In the world of clean skincare, there’s often a misconception that choosing non-toxic products means settling for something less refined—something more “crunchy” than luxurious.
While there’s nothing wrong with crunchy (hello, nobody is a bigger tallow skincare enthusiast than me!), sometimes, we crave a self-care ritual reminiscent of the spa. (Or at least I do.)
Kari Gran delivers just that: elevated clean skincare. In fact, Kari Gran might be the most luxurious clean skincare I’ve tried so far. (I’m one hot stone massage away from convincing myself that my home is the spa when I use their products.)
If you’re looking for a non-toxic routine that feels high-end and delivers great results, stay tuned for my thoughts on each Kari Gran product I tested.
This review is not sponsored. The product was gifted (thank you!) and we may receive compensation if you purchase through certain links. As always, we only make recommendations that are genuine!
My Newest Skincare Obsession: Kari Gran
After trying out their products for the past several months, I have a newfound obsession with Kari Gran skincare.
I got several serums and oils, and I played around with different combinations until I nailed down a solid routine (more on that below).
Each product I tried was incredibly high-quality, effective, and restorative. Not only will I be repurchasing each item that I reviewed once I run out, but I’m planning to get some more of their products, too.
My Kari Gran Routine: Safe Skincare for Morning and Night
I typically rotate my skincare routine to keep things fresh. Some days, I reach for all tallow-based skincare. But ever since I was introduced to Kari Gran’s lineup, I’ve been sprinkling it into my routine and loving the results. Here’s how I’ve been incorporating Kari Gran into my regimen:
A.M. Regimen
- First, I wash my face using Toups & Co’s French Green Clay Soap (You can use code THEFILTERY for 10% off if you end up purchasing from them.)
- Then, I leave my skin a little damp and apply two sprays of Kari Gran’s Essential Hydrating Tonic with one pump of the Vitamin C Serum and one pump of the Essential Peptide Serum.
- I finish my routine with a tallow-based moisturizer (lately I’ve been loving the Toups & Co Tallow Balm).
P.M. Regimen
- I start with a cleansing balm to melt away any makeup or debris from the day. (Clara & Fritz’s Tallow-Based Oil Cleanser is my go-to at the moment. (Code THEFILTERY10 gets you 10% off.)
- Then, I combine three sprays of Kari Gran’s Essential Hydrating Tonic with a pump of Essential Peptide Serum.
- After that has set for a minute or so, I apply a thick layer of the Essential Serum Balm.
My Experience Using Kari Gran Skincare
Essential Peptide Serum
Price: $78
Kari Gran’s Essential Peptide Serum combines advanced peptides with rich plant oils for firmer, plumper, more hydrated skin. It’s made with 15 antioxidant-rich botanical plant oils to guard the skin from environmental aging.
Their oil-soluble technology, which they call Matrixyl 3000® OS, works with the lipids in the skin to promote cell renewal. Organic camellia seed oil offers a high concentration of nourishing fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins to enrich the skin.
This luxurious water-free formula reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improves elasticity and bounce, and boosts radiance for a glow-from-within finish.
My take: This peptide serum feels rich and indulgent, and gives my skin a boost of radiance. I love applying it before moisturizer— it makes my skin feel so soft and hydrated.
It has a floral fragrance that’s subtle but spa-like, and I can’t get enough. If you’re looking to level up your skincare routine, I would give this serum a try.
Vitamin C Serum
Price: $78
This oil-based 10% vitamin C oil nourishes, brightens, fends off oxidative stress, and evens the skin tone to reduce signs of aging.
Formulated with an organic blend of antioxidants like plum seed, lingonberry, and cloudberry oils, it serum brightens and fortifies the skin. Algica, or Swedish algae, seals in moisture for a hydrated and refreshed complexion.
My take: I typically use this vitamin C in combination with the Essential Peptide Serum and Essential Hydrating Tonic for a next-level glow. It’s the first oil-based vitamin C I’ve used, and it feels way more hydrating than any other vitamin C serum I’ve tried.
