I love trying out beauty products. So when I had a chance to try three of Zenmed’s natural skincare products that seem to have a cult-y following with beauty editors, influencers, and regular folks, I thought sure, why not!
They’re known for being 100% doctor-formulated, naturally-based, and made from lots of organically sourced ingredients. So that’s a good start.
About me and my skin:
I like my skin to be plump and dewy. Glazed, like a sticky bun. When hydrated and moisturized to her fullest potential, my skin is bouncy and soft. Mary Berry should be able to poke her finger into the dough of my cheek and murmur in her special way, See, when you poke it, it rebounds. That’s how you know there’s enough butter and moisture in it.
I’m also a professional opera singer, so I perform a lot, and often have a lot of makeup being slathered on and wiped off. My skin really needs a solid layer of protection for all that stuff, so rest assured I’m pretty particular about what I use.
Related: 7 POC-owned beauty brands that I already love, or am falling in love with right now.
What I look for in a skincare product:
I have a few criteria when I’m trying something new. Nothing too crazy.
-How does the product feel on my face?
-How does my face feel immedately after using the product?
-How does my face feel the next morning or a few hours after using the product?
-What kind of changes do I see in my skin after a few weeks of using the product?
The three products I was sent to try were the Zenmed Glycolic Booster, Zenmed B5 Hyaluronic Plumping Serum, and Zenmed Omegaceramide Moisturizer and after several weeks, here’s what I found.
About my results:
Just to be thorough, I tested each product on my face, but also on the back of my left hand. This way I could compare the treated skin on my left hand and the untreated skin on my right hand.
Spoiler: I didn’t see any discernible difference. But that doesn’t mean there wasn’t one product I loved.
Zenmed Glycolic Booster and Zenmed B5 Hyaluronic Plumping Serum
I regularly use products with Glycolic acid and Hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is one of my FAVORITE ingredients, especially in the winter. But I can’t say I’m a huge fan of Zenmed’s Glycolic Booster or the B5 Hyaluronic Plumping Serum.
The serum felt like water on my face, and my skin felt tight after using it. The hyaluronic acid serums I use tend have a bit more substance to them and my face feels good after using them.
The glycolic booster didn’t brighten my skin or seem to “speed up rejuvenation” as promised.
Verdict: Nope.
Zenmed Omegaceramide+ Recovery Moisturizer
The surprise star of this trial turned out to be the recovery moisturizer. I love it.
As in, ooh, this is magic!
It’s water-based, so it functions really well under makeup, it’s substantial enough that I think it will be perfect on its own during the summer, but I need something a little heavier for the winter. It also works well with various oils and serums I already own from other brands, which is important to me.
As for the scent, it’s really light and kind of citrus-y; very pleasant.
This one is going in my kit and will definitely be used as my under-makeup moisturizer when I have shows and performances. It leaves the skin feeling really soft and plump,
Verdict: I highly, highly recommend this moisturizer. Magic!
Your results may vary
There are plenty of testimonials, before and after pictures, and reviews on the Zenmed website. A few regimens look like they might work for people with specific skin needs, like acne or rosacea. However, the products are pricey — while the products are natural and so on, a basic SPF moisturizer is $24.95 for just 2.5 ounces.
I’d be more likely steer someone toward The Ordinary for similar products.
Related; See Kate’s review of The Ordinary skincare products
Attention all beauty brands: One final note
If a beauty product is advertised as being suitable for all skin tones, I want to see pictures of all skin tones on the website. Sensitive skin is also experienced by people like me who have deeper skin tones.
And I’m always HIGHLY suspicious of a “translucent setting powder” that is white or light peach.
In this day and age, skincare and cosmetic companies like Zenmed need to recognize that their customer base is diverse, with varied needs. Black women and women of color want to buy from companies that understand that hey, we have skin too.
Thanks to the company for providing press samples for review consideration.
