This is a review on a small range of skincare products that I was given to try for 2 days. This was a horrific experience which I felt I had to share to prevent anyone else from making the same mistake as me and to also get the word out there that Arbonne is not what it seems.
Everything I am writing on here is 100% true and I have not exaggerated anything. I will quote what the independent consultant advised me when talking about Arbonne products in addition to quoting what the website says. Please note that I spoke to the consultant through Facebook and by texts so I have the exact wording of what the consultant said.
How I was approached
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| At first glance, these products look good but they are overpriced and do not do what the products claim to do, These products have ruined my skin by leaving the worst allergic reaction that I cannot put anything on my face now without it stinging and my skin is super dry and scaly because the products have taken all the natural oils out of my face. |
About Arbonne
For those of you who have not heard of Arbonne like myself at the time, Arbonne works very much like Avon and Mary Kay cosmetics. This is referred to as "network marketing" where independent consultants promote and attempt to sell the products to their family and friends and to persuade members of their family and friends to sign up to be a consultant like themselves so they earn commission on the sales they make in addition to commission from sales their friends and family make. If I had done my research before agreeing to try the products, I would not be in this position. I only had a quick look at their website and ignored everything else on the internet as I did not have time to do heavy research around the company and to look at reviews. I wish I had done though because these products have now ruined my skin and gave me a severe allergic reaction which has still not cleared up or got any better and tomorrow will be a week since I last used those products which I will NEVER use again.
Having had this horrific experience, I did my research on Arbonne and on their website it says the following: "We're taking pure, safe and beneficial to the next level through our efforts to match the purity of our ingredients with the earth friendliness of our packaging". The products are not pure and safe if this happened to me and others. Please note that Arbonne do not have much information about their products and that you have to dig deep to find any information about the brand. I have read so many reviews that people have posted about Arbonne and they too want to reach out to let people know of their experience.
My experience
The list of products I was given to try:
- Seasource Detox Spa - renewing body gelee £33
- It's a long story mascara £25
- Seasource Detox Spa - foaming sea salt scrub £25
- Calm Gentle Daily Ceanser £17
- Makeup Primer £26
- Calm Soothing Eye Gel £23
- Calm Soothing Facial Serum £35
- Calm Gentle Daily Moisturizer £26
The Calm range
I will quote what the website says about this Calm range: "Clinically tested, Calm is formulated to help provide hydrating relief from tightness, dryness and discomfort. With 80% food grade ingredients, these extra gentle formulas help calm and sooth sensitive skin that is easily irritated." The next bit shocked me as you will see if you carry on reading what happened to my skin having used this whole range.. "Non comedogenic, fragrance free, colourant free, and allergy and dermatologist tested, Calm has soothing botanicals to nurture and moisturise without blocking pores." These products did the complete opposite... the description is not even close to being accurate and I am shocked that the products are claiming to do these things.
Upon applying these products to my face, it began to burn and redden. I could not stand the feeling and had to take it off instantly. I developed irritant contact dermatitis from these products which is when something damages your skin. My skin was burning/stinging, itchy and was so red and sore where I used the products which was all over my face. I am someone who does not get spots often nor do I get allergic reactions from trying products. I have tried a lot of products in my lifetime and I can say that this experience was the worst. The products have left me with a severe allergic reaction that I still have after 6 days of trying the products and I cannot see this clearing up anytime soon. My skin is dry and scaly and it is so dry that I cannot smile. My face stings when putting on the products I use normally (not Arbonne products) and this has never happened before. Even applying vaseline twice a day does not help my skin get hydrated enough. My skin combination is not dry, it is normally oily but the products have taken all the natural oils out of my face.
The funny thing is that on the website, there are no ingredients listed for their products. Apparently, it is so other companies will not copy the formulas. Seriously, who would even want to copy the formulas of these products which leave you with a severe allergic reaction, red raw skin and dry scaly skin. I am clearly not the only one who experienced this as I have read so many reviews and my sister also got her own set of products to try and she too got the same allergic reaction as me.
More about Arbonne and their consultants
The other thing I cannot quite believe is that Arbonne keeps using the words pure, natural, simple, green and healthy and keep going on about minimising their impact on the earth. Arbonne products contain such varied substances such as hydrogenated castor oil,sunflower, canola and safflower which are not certified to be GMO free. There are so many ingredients used in each product which make the products seem so complicated to create yet they could easily simplify the products.
