When I wrote a post about products I was testing at the time, many of you wanted to hear my thoughts on Erborian lotions. I’ve been eyeing this brand ever since they launched at Sephora last year [or was that a year before?], but never quite bit the bullet to try anything, because, to be quite honest with you, I have a lot of skincare, and I really shouldn’t be buying any more until I use up at least some of it. That’s why I was thrilled when Erborian sent me three of their newest additions: Eau Ginseng, Yuza Double Lotion, and Bamboo Matte Lotion.
ABOUT THE BRAND:
The name Erborian is a play on “herbs of the orient”, which is the main driving concept behind the brand’s formulations and overall aesthetic. The company is owned by the L’Occitane Group, but the products are developed and made in Seoul, South Korea, using Korean ingredients with Easten skincare philosophy.
CLAIMS:
Erborian Yuza Double Lotion:
- Bi-phase formula helps to smooth the skin and reveal the radiance of even dull and tired complexions.
- The skin looks supple and full of vitality.
Erborian Bamboo Matte Lotion:
- Mattifying powder, combined with an aqueous phase enriched with Bamboo extract helps to reduce excess sebum and tighten pores.
- Skin looks perfectly mattified, with a velvety feeling.
Erborian Eau Ginseng:
- Helps to hydrate the skin and give a feeling of comfort.
- Skin looks radiant, noticeably smoother and softer.
KEY INGREDIENTS:
Erborian Yuza Double Lotion:
- Citrus Junos Fruit Extract – Yuzu is an ancient citrus fruit that grows on pristine Jeju Island. It’s a wonderful antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radicals, and also provides mild brightening properties.
Erborian Bamboo Matte Lotion:
- Phyllostachis Bambusoides Extract & Juice – Bamboo extract and bamboo juice keep the skin hydrated.
- Powder – Absorbs excess oil, helps to tighten and minimize the appearance of pores.
Erborian Eau Ginseng:
- Panax Ginseng Root Extract – Ginseng root has been used for centuries in Korean skin care because of its smoothing and moisturizing properties.
MY SKIN TYPE:
I have combination/dehydrated skin type, and currently my main issues are post-acne hyperpigmentation and occasional dryness as a result of working from home with dry indoor air. As we move into spring, hopefully some of that dryness will fade away when I can finally have my windows open and not rely on central heating so much. I am approaching my mid-30s, but I don’t have any visible lines and wrinkles, yet, so that’s not really my concern.
MY THOUGHTS:
I admit, I gave these lotions a longer test run than I probably should have, considering they are not exactly the type of product that needs to be extensively tested to see the results. To be honest, I had my mind made up about these a long time ago, but couldn’t find the right time to write about them until today. With that said, let’s talk about the packaging. Each bottle is adorned with a white cap, which is pretty weighty, despite being made of plastic. I also love that the lotions come in bright colored bottles, so if you own two or more of these, they’re easy to distinguish on the shelf without having to read the label. These lotions are meant to be shaken out of the bottle through a tiny stopper opening, which is helpful to prevent using more product than you need.
Where do Erborian lotions fit in a typical skincare routine?
First of all, these are not part of a cleansing phase, instead, they are the first step of your moisturizing lineup. For the best effect, I use them immediately after cleansing by applying my lotion of choice to a cotton pad and gently swiping across my face, avoiding the eye area. Considering that these lotions contain strong fragrance [and the green lotion contains drying Alcohol], I do not recommend patting them in like you would a first essence. Let the cotton round distribute the appropriate amount onto the skin, while wiping away any excess to prevent the absorption of ingredients you probably don’t want absorbed.
The first one I tried was Erborian Bamboo Matte Lotion. It was an unusually warm day and my face went into an oil-producing frenzy, probably after months of cold weather and dry indoor air. When I wiped my skin after cleansing, it temporarily felt hydrated and slightly powdery, and my pores did in fact appear to look tighter, so this product lived up to its claims. I don’t think this lotion did much in the long run, but toners rarely do. Erborian Bamboo Matte Lotion has a pleasant fresh, grassy fragrance that is not too strong, but definitely noticeable. Out of the three toners I got to try, I thought this one was the weakest of the bunch, as it did not really do anything for me. Keep in mind that skincare is YMMV, and even though it didn’t work for my skin, I’m sure it worked just fine for someone else.
The next lotion I tried was Erborian Yuza Double Lotion. I love when yuzu fruit is used in skincare and whenever I see it listed on the ingredient list, for some reason I always expect a good performance from that product. Unlike the bamboo lotion, this one looked more like a runny essence, and it actually felt like there’s something on my skin. I think for someone who has very oily skin and easily gets breakouts from serums, something like this could replace a serum step, because it’s very lightweight, but it does make the skin feel smoother, more velvety, and not stripped of moisture. Out of all three Erborian lotions, I feel like this one is the most universal one, in a sense that it can work for all skin types. No surprise here, but Erborian Yuza Double Lotion smells exactly like yuzu fruit. If you never smelled a yuzu fruit before, it can be best described as a mix of lemon tree blooms, lime, bergamot, and oranges. Let me know in the comments if that’s how it smells to you, too!
