivore Botanicals too heavy for acne-prone skin?
   It depends. Herbivore Botanicals offers oils like Lapis that contain blue tansy, which may help calm blemishes, but the overall oil-based nature of the product might not suit very oily or congested skin.
2. Does Herbivore test their products for comedogenicity or dermatological safety?
   While Herbivore Botanicals claims to avoid pore-clogging ingredients and uses natural formulations, they don’t always cite clinical testing for comedogenicity or dermatologist approval. You must rely on ingredient transparency and personal testing.
3. Why doesn’t Herbivore use SPF in their moisturizers?
   Herbivore Botanicals avoids synthetic UV filters and heavy stabilizers in its moisturizers, required to maintain SPF efficacy. The brand offerings, like Pink Cloud Cream or Aquarius Moisturizer, are meant for hydration only, so sun protection must be added separately with a standalone mineral SPF.

Conclusion

Herbivore Botanicals is rooted in plant-based formulation, minimalist design, and ethical production practices. The brand emphasizes transparency, not only in its short, readable ingredient lists but also through its use of recyclable glass packaging, FSC-certified cartons, and third-party certifications including Leaping Bunny, EWG Verified, and PETA.

However, Herbivore’s formulation style may not suit everyone. The brand often uses aromatic essential oils and unbuffered natural actives, which can be more reactive on sensitive or compromised skin. As Herbivore does not conduct clinical trials or offer dermatologist-backed claims, product tolerability and outcomes may vary depending on your skin’s needs. Moreover, with limited physical retail presence in some areas, it may be harder to evaluate products in person before making a purchase.

If you’re considering Herbivore Botanicals, it helps to understand the brand’s overall approach, including its ingredient minimalism, sensory botanicals, and non-medicated skincare. This model encourages self-selection, which means you may need to assess compatibility based on your skin’s sensitivity, routine, and goals. For those with ongoing skin concerns or professional care plans, it’s worth consulting a dermatologist before introducing products from brands that follow this formulation philosophy.