Naturium is a relatively new skincare brand, launched in early 2020 by beauty veteran Ben Bennett and skincare influencer Susan Yara.
The brand endured a tumultuous start after Yara violated FTC rules on her YouTube channel, Mixed Makeup, by promoting the brand months before their launch without disclosing her involvement in the company. In fact, when Yara was asked by one of her followers how she discovered the brand, she lied and said that Naturium sent her a PR mailer when they launched.
What are the Best Skin Care Products of 2024?
Yara has apologized for misleading her followers and explained that she did not disclose her status as cofounder because she wanted to receive unbiased feedback from her customers.
Despite the controversy, Naturium skincare products are quite popular. We believe this brand is gaining trust by being fully transparent with their product formulations, as well as taking the time to educate consumers on the ingredients in their products.
We love that Naturium skincare products include highly effective, evidence-based ingredients at an affordable cost. But can these products give you results? We’ll answer this question and more below.
What’s Inside Naturium Skincare?
Naturium focuses on using evidence-based ingredients in their products, for example, vitamin C, peptides, retinol, and niacinamide (just to name a few). These are very beneficial ingredients that should all be part of your skincare routine. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
Vitamin C
There’s no such thing as a miracle treatment when it comes to combating age, though vitamin C comes pretty close. It’s a powerful antioxidant that protects your skin from environmental free radical damage.
Vitamin C also helps fade dark spots, evens out skin tone, and increases radiance. As if that wasn’t enough, research suggests that when vitamin C is applied to the skin, it significantly reverses aging-related structural changes by influencing collagen and elastin synthesis.
It’s in Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum and Naturium Vitamin C Super Serum Plus.
But our favorite Vitamin C serum is Carrot & Stick The Defence Serum. It contains 3 distinct types of Vitamin C that work together to help fight free radical damage. We recommend using it every morning.
Peptides
As you age, your body’s production of collagen and elastin slows down. These two proteins are responsible for your skin’s structural support. As a result, the skin loses its natural plumpness and smoothness.
While collagen is necessary for maintaining youthful-looking skin, the collagen protein is too large to absorb into the skin topically. That’s why applying skin care products that contain collagen won’t provide the anti-aging benefits you’re looking for.
This is where peptides come into action. Peptides are the building blocks of protein, and they are easily absorbed into the deeper layers of skin due to their smaller size.
Naturium Multi-Peptide Eye Cream contains three peptides: palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, and palmitoyl tripeptide-5. These peptides stimulate the regeneration of collagen in the dermis and improve the epidermal barrier.
Another peptide serum we recommend is Carrot & Stick The Repair Serum. It contains 7 plant-based peptides to promote plumper and smoother-looking skin.
Retinol
Retinol is the go-to anti-aging ingredient recommended by dermatologists and skin experts. It’s one of the best ingredients for improving signs of skin aging, such as reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, minimizing pore size, increasing skin firmness, improving skin tone and texture, and more.
While retinol provides many benefits to the skin, it’s also known to cause side effects like skin dryness and irritation.
Naturium Retinol Complex Serum is formulated with a photostable, synergistic blend of encapsulated retinol, a natural bio-retinol, and bakuchiol, a plant-derived retinol alternative. The combination of these ingredients is said to provide the benefits of retinoids — but without the irritation.
It’s best to use retinoids at night. We recommend this retinoid oil serum. It contains Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, an ingredient that provides similar benefits with less irritation.
Niacinamide
Another multi-tasking ingredient found throughout the Naturium line is niacinamide, the amide form of vitamin B3 that’s known to repair the skin barrier and improve skin moisture, as well as reduce inflammation, blotchiness, hyperpigmentation, acne, and wrinkling.
It’s used in Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2% and Naturium Niacinamide Gel Cream 5%.
What Are The Top 10 Best Naturium Skincare Products?
At the time of writing this review, Naturium offers a line of more than 30 skincare products, including serums, creams, facial oils, cleansers, exfoliants, eye creams, and more. Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 best Naturium skincare products.
Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%
If you’re looking for the brand’s most buzzed-about product, look no further: the Niacinamide Plus Zinc Serum is it!
This concentrated serum is formulated with 12% niacinamide and 2% zinc PCA, similar to The Ordinary Niacinamide + Zinc. While anyone can benefit from a niacinamide serum, this ingredient is ideal for those with congested skin, dullness, and/or uneven skin tone.
