Why I Trust Barefaced Skincare: A Detailed Review
I’ve been a dedicated Barefaced Skincare fan since 2020, when I first discovered their Toning Pads which was the first product launched. As someone with perpetually acne-prone and oily skin – a battle I’ve waged with dermatologists since the age of 13 – I’m incredibly selective about what I put on my face. I tend to stick with what works and avoid hopping on every fleeting skincare trend. Now in my mid-30s, my skincare priorities are twofold: preventing breakouts and anti-aging.
My introduction to Barefaced Skincare happened somewhat randomly. As a Bravo fan, I was following Naomi from Southern Charm on Instagram, and she posted about these skincare products. Naturally influenced, I started following Jordan Harper, the line’s founder. I was immediately drawn to Jordan’s expertise. As a nurse practitioner, she educates her audience extensively on skincare, demystifying complex ingredients and guiding us toward effective products while steering us away from those that are ineffective. This transparency and knowledge have fostered a deep sense of trust.
Since discovering Barefaced Skincare, I’ve used many of their products. However, while I’m a big fan of Barefaced it’s important to note that I also rely on prescription-strength skincare. I currently use prescription retinoid (Tretinoin), spironolactone (100mg), and azelaic acid, as recommended by my dermatologist. Because of this, I haven’t personally incorporated Barefaced’s retinaldehyde product, though I know it’s also a popular choice and is formulated to be gentle yet effective.
Skin Isn’t Perfect: Setting Realistic Expectations
Before diving into my Barefaced Skincare reviews, I want to share a bit about my skincare journey and set some realistic expectations. It has taken me years of working closely with a dermatologist to find the right products for my skin, and I’ve never received as many compliments as I have in the past few years. However, it’s important to remember that even with a consistent and effective routine, perfect skin is a myth, perpetuated by social media. As you’ll see in my before-and-after photos, I still have imperfections. My skin has good days and bad days. I still experience breakouts, and sometimes it’s more irritated. This is the reality of skin, and it’s okay. While I stand behind the Barefaced Skincare products I’m recommending, I want to emphasize that they’re part of a journey, not a magic solution.
Here’s a rundown of my experiences and recommendations for the Barefaced Skincare products I do use.
Click to expand a table of contents to jump to specific product reviews.
Barefaced Skincare Vitamin C vs. SkinCeuticals
A good Vitamin C serum is a non-negotiable in any solid skincare routine. Before using the Barefaced Vitamin C (called Liquid Gold), I used SkinCeuticals, a dermatologist-recommended brand. While I can’t definitively say I’ve noticed a dramatic difference between the two, Vitamin C is a critical component of a skincare regimen, so I use it daily. Ultimately, I prefer supporting a small business like Barefaced, but SkinCeuticals is also a solid option.
| Feature | SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic | Barefaced Liquid Gold |
| Price | $185 | $136 ($109 with subscription) |
| Vit C Conc. | 15% L-Ascorbic Acid | 15% L-Ascorbic Acid |
| Key “Extra” | 1% Vitamin E (Lipid-rich) | Willow Bark (Natural BHA) |
| Formulation | Liquid Serum | Micro-Emulsion |
| Scent | Known for a “hot dog water” smell | Neutral |
Barefaced Toning Pads
The product that I first started with, the Toning Pads, remains a staple in my routine. These pads, and the Toning Pads II (a more potent version), are formulated with acids to exfoliate and tone the skin. I personally use the original Toning Pads twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening. While some find daily use sufficient, and others need to use them every other day, my skin tolerates them well with consistent use. Be warned: if your skin is sunburned or particularly dry, or just sensitive in general, these pads can sting a bit. For me, the Toning Pads II proved too intense for regular use on my sensitive skin.
Brightening Serum for Discoloration
Given my history with acne, I often struggle with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) – those lingering dark spots that appear after a breakout heals. The Barefaced Skincare Brightening Serum is specifically designed to target discoloration, including melasma, making it a key player in my routine. This serum is also useful for dark spots.
Note – If you buy the Vitamin C & Serum together you can save $10.
Overachiever: Soothing & Repairing
This formula is a retinoid booster, meaning it can help improve tolerability and frequency of retinoid use. As I mentioned, using a retinoid is a key component of a well-rounded skincare routine – a “key three” routine which should also include your Vitamin C and daily SPF.
Beyond its retinoid-boosting capabilities, Overachiever also contains resveratrol, an ingredient known to help reduce inflammation. This is a significant benefit for me, as my skin is sensitive and prone to redness, particularly on my cheeks. I find that Overachiever effectively calms and soothes my skin.
The formula also includes a lower concentration of azelaic acid (which, as I mentioned earlier, I also use in a prescription-strength form) and hyaluronic acid for hydration. Peptides are another key ingredient, promoting collagen production, a crucial factor in anti-aging.
Overachiever works to complement a retinoid, making it a valuable addition to any routine that incorporates one. I highly recommend incorporating this serum, especially if you have sensitive or redness-prone skin. It’s also a great product to reach for when your skin feels particularly dry or irritated, such as after a day in the sun, and you need to take a break from your other, potentially more active, products.
Barefaced Hydrating Lotion Moisturizer
The Hydrating Lotion is, admittedly, a splurge at $110. I really like this lotion’s consistency and it doesn’t feel heavy or sticky on my skin. One of Jordan’s tips that has stuck with me is to use lotion on your lips, and this moisturizer is perfect for that (I’m addicted to chapstick). I incorporate it into my morning and evening routines. To make the product last longer, I also use my cheaper EltaMD Light moisturizer during the day, and use the Hydrating Lotion at night.
