Saskya ask…Does any one know some about Juice Beauty? I’m looking for a new mosturizer, but I don’t really know what to buy I don’t want something extremely expensive.
The Left Beauty Brain replies
If you are looking for a new moisturizer but don’t want to spend a lot of money then Juice Beauty is not the product for you. Based on the ingredient lists and the marketing story, Juice Beauty products appear to be a bit over-priced for what you get. Of course, this is
true of most facial products. Truthfully, a facial moisturizer is not much different than a moisturizer you might use on your hands.
Juice Beauty Moisturizer
At $36 for 2 ounces of product Juice Beauty moisturizer is only about 50% more expensive than a store brand like Olay or Neutragena. But is it 50% better? To figure this out we need to look at the ingredients and the marketing story.
Juice Beauty Ingredients
Here is the ingredient list for their nutrient moisturizer.
organic juices of vitis vinifera (white grape) juice, daucus carota sativa (carrot) juice & aloe barbadensis leaf juice, organic botanical extracts of calendula officinalis flower, matricaria chamomilla flower, tilia europea (linden) leaf & rose canina (rosehip) fruit, glycerin, organic plant oils of butyrospermum parkii (shea butter) & simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed, organic essential fatty acids of oenothera biennis (evening primrose), linum usitatissimum (linseed) seed & borago officinali (borage) seed, organic honey, vitis vinifera (grape) seed oil, organic algae extract, squalane, limnanthes alba (meadowfoam) seed oil, tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E), retinyl palmitate (vitamin A), magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (vitamin C), panthenol (vitamin B5), hyaluronic acid, hydroxypropyl starch phosphate, glyceryl stearate, potassium sorbate, phospholipids, beta carotene, palmitic acid, stearic acid, cetearyl glucoside, xanthan gum, disodium edta, sodium hydroxide, benzyl alcohol, phenoxyethanol, litsea cubeba (may chang), cananga odorata (ylang ylang), boswellia carterii (frankincense) & commiphora myrrha pure essential oils.
I have to give them credit, they sure pack a lot of ingredients into their formulas. But this is the first red flag. In fact, it could be a basic Beauty Brains belief.
“Beware of long ingredient lists”
You don’t need a lot of ingredients to make a good moisturizer so when you see a long list you can be fairly certain that the company is trying to trick you. Why have carrots, aloe, grape juice, rose hip, jojoba, linseed, ylang ylang and more? Is this a martini, a salad or a moisturizer?
Of the nearly 40 ingredients in the formula, only about 12 of them are actually making the product work. Those are the thickeners (hydroxypropyl starch phosphate, xanthan gum), and the “fatty/oily/moisturizing” materials (palmitic acid, stearic acid, cetearyl glucoside, glycerin). Other cosmetic ingredients like sodium hydroxide, benzyl alcohol, phenoxyethanol & disodium EDTA are for preservation and formula adjustment. All of these ingredients can be found in less expensive store brands.
The rest of the ingredients are marketing fluff to make you think the product is worth more.
Juice Beauty story
On their website, Juice Beauty has the quote “Buy it because it’s organic…use it because it works.” They then go on to explain why “organic” is better than “non-organic” in an interesting Question and Answer section. In reality, no one has ever shown proof that using “organic” ingredients in skin care products will make them work any better or be any safer for you. It’s one of those things that might feel better even though it’s not.
Brain’s Bottom line
Juice Beauty moisturizer contains ingredients proven to help moisturize your dried out skin. But these ingredients are the same ones you’ll find in less expensive store brands so you might want to try those products first. While Juice Beauty moisturizer is 50% more expensive, it’s not 50% better.














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For the most part, I agree with Lefty about Juice. But I disagree with the comment that facial moisturizers aren’t much different than hand moisturizers. Hand and body lotions use lots of heavier ingredients like fatty alcohols and dimethicone. Facial products use less greasy ingredients like esters because they feel lighter. While both types of products moisturize, there’s a big difference in the way they feel on your skin. Have you ever tried putting make up on over a hand lotion?? Yuck!
Details, details Sarah. You can find lighter hand and body lotions.
