I enjoy using skincare products that are green and environmentally friendly but actually effective, and haven’t encountered many brands or products in the past that fit these criteria and are also clean (paraben and sulfate free).
The Farmacy brand and products were recommended by a friend (with lovely skin), and with limited knowledge as far as individual product selections, I decided on a starter set as an introductory item. While this is a great way to check out new products and treat yourself to clean skincare, it also makes a wonderful gifting option if your recipient enjoys cosmetics and trying out products that are clean and environmentally conscious. The starter collection is an Allure Best Of Beauty item and has thousands of positive reviews, claiming the skincare fits perfectly in the luxury beauty category and is much more affordable than a lot of other options in the category. The set comes with popular products including a cleanser, moisturizer, and mask. All of the products included in the set are suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and are free of any harsh chemical additives or dyes. They are very hydrating, if you’re experiencing dryness, but also feel nourishing and balancing, making them suitable for combination and oily skin as well. They are also all designed as anti-aging formulations, and promote radiance for those experiencing any dullness or sallow skin. This review will cover a look at the main product features of the entire set, briefer reviews on each included item, some positives and negatives to bear in mind prior to purchase, and a final verdict, to help you make a more informed purchasing decision.
The Main Features
Farmacy’s Cream Of The Crop set includes 3 of their bestselling products and is an Allure Best of Beauty winner.
Included in the set is one 0.32 oz/ 9 g Honey Potion Renewing Antioxidant Hydration Mask with Echinacea GreenEnvy, one 0.5 oz/ 15 mL Honey Drop Lightweight Moisturizer with Echinacea GreenEnvy, and one 3.2 oz/ 90 mL Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm with Echinacea GreenEnvy. The honey mask was my personal favorite of the included products, but I would really recommend all of them and definitely enjoyed using them. The cleanser provided a deep clean that removed all makeup, without leaving the skin dry at all, and hydration felt replenished if anything. The moisturizer was quite small, but lightweight and hydrating, and seems ideal for both dry and combination complexions. The mask left my skin feeling soft, looking radiant, and very hydrated. The mask has wonderful anti-aging benefits, so users can expect firmer and younger looking skin, as well as a more radiant aesthetic. The products are formulated without any parabens or sulfates, and contain sunflower Oil and Ginger Root Oil that gently cleanse and nourish the skin for a glowing complexion, Triple Hyaluronic Acid Complex which supports the skin’s natural moisture, and supports firmness and elasticity, and a Proprietary Honey Blend, known for its soothing and humectant properties, this special honey provides skin-loving moisture, nourishment, and antioxidants. All of the products are suitable for any skin type, and safe for use even with extremely sensitive skin, barring any allergy to a specific ingredient in the formulation. This product is ideal for a returning customer looking to try out new products, an introductory product if you’re uncertain of what to buy, and also makes a great gifting option, if the recipient enjoys skincare or is looking to try out new products. Below you will find more concise reviews on all of the included products, and some main benefits with topical use.
The Included Products
Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm
The size of this product is quite generous given it’s a trial version and comes in a set, so users can expect to be using it for weeks, even with continual daily use.
The balm smells lovely, and features sunflower oil and ginger root oil to gently cleanse and balance the skin for a glowing complexion, with restored radiance. It also contains extract of the Moringa tree, a native tree to India and Africa, helps to purify and refresh skin by removing impurities caused by pollution. Papaya extract included in the formulation acts as a natural exfoliator to help renew the look of the skin’s surface, without leaving the surface of the skin dry at all. An aromatic blend of lime, bergamot and orange essential oils revitalizes the look of skin. It features the unique patent-protected variant of Echinacea Purpurea, GreenEnvy™, which contains a high concentration of the phytochemical Cichoric Acid, a potent natural antioxidant that promotes an evenly toned complexion. The cleanser does a great job of removing all makeup, dirt, and oil, without drying out or stripping the skin, and skin appears refreshed and renewed following use. If you’re drying to treat dullness or sallow skin, you can also expect to see improvements immediately. I actually prefer the texture, in comparison to gel formulations or bar soap, as well. It’s very safe for sensitive skin, and did not cause any redness, irritation, or breakouts. I would highly recommend this product if you’re seeking restored radiance and a fresh glow, or a balm texture in a cleanser, and one that leaves the face hydrated rather than dry.
Honey Potion Renewing Antioxidant Hydration Mask
Out of all of the included products, this one was definitely my favorite, and I would highly recommend trying it out or at least getting a sample.
Formulated with a proprietary blend of honey and antioxidants, this product delivered the best anti-aging benefits out of all products included in the set. Benefits include improved radiance, balanced skin, even texture, brighter skin, firmer skin, softer skin that’s supple and hydrated, reduction in the appearance of pore size, and anti-aging benefits, including fewer and less noticeable wrinkles and fine lines. I definitely noticed more radiant skin after using the product, and skin was definitely younger looking and had a great glow. It’s a perfect go-to mask if you need a pick me up or are trying to treat signs of aging, or any dullness or sallowness in terms of skin quality. It also offers amazing brightening benefits, and if you use it in the evening, you can expect to wake up to younger looking and more supple and refreshed skin. I would highly recommend this for anyone looking for a great mask, and would recommend it irrespective of skin type, even to those who are very sensitive.