Niacinamide is the amide form of vitamin B3 (niacin) that provides many benefits to the skin. For instance, a publication in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, states that niacinamide can repair the skin barrier and improve skin moisture, as well as reduce inflammation, blotchiness, hyperpigmentation, acne, and wrinkling.
Niacinamide also has antimicrobial and sebostatic effects, meaning it can help protect against the bacteria that cause acne while also helping to reduce oil production. And guess what? Zinc PCA has these same properties! So the combination of these ingredients really helps to tackle excess oil and congestion.
Last but not least, the formula offers a few hydrating ingredients, such as glycerin and sodium hyaluronate, as well as dimethicone (a type of silicone) to impart a silky smooth texture.
Bottom Line: Naturium Niacinamide Serum Plus Zinc combines the multi-tasking ingredient niacinamide with the acne-fighting powers of Zinc PCA, making this a serum that can benefit all skin types, but especially those with congested skin.
Naturium Niacinamide Gel Cream 5%
A moderate concentration (5%) of niacinamide is combined with coconut fruit juice and marine-derived polysaccharides in this moisturizer, promising to give you a poreless, dewy, glass-like look.
There’s quite a few synthetic polymers in the formula, such as Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer — that’s a mouthful isn’t it? While this ingredient may be hard to pronounce, it’s function is simple: create an elegant gel texture that allows the product to spread onto skin smoothly without feeling tacky or sticky.
The moisturizer also contains quite a few moisture-binding ingredients, such as several types of algae, humectants, and sodium hyaluronate. Since the formula doesn’t contain many emollients, it’s best for those with normal, combination, and oily skin types. If you have dry skin, you will likely need a moisturizer with more emollients and barrier-replenishing ingredients.
Bottom Line: Naturium Niacinamide Gel Cream combines 5% niacinamide with moisture-binding ingredients, making this moisturizer ideal for normal, combination, and oily skin types.
Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum
The vitamin C complex in this serum consists of a highly stabilized L-ascorbic acid encapsulation, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, and bioactive fruit blend.
Regardless of what form of vitamin C is used in the formula, all vitamin C derivatives are converted to ascorbic acid after being absorbed into the skin. Ascorbic acid is a potent antioxidant that protects skin from free radicals while also helping to fade dark spots and promote a brighter complexion.
The serum also includes vitamin E, which is great because the antioxidant activity of vitamin E can actually become more powerful when combined with vitamin C. For this reason, vitamins C and E are referred to as “network antioxidants”.
A publication in the journal
Dermatologic Therapy explains, “because vitamin C regenerates oxidized vitamin E, the combination in a cosmeceutical formulation is synergistic – particularly in UV protection.”
Lastly, there are several hydrating ingredients in this serum, including aloe vera leaf juice and sodium hyaluronate.
Bottom Line: Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum combines several different forms of vitamin C with vitamin E and hydrating ingredients, resulting in a serum that brightens, hydrates, and firms skin.
Naturium Vitamin C Super Serum Plus
This multi-tasking serum combines vitamin C (in the form of ascorbic acid) with niacinamide, retinol, sodium hyaluronate, and salicylic acid to help brighten, smooth, firm and target the look of fine lines while shielding skin from environmental stressors.
And based on the Naturium reviews, this serum really does live up to these claims. For instance, one review says, “Been using this for a couple weeks now and it’s made a huge difference. My pores are visibly smaller and less intense. And I’ve noticed I get a nice glowy look without getting oily. Gives plenty of moisture and skin feels absolutely soft. I get many compliments on my skin now and can go without wearing makeup. Definitely recommend.”
Bottom Line: A facial serum that combines some of the best skincare ingredients into one formula in order to brighten, smooth, firm and target the look of fine lines.
Naturium Retinol Complex Serum
If you’re trying to prevent or reduce signs of skin aging, then you’ve probably heard that it’s a good idea to add a retinol serum into your nightly routine. Maybe you’ve tried a retinol product, but you’ve experienced the common (yet annoying) side effects of retinol, like skin dryness and peeling. If so, then the Naturium Retinol Complex Serum could be a good option for you.
That’s because this serum is formulated with a photostable, synergistic blend of encapsulated retinol, a natural bio-retinol, and bakuchiol, a plant-derived retinol alternative. The combination of these ingredients is said to provide the benefits of retinoids — but without the irritation.
