Provence Beauty is a beauty brand that offers face, body, bath, and hair care products at affordable prices. They market themselves as a clean beauty brand because their products are “non-toxic, highly effective, and safe”.
However, keep in mind “clean” and “non-toxic” are really just buzzwords that have been thrown around the industry for years now. Since there’s still no universally agreed-upon criteria for what makes a product “clean”, we’ll have to determine this for ourselves by digging deep into the product formulations.
And that’s exactly what we’ll do in this Provence Beauty review. Below we’ll cover the formulation details, including the key ingredients in Provence Beauty skincare products and the research that supports (or doesn’t support) their use in skincare.
We’ll also share some Provence Beauty reviews so that you can get an idea of what customers really think of these products.
What Are The Top 8 Best Provence Beauty Skincare Products?
Provence Beauty offers everything that you would need to create a complete skin care routine, including cleansers, toners, moisturizers, serums, and more. Here’s a breakdown of the top 8 best Provence Beauty skincare products.
Provence Beauty Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C is an ingredient that should be part of everyone’s skincare routine — regardless of age or skin type. It’s a powerful antioxidant that protects your skin from environmental free radical damage from sources like UV rays, pollution, and smoke.
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. A vitamin C serum is the best way to deliver this active ingredient into the deeper layers of your skin.
The Provence Beauty Vitamin C Serum combines pure vitamin C (ascorbic acid) with other key ingredients like aloe vera, sodium hyaluronate, glycolic acid, green tea leaf extract, and panthenol (pro-vitamin B5).
Unfortunately, the brand does not disclose the percentage of ascorbic acid in this serum (most brands will give you this information, like with SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic you know you’re getting 15% L-ascorbic acid combined with 1% vitamin E and 0.5% ferulic acid).
Another problem is the inclusion of fragrance ingredients in this serum, such as orange peel oil and limonene, which have the potential to cause skin sensitivity reactions.
Plus, after reading some Provence Beauty reviews for this product, we noticed that many customers dislike the consistency of this serum because it’s too thin and watery.
Bottom Line: A basic vitamin C serum with a thin, watery texture that should help to brighten the complexion, but keep in mind the formula contains fragrance.
Provence Beauty Vitamin C + Collagen Eye Cream
Provence Beauty Vitamin C + Collagen Eye Cream is formulated to help brighten the skin around your eyes with pure vitamin C (ascorbic acid).
And even though collagen is in the name of this eye cream, the formula actually contains “sh-polypeptide-1”, a cell signaling protein. This ingredient stimulates collagen synthetic, and also stimulates fibroblast cell growth and proliferation.
Collagen is found in the skin’s extracellular matrix (ECM). It’s responsible for keeping the skin firm and youthful. Thus, using products like this Provence Beauty serum that stimulate collagen synthesis can help to reduce signs of aging.
Unfortunately, this is another Provence Beauty product that contains fragrance ingredients, which is especially problematic since the skin around the eyes is so delicate.
Bottom Line: This Provence Beauty eye cream combines vitamin C with a cell signaling protein to stimulate collagen synthesis, but keep in mind the formula contains fragrance.
Provence Beauty Hyaluronic Acid Serum
While you may think that hyaluronic acid is the star ingredient in this serum based on its name, the brand actually uses sodium hyaluronate — the sodium salt form of hyaluronic acid — in this formula.
Sodium hyaluronate and hyaluronic acid are basically the same and the two names are used interchangeably in the skin care industry. The main differences are that sodium hyaluronate is more stable, easier to formulate, and cheaper. That’s why it is common to see sodium hyaluronate on an ingredient list even though the product name might say hyaluronic acid.
Once applied to the skin, sodium hyaluronate provides the same benefits of hyaluronic acid. Those benefits include improved skin hydration, as well as a more plump complexion with fewer lines and wrinkles.
This serum is great to add extra hydration for all skin types, although if you have dry skin you may want to follow with a thicker moisturizer to help lock in moisture.
Bottom Line: This is a hydrating serum that helps to draw moisture into the skin thanks to sodium hyaluronate.
Provence Beauty Glycolic Acid Serum
For those who are new to acid exfoliation, Provence Beauty Glycolic Acid Serum is a good place to start. This serum provides mild exfoliation thanks to glycolic acid, a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA).
Glycolic acid exfoliates the skin by targeting corneocytes (dead skin cells that make up the stratum corneum) in a process called corneocyte desquamation. By enhancing their breakdown and increasing the separation of skin cells, the rate of cell turnover is increased, leading to smoother, brighter skin and a more even complexion.
Plus, there’s several soothing ingredients in this formula to help reduce irritation that could be caused by glycolic acid. For example, there’s green tea leaf, panthenol, and aloe vera, just to name a few.
Bottom Line: Provence Beauty Glycolic Acid Serum should help to mildly exfoliate dead skin cells, leading to smoother, brighter skin and a more even complexion.
Provence Beauty Collagen and Retinol Night 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. Retinol is the gold standard when it comes to anti-aging ingredients. Here’s why:
After application, retinol is converted to retinoic acid, which works deep within the skin where it boosts collagen synthesis, increases elasticity, and repairs connective tissue. It also increases cellular turnover, which helps to prevent clogged pores and promotes smoother, healthier skin.