Arbonne consultants will most likely not have any prior education in cosmetology and will not know the answers to the questions you will be asking them. I found that the consultant I was speaking with was exaggerating what the products claim to do when really they did the complete opposite. The consultant was over enthusiastic about the products but both my sister and I felt he was only like this because he was trying to get a sale out of us. The consultant's performance was exceptionally poor and only replied to my messages when the consultant thought they may get a sale.
I text the consultant to tell them what had happened to my skin and I have still not received a reply. This shows that the consultant is unprofessional and solely only interested in making money and not caring about the company's brand and reputation. I was shocked to not even receive an acknowledgement in the form of a message, let alone an apology. I have therefore contacted Arbonne to let them know my horrific experience. I have not heard back from Arbonne yet but I am expecting to hear back from them to see what they say.
Other products I tried
I have to admit that the other products I tried were nothing special. The mascara was just like what you would get in the high street, not worth the money whatsoever. The Seasource stuff too was nothing special.
Summary
I was not impressed by the products and my experience with Arbonne was horrendous. I do not think anyone should go through the same experience as I did. The consultants at Arbonne clearly do not know everything about the products and probably do not know all the ingredients used in the products. I requested to try products for my skin type, combination and also to try products which are for sensitive skin. Like I said earlier, I am not someone who gets spots all the time and also it is very rare for me to get allergic reactions from products. I have tried hundreds of products and never have I had an experience like this before. My skin is still suffering the consequences of trying these horrific products and I recommend that in the future, if you want to try products out, to really research the background of the brand and its products. I made a big mistake by not researching and believing everything the consultant told me. It was clearly just so they could try and make a sale. If the consultant really cared about the user of the products and about the brand and its reputation, I would have received a reply to the text I sent. I am absolutely shocked at how awful the products are and the reaction my skin had to these products. Finally, I was told that I could join the Arbonne team and was told to tell my friends and family about this brand. There is no way I will ever join Arbonne and I will definitely tell my friends and family about how bad this brand is.
Please warn all your friends and family about this brand and to avoid this happening to you or your friends and family. The brand is not what it seems.
The funny thing is that on the website, there are no ingredients listed for their products. Apparently, it is so other companies will not copy the formulas. Seriously, who would even want to copy the formulas of these products which leave you with a severe allergic reaction, red raw skin and dry scaly skin. I am clearly not the only one who experienced this as I have read so many reviews and my sister also got her own set of products to try and she too got the same allergic reaction as me.
More about Arbonne and their consultants
The other thing I cannot quite believe is that Arbonne keeps using the words pure, natural, simple, green and healthy and keep going on about minimising their impact on the earth. Arbonne products contain such varied substances such as hydrogenated castor oil,sunflower, canola and safflower which are not certified to be GMO free. There are so many ingredients used in each product which make the products seem so complicated to create yet they could easily simplify the products.
Arbonne consultants will most likely not have any prior education in cosmetology and will not know the answers to the questions you will be asking them. I found that the consultant I was speaking with was exaggerating what the products claim to do when really they did the complete opposite. The consultant was over enthusiastic about the products but both my sister and I felt he was only like this because he was trying to get a sale out of us. The consultant's performance was exceptionally poor and only replied to my messages when the consultant thought they may get a sale.
I text the consultant to tell them what had happened to my skin and I have still not received a reply. This shows that the consultant is unprofessional and solely only interested in making money and not caring about the company's brand and reputation. I was shocked to not even receive an acknowledgement in the form of a message, let alone an apology. I have therefore contacted Arbonne to let them know my horrific experience. I have not heard back from Arbonne yet but I am expecting to hear back from them to see what they say.
Other products I tried
I have to admit that the other products I tried were nothing special. The mascara was just like what you would get in the high street, not worth the money whatsoever. The Seasource stuff too was nothing special.
Summary
I was not impressed by the products and my experience with Arbonne was horrendous. I do not think anyone should go through the same experience as I did. The consultants at Arbonne clearly do not know everything about the products and probably do not know all the ingredients used in the products. I requested to try products for my skin type, combination and also to try products which are for sensitive skin. Like I said earlier, I am not someone who gets spots all the time and also it is very rare for me to get allergic reactions from products. I have tried hundreds of products and never have I had an experience like this before. My skin is still suffering the consequences of trying these horrific products and I recommend that in the future, if you want to try products out, to really research the background of the brand and its products. I made a big mistake by not researching and believing everything the consultant told me. It was clearly just so they could try and make a sale. If the consultant really cared about the user of the products and about the brand and its reputation, I would have received a reply to the text I sent. I am absolutely shocked at how awful the products are and the reaction my skin had to these products. Finally, I was told that I could join the Arbonne team and was told to tell my friends and family about this brand. There is no way I will ever join Arbonne and I will definitely tell my friends and family about how bad this brand is.