Honey Drop Lightweight Moisturizer
While the size is small, I definitely enjoyed using this moisturizer and still experienced benefits with continual daily use.
The formulation contains anti-oxidants and a proprietary blend of honey, to restore radiance and improve any dryness, while helping restore balance and improve texture. It’s lightweight and not at all greasy or sticky, but still treats dry skin very effectively. It’s quite soothing and gentle, if you’re sensitive or concerned about product reaction. It’s a water based cream that’s designed to be very gentle, but also offers anti-aging benefits, and skin appears both smoother and firmer. While I do not suffer from topical conditions, many claim it helps in treating conditions such as eczema and rosacea.
It’s simple, pure, and effective, and works as a great daily go-to option, irrespective of skin type. I would recommend this if you’re looking for a good water based moisturizer that is equal parts hydrating and lightweight, or if you’re looking for a moisturizer designed to treat very sensitive skin, and also provide anti-aging benefits and restored radiance. I also recommend applying the cream before bed at night for a more radiant appearance in the morning, and applying it under makeup for a more radiant finish after application.
Positives and Negatives
While the price point may still be high for some given the category, and the moisturizer included in the set seems quite small, most of the benefits with topical use outweighed any of the negatives in this case. The included products all helped restore radiance, promoted anti-aging, and were very hydrating. None were irritating or caused any breakouts or skin reaction, even with very sensitive and acne-prone skin. With that said, here are some key pros and cons to bear in mind prior to purchase:
Pros
- All of the included products are quite clean in terms of formulations, and seem to lack any parabens, sulfates, or harsh chemical additives
- Environmentally-friendly company with sustainable, transparent practices
- Cruelty-free company: company does not test any products on any animals or use any animal product during its manufacturing process
- All included products are safe and suitable for all skin types, even very sensitive skin
- None of the included products irritated my skin or broke me out, even with sensitive acne-prone skin
- Lovely gifting option for recipients who enjoy skincare and are seeking products that are clean, gentle, and effective
- The ingredients used in the products are proprietary, and can’t be found in any other product or offered by a competitor
- At $42, the set offers great value compared to retail cost (with a nearly $20 savings)
- Longevity: even with continual daily use, the products lasted much longer than anticipated, so users can expect to enjoy benefits for weeks (excluding the moisturizer)
- Anti-aging benefits: users can expect to enjoy smoother, firmer and younger looking skin as the products are formulated to treat signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles
- The cleanser is gentle and lightweight, but provides a deep clean without drying out the face at all
- None of the products felt sticky or greasy, and all are lightweight and highly breathable
- The complexion is left much more radiant after product use, so if you’re trying to treat dull or sallow skin, these products are ideal
- Anti-acne benefits: for those prone to breakouts, you can enjoy benefits like reductions of acne as well as the bacteria that causes blemishes
- All of the products are very hydrating, if you’re drying to treat dry skin
- All of the included products are very calming and help nourish the skin, even if it’s sensitive
- Great for combination skin as the products included help balance oils
Cons
- The moisturizer in the set is quite small, and did not last very long
- Some will still find the item is pricey, compared to other products or for it’s category, but it is important to bear in mind that the set offers a lot of value compared to retail cost
- For those who are vegan, it’s important to bear in mind that while the company is cruelty-free, some products included in the set do contain beeswax
Money-Back Guarantee
The manufacturer, Farmacy, has a strong return and exchange policy that honors full refunds upon dissatisfaction or allergy, this policy generally favors the consumer, new and returning included.
If you are dissatisfied with the use of the products, or if they do not work for your skin to provide suitable benefits, or you experience any product allergy or reaction to the formulations, you may elect to return the entire set. In this case, you will receive a full refund equal to the entire purchase price of the full kit. You may also wish to exchange the product for an equal and full refund- or opt for a single product you prefer. One must bear in mind that you will need to return the entire set, as individual items within the kit are not available for return. It may assuage fears to know the product is formulated with safe, natural ingredients, is free of parabens and sulfates, free of gluten, and is hypoallergenic, making it suitable for even the most sensitive skin, barring any specific allergy to an individual ingredient. This policy applies for online purchases, individual store purchases may vary.
The Final Verdict
Ultimately, this product includes great products that are equal parts gentle and effective.
This is a great gifting option, and also makes a great first purchase if you’re curious about trying out the brand. All of the included products helped restore radiance and balance, and were anti-aging and anti-acne formulations. The products are both environmentally friendly and clean, so if you like using products that are formulated with naturally based ingredients, this is a great option. The company is also cruelty free, and the set offers great value compared to retail cost. This set definitely exceeds benefits in comparison to both cost and other kits and products in the category, and the proprietary blend found in the formulation can’t be found in any other product. The mask in particular was amazing, but I would really recommend all of the included products, and they’re all safe for very sensitive skin. If you have an oily or combination skin type, you can enjoy benefits like restored balance and oil control, and if you’re dry, you can expect improved hydration levels, as well as restored radiance if you’re experiencing dull or sallow skin. Improvements in tone and texture are also visible, and skin appears much brighter and glowing following topical application. Highly recommended!
