L'Erbolario Fern Aftershave Fluid with Extracts of Maidenhair Fern, Polypody and Aloe

BEAUTY ALMANAC TESTED

SUMMARY: L'Erbolario's newly improved formula for its Fern Aftershave Fluid contains an array of moisturizing and calming essences while offering a subtle yet persistent aroma of the brand's Fern fragrance.

ABOUT THE BRAND: Since 1978, L'Erbolario has produced a wide range of cosmetics, fragrances and bath/beauty products for the whole family made with high percentages of plant-derived, functional substances. From their headquarters in Lodi, Italy, they have pioneered cruelty-free, ethical products while focusing on environmental sustainability.

USE: Not only do I use the Fern Aftershave Fluid after shaving, I use it as a regular moisturizing balm for face, neck and scalp. It immediately soothes razor-burned skin and helps prevent bumps and redness.

"Every morning, your skin will soon forget you have shaved, thanks to the freshness of the invigorating fragrance of Ferns, and especially thanks to the plant ingredients of the formulation which help restore your skin’s physiological well-being. After applying the Aftershave Fluid to face and neck, it is a pleasure to discover that any reddening is quickly soothed, through the normalising and moisturising action of Unpasteurised Birch Sap, Pro-vitamin B5 and Alpha Bisabolol. The feeling of softness and comfort comes next, ensured by three ingredients with their elasticising power, i.e. from Blackcurrant, Grape-seed and Wheat germ. An application of vitality that helps preserve the youth of your skin, protecting it from premature ageing: all thanks to Vitamin E from Soybean and the highly effective Extracts of Polypody and Maidenhair Fern, with their recognised antioxidant action. Topping off all this well-being is a strongly aromatic scent, reminiscent of a completely natural re-awakening, in the fresh shade of the woods." Erbolario.com

AROMA & TEXTURE: The prominent aroma of Fern Aftershave Fluid is similar to 1995's JPG Le Male composed by Francis Kurkdjian:

"Invigorating woody notes of Ferns, White Thyme, Artemisia, Violet Leaves and Cinnamon peel combined with the fruity soul of Bergamot, Mandarin leaves, Key Lime, Water Mint, as well as the rich pulp of Melon, Watermelon and Pineapple, and finishing off with woody and mossy accents. Fresh, sophisticated and subtle, finally a high definition perfume for men." Erbolario.com

The texture is a silky, light balm that absorbs quickly without leaving any greasy residue. Likewise, a little goes a long way.

NUMBER OF TIMES TESTED: Three times from samples I received with other L'Erbolario purchases.

INGREDIENTS: Characteristic functional substances include "Extract of Polypody, Extract of Maidenhair Fern and Aloe, Unpasteurised Birch Sap, Blackcurrant Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Wheat Germ Oil, Unsaponifiable Fraction of Olive Oil, Vitagen F, Alpha Bisabolol, Pro-vitamin B5, Vitamin E from Soybean."

ABOUT THE PACKAGING: The 100ml transparent, emerald green, glass bottle is an easy to use pump bottle with protective cap, housed in a simple box made of recycled paper.

WHERE CAN I BUY IT? ~£23 or $36 USD for a 100ml pour bottle at Amazon UK and US respectively.

PROS & CONS: With no parabens or mineral oil and including an impressive array of plant-derived ingredients, the formula is a pleasure to use not just for after shaving, but any time. The aroma is gentle but persistent and works well with a range of popular fragrances such as the Le Male line and similar lavender-cinnamon-bergamot dominant aromas with citrus, fruits, herbs, and woods. I like the company's self-described values and avoidance of animal testing.

Cons include difficulty finding the product outside of Europe though there is now a retailer in Miami, Florida for those in the USA - The-Herbarium.com - wishing to order. The price is significantly higher than most drugstore brands though still lower than many department store designer brands.

THE BOTTOM LINE: An affordable moisturizing after shave balm that smells great and actually works without leaving any greasy residue and without inclusion of parabens.

Products mentioned in article

L'Erbolario Fern Aftershave Fluid

Marlen Elliot Harrison

Dr. Marlen Elliot Harrison’s journalism in the fragrance industry has appeared in international print and online publications such as Playboy...(more)