Long time no talk guys!ย I’ve been busy with the move and have finally unpacked enough to be able to sit down and produce content for you guys.ย This time around, I’m going to share some of my thoughts and opinions on the brand Barr cosmetics which I’ve actually tested out for months now at this point.ย I was lucky enough to win one of their giveaway, which gave me a chance to test out a lot of their products.ย A couple of the products were also sent to me by Bellbees, a Canadian online skincare store that ships in Canada and USA.ย Let’s get into the overview because this is going to be a long one.
Barr cosmetic brand story
Barr cosmetics is a no non-sense, minimalistic brand that focuses on living sustainably while keeping everything simplistic. The majority, if not all of their skincare is vegan and cruelty-free.ย If I’m not mistaken, cruelty-free is a standard practice in Korea (a little bird that works in the industry told me), but vegan is hard to come by, although it is becoming more and more common.ย I personally have tried a couple of vegan brands and products and they usually don’t perform all that well sadly.ย I have to say Barr cosmetics has set the bar higher now (pun intended) in the vegan skincare space.
Full name of product:
Barr cosmetics centella calming gel cleanser
Limited edition/ Permanent?:
Permanent
Description of product:
“Contains Centella Asiatica extract and 0.1% of allantoin to soothe and moisturize the skin.ย With green tea extract, gluconolactone (PHA) to gently exfoliate the skin for a better oil-water balance.ย This watery gel-type cleanser with a mild formula is suitable for sensitive skin.ย No artificial fragrance or color.”
Price:
16,500 won
Amount of product:
120 mL
Duration before expiration:
1 year after opening
Country of Manufacture:
Made in Korea
Animal testing?:
Vegan & cruelty free
Where to buy:
Yesstyle
StyleKorean
Bellbees
Barr cosmetics
Ingredients:
Water, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Lauryl Betaine, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Propylene Glycol Laurate, Gluconolactone (3,500 ppm), Centella Asiatica Extract (3,000 ppm), Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Ingredients (1,000 ppm) , Disodium EDTA, Laurylpyridinium Chloride, Hexylene Glycol, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Xanthan Gum, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexandiol, Levulinic Acid, Allantoin, Sodium Bicarbonate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Hostyldodecyl/Oxyl-O-Cordata Extract Glutamate, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Ceramide 3, Sodium Hyaluronateย
This is a very, VERY gentle cleanser.ย As you can see in the picture, it doesn’t foam up much, if not at all.ย I usually don’t like super gentle cleansers since I don’t feel like it is doing their job, however, I did enjoy this one.ย It left my skin feeling practically untouched while still feeling clean.ย I think if you have really sensitive skin, this cleanser will definitely work for you.
Fragrance?:
No scent detected
Pro:
-super gentle
-doesn’t strip the skin
-slight calming effect but not super noticeable
Con:
-might be too gentle for some
Repurchase?:
Maybe but I would definitely recommend this cleanser to those with super sensitive skin.
Stars given out of 5:
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Full name of product:
Barr cosmetics centella calming ampoule toner
Limited edition/ Permanent?:
Permanent
Description of product:
“An ampoule toner with rich nutrients.ย Contains 80% Centella Asiatica extract and 0.5% of Panthenol to soothe and moisturize the skin. Jojoba seed oil to moisturize the skin and retain moisture in skin for a better oil-water balance.”
Price:
29,600 won
Amount of product:
200 mL
Duration before expiration:
1 year after opening
Country of Manufacture:
Made in Korea
Animal testing?:
Vegan and cruelty-free
Where to buy:
Yesstyle
StyleKorean
Bellbees
Barr cosmetics
Ingredients:
Centella asiatica leaf water (806,000ppm), purified water, glycerin, dipropylene glycol, butylene glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, panthenol, C12-14 pareth-12, pentylene glycol, carbomer , Adenosine, Arginine, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Centella asiatica Extract (100ppm), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Mildew Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyllauroyl Glutamate, White Willow Bark Extract, jojoba seed oil, ceramide NP, sodium hyaluronate
Out of all the products, this is definitely my top pick.ย At first, I thought the texture was too watery and thin.ย However, the more I used it, the more I found it moisturizing, left my skin feeling soft and the texture was thicker than my first impression.ย You could definitely feel the Centella working its magic, calming and soothing your skin.ย I’m guessing the thickness comes from the jojoba seed oil?ย This is a perfect in-between for almost all skin types!ย
Fragrance?:
No fragrance detected
Pro:
-hydrating
-calming & soothing
-great prep for the rest of your skincare
Con:
-takes a little bit longer to absorb into the skin (I personally don’t mind it though)
Repurchase?:
Yes! I kind of regret not bringing it with me up north.ย Now I miss it…
Stars given out of 5:
????????????????
Full name of product:
Barr cosmetics centella calming gel essence
Limited edition/ Permanent?:
Permanent
Description of product:
“A watery gel-type essence that contains 85% Centella Asiatica extract and 0.3% Panthenol to soothe and moisturize the skin.ย Jojoba seed oil to moisturize the skin and retain moisturize in the skin for a better oil-water balance.”
Price:
26,900 won
Amount of product:
60 mL
Duration before expiration:
1 year after opening
Country of Manufacture:
Made in Korea
Animal testing?:
Vegan and cruelty free
Where to buy:
Yesstyle
Stylevana
Bellbees
StyleKorean
Barr cosmetics
Ingredients:
Centella asiatica leaf water (856,000ppm), butylene glycol, purified water, 1,2-hexanediol, panthenol, Centella asiatica extract (3,000ppm), hydroxyethylurea, adenosine, polyglutamic acid, madecasso Side, Asiaticoside, Ceramide NP, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, White Willow Bark Extract, Mildew Wheat Extract, Jojoba Seed Oil, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyllauroyl Glutamate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride , Hydrogenated Lecithin, Carbomer, Sodium Carbomer, C12-14 Pareth-12
I tried so hard to see if this product would give me any results, but to be honest, it didn’t do much for me.ย It was slightly calming and soothing and had light hydrating effects but it was almost like I was slathering on nothing for my skin.ย It absorbed into nothing too…
I think those with oily skin or combination skin would like this way better. My dry skin just drinks it all up like it’s nothing.
