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. 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. Turns out Jo. 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. (If you decide you want to try Barefaced use this link for 20% off your first order/)
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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.
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.
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 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 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.
Glow Peel Pads: For a Brighter Complexion
The Barefaced 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.
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.
If you decide you want to try Barefaced use this link for 20% off your first order!