Paul Johnston is the founder and master herbalist of The Herb Prof, with decades of clinical experience in naturopathic medicine, herbal remedies, detoxification and holistic wellness. After overcoming his own serious health challenges, he now dedicates himself to helping others reclaim their health naturally.
In this Herbal Face Food review, I have evaluated the full product range from the perspective of a master herbalist with decades of experience in botanical medicine and natural skincare. Herbal Face Food is a 100% organic skincare line that uses concentrated plant actives to target a wide range of skin concerns, from fine lines and wrinkles to acne, pigmentation, and redness.
My assessment is therefore based on a detailed analysis of the ingredient formulations, the quality of botanical sourcing, and the results reported consistently across a wide range of customers. By the end of this article you will know exactly which products suit your skin type, what results to expect, and whether the price is justified.
What Is Herbal Face Food?
Herbal Face Food is a skincare line founded by J. Michael Zenn, a health and wellness expert who set out to create a product free from synthetic ingredients, fillers, and harmful chemicals. Every product in the range is 100% plant-based, vegan, raw, and handmade using organic and wildcrafted ingredients.
The brand’s core belief is simple: nature provides the most potent and effective ingredients for skin health. Their formulas draw on over 50 of the world’s most powerful botanicals and the top 20 rarest plant concentrates, creating serums that are highly active and deeply nourishing.
Brand Philosophy and Origins
Herbal Face Food was built on the philosophy that what you put on your skin matters as much as what you put in your body. The brand avoids synthetic fragrances, parabens, and artificial fillers entirely. Instead, they use raw, unprocessed plant ingredients that retain their full nutrient content and potency.
Furthermore, their commitment extends to ethical sourcing, sustainable packaging, and cruelty-free production. Herbal Face Food holds certifications from Leaping Bunny, PETA, and Vegan Action, making it a strong choice for conscious consumers who want effective skincare without compromise.
Product Range Overview
Herbal Face Food offers a focused range of serums and treatments, each designed to address specific skin needs.
The Serum Lineup
- Serum I – the entry-level formula, ideal for beginners and those with sensitive skin. It introduces the skin to plant actives gently before moving to stronger formulas. Available in 10ml ($60), 30ml ($130), and 50ml ($170).
- Serum II – a stronger formula suited to normal to oily skin. Available in 30ml ($200) and 50ml ($285).
- Serum III – the most potent serum, best suited to dry or mature skin. Same sizes and prices as Serum II.
The Cure Series
- Cure X – a powerful treatment serum designed for intensive skin repair. Available in 10ml ($95), 30ml ($200), and 50ml ($285).
- Cure X Soap – a complementary cleanser in the Cure range.
Specialised Treatments
- Cream – a rich botanical moisturiser for daily use.
- Eye Cream – a targeted treatment for the delicate eye area.
All products come with free domestic shipping in the US. International orders over $199 qualify for free shipping.
Key Ingredients and Their Benefits
From a herbalist’s perspective, the ingredient list is where Herbal Face Food genuinely stands apart from most commercial skincare brands. The quality, concentration, and combination of botanicals used across their formulas reflect a serious understanding of plant medicine.
- Astaxanthin – one of the most powerful antioxidants in botanical medicine, protecting skin cells from free radical damage and supporting a youthful complexion.
- Helichrysum – used in traditional herbalism for centuries for its exceptional anti-inflammatory properties, soothing redness and calming irritated skin.
- Myrrh – a classic astringent botanical that helps tighten and tone the skin and reduce the visible appearance of fine lines.
- Aloe vera – deeply hydrating and soothing, providing an effective base for concentrated actives.
- Turmeric – a well-documented natural brightener that helps even skin tone and reduce discolouration.
- Rosehip oil – rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin C, supporting skin repair and radiance.
- Tea tree and neem oil – two of the most clinically studied antibacterial and anti-inflammatory botanicals, effective for acne-prone skin.
- Licorice root – a proven natural brightening agent that targets dark spots and pigmentation.
- Plant stem cells – an innovative inclusion with strong anti-ageing properties, supporting collagen production without the need for synthetic compounds.
The brand also uses a proprietary enzyme blend that promotes cellular turnover, helping to keep skin fresh, clear, and well-oxygenated over time.
