Marie Veronique Organics anti-aging products
If you’re a frequent reader of Viva Woman, you will probably be acquainted with Marie Veronique Organics. That’s where I get my holy grail sunscreen. I learnt about the brand sometime early last year through an email they sent me. I was very keen to try their sunscreen, then called, Creme de Soleil. Unfortunately, because they’re based in US, they were not so keen to send the samples to me in Singapore. But because I was adamant about trying the product, I went ahead to purchase it and made arrangements to have it shipped to me via a contact. I was so pleased with it as you can tell from my constant raves; it is to me, an ideal sunscreen because it has everything I wanted in terms of the formulation and texture. In fact, I am already into my fourth bottle now with no intentions to switch to other brands soon.
Besides their sunscreen, I’ve only purchased one of their other products – Seumdipity Ultra. Then sometime earlier this year, the company made some changes to their branding, improved some of their formulations and they first sent me their Anti-Aging Oil Plus and subsequently, the entire set of their Anti-Aging range which consist of 6 products for a review. So here are my views on the products, after having tested them over a month now.
Marie Veronique Organics Gentle Cleanser 120ml US$30
Ingredients: Camellia sinensis (green & white tea), Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera gel), vegetable glycerin, hydrolyzed jade, lactic acid, xantham gum, potassium sorbate, agave, colloidal oatmeal, rice bran powder, spirulina, marshmallow root, honeysuckle, adzuki bean powder, Rosemary oleoresin, Lavendula angustfolia (lavender) essential oil, Cymbopogron citrates (lemongrass) essential oil
I prefer foaming cleansers and was a little skeptical over how well this cleanser will work as it does not foam at all. I’ll say this cleanser is good to use in the morning when my face is relatively oil free. I don’t use this in the evenings after returning home from work because it won’t get rid of makeup residue that well even with double cleansing. Their other cleanser, Exfoliating Cleanser, does a better job and will suit those with oilier skin. I tried a sample of that and I’ll say it cleanses better and is also rather gentle. But smell wise, I love the Gentle Cleanser. I remember a reader, Ms Blacklace, had mentioned to me that she loves the smell of this Gentle Cleanser and I can’t agree more. I can’t pinpoint the smell exactly but it’s a combination of the the adzuki bean powder mixed with rosemary, lavender and lemongrass essential oils.
Rating: 3 out of 5 hearts
Marie Veronique Organics Moisturizing Anti-Aging Mist 120ml US$35
Ingredients: Camellia sinensis (green & white tea), Citrus aurantium bigaradia (neroli) hydrosol, Rosa damscene (rose) hydrosol, SOD (from natural melon), kombucha extract, Sambucus nigra (black elderberry) extract, uva ursi (bearberry) extract, glycyrrhiza uralensis (licorice) extract, DMAE (dimethylaminethanol), Cosmocil CQ*, Rosa centifolia (rose absolute) essential oil, Lavendula angustifolia (lavender) essential oil, Helichrysum italicum (helichrysum) essential oil, Curcuma longa Rhizome (curcuma) essential oil *Paraben-free anti-microbial agent
Since I started using the MVO Anti-Aging Oil Plus, I’ve been thinking about getting this Anti-Aging Mist. So it was good that I received this. It is said to nourish and hydrate the skin with its green tea, dandelion and kombucha plus firm and brighten the skin with DMAE, uva ursi, elderberry and licorice. I’m not exactly sure about its firming and brightening properties since I am also using other products in combination with this but I can say it definitely hydrates my skin because when there is a noticeable difference when I apply my Anti-Aging Oil Plus with and without this face mist. So I will always spritz this face mist on before applying my face oil. It has a slight aroma, which I consider to be very soothing and pleasant.
