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Time to start sharing the things I’ve been testing (and absolutely loving).

Remember in I’m Back (And This Time It’s Different) when I told you?? —

I’ve been testing products the right way.

No more rushing to share the latest discovery after a single use. I made myself a promise: three experiences minimum before I’ll even consider talking about something publicly. The result? About 10 products I’m genuinely excited to share when the time is right.

Well, I’m ready to share the first with you: Herbal Face Food.

Herbal Face Food: The Background

Here’s how this all came about.

I used to always rave about Beautycounter because I genuinely loved their products. But then they went away for quite some time due to their own internal changes, leaving a lot of people—myself included—high and dry.

While I’ve heard they’re back in action, I can no longer support the company. That doesn’t mean I don’t still think it’s a great product; I just chose not to align with them any longer.

So when Vani mentioned Herbal Face Food to me, I was intrigued.

I instantly went to Instagram to look them up, and lo and behold, I actually had a DM from their team sitting in my inbox (sent on June 6, 2022).

At the time, I didn’t act on it—likely due to my Beautycounter obsession.

But now, in 2025, I finally responded.

The rest is sort of history.

So let me tell you about them, their products, and my personal experience over the past few weeks.

What Makes Herbal Face Food Different?

Founding Story / Mission

J. Michael Zenn started the company after struggling with severe skin damage caused by years of tanning bed exposure. He sought solutions from numerous skincare professionals, only to be told that his condition was permanent.

Unsatisfied with conventional solutions that offered no long-term relief, Michael decided to take matters into his own hands.

Michael’s quest for healing led him to explore the incredible potential of plant-only ingredients.

Collaborating with leading herbalists and botanists, he dedicated over a decade to identifying and harnessing the world’s most powerful antioxidant plants and phytochemicals based on the ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) scale, a scientific measure of antioxidant strength.

Through intensive research and experimentation, Michael developed a revolutionary serum that healed his skin and reversed the damage.

Excited by his results, he shared the serum with friends, family, and skincare professionals, who also experienced remarkable transformations.

Key Differentiators

While there are many things that make this a stand-out skincare line, here are the things I found most interesting (maybe you will, too!):

• 100% free from synthetic preservatives, fragrances, or fillers (which requires both innovative thinking and a deep understanding of plant chemistry)
• Grassroots success, not marketing dollars, grew the brand (this is very important, actually)
•  The brand’s serums have been proven to reverse the 10 most visible signs of aging, making it a revolutionary force in the skincare industry
• Herbal Face Food sources its botanicals from sustainable farms and wild-harvested locations
• The brand uses post-consumer recycled materials and packaging that is widely recyclable, such as glass and aluminum. (But ALSO, the packaging is STUNNING!)
•  The products are free from sulfates, parabens, GMOs, phthalates, and other harmful chemicals. (These things are critical if you’ve ever suffered with severe acne and/or Perioral Dermatitis as I did.)

The Science Behind Their Approach

Thermophilic Response

Because I felt this when I first used the products, I wanted to be sure to explain what it is.

The thermophilic response refers to the sensation of warmth experienced when certain active ingredients in skincare products interact with the skin.

This response is not just a sensory effect but a sign of increased blood circulation and metabolic activity at the site of application.

It’s a natural reaction that supports the healing process by enhancing the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the skin cells.

In skincare, the benefits of it include: enhanced blood circulation, detoxification, relaxation and stress relief + stimulates collagen production.

And the ingredients in their products that give this effect include:

• Capsaicin: Derived from chili peppers, capsaicin is a potent stimulant that enhances blood flow and promotes a healing response.
• Ginger Extract: Known for its warming properties, ginger extract not only stimulates circulation but also provides anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Cinnamon Bark Extract: This extract is another powerful ingredient that induces warmth and supports skin healing and regeneration.

Herbal Face Food Unique Formulation

Herbal Face Food utilizes a variety of powerful botanicals, each chosen for its unique properties and synergistic effects.

