As a beauty enthusiast, you may have heard of the Great Barrier Relief Serum by Krave Beauty. This serum has taken the skincare world by storm with its promise to heal and strengthen the skin’s barrier.
However, I have an unpopular opinion: saying no to the Great Barrier Relief Serum. While it may seem like sacrilege to go against the hype, I believe that this serum is not the Holy Grail of skincare that it’s made out to be.
In this article, I’ll share my thoughts on why I believe that there are better alternatives to the Great Barrier Relief Serum and why you should reconsider before adding it to your skincare routine. So, if you’re curious about why I’m not jumping on the Krave Beauty bandwagon, keep reading!
The Hype Around This Krave Beauty Product
The Great Barrier Relief Serum has been touted as the ultimate solution for dry and damaged skin. The hype surrounding this product is not unfounded, as it claims to help restore the skin’s barrier and reduce inflammation and redness. However, the skincare industry is notorious for overhyping products, and the Great Barrier Relief Serum is no exception. The marketing for this product is incredibly effective, with influencers and beauty gurus raving about its benefits. But is all the hype justified?
What is the Great Barrier Relief Serum?
The Great Barrier Relief Serum is a product from Krave Beauty, a skincare brand founded by Liah Yoo. The serum is marketed as a solution for damaged skin, promising to help restore the skin’s barrier and reduce inflammation. The formula contains several key ingredients, including Tamanu Oil, Safflower Oil, and Ceramides. According to Krave Beauty, these ingredients work together to soothe and repair the skin. Therefore, it’s a must-have for those with dry or damaged skin.
The ingredients and their benefits
Tamanu Oil is one of the key ingredients in the serum. It’s what gives the product its characteristic green color. This oil is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, which help to soothe and nourish the skin. It’s also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, making it an ideal ingredient for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Safflower Oil is another ingredient and it’s packed with linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that helps to strengthen the skin’s barrier. This oil is also lightweight and non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores or cause breakouts.
Finally, the serum contains Ceramides, which are naturally occurring lipids in the skin. Ceramides help to lock in moisture and protect the skin’s barrier, making them a vital component of any skincare routine.
Why I’m saying no to the Great Barrier Relief Serum
While the Great Barrier Relief Serum may seem like a miracle product, there are several reasons why you may want to think twice before adding it to your skincare routine.
Firstly, the price point is quite high, especially considering the small size of the bottle.
Secondly, the inclusion of essential oils may be a concern for those with sensitive skin. These can be irritating or cause breakouts.
And the top reason why I’m not continuing my use of Great Barrier Relief Serum is due to the smell. The smell was so pungent – it smelled similar to a light cat pee. I vividly recall reciting skincare affirmations and being so excited about trying this product only to wash it off in a few minutes.
I didn’t last one night with this serum due to the smell. After experiencing this, I mined through reviews and it seems that I wasn’t the only one who thought the smell was terrible.
Another reason why you may want to say no to the Great Barrier Relief Serum is that there are better alternatives available. While Tamanu Oil, Safflower Oil, and Ceramides are all beneficial ingredients, they are not unique to this product. You can find these ingredients in other, less expensive products that may work just as well for your skin.
Personal experience with the Great Barrier Relief Serum
As someone who has tried the product myself, I can say that I was underwhelmed by the results. I didn’t even use it for one night due to the smell.
Of course, everyone’s skin is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. However, I do believe that there are better options available that are more affordable and easier to use. That’s why we’d like to share some alternatives to Krave Beauty.
We would not necessarily call these great barrier relief serum dupes as the ingredients cannot be compared directly but they are some good alternatives.
Alternatives to the Great Barrier Relief Serum
If you’re looking for a product to help repair and strengthen your skin’s barrier, there are several alternatives to the GBR Serum.
We found these great barrier relief serum alternatives on Amazon. Please note that as an Amazon affiliate, we earn a small commission if you click or shop these links.
Naturium Plant Squalane Face Oil
The Ordinary Face Serum Set – 3 Products for almost the same price as GBR Serum!
CeraVe Anti Aging Retinol Serum
Good Molecules Serum – Vegan and Cruelty-Free!
For those who want to try Tamanu Oil specifically, there are several options available on the market.
Customer reviews and feedback
While my personal experience may not have been positive, it’s worth noting that there are many people who swear by this product. Customer reviews and feedback are overwhelmingly positive, with many users reporting significant improvements in their skin’s texture and hydration levels.
However, it’s important to remember that not all reviews are genuine. Many influencers and beauty bloggers are paid to promote products. It’s always a good idea to do your own research and read reviews from a variety of sources before making a purchase.
Conclusion: the importance of making informed skincare decisions
In conclusion, while the Great Barrier Relief Serum by Krave Beauty may be a popular product, it’s not the only solution for repairing and strengthening the skin’s barrier. There are plenty of alternatives available that are more affordable and easier to use. Ultimately, the most important thing is to make informed skincare decisions and choose products that work for your individual needs. Don’t be swayed by hype or marketing tactics, and always do your research before making a purchase.