Rating: 4 out of 5 hearts
Marie Veronique Organics Moisturizing Anti-Aging Oil Plus 60ml US$80
Ingredients: Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba oil), Vitus viniferi (grapeseed oil, expeller-pressed), Limnanthes alba (meadowfoam seed oil), Prunus armeniaca (apricot kernel oil), Borago officinalis (borage oil), Argania spinosa (argan oil), emu oil, Rubus fruticosus (blackberry seed oil), Oenotherus biennis (evening primrose oil), Rosa rubignosa (rosehip seed oil), Sclerocarya birrea (marula oil), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Rubus idaeus (black raspberry seed oil), Hippophae rhamnoides (sea buckthorn oil), Calophyllum inophyllum (Tamanu oil), Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry seed oil), Actinidia deliciosa (kiwi seed oil), Rosemary oleoresin, lecithin, lycopene, Euphasia superba (krill oil), Daucus carota (carrot seed) essential oil, Lavendula angustfolia (lavender) essential oil, Helichrysum italicum (helichrysum) essential oil, Rosa centifolia (rose absolute) essential oil, Citrus aurantium bigaradia (neroli) essential oil
Okay, even though I received a brand new bottle of this, I’ve actually been using this product since February. I had written a review of this product and you can read the full version here. But to summarize, this Anti-Aging Oil Plus with its combination of more than 20 oils is just perfect for moisturizing my face, leaving my combination skin supple, smooth and more refined. In fact, after I ran out of my eye cream and gel, I used this all over my face and I dare say that the fine lines around my eyes are always less visible when I have this on. I use this oil in the day beneath the Moisturizing Face Screen Plus and in the night, beneath the Skin Lightening Serum. My cheeks don’t feel exceptionally dry so I believe it does prevent moisture loss and dehydration. At US$80, it seems expensive but after using for 5 months, I still have half a bottle left. So I think it’s well worth the price tag and this is why I’m upgrading my rating.
Rating: 5 out of 5 hearts
Marie Veronique Organics Moisturizing Face Screen Plus SPF 30
No Tint 60ml US$40
Active ingredient: zinc oxide, 24%
Camellia sinensis (green& white tea), zinc oxide, Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba oil), Prunus armeniaca (apricot kernel oil), Limnanthes alba (meadowfoam seed oil), Helianthus annuus (sunflower oil), emu oil, Rubus idaeus (red raspberry seed oil), Elaesis guineensis (red palm oil), potassium sorbate, vegetable glycerin, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), allantoin, Cosmocil CQ*, lecithin, Hippophae rhamnoides (sea buckthorn oil), Calodendrum Capense (yangu oil), Lonicera japonica (honeysuckle), Rosemary oleoresin, xantham gum, Daucus carota (carrot seed) essential oil, Cistus incanus (cistus) essential oil, Lavendula angustfolia (lavender) essential oil, Curcuma longa Rhizome (curcuma) essential oil, iron oxides *Paraben-free anti-microbial agent
Camellia sinensis (green& white tea), zinc oxide, Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba oil), Prunus armeniaca (apricot kernel oil), Limnanthes alba (meadowfoam seed oil), Helianthus annuus (sunflower oil), emu oil, Rubus idaeus (red raspberry seed oil), Elaesis guineensis (red palm oil), potassium sorbate, vegetable glycerin, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), allantoin, Cosmocil CQ*, lecithin, Hippophae rhamnoides (sea buckthorn oil), Calodendrum Capense (yangu oil), Lonicera japonica (honeysuckle), Rosemary oleoresin, xantham gum, Daucus carota (carrot seed) essential oil, Cistus incanus (cistus) essential oil, Lavendula angustfolia (lavender) essential oil, Curcuma longa Rhizome (curcuma) essential oil, iron oxides *Paraben-free anti-microbial agent
Okay, needless to say, the MVO Face Screen Plus is my favorite product of all time and my ideal daily sunscreen. This is an updated formulation from Creme de Soleil; I discussed the changes here. I actually think the new formulation is better; unlike Creme de Soleil, this one leaves no whitecast on my face. I love it as a makeup base beneath my foundation as it doesn’t leave my skin looking greasy, even after applying this on top of the MVO Anti-Aging Oil Plus and I can certainly apply at least 1/4 teaspoon of this to my face each time. The best thing about this product is, it works to keep my pigmentation under control. Although other products I use must have helped my pigmentation, but this sunscreen is good enough to keep new ones from appearing. I now prefer the non-tinted version because it makes my face looks clearer as a whole. The tinted one makes my skin a shade darker with certain foundation. In terms of smell, I like the herbal smell but some readers have mentioned that they don’t like it so strong.