Plus, there are additional supporting ingredients in this serum, like murumuru seed butter, cotton fruit water, sodium hyaluronate, and vitamin E. Together, these should help to tackle multiple skin concerns, such as dryness, dullness, and fine lines.
Bottom Line: A retinol serum that combines encapsulated retinol, a natural bio-retinol, and bakuchiol in order to combat signs of aging.
Naturium Azelaic Acid 10%
This lightweight liquid features 10% azelaic acid, a naturally occurring acid produced by a yeast that’s part of normal skin flora. While azelaic acid isn’t as buzzed-about as hyaluronic acid or glycolic acid, we think it should be!
That’s because azelaic acid is a true multi-tasker. Research demonstrates that azelaic acid can help reduce acne, improve rosacea, fade hyperpigmentation, brighten skin tone, and more. It works by normalizing the shedding of dead skin cells and opening the follicle. It has also been shown to prevent the growth of acne bacteria.
According to a publication in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, both in vitro and in vivo it has an antimicrobial effect on both aerobic and anaerobic (Propionibacterium acnes) microorganisms.
Bottom Line: While all skin types can benefit from Naturium Azelaic Acid 10%, it’s best for those with congestion, redness, dullness, and discoloration.
Naturium BHA Liquid Exfoliant 2%
This leave-on liquid exfoliant features a 2% concentration of encapsulated salicylic acid, a type of beta hydroxy acid (BHA). Salicylic acid is an excellent ingredient for tackling dullness, acne, and clogged pores.
It works by exfoliating the pore lining, which loosens clogged dirt and oil. It also has the ability to dissolve keratin, the protein that acts as a “glue” to keep dead skin cells together in the stratum corneum. This is effective because dead skin cells can build up on the surface of your skin, leaving it looking dull and also possibly clogging pores.
Naturium BHA Liquid Exfoliant also includes a bioactive complex of indiginous Australian lime extracts, including caviar lime, desert lime, and rainforest lime, which naturally exfoliate the skin. Paired with salicylic acid, these extracts regenerate and tone the skin, fading post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and enhancing skin radiance.
Bottom Line: Naturium BHA Liquid Exfoliant includes 2% of the BHA salicylic acid, which promotes exfoliation and encourages cellular growth, resulting in smoother, clearer skin.
Naturium Multi-Peptide Eye Cream
This creamy, lightweight eye cream immediately helps to soothe, hydrate, and soften the skin thanks to emollients like jojoba oil and squalane, as well as humectants like panthenol and sodium hyaluronate.
Over time, the Naturium Eye Cream should help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles due to the inclusion of three peptides in this formula: palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, and palmitoyl tripeptide-5. These peptides stimulate the regeneration of collagen in the dermis and improve the epidermal barrier.
Bottom Line: A lightweight eye cream that helps to reduce signs of aging thanks to the combination of three peptides.
Naturium Quadruple Hyaluronic Acid Serum 5%
The term “quadruple” is used in the name of this serum because of the four different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid in the formula, which include very low, low, medium and high molecular weight pure hyaluronic acid.
The purpose of using varying molecular weights of hyaluronic acid is due to the structure of hyaluronic acid; it’s simply too large of a molecule to penetrate the skin. Products that use just one form of hyaluronic acid can draw moisture out of the lower layers of skin, thereby temporarily making the surface feel soft and hydrated.
By using varying molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, Naturium Quadruple Hyaluronic Acid Serum offers multi-depth hydration and visible plumping — not just temporary surface hydration.
Bottom Line: Naturium Quadruple Hyaluronic Acid Serum includes four different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid in order to provide multi-depth hydration and visible plumping.
Naturium Intense Overnight Sleeping Cream
If you’re struggling with dry patches or dullness, or your skin could just use an extra dose of hydration, then a sleeping cream (also called a sleeping mask) is the way to go.
Sleeping creams are designed to be applied as the final step of your skincare routine in order to lock in moisture while also creating a permeable seal on top of your skin to help the products underneath it penetrate better.
The Naturium Intense Overnight Sleeping Cream creates this seal with ingredients like plant-based triglycerides, squalane, and phospholipids. Together, these ingredients create a soft, non-sticky layer over the skin, thereby reducing moisture loss overnight and supplying plenty of nutrients to the skin.
Bottom Line: A sleeping cream that soothes, nourishes, and helps skin stay hydrated, resulting in soft, dewy skin by morning.
Is Naturium Niacinamide Serum Plus Zinc Right For You?
