HERBIVORE Prism Exfoliating Glow Potion Review

When Herbivore released their PRISM in July, I knew I wanted to try it from what it was marketed as. I enjoy using fruit acids for gentle exfoliation much more than salycilic acid. This serum boasts having a super lightweight texture that features a rainbow of natural fruit acids and hydrators to exfoliate, smooth and clarify skin. The natural 5% fruit acid blend contains a mixture of Malic, Lactic, Glycolic and Citric Acid. The serum does not contain pure Vitamin C, but does contains Kakadu Plum which is very rich in Vitamin C (twice the amount of an orange). The Kakadu Plum really interests me, it's a fruit i've never heard of and seems to be full of benefits when eaten an used in skincare. 

THOUGHTS
I've got rough skin, minor acne and lots of post acne red marks and this serum is gentle enough to
work on my skin without causing issues. I find it to be very gentle, I could probably use it daily without drying out my skin. I've not experienced tingly, dryness or skin purging. Acid 'Virgin' skin or sensitive skin may experience slight tingling that should go away with use. Be sure to not use this serum in the daytime and to wear sun protection as acids make the skin more delicate to sun damage. This serum has a tacky and lightweight feel on skin which I LOVE. Other products layer on top of it perfectly - there is no piling. I do recommend keeping this serum in it's box as the glass is clear so will probably degrade the vitamin c and other antioxidants contained within it. UPDATE: The bottle has oxidized significantly. Herbivore says:

Please note: As all of our products are made with natural ingredients and do not contain synthetic color stabilizers, it's normal for them to vary and change in color over time. In the case of Prism, it may change to a deep amber which is just due to the presence of Vitamin C in Kakadu Plum extract, which is naturally a vibrant gold color.

ACIDS
Apple Extract: Malic Acid
Bilberry Extract: Lactic Acid
Sugarcane: Glycolic Acid
Orange Fruit Extract: Citric Acid
Willow Bark: Beta Hydroxy Acid

VITAMIN C
Kakadu Plum

BASE/HYDRATORS
Aloe Vera Leaf Juice
Vegan Sodium Hyaluronate
Rose Flower Water
Glycerin

PRESERVATIVE
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Aspen Bark Extract

PRESERVATIVES

Skincare nerd alert.

At first glance, there seems to be no preservative but there are 2 natural preservatives. Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate and Aspen Bark Extract are fairly high on the ingredient list which leads me to think that they need to be used in higher concentration to inhibits bacteria etc growth in this water, juice and glycerin containing serum. Both ingredients are low irritation, but the Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate leaves me with some questions. Studies on brand name Leucidal Liquid showed the whole reason the product be an effective preservative was that it was laced with salicylic acid and didecyldimethylammonium salts which are health concerns.You can read more about it in this blog post. However Herbivore might not use the brand name Leucidal Liquid, they might use an alternative (which has not been studied the way the brand name Leucidal Liquid has been). The Radish Root Fermaent Filrate may be harmless and effective and it may be not. If it was possible, I would prefer they could have used something like vitamin e or phenoxyethanol that are more well known about. 

UPDATE: Herbivore uses a form of Leucidal Liquid that is Salicylate free, GMO free and no ethoxylation, irradiation, sulphonation, hydrogenation, or ethylene oxide is used in processing. It is made to comply with the California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986.

FINAL
UPDATE: I haven't noticed any change in my skin. I've re-considered the ingredients and their effectiveness and i'm not really impressed for the price. I recommend going to beautypedia and individually looking up the ingredients and you'll see what I mean. A lot of the ingredients are good but not very effective for exfoliation. Then there are the sensitizing ingredients, orange peel and lemon peel extract. For the price, I would want to invest in perfection.

This serum is $80 CAD and $62 USD.

best serum to face PIH post inflammatory hyperpigmentation acne marks red spots dark spots. new at sephora 2018. is herbivore prism safe/ cruelty free brands at sephora. tati. the honeybee.

*Pr samples sent for reviewing purposes. These are also affiliate links which means if you make a purchase through them, I make a small commission at no cost to you. The money I make from affiliate links helps support my blog. Thank you so much if you ever shop through my links!!