Hey there, beauty lover! If you‘re like me and always on the hunt for the latest and greatest in skincare, then you‘ve probably heard some buzz about Origins. This nature-powered brand has been around for over 30 years and has a serious cult following. But is it really worth the hype?
In this super comprehensive Origins review, I‘m diving deep into everything you need to know about the brand—the story behind it, the products that are actually worth buying, what other customers have to say, and so much more. As a total skincare junkie who‘s tested my fair share of products (including plenty from Origins!), I‘m dishing all the details to help you decide if this natural beauty brand is right for you.
So grab a green juice (or glass of wine, no judgment) and let‘s get into it!
The Origins Story
First, a little background on the brand. Origins was founded waaaay back in 1990 by Leonard Lauder (son of beauty biz pioneer Estée Lauder). At the time, natural skincare was NOT a thing. Most products on the market were packed with harsh chemicals and artificial ingredients. Leonard wanted to create a line that harnessed the power of plants to improve skin health and give people that natural glow.
Enter Origins, the first-ever brand launched by the Estée Lauder company. The OG collection had just 12 products—a far cry from the massive array they sell today. But even back then, the formulas were super innovative. They featured potent and unique botanical ingredients like mushrooms, ginger, and charcoal (which are still key players in the line today, BTW).
Fast forward 30+ years, and Origins has become a global sensation. The brand is now sold in over 30 countries, with 1,800 retail locations around the world. And get this: Origins products are so popular that one is sold every 9 seconds. 🤯 Clearly, they‘re doing something right!
Natural Skincare: The Origins Way
So what sets Origins apart from all the other natural skincare brands out there? I‘d say it comes down to their unwavering commitment to these core values:
🌿 Harnessing the power of plants. Over 80% of Origins ingredients come from natural, renewable sources. They‘re all about potent plant extracts, essential oils, and other earth-derived goodies.
🔬 Rigorous research and testing. Origins has a team of over 100 scientists dedicated to developing safe, high-performing formulas. Every ingredient and product undergoes extensive testing to ensure it delivers legitimate results.
♻️ Earth-friendly practices. Origins uses recycled and recyclable packaging whenever possible, and partners with organizations to plant trees, restore ecosystems, and offset carbon emissions. Love a brand that cares for skin AND the planet!
Now that you‘ve got the backstory, let‘s get into the good stuff—the products! As an Origins fangirl myself, I‘ve rounded up the absolute must-haves from the line. These are the tried-and-true, holy grail products I recommend to all my friends (and now, to you!).
The Best of Origins: 6 Products to Try ASAP
1. Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash
If you‘re going to try just one Origins cleanser, make it this one. The Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash is a cult favorite for a reason. It has the most incredible creamy texture that transforms into a soft, frothy lather and leaves your skin feeling SO fresh and clean.
The ingredients are 🌟 too: broadleaf kelp extract to control oil, wheat protein to protect dry zones, and tourmaline to make the formula even more effective at washing away impurities. It‘s the perfect everyday cleanser for normal, combo, and dry skin types.
2. GinZing Oil-Free Energy-Boosting Gel Moisturizer
As a gal with combo-oily skin, I‘m super picky about my daytime moisturizer. It needs to be lightweight, non-greasy, and give me a healthy glow without any midday shine. The GinZing Oil-Free Energy-Boosting Gel Moisturizer checks alllll the boxes.
This oil-free gel cream is like a tall glass of water (or shot of espresso ☕) for your skin. It‘s formulated with coffee beans, ginseng, and essential oils to instantly refresh and revitalize a dull, tired complexion. I especially love the orange scent—it really wakes me up in the AM!
3. Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask to Clear Pores
Real talk: My pores are the bane of my existence. No matter how well I cleanse and exfoliate, they always seem to get clogged up with gunk. That‘s where the Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask comes in to save the day.
This purifying mask is made with bamboo charcoal, which acts like a magnet to draw out all the deeply rooted oil, dirt, and other nasties lurking in your pores. I use it once or twice a week to keep my skin clear and blackhead-free. Hot tip: You can also use it as a spot treatment on pesky pimples!
4. Mega-Mushroom Relief & Resilience Soothing Face Mask
If your skin is more of the sensitive, reactive type (I feel you), the Mega-Mushroom Relief & Resilience Soothing Face Mask is a total gem. It‘s formulated with a proprietary blend of mushrooms that work to reduce redness and calm irritation after just one use.
I love reaching for this mask whenever my skin is feeling extra dry, flaky, or inflamed (like after a day in the sun or when I‘ve been over-exfoliating). It has the most beautiful silky texture and really helps take down any angry red patches. Sensitive skin squad, you need this one!