Rating: 5 out of 5 hearts
Skin Lightening Serum 30ml US$140
Ingredients: Camellia sinensis (green & white tea), Citrus aurantium bigaradia (neroli) hydrosol, Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba oil), Vitus viniferi (grapeseed oil, expeller-pressed), Rosa Rubignosa (rosehip seed oil), Rubus fruticosus (blackberry seed oil), vegetable glycerin, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), kombucha extract, Sambucus nigra (elderberry) extract, Broussonetia papyrifer (paper mulberry) extract, dipotassium glycyrrhizate (licorice) extract, uva ursi (bearberry) extract, lactic acid, centrophenoxine, Coffea arabica (coffeeberry extract), superoxide dismutase (SOD), n-acetyl glucosamine, DMAE (dimethylaminethanol), rice powder, pearl powder, silk powder, niacinamide, potassium sorbate, xantham gum, Cosmocil CQ*, lecithin, Lonicera japonica (honeysuckle), Rosemary oleoresin, Cistus incanus (cistus) essential oil, Helichrysum italicum (helichrysum) essential oil, Boswellia carteri (frankincense) essential oil, Curcuma longa Rhizome (Curcuma) essential oil
I verified that this is actually Seumdipity Ultra, which I’ve tried before, but the formula has been improved with added ingredients. I cannot remember the older formulation but noticed that this one has got coffee extract, glucosamine, niacinamide and DMAE for cosmeceutical strength lightening on top of paper mulberry, two types of licorice, elderberry and uva ursi extracts. I didn’t get much desired results when I finished a bottle of Seumdipity Ultra and that was why I didn’t re-purchase. But this Skin Lightening Serum is not quite the same. I can see that it is doing something to keep my face more even toned over time although I have to qualify that it could be due to the combination of the Vitamin C Supplement too. It’s rather a pinch at US$140 but because I only need a pea-size amount for my entire face and I only use it in the night, it’s probably going to last me quite awhile.
Rating: 4 out of 5 hearts
Skin Lightening Vitamin C Supplement 50 capsules US$60
Active ingredients: l-ascorbic acid, superoxide dismutase (SOD), alpha lipoic acid, dipotassium glycyrrhizate, n-acetyl glucosamine, niacinamide. Inactive ingredients: food starch
I was really excited about this supplement. It’s not to be eaten but rather, to be added to any of the MVO serums to stimulate collagen production and repair free radical damage. L-Ascorbic Acid is highly unstable when exposed to water and so I like the idea that this is powdered and stored in capsules and I only need to mix when I want to use it. But what I didn’t expect was that the powder is hard to dissolve. It’s powdery when I mixed in with the serum and leaves a residue on my skin afterwards. The residue doesn’t stay on as it’s powder but I really don’t like the feel of it when applying. I’ve tried vitamin C in the form of powder added to my skin care products and they’ve dissolved thoroughly. My guess is that this supplement contains other ingredients and hence, the residue. Still, I tried using about twice a week, after being assured by Marie that the residue is normal. And I noticed that each time I use, my skin tone looks brighter the morning after. So I’m two minds about this – on one hand, I dislike the residue, but on the other hand, I rather like the results.
Rating: 2.5 out 5 hearts
Overall summary
While I do have gripes about some of their products, but as a whole, I love the offerings from Marie Veronique Organics. Their products meet my criteria of natural formulations with no toxic ingredients, chemical synthetics, fragrances, waxes, silicones or alcohol. Yet while keeping their formulations natural, the company also adds useful ingredients with cosmeceutical benefits to target specific skin concerns. I also like the fact that the company is constantly updating their formulas based on customers’ feedback. And it’s not just the formulas; the company changed the packaging of some of their products and on top of the dark glass bottles to preserve the integrity of the natural formulation better, the sunscreen for example, comes with a pump dispenser, which is more convenient and hygenic. In terms of products, Marie Veronique Organics also provides a variety of offerings. On the basic level, you can go with their recommended basic 4-step skin care process and that includes products to cleanse, hydrate, replenish and protect. If you need additional repair, you can choose from a myraid of offerings according to your skin concerns.
Availability and special promo code for Viva Woman readers
Marie Veronique Organics is based in US but they now offer international shipping even to Singapore. You can check out their products and order them online at their website. And for now until July 30 2010, buy any MVO product and receive a sample-size Skin Lightening Serum FREE. Just enter code VIVA in the discount box at checkout.
Share your feedback about Marie Veronique Organics products
I have combination skin and am slightly proned to acne currently. The MVO products have worked well for me without causing further breakouts. But I think others with different skin types may like to know if the MVO products will work well for them. Since I know a number of you are already using some of their products, will you share your feedback with us based on what you’ve tried from their range too?