• Aloe Vera: Hydrates and soothes the skin.
• Green Tea: Provides antioxidant protection and reduces inflammation.
• Chamomile: Calms and heals irritated skin.
• Rosehip Oil: Promotes skin regeneration and reduces signs of aging.

But the real magic of Herbal Face Food lies in the synergy between these botanicals, enhancing their individual effects.

• Natural Preservation: Anti-bacterial properties from ingredients like tea tree oil and neem oil ensure product stability without artificial preservatives.
• Enhanced Absorption: Improved skin penetration and nutrient delivery.
• Balanced Formulation: Ingredients complement each other for a holistic skincare solution.

There are so many whole, plant-based ingredients in these products that it would take a white paper to deliver on them all.

If you see any specific ingredient on your bottle that you’d like me to break down in detail, just send me an email. I’m more than happy to!

My Three-Testing Process

First, let me lay out the products I have:

1. Starter Bundle – which includes:
   • The Serum
   • The Cure
   • The Cream
2. The Soap
3. Eye Cream

Now, let me share with you the three phases I’ve already completed.

Test One

I wanted to really get comfortable with the ins-and-outs of the brand and the products. So I had a lengthy call with their VP at the end of August.

Fun fact: She (Melissa) has also been on a gut-healing journey!

Anyways, during the call, I asked all the things. And in return, I got all the straight-forward answers.

She told me exactly how to begin using the products, what the different Serum levels meant, and (obviously) shared her glowing skin and passion for the company and products.

After that, I had everything sent my way so I can try it out.

Test Two

Immediately after getting the product, I started experimenting with it.

I listened to what she said – slow and go.

The only products I used for the first few days were The Cure and then The Serum.

You can see everything both The Cure and The Serum address HERE, but the reason I was so excited to try it was for the following:

• Forehead wrinkles / fine lines (I’ve NEVER had botox, and I’m 42 – soon to be 43)
• Acne / Breakouts
• Pigmentation (from old acne + PD scarring)
• Skin tone
• Pores
• Dark circles

Of COURSE I took pictures. These pictures are taken just days apart. I have nothing on my skin when I took these images. Furthermore, if you see me IRL, I barely wear any makeup. And that’s very intentional.

Test Three

After that, and I knew my skin was loving the ingredients, I added in The Cream and The Eye Cream.

The Cream is the most potent moisturizer ever tested. It contains 102 of the planet’s most powerful Anti-Aging botanicals, and is the world’s first and only edible, 100%, plant-powered 50+ SPF moisturizer.

It’s only been a few days of using both, but here is what I will tell you about these:

1. When I use these products, I feel like I’m actually at a spa. Both The Cream and The Eye Cream need to stay refrigerated. But pulling them out of the fridge, and applying them is something magical. I can’t explain it.
2. The Cream comes in both Tinted and Untinted. I have both. I use the Tinted in the morning; Untinted at night. This morning when my BFF saw me she goes, “What are you wearing!?” Of course I gushed all about the Tinted Cream.
3. I’m fairly certain that no matter what I do, I’m always going to have dark eye circles. I always have, and probably always will. BUT, I will tell you that The Eye Cream is bringing some brightness and lightness back and even a 10% improvement would move mountains for me personally.

Next Up?

You’ll notice I also have The Soap, which is next on my list to start using. I’ll report back.

How Much is Herbal Face Food?

Now, let me be very clear here.

The brand SENT me these products. I did NOT pay for the first round.

And they are not cheap.

But guess what?

Now that I’ve used them (minus The Soap), there is no way I will not continue on and purchase on my own.

But again, this stuff is NOT cheap.

I’m going to give you the pricing straight-forward:

1. Starter Bundle – 50ml Serum (I, II or III) + 50ml The Cream (Regular or Untinted) = $592.80
2. The Serum – 10ml (5-10 days usage) / 30ml (20-30 days usage) 50ml (40-50 days usage) = $72 (10ml)
3. The Cure – 10ml (10-15 days usage) / 30ml (40-50 days usage) / 50ml (60-80 days usage) = $114 (10ml)
4. The Cream – 50ml size, 3 – 6 month supply = $306
5. The Soap = $83.97
6. Eye Cream – 30ml size, 6-9 month supply = $390

And honestly? I NEVER understood why anyone would pay this much for high-quality skincare…..until now.