Well if you still want to try Juice Beauty, you can go to Juice Organics which you can get at many drugstores. The ingredients are very similar, and they are both made by the same company.
I know I’m a little late to the party, but I have to disagree. I use Juice Beauty products, including the moisturizer, and my skin has never been so soft, smooth, even and just glowing. I’ve used everything from Neutrogena to Aveda to Lancome to dermatologist brands, and the difference is seriously night and day. People actually compliment me on my skin, for the first time in my life. Obviously you’re aware that the ingredients listed first on a label make up the bulk of the product (I read your post about it so I know you know that) – and yet in this post you completely ignore that to focus on the ingredients that are listed last, which according to your own post means they could make up less than 1% of the product. I like what you’re trying to do with this site, but you seem to have it in for anything labeled organic. Heaven forbid you admit that anything natural and not chemically processed might have beneficial properties – honey for example is medically proven to be anti-bacterial and is included in the Juice Beauty moisturizer, yet you make no mention of that. And since one of the causes of acne is bacteria, couldn’t it be possible that the presence of honey in the formula IS a benefit not delivered by drugstore brands? But of course, that would mean admitting that the chemicals you never fail to hype aren’t the end-all be-all answer to all beauty problems.
Emmy,
If you read through our blog there are plenty of times we mention the benefits of natural ingredients. Most drugs come from plants!
We do not “hype” chemicals. We merely point out what has been proven to work and what hasn’t. You’re theory about honey preventing acne is an excellent hypothesis but where’s the proof? Just because something could work doesn’t mean it does work. If it is shown to work we would crow about it.
As to your experience with Juice Beauty, they are fine products. That they work better for you than anything else you tried is not surprising. Everyone’s skin is different. That doesn’t mean that it will be true for everyone or even most people.
The reason we focused on the ingredients we focused on is because they are the ones that are making the product work. You are correct that the higher the ingredient on the list, the higher the concentration. Unfortunately, that is only for companies that follow the labeling rules. Juice Beauty doesn’t follow the rules. By putting extracts at the beginning of their label list, they are either dishonest or ignorant.
The ingredients “organic juices of vitis vinifera (white grape) juice, daucus carota sativa (carrot) juice & aloe barbadensis leaf juice” are mostly water. If they followed proper labeling rules, water would be the first ingredient on this formula. This is a common trick that some companies try to play on consumers. Unfortunately, consumers just assume companies are honest and would come to the conclusion that the products have more “organic” ingredients than they actually do.
Hope that helps clear things up. I have no affinity for chemicals and believe that you should minimize your contact whenever and where ever you you can. But just because something is Natural or Organic doesn’t mean that it’s good. People should require proof of a company’s claims before just buying their story.
Isn’t EDTA toxic? (yes it is!)… So the product isn’t organic, its just has a few organic ingredients … totally not worth it. I’ve been using WILD SAGE facial moisturizer forever… only $12.00, and totally ORGANIC. I get compliments every day. My face glows! So expensive doesn’t mean better.
And you say EDTA is toxic based on what information?
According to the Cosmetic Ingredient Review board, EDTA has been studied and classified as safe to use in cosmetics. They don’t however, recommend that you ingest the stuff. Fortunately, cosmetics aren’t meant to be ingested.
Here is what they said exactly…
“The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel recognized that oral exposures to EDTA produced reproductive/developmental toxicity in test animals. Dermal exposures to EDTA in cosmetic products, however, would result in very little EDTA penetrating the skin, resulting in systemic levels well below those shown to produce adverse effects in the oral dosing studies. The CIR Expert Panel was concerned, however, about EDTA in cosmetic formulations that may be inhaled and absorbed through lung tissue in sufficient amounts to produce adverse systemic effects. An exposure assessment was done assuming the maximum reported historical concentration of EDTA in any cosmetic formulation, 25%. Measurements of the amount of an aerosolized cosmetic formulation available within an individual’s personal breathing space demonstrated a maximum concentration of 62 mg/m3 (Mokler 1976; Elder 1983).