Barefaced Skincare SPF Tinted Moisturizer: A Mixed Review
While I appreciate the SPF 50 protection offered by the Tinted Moisturizer, I have mixed feelings about it. I use it when I know I’ll be outdoors for extended periods, as the high SPF is a plus. However, I find it feels heavy, sticky, and shiny on my skin, and the orange undertone doesn’t complement my cool undertone. Many people love this product, so it’s worth trying, but it’s not my personal favorite. I’m a big EltaMD fan because it’s dermatologist recommended, and I’ve really been liking their red correcting green tinted moisturizer for the past few months – also a plus it’s SPF 50. (I have this post that outlines several other SPFs I’ve used as I tried to find one for my cool undertone.)
Barefaced Shaving Kit & Oil
I use the Barefaced Skincare shaving blades about once a month to exfoliate and smooth my skin, which helps my makeup apply more evenly. While the Perfectionist shaving oil isn’t a must-have for me (I prefer shaving on dry skin), the blades themselves are effective. I personally don’t have a ton of facial hair, so I consider this a ‘nice to have’ not a ‘need to have’ in the routine.
If you do get the kit with the oil, you can use the oil beyond just for shaving by mixing 2 drops of oil with Hydrating Lotion (or any moisturizer) for additional moisture for dry skin. If your prone to dry skin, this could be something helpful for you.
Glow Peel Pads: For a Brighter Complexion
The Barefaced Polishing Pads (formerly Glow Peel Pads) are another product I enjoy. These pads definitely pack a punch – they’re “spicy,” meaning they can cause a tingling sensation. They’re not intended for daily use; I use them once or twice a week to boost radiance and address discoloration. The morning after using them, my skin always looks noticeably brighter.
I had ordered a bunch of these and so didn’t realize until recently they had rebranded/formulated them into the full body Polishing Pads! They’ve now made them bigger to use on full body exfoliation. Note – they aren’t like a scrub, instead they exfoliate via chemical exfoliation (AHAs, BHAs).
Barefaced Everyday Eye Hero Patches
To be honest, with a busy schedule I’m not one who consistently uses eye patches. Especially since you need to leave them on for ~15 minutes. I do own the Everyday Eye patches and I like them – they don’t slide around and you use them with your own skincare. For example, I’ll put on my Revox Line Relaxer (a good pregnancy safe botox alternative) and then put on the eye patches after to help the product absorb.
I don’t use them super frequently, but they can last up to 12 months and for $30 that’s a good deal!
My Skincare Routine & Application Tips
Here are a few tips I’ve learned from Jordan and incorporated into my skincare routine:
- Thinnest to Thickest: Always apply products in order of consistency, from thinnest to thickest. My routine follows this order: Toning Pads, Vitamin C, serums (Brightening & Overachiever), Azelaic acid prescription, moisturizer, and then SPF (in the morning). The same principle applies to my nighttime routine.
- Don’t Forget Your Neck and Chest: Whatever product you apply to your face, bring it down to your neck and chest. This is especially important for products like toning pads and serums.
Final Thoughts on Barefaced Skincare: Is It Worth the Investment?
Barefaced products are undoubtedly an investment. Jordan Harper is transparent about the “medical-grade” nature of her formulations, and that quality comes at a cost. While I believe effective skincare can be found at various price points, it requires diligent research to understand ingredients, formulations, and brand reputation to ensure you’re getting the most for your money.
For me, skincare is a worthwhile investment, and I appreciate the quality and results I’ve experienced with Barefaced. As Jordan often emphasizes, your daily skincare routine accounts for 80% of your skin’s health and appearance, with in-office treatments and other factors contributing the remaining 20%. Finding the right products and a routine you’ll stick with is the most important.
Ways to Save on Barefaced
- Subscriptions: The most effective way to save on Barefaced is by utilizing their subscription model. If you’ve tried a product and know it’s a staple for you, there is no reason to pay full price.
- The Perk: You save 20% on every order when you subscribe.
- The Flexibility: You can set your delivery for every one, two, or three months depending on your usage.
- You can skip, delay, or cancel your subscription at any time, which removes the pressure of feeling “locked in.”
The Math: Take the Barefaced Toning Pads, for example. They are normally $50. With a subscription, you’re only paying $40. Over a year, that’s $120 back in your pocket just for a product you’re already using.
2. Bundle & Save with Curated Kits
If you are new to the brand or looking to overhaul your entire routine, the curated kits offer the best “price-per-product” value. Instead of buying piecemeal, Barefaced bundles their heavy hitters.
The Core 4 Kit – includes the Toning Pads, Liquid Gold (Vitamin C), RetinAL Skin Therapy, and their SPF (mini core 4 kit for $240 vs full size of $324).
- Individual Total: $381
- Kit Price: $324
- Total Savings: $57
By starting with a kit, you’re ensuring the ingredients actually work in harmony, while also keeping your “cost-per-use” much lower than buying individual bottles.
Shop all my skincare faves
If you are reading about these skincare products, you might also be someone who is interested in other beauty tools. I recently shared my results after using the CurrentBody red light therapy mask for 365 days. You can check out that deep dive review to see if it’s worth adding to your routine eventually.