If you struggle with dull or uneven skin tones, try adding this serum to your routine to boost radiance and balance your complexion.
Essential Hydrating Tonic
Price: $49
This soothing tonic combats skin dryness, redness, and dullness. It’s made with organic glycerin, lavender flower water, and aloe to strengthen the skin barrier, provide intense nourishment, and improve radiance for a fresh-faced glow. This tonic can be mixed with the Essential Peptide Serum or sprayed directly onto the skin for a refreshing burst of hydration.
My take: This Lavender Tonic smells divine. I typically apply it morning and night in combination with the Essential Peptide Serum, but sometimes I just spritz it directly onto my face for a quick moisture surge.
This serum is lightweight, fragrant, and hydrating, and I love the dewy glow it leaves behind. The Essential Hydrating Tonic is a great addition to any skincare routine, especially if you have dry skin like me.
Essential Serum Balm
Price: $69
Kari Gran’s Essential Serum Balm is an extra-thick face and body moisturizer made with rich ingredients like organic sea buckthorn extract, camellia oil, and rosehip seed oil.
The gentle and nourishing formula calms sensitivity and redness with a blend of vitamin C, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants that brighten and hydrate the skin. This ultra-concentrated balm can be used as a moisturizer to hydrate thirsty skin or as a spot treatment for extra dry spots like elbows and heels.
My take: This balm is luxuriously creamy and deeply hydrating, perfect for bringing dry skin back to life. I’ve used plenty of thick balms before, but what I love about this one is that it doesn’t leave a gross residue behind like many others do.
I have very dry skin, and the intense moisture that this balm provides is *chef’s kiss*. I love using it at night (it’s a little too thick for a daytime moisturizer in my opinion), and I’m so glad that I discovered this product before the dry winter months.
Body and Bath Oil
Price: $48
This elixir of organic oils deeply moisturizes the skin for a satin-soft finish. It can be used as a body oil or a nourishing bath oil to hydrate and replenish dry skin. Made with organic pumpkin seed, babassu, and amla oil, this rich blend of fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins restores the skin’s moisture barrier for softer, brighter skin.
My take: I love using this as both a body oil and bath oil. As a body oil, it’s very hydrating, and it makes my skin noticeably softer and glowier. I’ve noticed that since the formula is so rich, a little goes a long way, and it has a much longer-lasting finish than other body moisturizers I’ve tried.
This formula has a lovely floral fragrance that isn’t too overpowering. I love adding it to baths as well for a next-level self-care experience and silky-soft skin.
Essential Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
Price: $58
This oil-based tinted mineral sunscreen provides lightweight coverage and non-nano zinc oxide sun protection. It’s formulated with omega fatty acid and antioxidant-rich ingredients like macadamia nut oil, red raspberry seed oil, and French plum oil to nourish the skin and boost radiance.
My take: This tinted sunscreen offers just the right amount of coverage that effectively evens out the skin tone while maintaining a natural finish.
It *does* have a slight earthy scent that I think is worth mentioning. However, it fades after a few minutes, so in my opinion, it’s nowhere near a deal breaker.
I apply this tinted sunscreen using my fingertips, and it blends into the skin effortlessly. It leaves my skin feeling hydrated and dewy, and the bottle applicator is mess-free and easy to work with. I love this tinted sunscreen so much that I’ve started using it as my everyday foundation.
Lip Whip
Price: $22
Kari Gran’s Lip Whip is a thick balm made with nourishing ingredients like organic avocado oil, camellia oil, and beeswax to protect, and restore lips for long-lasting hydration. Kari Gran offers both sheer and tinted Lip Whips with natural pink hues for a subtle hint of color.
My take: I tried this Lip Whip in clear peppermint, and it’s incredible. The texture is rich and creamy, and it applies thick without feeling sticky.