Last, but not least – Erborian Eau Ginseng was the most intriguing of the bunch, because I love Korean ginseng. Actually, now that I think of it, I’m pretty sure that yuzu lotion was the one I tried last, but who cares, am I right? This lotion was supposed to make the skin feel refreshed and looking more radiant. I didn’t notice much in terms of radiance, in my experience the yuzu lotion did a better job at giving the skin that coveted healthy glow, but it still felt very refreshing. So, to sum up my experience, Erborian Eau Ginseng left my face feeling soft and hydrated, which makes a good prep step for the rest of the skincare routine. This toner has a lovely floral fragrance, and doesn’t smell at all like ginseng, which can be a good or a bad thing, depending on what you personally like. I find the ginseng fragrance too herbal and too spicy for my taste, so I wasn’t too upset about it.
After trying all three, initially Eau Ginseng was my favorite, because I loved how it made my skin feel so petal fresh after the application. However, in the long run I found myself reaching for Yuza Double Lotion more often. There is just something about that slight serumy film it leaves on the skin, that makes the surface feel smoother and softer. I have not been using Bamboo Matte Lotion at all after the testing phase. I find that it doesn’t do much for my skin, and I try to avoid unnecessary steps whenever possible. Even though my skincare routine consists of many products, each of them is there for a reason, and I just can’t find one to justify keeping the bamboo lotion in rotation.
Have you tried any of these lotions, or Erborian products in general? Do you have a favorite toner? Let me know in the comments below!
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Oh heck, I was actually hoping that the Eau Ginseng did smell like ginseng coz I love that herbal scent. Nevertheless, it sounds like it could be a good hydrating essence?? I’m going to see if I can get a sample at Sephora to try out. I love your skincare posts!
Sorry to disappoint, it most certainly does not smell like ginseng, not even a hint of it 🙂 I really see all of these more as toners than essences. Well, maybe the Yuzu lotion could work as one, but the other two are too watery.
I love hydrating essences! I use Laneige’s and love it and on a different note Bioderma’s hydrating toner too but it isn’t anything like these Asian essences. The Ginseng one is something I’d love for sure.
I will have to try that Bioderma toner, I love their products!
These look like juices!! BUT, they sound absolutely like a juice my skin would love! <3
They really do look like juices, don’t they? The packaging is very bright and colorful.
OOOO I didn’t know these existed. I wanna try!
Let me know which one is your favorite if you have a chance to try!
Yuza is one of my favorite scents, I think I would like the toner too.
It is one of my favorites as well, probably the best citrus scent 🙂
I would love to try the ginseng and yuzu, I think that my skin would like them.
Maybe try “swatching” them next time you are at Sephora? Although I’m not sure how well that will go, but you can at least tell if you like the scents or not 🙂
I think I have a sample size of one of these or a “similar” product in a Korean skin care favorite box. I haven’t tried it yet – but after reading this, I’m excited to see what my results will be!
I think I know the box you are talking about, Sephora had those bundles a few months ago, and I believe Erborian was one of the products. Let me know how you like it if you end up giving it a try!
Unfortunately I find the line too fragranced for me. I read about the products and admire them but the ones I had were too strong for my taste.
I can see how these would be too fragrances for scent-sensitive people. The mildest scented one – the Bamboo lotion – was unfortunately the least effective for me.
It sounds like we have very similar skin, so I would probably like the Ginseng one too!
It’s very refreshing, if that’s what you are looking for 🙂
I have never heard of this brand before. After reading your review, I really want to try Eau Ginseng and Yuza Double Lotion.
Those two are my favorites 🙂 Let me know what you think of them, if you have a chance to try these products.
Great review. I’m intrigued by the Yuza Double Lotion and would love to try it sometime.
Thank you!
These look quite intriguing!
These look really fun, but I feel a little dirty buying products that pretend to be K-beauty. Let me ask you about the first essence, though, where do these fit into the routine? I’ve got a few packets of the Skinfood black sugar first essence, but I’m not sure when to use it.
Even though Erborian is owned by L’Occitane, the brand is more Korean than French. They are located in Seoul, and the products are made in Korea, too. I never even heard about the Erborian until last year, but they were big in Korea for a while now, apparently.
First essences are used right after cleansing and toning. You first cleanse your skin, then wipe your face with a toner-soaked cotton round (if you use toners), and then gently pat the essence into the skin with your bare hands. It feels weird at first, because you are just patting in water, but you’ll get used to it 🙂 This beauty routine step is so very Korean!
I love the smell of ginseng but more than that, its benefits to the skin. I’d be interested to try Eau Ginseng and the Bamboo Matte Lotion because of how my skin has been acting recently.
It’s always a good thing to listen to your skin’s needs. That’s how I choose my skincare products, too.
Hmmmm when I saw bamboo matte lotion, I was intrigued. I may have to grab a sample next time at Sephora
Let me know what you think if end up trying it!
These sound nice!!!! I really would like to try the bamboo matte lotion and the Yuza Double Lotion.
Great picks! I am enjoying the Yuza lotion, I think it’s the best one for my skin 🙂
The scents sound divine! I might be an odd man out, but I love scented facial products. Luckily I have no allergies to fragrance. I also love the bright colored bottles.
I love fun scents, too, I feel like they make my skincare routine more enjoyable 🙂 But I know that fragrance can be sensitizing, and some people prefer unscented cosmetics, so I always like to mention how strong it is in my reviews.
Hmm these sound super interesting. I tend to use the same toner no matter what during my skincare routine, so maybe I should look into switching it up.
I learn so much about skincare on your site!!!
It’s always nice to have several options, depending on your skin’s needs 🙂
These sound really interesting! I’m pretty set in my skincare routine at the moment, but the next time I’m feeling adventurous, I might look into something like this!
It’s always nice to have a routine that works for you! What toner are you using right now?
I really like a serum feel left behind as well!