Herbal Face Food Review: Formulation Quality
As a master herbalist, what stands out most about Herbal Face Food is not any single ingredient but the quality of the formulation as a whole. Many commercial skincare products use plant extracts at such low concentrations that they offer little meaningful benefit. Herbal Face Food takes the opposite approach.
As a result, their commitment to raw, unprocessed ingredients preserves the full spectrum of phytonutrients and active compounds in each plant. Consequently, the result is a formula that works with the skin’s natural biology rather than against it. From an herbalist’s standpoint, this is how plant medicine should be formulated.
Benefits of Using Herbal Face Food
From an herbalist’s perspective, the benefits of Herbal Face Food go well beyond surface-level hydration. Here is what the formulation genuinely delivers.
Anti-Ageing Effects
The antioxidant-rich formula works to neutralise free radicals, which are a primary driver of premature skin ageing. In addition, regular use supports collagen production, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and helps maintain skin firmness over time.
Improved Skin Tone and Texture
Herbal Face Food promotes cellular turnover and gentle exfoliation at a biochemical level, revealing brighter, smoother, and more even-toned skin. Moreover, the hydrating botanicals support moisture retention and improve overall suppleness.
Targeted Skin Concern Support
The formula addresses a broad range of concerns including acne, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, melasma, dark spots, large pores, and redness. The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial botanicals work together to calm, clear, and rebalance the skin.
Gentle Enough for Sensitive Skin
Despite its potency, Herbal Face Food is free from synthetic fragrances, parabens, and harsh chemicals. Many users with sensitive skin, rosacea, and eczema report positive results when the product is introduced gradually.
Effectiveness for Specific Skin Concerns
Based on customer results and ingredient analysis, here is how Herbal Face Food performs across the most common skin concerns.
Wrinkles and Fine Lines
The plant stem cells and astaxanthin in the formula actively support collagen and reduce the visible depth of fine lines. Customer results consistently show improvement in skin firmness and texture after three to four weeks of regular use.
Acne and Breakouts
Tea tree oil and neem oil bring well-documented antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action to breakout-prone skin. Customers report that breakouts clear faster and occur less frequently with consistent use.
Pigmentation and Dark Spots
Turmeric and licorice root work together to brighten and even skin tone. Sunspots and areas of discolouration typically fade with use over several weeks.
Rosacea, Eczema, and Sensitive Conditions
The soothing botanicals in the formula, particularly helichrysum and aloe vera, help reduce redness and inflammation. Many users with chronic skin conditions report a noticeable calming effect with regular, patient use.
Application and Usage
Using Herbal Face Food correctly makes a significant difference in the results you see. Here is what to know before you start.
How to Apply
Herbal Face Food serums have a slightly thick texture that absorbs quickly and leaves a smooth, non-greasy finish. For best results:
- Apply to clean, slightly damp skin after cleansing and toning.
- Use a dropper to dispense a few drops and massage gently into the face and neck.
- Follow with your regular moisturiser or sunscreen.
- Use morning and night for consistent results.
Starting Out
If you are new to Herbal Face Food, start with Serum I and allow your skin two to three weeks to adjust before moving to a stronger formula. Some users experience mild tingling or light peeling in the early stages. This is a normal response to the concentrated plant actives. If the reaction feels too intense, reduce frequency to once daily until the skin adapts.
Spot Treatment
For targeted concerns, apply a small amount of serum directly to the affected area and massage gently. The serum works equally well as a spot treatment or as part of a full-face routine.
Pricing and Value
| Size | Serum I | Serum II | Cure X |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10ml | $60 | — | $95 |
| 30ml | $130 | $200 | $200 |
| 50ml | $170 | $285 | $285 |
Herbal Face Food sits at the premium end of the skincare market. However, the formulas are highly concentrated, meaning a small amount goes a long way. A single bottle typically lasts several months with daily use, which brings the real cost per application well below many mid-range alternatives.
For those new to the brand, starting with the 10ml Serum I is a low-risk way to assess your skin’s response before committing to a larger size.
Product Safety and Certifications
Herbal Face Food is certified by Leaping Bunny, PETA, and Vegan Action. All products are cruelty-free, vegan, paraben-free, synthetic fragrance-free, and made without fillers or artificial additives. The brand publishes a full ingredient list for every product on their website, making it straightforward to check for specific sensitivities before purchasing.