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Sounds lovely!
However, their prices are very steep and that deters me from trying their products. Plus they are in glass bottles. The shipping shld be a killer too. Sigh.
No offense to MVO, I thot the prints of the bottles are flies, mosquitoes and/or spiders.
Your last comment totally cracked me up! I went to take a look at the pictures, and yes, they do look like flies… Come to think of it, I wasn’t too taken when I saw their new packaging on their website but they look nice and elegant on the actual bottles.
It’s true the price is quite steep especially after factoring in the shipping. A bottle of their sunscreen is about S$80+ but I don’t mind paying it for the quality. They can last awhile too…I alternate between the tinted and non-tinted one now.
I tried creme de soleil b4, but didn’t like the powdery texture and how it dried up my skin, making it look blotchy (i suspect it’s becos of the powder)…
so hows the texture of MVO Face Screen Plus like? improved as well?
Did you try the tinted version? Because the tinted one was powdery. I still use it. Not blotchy for me but with certain foundation, my skin tone looks darker. I tried their new tinted sample and it didn’t seem powdery but I’m not sure since it’s just a small sample.
The non tinted one under Face Screen Plus is definitely not powdery. The texture is smooth and pretty moisturizing.
I stumbled onto your blog about 6 months ago when I saw MVO listed on the EWG website and their ranking of MVO. And based on your recommendation, I bought the MVO Moisturizing Sunscreen plus and LOVED it. I’ve used it ever since. But like you mentioned, the tinted version is also a bit dark on my face, so I solved that issue by purchasing the non-tinted version and mixing it in with my tinted version to get the perfect color. I pretty much use it alone on my face everyday and I don’t use anything else. I LOVE it and don’t plan on switching anytime soon.
Oh man, wish they had these in the Philippines. We only have Juice Beauty here which is another organic brand ?
I tried the tinted non-plus sunscreen and it was soooo drying!! I emailed them and managed to swop it with untinted plus sunscreen hopefully its less irritating. However it is still way too painfully drying. When I spread it on my face, i can feel the zinc oxides rubbing against my skin, reddening it. I cannot remove it fully with my normal cleanser too. The finish is powdery and doesn’t sink in, leaving white streaks. I only tried using it for 3 times and i give up. Btw, my skin is oily and acne-prone so i am amazed how drying it is. On the other hand, the bottle is nicee. Next time if I diy, i will reuse its bottle!
I’m glad it worked well for you. The tinted version worked well with my mineral foundation which is a bit sheer. I guess if I want the tinted version to work, I have to use a lighter shade of my powdered foundation.
They don’t seem to ship to the Philippines at the moment. You might have to write to them to ask if you’re really keen.
It should be the zinc oxide. In high percentage, it can be drying for our skin. I tried the non plus version, then called Creme de Jour. It was drying for me. The amount of zinc oxide was the same. So it’s the formulation…the plus version (which is all that they offer now) works for me but I guess, not everyone.
I have never tried MV but am deterred by their high prices and also that I have tried other sunblocks with a high zinc % and it was so drying I couldn’t even smile without my face hurting.
I am using the Sweetsation Therapy sunblock which also has zinc but not so high a percentage. It is really lovely to use and my skin is glowing from it! They have an adult sunblock and a kids one which is half the price!
Sesame,
I need to thank you for introducing me to their amazing sunscreen….I have been using their Moisture face screen plus (non tinted) for over 4 months now and love it….I apply a little grape seed oil on clean face and then apply the sunscreen….the grapeseed helps with the dryness of this sunscreen too…I intend to buy their anti aging hydration mist and was glad to see your reviews. I also want to try their skin lightening serum (never used any skin lightening serums before….worried with all the negative information about general skin lightening serums online). My face is relatively clear and I never had acne in my life but still have some spots (sun damage)which I want to clear….do you recommend this for my situation? did it help in reducing any pigmentation? does it work better with the Vit C capsules? I wish their products were more affordable…I am sure they will have a bigger clientele is thier products were a bit cheaper.
I have tried Sweetsation Therapy. It’s another one I would recommend my readers who are keen on mineral sunscreen.
The serum will help but I can’t say how much pigmentation it can reduce. I think achieving a more even skin tone would be a more realistic expectation.
With most skin lightening serums, you need to be diligent with your sunscreen because most of the skin lightening ingredients are going to make your skin more sun sensitive.