Before purchasing the Naturium Niacinamide Serum Plus Zinc, here’s a summary of the most important factors to consider:
- Key ingredients? Niacinamide and zinc PCA
- Skin type? All skin types; ideal for enlarged pores, uneven texture, congestion, and oily skin
- Texture? Lightweight serum
- Fragrance? No
- Cruelty free? Yes
- Cost? $16 USD for 1 fl oz
How Much Do Naturium Skincare Products Cost?
Naturium is a mid-priced brand; the products are slightly more than your average drugstore product, yet they are far more affordable than luxury brands like Drunk Elephant and SK-II.
Just to give you an idea of the current prices of these products, the Naturium Niacinamide Serum Plus Zinc costs $16 USD for 1 fl oz, and the Naturium Vitamin C Super Plus Serum costs $25 USD for 1 fl oz.
Where to Buy Naturium Skincare Products?
Naturium skincare products are sold on the brand’s website, as well as a few third party online retailers, such as Amazon and Target.
What is The Naturium Return Policy?
The Naturium return policy states, “Naturium.com offers a 90-day satisfaction guarantee on regularly priced items only. If you are unsatisfied with your regularly priced purchase from naturium.com for any reason within 90 days of your original purchase date, you may return the unused portion of your purchase for a full refund of the purchase price, less original shipping fees.”
Is Naturium Cruelty Free?
Naturium is cruelty free. The brand does not test their ingredients or finished products on animals, and neither do their suppliers or any third-parties. In addition, Naturium skincare products are not sold in countries where animal testing is required by law.
Is Naturium Vegan?
Some Naturium skincare products may be suitable for vegans, but the line is not 100% vegan because the brand lists honey in their Ingredient Library.
Naturium Reviews
Naturium reviews on the brand’s website are overall very positive. The product with the most reviews is the Naturium Niacinamide Plus Zinc Serum, which has received nearly 600 customer reviews.
The positive reviews for the Naturium Niacinamide Plus Zinc Serum mention how it works well for a variety of skin concerns, from acne to uneven skin tone and more.
For example, one review says, “Saw this recommended on youtube for fungal acne (small bumps) around my forehead and chin, and since it was so affordable I took the leap. It’s been just over a week since I started using it and I am blown away by the results! Acne has completely gone down, my skin tone seems more even and brighter too. It doesn’t dry me out or leave anything other than soft smooth skin as a base for makeup. SO happy with this product!”
And another 5-star review says, “This product did not disappoint. It’s not sticky and blends well with other products on my face. It feels good on my face and I noticed my skin has improved. Love this and will buy again”
However, there are a handful of negative reviews for the Naturium Niacinamide Plus Zinc Serum from customers who experienced breakouts after using this serum. Some customers say their skin looks worse than it did before using this serum.
For example, one review says, “I’ve been using this cream, along with the vitamin c super serum and niacinamide and my skin is worse than when I started. My skin problem was dark spots and my skin has consistently broke out, and been SUPER oily. I didn’t have oily skin before starting these products and my skin was not breaking out.”
And a similar 1-star review says, “I had been using The Ordinary’s Niacinamide and it really improved my skin. I tried the Naturium and my acne came back worse than before. I stuck with it for 3 months and it just got worse and worse.”
Our Verdict
Overall, we think the Naturium skin care products are formulated well. We like that all of the products are fragrance free and that the formulas contain high concentrations of the key ingredients.
Pros
- Products contain high concentrations of evidence-based ingredients (niacinamide, vitamin C, retinol, etc.)
- Products are fragrance free
- Many positive Naturium reviews
- Naturium is cruelty free
- Affordable
Cons
- Some Naturium reviews mention breakouts after using these products
What Are Some Alternatives to Naturium Skincare Products?
There’s no need to compromise when it comes to finding skincare that’s effective and safe.
If you’re looking for effective skincare products that skip harmful toxins, one brand we recommend is Carrot & Stick.
Carrot & Stick is committed to creating plant-derived formulas that deliver extraordinary results without relying on toxic chemicals or standard preservatives.
Carrot & Stick takes a tough love approach to skincare, perfectly balancing the gentle nurturing of plants with innovative science.
References:
J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2010 Feb; 3(2): 22–41
Dermatol Ther Sep-Oct 2007;20(5):314-21.
J Am Acad Dermatol 1987 Dec;17(6):1033-41.
