Apoterra Plant and Mineral Based Skincare: Neroli Toner & Jojoba Facial Oil

SUMMARY: Apoterra's all-natural toner and facial oil help to clarify skin, prevent blemishes, and moisturize through the power of plant- and mineral-based skincare.

ABOUT THE BRAND: Previously known as Caru Skincare Co, Apoterra Skincare is an apothecary based in NYC devoted to helping solve adult skincare issues like dry skin, adult acne, and premature aging holistically, while doing it in a transparent and sustainable way.  

Their effective and affordable skincare products enhance daily skincare rituals through aromatherapy and sensorial beauty. Specializing in healing the skin holistically by rebalancing dry and break-out prone skin back to a healthy glow, they handcraft every product with care, using only fresh and sustainably sourced ingredients. All formulations are based in a blend of herbalism, aromatherapy, and scientific research to provide the highest quality plant + mineral based skincare. 

BEAUTY ALMANAC TESTED

Neroli Clarifying Toner

USE: "This antioxidant-rich vitamin c toner will give your skin a well-deserved boost while simultaneously fighting off blemishes. Thyme, neroli, and willow bark extract reduce blemishes by increasing cell turnover, fighting off bad bacteria that cause acne breakouts, and minimizing the occurrence of clogged pores and inflammation. Green tea provides free-radical fighting antioxidants. Aloe vera cools and soothes, reducing redness and inflammation. Cell-communicating ingredients such as vitamin C and niacinamide enhance skin’s elasticity and barrier function to improve your skin’s tone resulting in a clarified and healthy complexion.

This vitamin c toner has [a] deep floral aroma of orange blossom, immortelle blooms and rock rose water is calming to the nerves and uplifting to the spirits (who doesn’t need a little boost sometimes?)" ApoterraSkincare.com

I've used this toner a few times now both at night after cleansing with my dermatologist's own facial wash and in the middle of the day to help with excess sweat during a brutal Florida summer. One of the reasons I reach for toners in extreme weather is that my skin tends to suffer when sweat clogs my pores; a product like Apoterra's Neroli Toner helps combat breakouts while simultaneously nourishing it.

Marlen's Tip: Keep your toner in the fridge for a cooling spray of hyrdation!

AROMA & TEXTURE: The texture is a non-greasy liquid that quickly evaporates from skin without leaving any kind of sticky or noticeable residue. The aroma is the result of the natural ingredients and no additional "perfume" has been added. As such, this doesn't smell all that fantastic but I'm also not adding any mystery chemicals to my already sensitive skin. The aroma is basically that of green tea, thyme and orange blossom in their dried, herbal states. Luckily, the fragrance is not all that strong and doesn't linger longer than 15-20 seconds.

INGREDIENTS: Distillates of Citrus aurantium (neroli)*, Helichrysum italicum (immortelle)*, Cistus ladaniferus (rock rose)* and Thymus vulgaris (thyme)*. Camellia sinensis (Green Tea)* and water (aqua), Aloe barbadensis leaf*, Salix alba (willow) bark extract*, glycerin*, phospholipid, sodium ascorbyl phosphate (vitamin C), niacinamide (vitamin B3), leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate *certified organic

ABOUT THE PACKAGING: Apoterra's toners are packaged in simple brown glass apothecary bottles with pump sprays.

WHERE CAN I BUY IT? $39 USD for 4 ozs at ApoterraSkincare.com.

PROS & CONS: Apoterra's products are free of parabens, phthalates, mineral oil and artificial fragrances. The toner is a vegan, gluten-free product that is not tested on animals (the labels sport the leaping bunny logo for cruelty-free products). The price is quite high compared to similar supermarket products and those with sensitive skin may want to patch test first.

The reviews on the Apoterra website are overwhelmingly enthusiastic. At Amazon.com there are a few reports of skin sensitivity:

"The ingredient list reads like a dream, and I was very excited to try out the toner. Sadly, if you have sensitive skin, you may also have the same reaction as me - a rash that itches for what seems like forever that is accompanied by a dual experience of tight skin and facial bloat (not good for skin that has creping and fine lines in the long run). If you do not have sensitive skin, this seems like it could be a great product because of the ingredients."

and another reviewer wrote:

"Great product! Really balances out my face during that time of the month when it's super oily and calms any developing blemishes. It does have a strong scent from the neroli but my skin is ok with that. "

Apoterra Simple Facial Oil

USE: "This unscented facial oil is the perfect multi-purpose lightweight moisturizer for daily use. We infuse jojoba oil, a lightweight oil that absorbs quickly and is extremely high in vitamin E, with skin healing flowers. To this, we add a little linoleic-rich safflower oil for its balancing and blemish busting properties. We formulated this facial oil without essential oils, so this simple and scentless moisturizer is perfect for those with sensitive skin." ApoterraSkincare.com

I used this after the toner to help add moisture to my skin and reduce flaking (from sun-exposure). I thought that it might leave my skin a bit greasy but I was surprised by its fast absorption after patting it on face and sclap (I've got a shaved head) with fingers. I'm still learning how much to use as I'm tempted to keep slathering on more and more!

AROMA & TEXTURE: This is a lightweight jojoba oil without any scent.

INGREDIENTS: Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) oil* infused with Matricaria recutita (chamomile)*, Calendula officinalis*, and Symphytum officinale (comfrey)*, Carthamus tinctorius (safflower) oil* *certified organic

ABOUT THE PACKAGING: Apoterra's oils are packaged in simple brown glass apothecary bottles with pump sprays.

WHERE CAN I BUY IT? $24 USD for a 1oz bottle at ApoterraSkincare.com.

PROS & CONS: Apoterra's products are free of parabens, phthalates, mineral oil and artificial fragrances. The facial oil is a vegan, gluten-free product that is not tested on animals (the labels sport the leaping bunny logo for cruelty-free products). The price is quite high compared to similar supermarket products.

The reviews on the Apoterra website are overwhelmingly enthusiastic. At external sites such as Petitvour.com, reviews are similarly positive:

"I just recently started using facial oils as moisturizer. (I can't believe I never knew that oils don't actually clog pores!) I've been using this oil every night for about a week now, and every morning I wake up with super soft skin. I love it!"

Products mentioned in article

Apoterra Neroli Clarifying Toner with Vitamin C and Green Tea

Apoterra Simple Facial Oil with Jojoba and Flowers

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)