For your case, something with vitamin C is going to help for sure. I’ve been using vitamin C products consistently for the past 2 years and I can see that they’re helping to curb my pigmentation.
Thanks Sesame,
I am very particular about suing minimal and natural products to my skin and hence relatively new to various skin care products and hence please bear with my ignorant questions….does Vit C products mean the capsules form from Marie Veronique which needs to be used with one of their serums or are there other forms/options….I have checked online but get confused with the choices…….on the top of that there are many different forms/methods of applying vit C ? doesnt help people like me.
Hi Sesame
Could you recommend a good cleanser for face which does not have essential oils? I am in my mid 40s and recently bought some skincare with essential oils and my face started itching and breaking out.
Further, do you know of any good skincare that have alpha lipoic acid and CoQ in them? Heard they are good for skin.
Tks!
Vitamin C in the form of L-Ascorbic acid in always in powder but most of the time, they’re formulated into products so you will see them as a serum or lotion. The thing with L-Ascorbic Acid is that it can be very unstable and can oxidized when exposed to water and air even…so some products containing it ask that you put the product in the fridge.
You can check out my entry where I talk about different types of vitamin C for topical application. I also discussed which type is more stable.
https://www.vivawoman.net/2008/07/23/which-type-of-vitamin-c-works-for-our-skin/
For MVO, I believe they only offer the vitamin C in powdered form for you to mix with any of your serums or lotions because that’ll keep the vitamin C more stable.
It’s very hard to find a good one without essential oils. All those I’ve tried come with. The ones I know come without are like Cetaphil. Jason Natural Twice Daily Facial Cleanse is another one but have no idea if it’s good.
A’kin has some products containing alpha lipoic acid but I haven’t tried. However, I used some of the cleansers and emergency gel and rather like them.
Hi Sesame,
Have you done any review on the Skin Lightening Serum?
Yes, it’s the 5th product I reviewed in the entry. I’ve been using it consistently and I rather like it. My skin tone is indeed lightened and I feel it helps with evening out my skin tone. However, do note that I’m also using the vitamin C serum twice a week so that must also be helping.
Oh yes, I just re-read it. Thanks for your reply. May I know which vitamin C serum are you using?
It’s also the old from MVO…the 6th product I reviewed.
The face screen is only 60ml! How long does it last you since you use it everyday? 1/4 teaspoon?
About 3 – 4 months. Sometimes I don’t use enough though.
hi, i checked on EWG and noticed there are few product from MVO contain HYDROQUINONE. how safe is tis ingredient?
I don’t see it in their ingredient list. Perhaps you want to write to the company to ask.
I think I will skip the facial oil as it looks saturated with different oils. My skin cant take complicated things, i realise. However, the face screen is interesting and might be suitable for oily skin. Hope to have good result. Awaiting my order to arrive ?
Hope it’ll work well for you.
The free shipping above S$250 is no longer available. ?
Oh snap! ?
Hi Sesame
I’m still trying to find a good moisturiser and have been rather tempted by the MVO Moisturizing Anti-Aging Oil.
Moisturisers with silicones cause clogging for me and I’ve kind of given up on regular cream/lotion moisturisers for now… This Anti-Aging Oil is rather expensive (+ gotta pay for shipping!!) so I hope you don’t mind helping me with some questions about the product!
– Is this ok for sensitive skin? I occasionally get eczema patches flaring up on my face ?
– Is this really moisturising – I won’t need another moisturiser on top of it? Can I use this on top of my whitening essence?
– Does this oil need to be refrigerated? Will it go bad quickly if I store it in my bedside drawer?
– Is there any similar product available locally that you’d recommend?
Thanks!
The anti-aging oil is good on its own but some girls have told me that it is not enough for them; it really depends on skin type. For me, I normally use it with a serum or a cream even. You can use this on top of your essence, no problem.
It should be fine for sensitive skin cos many have said it worked ok for their rather sensitive skin. No need to put it in the fridge…should be okay in a 1-year window.
You can find some oils in our local market but they’re usually standalone type with rosehip oil or seabuckthorn…not quite the same as this MVO one, which is a combination. A’kin has something like a radiance oil if I remember correctly and it’s not bad. Or even Renew or Trilogy has rosehip oil. You might want to try one of these first and see if you like oil on your skin.
Wow, that’s what I was seeking for, what a data! existing here at this webpage, thanks admin of this web site.
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