This Lip Whip goes above and beyond. It doesn’t just provide temporary moisture that has to be reapplied every hour (like many chapsticks on the market). I appreciate the long-lasting hydration of this product and am so excited to have this balm in my arsenal for chapped lip season.
Which Kari Gran Products Are My *Must-Haves*
Honestly, I’m really impressed by each Kari Gran product I’ve tried so far. They each have noticeable skin benefits, use gentle and nourishing ingredients, and there are no false promises—they work exactly as they say they will. I also love that each product feels so lavish, with spa-like scents, luxurious glass bottles, and rich, oil-based formulas.
If I had to skip one Kari Gran product, I’d pass on the body and bath oil. The oil is extremely hydrating, creates an amazing bath experience, and is a great product overall. However, in terms of body oil, coconut oil works just as well for a fraction of the price. If you’re specifically on the hunt for a bath oil then it’s worth the splurge, but if you’re just looking for a good body oil, I’d go for a more affordable option.
In terms of must-haves, my favorite Kari Gran products are the Essential Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 and the Essential Serum Balm. I can’t rave enough about the tinted mineral sunscreen—I use it almost every day, and will 100% be repurchasing once I run out. The Essential Serum Balm is also amazing for dry skin. I love that even though the balm is thick and velvety, it doesn’t leave any greasy or gross residue on my skin (or pillowcases).
What Makes Kari Gran’s Skincare Special (in a nutshell!)
Kari Gran was founded as a natural, non-toxic skincare solution made with aging skin in mind. This woman-owned-and-operated brand emphasizes a “focus on health and hydration, not youth and perfection.”
Kari Gran’s cruelty-free, natural, and organic skincare products are formulated without unnecessary fillers or known toxins, offering a safe, simple self-care option for all skin types, especially dry or aging skin.
Kari Gran is also Plastic Neutral, partnering with Plastic Bank to prevent one million plastic bottles from polluting the ocean. Additionally, all of their skincare is packaged in MIRON glass bottles. For every piece of plastic used in Kari Gran skincare, they recover and recycle an equivalent amount, ensuring it doesn’t end up in the ocean. They also partner with other plastic-focused organizations like Ridwell and Terracycle to reduce waste and extend the life of hard-to-recycle items.
Kari Gran’s Ingredient Standards
I scoured Kari Gran’s website along with the EWG Skin Deep Database for their ingredients and was thoroughly impressed by how clean their formulas are.
Their nourishing and gentle oil-based skincare line uses exclusively naturally derived and plant-based oils that combine to create safe, potent formulas. Kari Gran’s lineup focuses on organic skin-loving ingredients like sunflower, lavender, and avocado oil, full of beneficial vitamins and nutrients for deep hydration and healing.
Does Kari Gran Use Any Potentially Concerning Ingredients?
For the most part, Kari Gran is formulated using the best of the best ingredients. However, there are a few potential allergens. These are natural constituents of essential oils and for most people aren’t a cause of concern. However, these ingredients can be potentially irritating for people with sensitivities or allergens:
- Benzyl Benzoate
- Benzyl Salicylate
- Citral
- Citronellol
- Coumarin
- Eugenol
- Farnesol
- Geraniol
- Isoeugenol
- Limonene
- Linalool
My Pros & Cons of Kari Gran
To sum it up:
Pros:
- Luxurious, spa-like feel
- High-quality, all-natural ingredients (no synthetics)
- Ideal for dry and aging skin
- Gender-neutral aesthetic, making it a great option for men as well
- No false promises; products work as advertised
- Low-plastic packaging
Cons:
- Can be a but pricey
- Some products are vegan and some are not
- Some potential allergens in essential oils (e.g., benzyl benzoate, limonene)
Overall, Kari Gran is a stellar clean skincare brand, and it gets five stars in my book.
If you’ve tried Kari Gran or have another ride-or-die non-toxic skincare brand, let me know your favorite product in the comments.
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