It seems a little shameful to share this in the age of clean beauty and wellness, but I’ve always been skeptical of natural products. I have pretty strong thoughts on brands using “clean” as their number one selling point that we can save for another time, but most of my reluctance toward the category comes from the fact that a lot of it just doesn’t work for me. I have finicky skin, so I’ve generally stuck to more clinical-grade skin care, and in the past have always thought of natural products as heavily scented, homemade, and something you would pick up from Whole Foods along with your quinoa.

One of the first brands to change this perception for me is the incredibly chic Herbivore Botanicals. The brand was founded in 2011, but really blew up on Instagram a few years ago. As soon as I saw the brand’s minimalist packaging and whimsical names cross my feed, I was sold. There’s nothing about the products that bring to mind crunchy granola, both the packaging and the formulas are super sophisticated, like something you would see in a chic Brooklynite’s bathroom, not a farmer’s market. And most importantly, they are effective. After dipping my toes in with the Blue Tansy mask, I’ve been steadily adding to my collection.

I’m not alone in my obsession. The brand’s had so many great launches in the past year, it was nearly impossible to narrow down which one should win a Glamour Beauty Award. But a decision had to be made, and once we tallied votes, there was a clear standout: the Prism Exfoliating Glow Potion.

Honestly, its win couldn’t have come at a better time. I’m not sure if it’s just me, but whenever the seasons change my skin tends to go a bit bonkers. My face gets flaky to the point that it looks like sandpaper if I put foundation on top, plus I’m treated to a huge, under the skin breakout. Fun!

But the Prism Glow Potion corrects all that. The power is in the formula: the hydrating serum contains fruit acids, include lactic and glycolic, to gently slough off dead skin cells, which helps with both dry patches and acne. The acids also help even skin tone—after a few weeks of use, I already saw a difference in my hyperpigmentation. This could also be attributed to the inclusion of Kakadu Plum extract, a popular natural ingredient that’s rich in vitamin C and nourishes skin. Aloe is the first ingredient on the label, which accounts for a lot of the soothing properties, as well as the serge of moisture and bouncy skin I get from applying the serum.

Another plus: the serum is lightweight but not sticky. I find it incredibly gentle and experienced no stinging, but if you’re not used to acids you may be a bit sensitive. When I use a new acid product I tend to experience purging (meaning that my skin breaks out while it gets accustomed to the new formula), but I haven’t had that happen with Prism. In fact, the opposite happened, it helped calm my acne after about a week of use. I’m not mad at the well-rested glow it gives me either.

Because my skin is so dry, I pair it with a pure hyaluronic acid serum for extra moisture, but if you have normal or oily skin it’s probably hydrating enough to use on its own.

I’m not saying my bathroom cabinet has transformed into Goop, but thanks to Herbivore it’s looking a little greener. And my skin’s more radiant than ever.

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