If a 60-kg individual inhaled 0.5 l of air with the aerosolized cosmetic formulation (assumes only one breath during use of a spray), at the maximum measured concentration that contains EDTA at the maximum concentration of 25%, then the dose of EDTA via inhalation of an aerosolized product would be 1.24 x 10-4 mg/kg. This systemic dose is below that producing reproductive/developmental toxicity. Based on this assessment, the Expert Panel is not concerned about adverse effects of EDTA and its salts in aerosolized formulations.”
lol.. have you ever bought 100% orange juice… it will say orange juice as the first ingredient, not water, orange juice… unless the water has been taken out and put back in… says who?? says my mother the molecular biologist. (i checked the carton too lol) i think you should write an apology note about the water thing… but i love you guys like i love ice cream. it’s a yearning. keep up the mostly awesomely amazing good work!!!
LOL. I have bought and drank 100% orange juice. But OJ (even the 100% juice kind) is still about 80% water.
Try this experiment and find out for yourself.
i know juice is mostly water (my mom is a molecular biologist LOL) , but i was referring to the listing of ingredients, and water would not be listed, so they aren’t lying (that’s what i meant lol). but i think a cream with a juice base is really cool… not only do you get the standard water, but the vitamins and minerals are also present in the juice. my mom said it really sounds good beauty brains, plus they have the super cheap line, which is almost exactly the same. idk, maybe i’ll buy it after my olay definity…
I also use Juice Beauty and have found their products to be amazing. As an Aesthetician I have tried numberous products in the past 12 years and have found Juice really lives up to it’s name. Mostly I use the green apple line and have found it to be great for my skin. As a whole I don’t believe the products are expensive at all. This is your skin your talking about. The first thing people see when they look at you. Why would you compromise on using a cheaper less expensive brand?
I’m also a recent convert to Juice Beauty. Brightening Cleanser + Daily Nourishing Moisturizer. My skin glows. It’s worth the $ to me!
i love the green apple peel and even though the container is a bit small, its definetly worth it. i used to use clean and clear morning burst and it actually gave me more pimples and its less expensive!!
i know how you said that it depends on your own skin, so before you go bashing expensive products that you havent actually TESTED FOR YOUR OWN SKIN, think that everything has its cost, and i agree with east side bride, its your skin and its worth the dollars.
As an Aesthetician I have dabbled and ivestigated the organic/natural spectrum of skincare products, including Juice Beauty. I like the theme behind the product, but going back to the beginning remark, unfortunately there are just too many ingredients to retain the purity of this “natural” line. I’ve personally found the spf 30 stings sensitive skin. I believe combining too many ingredients no matter the benefits, is a recipe for hypersensitivity and reactions. In terms of price, its all relative- the product follows general market prices for an organic skincare line.
Geez, you guys can be tough. Those California women at Juice Beauty have done an amazing job! They have removed many of the ingredients from their products that you list (including EDTA) and their results are phenomenal. I saw their clinical study results which I guess they are publishing in the next few months and all those organic fruit extracts and ingredients resulted in 87%, yes 87% free radical scavanging…that means curing wrinkles folks! Try their Green Apple Peel and Serums and ANY of their moisturizers, they are amazing.
Most facial moisturizers are designed to soothe and keep water close to the skin. However, manufacturers claim that their product will eliminate wrinkles or penetrate several layers of skin. This is not correct and if often the largest cause of again and wrinkled skin. Many people have the misconception that there is relationship between dry skin and wrinkles. It has been proven that a moisturizer will temporarily make wrinkles less apparent, but moisturizing your skin will not have any long-term effect on wrinkles.
An example of this type of false claim is Estee Lauder Creme de la Mer. It is very expensive at $165 for 2 ounces! It was supposedly to heal burns received in an accident; The reality is that this very chemical laden cream doesn’t contain anything particularly extraordinary ingredients. In fact, the majority of ingredients can be found in CVS-Brand Moisturizers. Creme de la Mer contains seaweed extract, mineral oil, petrolatum (similar to Vaseline), and glycerin. For people who are not willing to use un-orthodox methods, such a survey and harmful chemical peels on your face, there is a solution for you. For long term effect on wrinkles and a treatment that naturally aids your own skin health, you need a Vitamin Enhanced Face Firming Serum. This serum uses natural organic ingredients to holistically improve your skin cells around your eyes and face, for a firmer tighter appearance for now and the future. In just 3 days, this Vitamin Enhanced Face Firming Serum makes a tighter, firmer, more lifted skin. There are exclusive natural extracts combined to help tighten the connections between skin’s layers. These organic and healthy ingredients combine to lift, tighten and firm. 90% of women showed improvement in fine lines that can lead to wrinkles, and uneven skin tone that can lead to blotchiness.