Customer Results
Customer feedback gathered for this Herbal Face Food review across multiple independent platforms is consistently positive.
- Smoother, more even skin tone within two to four weeks.
- Reduction in fine lines and wrinkles with continued use.
- Faster clearing of breakouts and fewer recurring acne flare-ups.
- Fading of sunspots, dark circles, and areas of discolouration.
- Improved skin hydration and a noticeable reduction in dryness.
- Reduced redness and calmer skin for those with rosacea and eczema.
Independent reviewers at Organic Beauty Lover, Who What Wear, and Kim and Kalee have also reported positive results across multiple skin types, with particular praise for the brand’s clean ingredient list and visible outcomes.
Considerations and Precautions
As with any concentrated skincare product, there are a few important points to keep in mind before you begin.
Patch Test First
Before applying any Herbal Face Food product to the full face, patch test on a small area of skin first. Although all ingredients are plant-based, the high concentration of actives means individual reactions are possible.
Avoid on Active Breakouts Initially
If you have severe active acne or highly inflamed skin, introduce the serum slowly. The potent plant actives can occasionally overwhelm very reactive skin in the early stages. Start with once daily and build from there.
Price Point
Herbal Face Food is a premium product. If you are new to the brand, start with the smallest available size to assess your skin’s response before investing in a larger bottle.
Before You Go – Herbal Face Food Review
Herbal Face Food delivers on its core promise: plant-powered skincare that targets real skin concerns without synthetic additives. The ingredient quality is high, the formulas are thoughtfully constructed, and the customer results speak for themselves.
Start with Serum I if you are new to the brand, introduce it gradually, and give your skin at least three to four weeks before assessing the results. Natural skincare rewards patience, and Herbal Face Food is no exception.
Don’t forget to add theherbprof.com to your favourites so you don’t miss out on future articles.
Please note: This article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice or dermatological treatment. Always patch test new skincare products and consult a healthcare provider if you have a diagnosed skin condition.
References – Herbal Face Food Review
Planetary Herbology, Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., Lotus Press, 1988
Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, by James A. Duke, Pub. CRP Second Edition 2007
The Complete Medicinal Herbal, by Penelope Ody, Published by Dorling Kindersley
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Frequently Asked Questions – Herbal Face Food Review
What is Herbal Face Food and how does it work?
Herbal Face Food is a 100% plant-based skincare line that uses concentrated botanical extracts to target signs of ageing, acne, pigmentation, and other skin concerns. The high concentration of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory botanicals, and plant stem cells work together to nourish, repair, and rejuvenate the skin at a cellular level.
What results can I expect from using Herbal Face Food?
Most users report improvements in skin texture, tone, and radiance within two to four weeks. Fine lines, dark spots, and breakouts typically improve with continued use. Results vary depending on skin type, age, and consistency of application.
How long does it take to see results?
Some users notice changes within a few days, particularly in hydration and smoothness. More significant improvements in wrinkles, pigmentation, and acne typically take three to six weeks of consistent twice-daily use.
Can Herbal Face Food cause allergic reactions?
Although the ingredients are all natural, reactions are possible for some individuals. Always patch test before full-face application. If you experience redness, itching, or swelling, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.
Which Herbal Face Food serum should I start with?
Start with Serum I if you are new to the brand or have sensitive skin. It is the mildest formula and allows your skin to adapt to the plant actives gradually. Once your skin has adjusted, you can move to Serum II or III for a more intensive result.
Is Herbal Face Food worth the price?
Given the quality and concentration of ingredients, most users find the cost justified. Because the serums are highly potent, a small amount goes a long way, and a single bottle typically lasts several months with daily use.
Is Herbal Face Food suitable for sensitive skin conditions like rosacea or eczema?
Many users with rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, and sensitive skin report positive results. The anti-inflammatory botanicals help calm and soothe the skin. However, always patch test first and introduce the product slowly to avoid overwhelming reactive skin.
What certifications does Herbal Face Food hold?
Herbal Face Food is certified by Leaping Bunny, PETA, and Vegan Action. All products are cruelty-free, vegan, paraben-free, and synthetic fragrance-free.