Province Apothecary Skincare Review (Clean & Cruelty-Free)

Toronto-based skincare brand Province Apothecary is the brainchild of Julie Clark, a certified holistic esthetician and aromatherapist. Having dealt with eczema and allergies (something of which I have had my own troubles), she decided to create her own natural and clean beauty brand.

Province Apothecary isn’t just concerned with creating clean skincare items - it also has a focus on sustainability. It’s products are all vegan and cruelty-free.

Based around natural. ingredients, essential oils, and raw materials, this brand feeds your skin in a safe - and effective! - way.

Dr. Roebuck’s Skincare - Moisturizer, Mask, Serum, Cream, Cleanser, Toner - Review of Clean, Cruelty-Free, Vegan, Natural Beauty.

Moisturizing cleanser + make-up remover

Photo courtesy of Province Apothecary official website.

This is Province Apothecary’s answer to a daily cleanser!

While the product is certainly hydrating, I don’t find it suitable on its own as a cleanser. Yes, it does successfully remove all traces of makeup and oil, but I find that washing off the product itself takes longer overall in comparison with some other oil-based cleansers I have used. It feels a bit “greasy” on the skin when water is added to the product. However, other oil-based cleansers I have used in the past were purchased at a higher price point. If you don’t mind being patient, it is an effective product.

I have found that using this item in conjunction with a water-based cleanser makes it easier to remove, so I advice using it as the first part of a double cleanse.

In general, this is not a product that I enjoy using. I find it a bit frustrating to work with as a cleanser, but it does have a pleasant scent.

Despite my feelings towards this cleanser, I want to note that it has won a few awards, notably Best of Beauty by The Detox Market in 2016. Although it didn’t work for me, it might work for you. It’s more affordable than other popular cleansers on the market, and there are no harmful ingredients, so it’s worth a try!

Star Ingredients: Avocado oil (moisturizer), Raspberry Seed Oil (Fatty acids + Linoleic acid)

Recommended? No

Invigorating + Balancing Toner

I love this toner!

If you look for toners that feel cool and refreshing when sprayed on the skin, this one might interest you. Whenever I spray this on, I instantly feel more alert and ready to take on the day.

Not only does this toner feel nice, but it also delivers fantastic skin-boosting benefits. Geranium, one of the ingredients to thank for this product’s pleasant floral scent, also helps balance oil production. This is especially nice given that this product is alcohol-free, meaning you get those acne-fighting properties without the usual dryness or irritation. The other stellar ingredient in this product is Rose Flower Water, a powerful hydrator which I adore.

In general, my skin feels nourished, and not stripped, when I use this toner. This is something I would definitely repurchase!

Province Apothecary’s toner is one of the most refreshing products I have ever used.

Star Ingredients: Rose Flower Water (Hydrating), Geranium (Balancing)

Recommended? Yes

Nourishing + revitalizing Moisturizer

This Vitamin A + C rich item is a great daily moisturizer.

A blend of Rosehip Seed Oil, Apricot, and Evening Primose make this product smell fantastic, as well as very effective in protecting and nourishing the skin.

One thing I like about this item is that it has a lightweight formula that dries matte. It’s so comfortable underneath makeup in the morning. It absorbs quickly, and feels light rather than greasy. This means means SPF, foundation, and even eyeliner glide beautifully overtop.

A little goes a long way with this product, so you definitely get a bang-for-your-buck kind of deal. I really love having this as part of my routine!

Star Ingredients: Carrot Oil (Replenishing), Rosehip Seed Oil (Rejuvenating)

Recommended? Yes

Clear skin advanced FACE SERUM

If you have doubts about using oil to help combat acne-prone skin, doubt no longer!

Province Apothecary’s Clear Skin Advanced Serum is an effective and soothing acne treatment that doesn’t strip the skin of its natural moisture. It helps to brighten skin, and given it’s packed full of antioxidant rich ingredients, it’s no surprise my skin seems to practically glow when I use it.

The only thing I would suggest doing when using this product is to apply it at night. Since it is an oil, it can be a bit cumbersome to apply makeup on top of it during the daytime.

This is acne-fighting product that also doubles as a nourishing and hydrating skin oil. Talk about an all-rounder!

Star Ingredients: Jojoba Seed Oil (Hydrating, Balancing), Sea Buckthorn Oil (Brightening)

Recommended? Yes

CLEAR SKIN ADVANCED SPOT CONCENTRATE

If you have acne-prone skin, but find that using salicylic acid treatments and niacinamide treatments daily make your skin become dry and flaky, then consider this Clear Skin Advanced Spot Concentrate.

Made up of a mixture of potent acne-fighting and antibacterial oils and extracts, this mixture helps to brighten the skin, and calm the appearance of breakouts. It’s also sensitive enough to be used daily.

My only complaint is the smell - while I don’t mind it personally when it’s on, I’ve had some people actively dislike it. As long as you pop it on when you’ve got an hour alone to yourself, problem solved!

As someone who had many problems with salicylic acid treatments being too harsh on my skin, I was really pleased with this product. I had been skeptical about it, but I am glad it surprised me! On top of regular exfoliation and masks, this is one acne product I recommend adding to your roster.

Star Ingredients: Turmeric Root Oil (Brightening, Reduces inflammation), Calendula Flowers (Hydrating)

Recommended? Yes