HOWEVER……BECAUSE I have gone through all the due diligence on the company and product (and now work with them), I am able to provide YOU with the highest discount possible.

30% OFF for the A Gutsy Girl Community

Whenever you use any of my links OR use code AGUTSYGIRL at checkout, you’ll save 30%!

In other words, if you wanted to give the entire Starter Bundle a try your total would be $414.96 PLUS free shipping.

For luxury skincare, that’s a steal!

Just look up other premium brands and you’ll pay twice as much with all the chemicals and unnecessary ingredients.

You’ll soon understand why you’ll never use another skincare line again.

Why I’m Recommending Herbal Face Food (And Why You Should Try It)

After years of being burned by skincare promises that didn’t deliver, I was honestly skeptical.

But here’s what changed my mind completely:

The results speak for themselves. In just a few weeks, I’ve seen improvements in areas I thought were permanent fixtures on my face. The forehead lines that I’ve accepted as part of aging? Noticeably softer. The pigmentation from years of acne struggles? Fading. My skin tone? More even than it’s been in years.

The ingredients actually make sense. No more wondering what half the ingredient list means or googling whether something is safe. These are plants—powerful, scientifically-backed plants—that have been carefully selected and combined for maximum effectiveness.

The experience feels luxurious. That thermophilic warming sensation? It’s like having a mini spa treatment every time I use the products. And pulling those cold creams out of the fridge each morning? It’s become a ritual I actually look forward to.

The company philosophy aligns with my values. Clean ingredients, sustainable sourcing, grassroots growth based on results rather than marketing hype—this is exactly the kind of company I want to support.

Look, I know the price point might give you pause. It gave me pause too.

But here’s how I think about it: I was spending money on multiple products that weren’t working, plus the occasional expensive facial trying to fix what my routine wasn’t addressing.

Now I’m using fewer products that actually deliver results. When you break it down per use, especially with the 30% discount, it’s actually comparable to other high-end options—except these actually work.

Who should try Herbal Face Food?

• Anyone who’s frustrated with skincare that promises the world but delivers disappointment
• People dealing with signs of aging who want plant-powered solutions
• Former Beautycounter users looking for a new clean beauty home
• Anyone with sensitive skin who needs products free from synthetic irritants
• People ready to invest in their skin health rather than just covering up problems

How to Get Started

If you’re ready to experience what I’ve been raving about, I recommend starting with the Starter Bundle using code AGUTSYGIRL for 30% off. It gives you everything you need to see real results, and at $414.96 (down from $592.80), you’re getting luxury skincare at a price that actually makes sense.

OR, simply start with The Cream. If I had to choose just one product, that’s what it would have been (in hindsight).

Your skin deserves ingredients that actually work. And after years of searching, I can honestly say I’ve found them.

Ready to transform your skincare routine? Use code AGUTSYGIRL at checkout for 30% off your entire order.

I’ll be sharing updates on The Soap and continuing to document my long-term results. As always, if you have questions about specific products or ingredients, just email me. I’m here to help you navigate this journey to healthier skin. [p.s. Don’t forget the gut is a MASSIVE component to this equation. Skin = part of A Gutsy Girl’s 3rd pillar in the Ultimate Gut Healing Pillars, lifestyle.]

If you liked this information on Herbal Face Food, but are looking for even more proof, here you go:

1. The Research behind the brand
2. Proven Results
3. Testimonials

Xox,

SKH

Affiliate disclosure: The Herbal Face Food products and links in this post are affiliates. When you purchase anything from Herbal Face Food, you will save a hefty amount and I make a small commission. This is part of my business that helps keep this website afloat for me to bring you the information for free. And I’m so grateful for you.