Fragrance?:
No fragrance
Pro:
-slightly calming
Con:
-wasn’t hydrating enough for my dry skin
-didn’t do much for my skin
Repurchase?:
No
Stars given out of 5:
????????????
Full name of product:
Barr cosmetics super green deep energy ampoule
Limited edition/ Permanent?:
Permanent
Description of product:
“A vegan ampoule formulated with 60% organic heartleaf extract that helps soothe and calm irritated, reddish skin.ย 20% mugwort extract that nourishes and hydrates sensitive and acne-prone skin.ย Contains 0.1% Panthenol that helps form a moisture barrier to protect the skin from moisture loss.”
Price:
27,600 won
Amount of product:
30 mL
Duration before expiration:
1 year after opening
Country of Manufacture:
Made in Korea
Animal testing?:
Vegan and cruelty free
Where to buy:
Yesstyle
StyleKorean
Bellbees
Barr cosmetics
Ingredients:
Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Artemisia Capillaris Extract, Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cellulose Gum, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Panthenol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Allantoin, Disodium EDTA, Camellia Sinesis Leaf Extract, Punica Granatum Extract, Clitoria Tenatea Flower Extract, Garcinia Mangostana Peel Extract
This was also another product that sounded amazing on paper but also didn’t do much for my skin type.ย I was suckered into the fact that it has mugwort, heartleaf extract, and panthenol all in one bottle.ย Now I’m wondering if my skin is just super thick or something and nothing can penetrate it LOL.
There is a little bit of hydration leftover on my skin, but it is definitely not something I reach for much.
Fragrance?:
No fragrance
Pro:
-calming & soothing
-lightly hydrating
Con:
-nothing that stands out
Repurchase?:
No
Stars given out of 5:
????????????
Full name of product:
Barr Cosmetics super green deep energy cream
Limited edition/ Permanent?:
Permanent
Description of product:
“Features 19% mugwort extract that nourishes and hydrates sensitive and acne-prone skin.ย Contains 0.1% panthenol which helps form a moisture barrier to protect the skin from moisture loss.ย Consists of 0.1% Allantoin that rejuvenates the skin and keeps the skin smooth and soft.”
Price:
23,500 won
Amount of product:
60 mL
Duration before expiration:
1 year after opening
Country of Manufacture:
Made in Korea
Animal testing?:
Vegan and cruelty-free
Where to buy:
Yesstyle
StyleKorean
Bellbees
Barr cosmetics
Ingredients:
Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Artemisia Capillaris Extract, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Water, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Arginine, Carbomer, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polyisobutene, Allantoin, Panthenol, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Sorbitan Oleate, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Amber Power, Dextrin, Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil
At this point, I feel bad for just crossing the majority of these products of my like list.ย This super green deep energy cream is a light gel that absorbs easily into the skin and gives an okay layer of hydration.ย If I were to try and incorporate it into my routine, I would use it more during the summertime when I am hot and sweaty.ย Where I’m living where it is even drier than Vancouver, this just won’t do the job sadly.
Fragrance?:
No fragrance
Pro:
-gentle on the skin
-calming/ soothing
-light in hydration
Con:
-definitely not hydrating enough for dry skin types
Repurchase?:
Not for me but will work with those who have oily skin types.
Stars given out of 5:
????????????
Full name of product:
Barr cosmetics Centella calming barrier cream
Limited edition/ Permanent?:
Permanent
Description of product:
“Contains 64% of Centella Asiatica Extract and 1% of Panthenol to soothe and moisturize the skin.ย Forms a moisture barrier with 1% Squalene to prevent moisture loss.ย Helps with sebum secretion with 1% of Jojoba oil for deep moisture.”
Price:
27,800 won
Amount of product:
80 mL
Duration before expiration:
1 year after opening
Country of Manufacture:
Made in Korea
Animal testing?:
Vegan and cruelty-free
Where to buy:
Yesstyle
StyleKorean
Bellbees
Barr cosmetics
Ingredients:
Centella Asiatica Leaf Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Glycereth-26, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Sorbitan Olivate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetyl Palmitate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Panthenol, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Squalane, Sorbitan Palmitate, Cetearyl Olivate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Centella Asiatica Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Carbomer, Carbomer, Water, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Madecassoside, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Ceramide NP, Asiaticoside, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate
Now THIS cream, this is the cream I’ve been reaching for.ย This is their thickest cream of all the ones I have, is super nourishing and hydrating as well. Of course, there are the added benefits of Centella, panthenol, squalene, and jojoba oil too!ย This cream is built for dry skin types!!!
Fragrance?:
No fragrance
Pro:
-thick, nourishing
-absorbs into the skin well
-slightly calming
Con:
No complaints!
Repurchase?:
YES
Stars given out of 5:
????????????????
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Overall, I’m actually really impressed with Barr cosmetics for a while.ย I’ve tried a couple of vegan skincare brands and the majority of them either don’t do a good job or don’t do anything for me at all.ย If I didn’t know beforehand these were vegan skincare products, I wouldn’t have guessed.ย My top three picks would have to be the toner, cleanser, and Centella barrier cream.ย Check them out if you are an individual with a vegan lifestyle or just want to try really gentle skincare that is effective!
*PR samples
