Grove Collaborative, the startup known for its organic cleaning products, is getting into skincare. I tested out the new line and it worked surprisingly well on my sensitive skin.
Grove Collaborative is a company on a mission to bring customers environmentally-friendly home and beauty essentials.
Recently, it launched a new private label skincare line called Superbloom that's 100% vegan, relying on plant-based ingredients that are good for the consumer — and the planet. Neither the hydrating nor the clarifying products contain parabens, synthetic fragrances, phthalates, or silicones.
I tested four products from Superbloom — the gel cleanser, facial spray, serum, and cream — on my combination skin and spoke with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Daniel Sugai to understand the science behind the line, its actual benefits, and what to be cautious of.
My review of the Superbloom skincare line:
The Spotless Cleansing Gel
This cleanser is made with a coconut-derived surfactant, sugarcane extract, and green tea extract, which is an antioxidant superstar that allows the gel to clean gently while delivering anti-inflammatory benefits. For people with oily skin, a gel cleanser like this one can be especially beneficial, according to Dr. Sugai.
After weeks of using this gel cleanser, I've grown attached to it. The Superbloom Spotless Cleansing Gel goes on smoothly, quickly working into a low lather, and cleansing gently without stripping moisture. The overall result was soothing.
The Reviving Skin Soak Mist
This facial spray was designed to hydrate and nourish the skin. Main ingredients include moisturizing agents like rose extract and aloe vera juice as well as antioxidants like green tea and cactus flower extract.
Unlike other facial sprays I've tried, Mario Badescu's rose water spray, for example, this one comes out in a super fine mist and leaves a light coating. While I appreciated its lightweight feel, it also felt a bit sticky.
The Dew Infusion Moisturizing Cream
The Dew Infusion Moisturizing Cream is formulated with ingredients like sunflower seed oil, rose hip oil, and algae. Recommended for morning and nighttime use, this moisturizer, packaged in a pump container, is thick without feeling too rich.
In my experience, applying it as a thin layer allowed the product to absorb quickly without weighing down my skin or leaving me with an oily feeling. But, be wary of a heavy hand: When I applied a little too much, my skin felt greasy.
The Bounce Bak Bakuchiol Serum
This translucent "Bounce Bak" serum aims to deliver the benefits of retinol, including minimizing fine lines and evening skin tone, albeit with a retinol alternative, bakuchiol. Less abrasive and believed to deliver similar results, bakuchiol is a natural, plant-derived version of retinol that's a better option for sensitive skin.
I personally loved this serum. It smells amazing, absorbed quickly into my skin, and left me feeling hydrated.
Cons worth mentioning
Superbloom is touted as an affordable skincare line, but a $25 face cleanser and $39 serum aren't likely affordable to most people. "Clean beauty" (or products that tend to avoid common toxins, inflammatory ingredients, and carcinogens) usually comes with a higher price tag. Still, if you're in the market for a clean beauty brand, there are more budget-friendly options out there.
In addition, the key ingredient in the "Bounce Bak" serum poses environmental ethics concerns since bakuchiol is an extract from babchi plant seeds, and the babchi plant is endangered.
I personally liked the smell of these products, but it's worth noting essential oils are used for fragrance, and essential oils can lead to contact dermatitis. Dr. Sugai cautions that individuals can develop sensitivities and allergic reactions to essential oils.
"Not everyone's going to have an allergy to an essential oil, but a good amount of people will," Dr. Sugai said, drawing from his experience in-clinic. Just because something is organic or natural, he said, it doesn't mean it's good for you. He references poison ivy to make his point.
The bottom line
I liked these products overall and have been using them (though not exclusively) for over a month now. My skin can be sensitive, but I did not experience any irritation or breakouts. The gel cleanser is now a favorite that I'll keep in my routine.
Beyond the items I tried, there are a variety of other Superbloom products with positive reviews like the eye cream ($44) or vitamin C & E serum ($39)
All in all, Superbloom products contain a lot of beneficial ingredients — like aloe juice, green tea, and rosehip oil — and the entire line is 85% plastic-free and fully recyclable.