There are certain antioxidants are beneficial to the skin trying to thrive in our pouted world. Please do not use preservatives and avoid toxic synthetic chemicals in your lotions. They are not necessary. Human skin is porous which means that substances we put on our skin are absorbed directly into our bloodstream. This means these chemicals may end up in your liver or other organs. The most beneficial face firming treatments use all natural ingredients, in high concentrations in order to allow for cell rejuvenation and reducing fine line and wrinkles. http://www.madefromearth.com
Please check your facts before you post anything. False info is not a good representation of your website.
Juice Beauty is not made with any water. Alas, the name Juice Beauty comes from a base of Juice. Great concept.
I live in the Bay Area, where the company is based, and have spent time with an executive from their company. I’m amazed with how she was able to read my skin, and educate me on the science and health benefits particular ingredients have. She was so smart. I went home with homework and a sample,and found myself back in the store the next week buying the Antioxidant Serum. My skin is changing, and I’m loving it.
@Devon – What “false” info are you referring to?
Juice is 80-90% water. To say Juice Beauty is not made with any water is a gross misunderstanding of chemistry.
I want to second Devon because I’m shocked at your major oversight of facts. Juice Beauty’s founding tenet is that they contain lightly exfoliating, antioxidant-rich organic juices as a base instead of water.
Yes, juice contains water–but that’s a given. Do you expect the manufacturer of every product that contains green or white tea to list “green tea: green tea bag, hot water?”
And what about the company’s environmental commitment, of which you’ve “reported” nothing? Many women would be interested to know that JB’s facilities are solar-powered, their containers are made from recycled content, and they get many of their organic ingredients from small farmers–and aren’t supporting the use of fertilizer, insecticide, etc that wash into waterways and contribute to the Dead Zone at the Gulf of Mexico.
@Lindsay – Yes, every other manufacturer follows those rules of listing the actual components of the product versus what they want to call it.
The question was about cosmetics not about their environmental commitment which is why it wasn’t mentioned.
Hello beautybrains,
Thanks for your great site! Do you mind my asking your educational background?
@beautychemist – All the Beauty Brains have college degrees in science (chemistry) and were trained as cosmetic chemists. We focus on product formulation.
This all sounds lovely that Juice beauty has such a remarkable background, however, this still does not discount the fact that the mineral sunscreen (SPF 30) leaves such a thickened white paste on the skin, along with 10 different aromas from all of their fantastic ingredients that is a recipe for disaster on sensitive skin. The extensive ingredient list is likened many cooks in the kitchen. Natural beauty on a purist level should never include the multitude of ingredients listed on Juice Beauty’s labels.
the ylang ylang and other 3 essential oils at the bottom of the list are naturally perfuming the product. other cheaper products would list “fragrance” instead and that could represent dozens of separate synthetic chemicals in that one word “fragrance”. the organic juices full of sunlight and vitality to me sound like a lovely replacement of chlorine filled, unpurified water from the treatment plant if the oils in the formula are “holding the water close to the skin” all day. isn’t that how lotion works?
Wow! You guys are jerks. I think its great that these women are providing a completely clean and fresh alternative to keeping skin healthy. I love their completely organic feel and instead of “bashing” the company altogher and mocking the users that are commenting (that love the products), you should be telling us what are the best prodcuts they sell and why and say WHY you dont like it….and not just because of what they represent
I am a 32 year old woman who to this day can NOT find any facial product to help me! I have acne and severe dry skin that is oily in some spots! I got some free samples from a Sephora skin care pack and WOW!!!! Juice beauty that had been able to clean and moisturize my face WITHOUT me becoming greasier or breakout worse than I already am!! I have tried EVERYTHING even Bare Escentuals that make the same claims(i know it is not organic) makes me break out when i use any of their cleansers or moisturizers. Thank you Juice Beauty you are a life saver!!