5. Plantscription Anti-Aging Power Serum
Okay, time for some real talk about aging skin. I‘m in my early 30s and starting to notice some fine lines and loss of firmness. Enter the Plantscription Anti-Aging Power Serum, my current ride-or-die for turning back the clock.
This high-tech serum is powered by raspberry plant stem cells (how cool is that?) to visibly smooth lines and wrinkles and give your skin a youthful bounce. It also has hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate. I‘ve been using it morning and night for a few months now and I swear my skin has never looked better. Pricey, but SO worth it.
6. Drink Up Intensive Overnight Hydrating Mask with Avocado & Glacier Water
If your skin is more of the dry, dehydrated type, allow me to introduce you to your new best friend. The Drink Up Intensive Overnight Hydrating Mask is like a big gulp of water for thirsty skin.
This rich, creamy mask is packed with nourishing ingredients like avocado, apricot kernel oil, and Japanese seaweed to drench your skin in moisture while you sleep. I love to use it as a leave-on night mask when my skin is feeling extra parched (like in the dead of winter or after a long flight). Trust me, you‘ll wake up to the softest, most supple skin EVER.
What Other Origins Fans Are Saying
Of course, you don‘t just have to take my word for it. To give you an even better sense of how Origins products perform, I combed through hundreds of reviews from the brand‘s website and beauty retailers like Sephora and Ulta. Spoiler alert: People are OBSESSED.
Here are a few quotes from real Origins customers that really stood out to me:
"I have been using Origins products for over 10 years now and I have never been disappointed. The GinZing moisturizer is my holy grail. It‘s so lightweight and absorbs quickly, but still gives me lasting hydration. Plus it smells like a dream!" – Jessica L.
"The Clear Improvement Charcoal Mask is a staple in my skincare routine. I have super oily, acne-prone skin and this is one of the only masks that truly keeps my pores clear and minimizes breakouts. A little goes a long way too, so the tube lasts forever." – Ryan S.
"I have very sensitive, rosacea-prone skin and the Mega-Mushroom line has been a total game changer for me. The Soothing Face Mask instantly calms any redness and irritation, and makes my skin look so much more even and glowy. Can‘t recommend it enough!" – Lauren T.
"I was a little skeptical about the Plantscription Anti-Aging Serum because of the price tag, but it‘s worth every penny IMO. I‘ve been using it for about 6 months now and have noticed a huge difference in the texture and tone of my skin. It‘s so much smoother and firmer. I even got a compliment on my ‘youthful glow‘ the other day!" – Rachel M.
See? I‘m not the only one who‘s head-over-heels for Origins. This brand has a serious fanbase, and for good reason. The products deliver real, visible results for so many different skin types and concerns.
Is Origins Worth the $$$?
Now for the question I know you‘re all wondering: Is Origins skincare actually worth the price tag? I‘ll be straight with you—this brand is definitely an investment. Most of the products are in the $30 to $60 range, with some of the serums and treatments costing even more.
But in my humble opinion, you get what you pay for with Origins. The formulas are packed with high-quality, potent ingredients that have been scientifically proven to improve the health and appearance of your skin. They‘re also free of harmful chemicals and additives, which is super important to me personally.
Plus, a little really goes a long way with Origins products. Take the Charcoal Mask, for example. One tube lasts me a good 6 months (and I use it weekly!). When you break it down, the cost per use is actually quite reasonable.
Of course, everyone‘s budget is different. If you‘re not ready to splurge on a whole Origins regimen, I recommend starting with one or two products that target your main skin concerns. The Checks and Balances Cleanser and GinZing Moisturizer are a great duo for combo/oily skin, while the Drink Up Mask and Mega-Mushroom Serum are amazing for dry/sensitive types.
The Bottom Line
Phew, that was a lot of info! If you‘re still with me, I‘m guessing you‘re pretty interested in giving Origins a try. And honestly, I can‘t recommend this brand enough. As someone who‘s tried countless skincare lines over the years, I always find myself coming back to my trusty Origins faves.
Whether you‘re looking to maintain a healthy, balanced complexion, tackle a specific skin issue like acne or aging, or just treat yourself to a luxurious masking sesh, Origins truly has something for everyone. The formulas are gentle yet effective, the packaging is eco-friendly, and the brand values are on point.
So go ahead and treat yourself to some Origins goodies. Your skin (and the planet) will thank you! And if you have any other q‘s about the products, feel free to drop them in the comments. I‘m always down to geek out about skincare.
Until next time, beauty babes! 😘