According to a publication in the journal Clinical Interventions in Aging, retinol can minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve uneven skin tone, restore skin firmness, and shrink the appearance of enlarged pores.
Provence Beauty Collagen and Retinol Night Serum should help to provide these benefits, although we noticed the brand doesn’t list the strength of retinol in their serum. If you want to know exactly how much retinol you’re getting, we’d recommend The Ordinary’s lineup of retinol serums.
Bottom Line: Provence Beauty Collagen and Retinol Night Serum may be a good option for those looking to prevent and reduce signs of aging, but we wish the brand would provide the concentration of retinol used in this serum.
Provence Beauty Kale + Niacinamide Serum
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.
And just as the name suggests, the formula also includes kale, which isn’t really a game-changing skincare ingredient, but it’s not a bad one either. Kale contains micronutrients like vitamins C, E and K, which may offer some benefits.
Bottom Line: The niacinamide in this Provence Beauty serum should provide several benefits to the skin, such as reducing inflammation, blotchiness, hyperpigmentation, acne, and wrinkling.
Provence Beauty Cucumber Water With Hyaluronic Acid Face and Body Mist
This face and body mist is alcohol-free, fragrance-free, and oil-free, making it a good option for all skin types. Soothing cucumber extract conditions and tones for a glowing complexion, while rose water helps to minimize pores and increase radiance.
The formula also contains plenty of water-binding humectants, including glycerin, kelp extract, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and panthenol (pro-vitamin B5). All of these ingredients aid in binding water in order to increase skin hydration.
Since this mist is so lightweight and hydrating, it’s great to keep in your bag or purse so that you can refresh your skin during the day.
Bottom Line: A refreshing, hydrating face and body mist with cucumber, rose water, and several different humectants.
Provence Beauty Rebalance Facial Oil
It can be tough to find a decent face oil. Some face oils are just way too greasy and seem to just sit on top of your skin without ever being absorbed. Others contain fragrance and nasty chemicals that can lead to redness and sensitivity.
But we may have found a winner with Provence Beauty Rebalance Facial Oil. The formula absorbs quickly and doesn’t clog pores, making this face oil a good choice for all skin types — yes, even those with acne-prone skin!
Jojoba oil and argan oil are the key ingredients in this formula. Jojoba oil is unique in that it mimics the skin’s natural sebum more closely than any other oil, which allows it to help regulate oil production and clear out pores. Argan oil contains a rich supply of nutrients, such as fatty acids, tocopherols, polyphenols, and more.
Bottom Line: A fast-absorbing facial oil with jojoba and argan oil to help re-balance natural oil production to calm oily areas and hydrate dry skin areas.
What Are The Key Ingredients in Provence Beauty Skincare Products?
As you may have noticed from our introductions to the Provence Beauty skin care products in the last section, this brand focuses on using evidence-based ingredients in their products, including:
- Niacinamide
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Retinol
- Peptides
- Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid)
All of these ingredients have research to support their benefits when applied to the skin. The brand combines these ingredients with plenty of soothing botanicals, such as aloe vera and green tea, as well as safe synthetics, such as emollients and humectants.
Unfortunately, most Provence Beauty products contain fragrant essential oils, which can be a problem due to the potential to cause contact allergies, skin irritation, and even skin damage.
In fact, according to a 2016 publication in the scholarly journal Dermatitis, nearly 80 essential oils have caused contact allergy.
This is because all fragrance ingredients (whether natural or synthetic) impart scent through a volatile reaction, and this natural reaction almost always causes a sensitizing reaction on skin.
How Much Do Provence Beauty Skincare Products Cost?
Provence Beauty skincare products are very affordable, with the prices being comparable to The Ordinary skincare products. For example, the Provence Beauty Vitamin C Serum costs $12.95 USD for 2 fl oz, while the Hyaluronic Acid Serum costs just $9.99 USD for 2 fl oz.
Where to Buy Provence Beauty Skincare Products?
Provence Beauty skincare products are sold on the brand’s website, as well as on Amazon.
Is Provence Beauty Cruelty Free?
Yes, Provence Beauty is cruelty free. The brand’s animal testing policy states, “We refuse to engage in product testing on animals and refuse to work with vendors and suppliers who do. We take pride in being a cruelty free brand and love our furry friends.”
Is Provence Beauty Vegan?
Yes. All Provence Beauty products are vegan.
Our Verdict
Overall, we think that Provence Beauty products are formulated well, although we’re concerned about the presence of fragrance in nearly every product.
Pros
- Affordable
- Many positive Provence Beauty reviews
- Provence Beauty is cruelty free
Cons
- Products contain fragrant essential oils, which may lead to skin sensitivity reactions
References:
de Groot AC, Schmidt E. Essential Oils, Part IV: Contact Allergy. Dermatitis. 2016;27(4):170-175. doi:10.1097/DER.0000000000000197
J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2010 Feb; 3(2): 22–41
Kamie Original review: Aug 27, 2023.
I switched to your product and spent $80 on products and now my skin color is blotchy I have dark spots I’ve been using the product for about 60 days and purchased a daily cleanser face mask and moisturizer cream this product has changed my skin for the worst… I’ve never experienced this problem before and I was using oil of Olay for several years before switching to this product I’m very disappointed with this purchase as I went from 6$ face wash to over $20 to get these results..