Origins skin care review

Origins is a skin care brand founded in the 1990s by William Lauder, the grandson of Estee Lauder. He created the brand as a call for cleaner products that use what nature has to offer. That’s why the company’s slogan is “Powered by nature. Proven by science.” Origins products are always free of parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, formaldehyde, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), mineral oil, petrolatum, paraffin, diethanolamine (DEA), polyethylene beads and animal ingredients (except cruelty-free honey and beeswax). Every Origins product is 100% vegetarian. So they have a strong philosophy of sustainability. But they also claim their philosophy never compromises the performance of the products. So do Origins products live up to the company’s claims? Are they as good as the hype would have you believe? Our Origins skin care review looks at a few of the most popular Origins products to find out.

Origins Clear Improvement moisturizer

The oil-free, all-day Origins Clear Improvement Pore Clearing Moisturizer is good for all skin types. But salicylic acid makes it especially good for acne-prone skin. Many users noted fewer blemishes after eight weeks of regular use. Those who did not notice a reduction in blemishes, said that it was still an effective moisturizer. This is due to sodium hyaluronate, glycerin and squalene which work to provide all-day moisture. Bamboo charcoal draws impurities out of the skin and also works as an exfoliant to clear away dead skin. Some users claim that this moisturizer had the reverse effect on their skin, causing their blemishes to worsen. But most users say this is an effective, light-weight moisturizer that reduces blemishes and breakouts.

Origins Clear Improvement charcoal face mask

The Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask to Clear Pores was one of the first Origins products. It’s a purifying mask designed to unclog and lessen the appearance of pores, detox skin and dissolve impurities. One of its main ingredients is bamboo charcoal. This is a porous powder called “nature’s magnet” because it draws out dirt, oil and other impurities. The addition of white clay, glycerin and myrtle water helps keep skin from drying out after using the mask. Many users said it leaves their skin smoother and clearer after a few uses. While it is one of the brand’s staples and most popular items, some users say it caused a dry, itchy rash to form on their skin. If this happens, stop using the product.

Origins Mega-Mushroom Relief face mask

Celebrity doctor and alternative medicine advocate Dr. Andrew Weil created the Mega-Mushroom Relief & Resilience Soothing Face Mask for Origins. It’s a resilience-boosting treatment mask that reduces visible redness while hydrating and soothing skin. It contains natural superfoods like reishi mushroom, sea buckthorn and fermented chaga. Users say it reduces the appearance of fine lines and dark spots and generally soothes and brightens the skin. It’s good for most skin types and especially good for sensitive skin. Some users with acne-prone skin have said it isn’t the best choice since it is high in plant oils. Due to its ingredients, it does have a strong smell, but it fades fast and leaves skin looking and feeling fresh and bright.

Origins Super Spot Remover acne gel

Origins’ Super Spot Remover Acne Treatment Gel is an acne spot treatment gel suitable for all skin types that fights acne blemishes and control oil. It also works to correct lingering discoloration from blemishes for even clearer skin.  It uses salicylic acid to clear pores of debris and excess oil that cause breakouts and caffeine and red algae to reduce redness, and you only need a very small amount for it to be effective. Most who use it say it works almost immediately at clearing up spots, but some claim it makes no difference on acne, stings when you apply it to your skin and even irritates the skin leaving a rash behind.

Origins Ginzing eye cream

The Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream to Brighten and Depuff is an eye cream suitable for all skin types and designed to diminish the look of dark circles and depuff under your eyes. It uses ginseng and magnolia extract, antioxidants that improve your skin’s tone and texture, and caffeine, which is anti-inflammatory and improves circulation, to give you a bright, wide-awake look with the absence of undereye bags and puffiness. The cream is lightweight and not oily so it absorbs into the skin fast, and a little goes a long way. Unlike many other eye creams, it also has a light tint and slight shimmer for added under-eye brightness. While most users noted its positive effects immediately or within a week of regular use, some users with sensitive skin noted irritation and even chemical burns. If any irritation occurs, you should stop using it immediately.

Final thoughts

These Origins products do seem to live up to their promise, at least for most users, but keep in mind that everyone’s skin is different and what works for one person may not be the right product for you. When finding the best product for your skin, some trial and error is always involved. When using new products, if you experience any adverse effects or irritations stop use immediately.