Please warn all your friends and family about this brand and to avoid this happening to you or your friends and family. The brand is not what it seems.
Quick Update
I contacted Arbonne on Friday 10 October. I didn't hear from them so I contacted them again on Monday 13 October and stressed that they should get in contact with me ASAP seeing as this is such a serious case regarding their products and my skin. I specifically told them to NOT contact me during my work hours and gave them the times to call me if they really needed to. I asked that they contact me via email so we could arrange a time for a call. Of course, Arbonne contacted me during my work hours and I didn't pick up the phone seeing as I was at work so they left a message which was incredibly unclear. I tried to call them back but after holding for 20 minutes, my call was dropped.... I've not heard back from them since and I submitted a third complaint to them. On the website, it says: "A Field Support representative will contact you within 24 hours." Clearly this is a lie if I have not heard back from them... I am very disappointed with this company. They clearly don't care that their products have caused so much damage to people's faces and clearly don't care about their brand's reputation. This is a horrendous company and from just reading around the website, the word SCAM comes up so often. So many people have said they have been scammed by this company and how it lures people into the company to work for them as consultants and that they have to spend £xxx amount which is usually around £200 so they have the products and then they get xxx amount free. Arbonne has ruined many lives by luring people into the company to work for them and the consultants have to work so hard to make such little amount of money. They also have to exaggerate what the products to do try and get a sale and obviously p*ss off a lot of their family and friends at the same time by trying to force them to buy something and make them become consultants too, I don't know how this company has got away with this for so long but people need to know what this company is like.
Seriously, do yourself a favour and stay away from this brand and all its promises and lies. It is all FAKE.
I contacted Arbonne on Friday 10 October. I didn't hear from them so I contacted them again on Monday 13 October and stressed that they should get in contact with me ASAP seeing as this is such a serious case regarding their products and my skin. I specifically told them to NOT contact me during my work hours and gave them the times to call me if they really needed to. I asked that they contact me via email so we could arrange a time for a call. Of course, Arbonne contacted me during my work hours and I didn't pick up the phone seeing as I was at work so they left a message which was incredibly unclear. I tried to call them back but after holding for 20 minutes, my call was dropped.... I've not heard back from them since and I submitted a third complaint to them. On the website, it says: "A Field Support representative will contact you within 24 hours." Clearly this is a lie if I have not heard back from them... I am very disappointed with this company. They clearly don't care that their products have caused so much damage to people's faces and clearly don't care about their brand's reputation. This is a horrendous company and from just reading around the website, the word SCAM comes up so often. So many people have said they have been scammed by this company and how it lures people into the company to work for them as consultants and that they have to spend £xxx amount which is usually around £200 so they have the products and then they get xxx amount free. Arbonne has ruined many lives by luring people into the company to work for them and the consultants have to work so hard to make such little amount of money. They also have to exaggerate what the products to do try and get a sale and obviously p*ss off a lot of their family and friends at the same time by trying to force them to buy something and make them become consultants too, I don't know how this company has got away with this for so long but people need to know what this company is like.
Seriously, do yourself a favour and stay away from this brand and all its promises and lies. It is all FAKE.
Thanks for the review. My friend sells this product and gave me tester but I didn't even use them. They seem really harsh to the skin with the scent it has on the product.
ReplyDeleteWww.kreamiblush.com
I just bought an arbonne lip gloss (the hyacinth one,can't remember the name) and I have applied it 3 times so far. As soon as I put it on, my throat gets scratchy and sore and my lips feel slightly numb and tingly. I'm not allergic to anything and don't ever usually get bad reactions to products.I was disappointed as I want to wear it but I can't. My cheapie lip gloss from the grocery store doesnt react with me at all! It leads me to believe that arbonne is certainly not as natural and organic as they seem to be.
ReplyDeleteYou should try calling them, I've never had trouble getting through to customer service. I don't know if you are emailing?
ReplyDeleteI have used the same products, for almost two years, with excellent results. The Calm line saved my skin. Considering you were asked to write a blog, I find it extremely unprofessional to also post things that are clearly false. The ingredient lists are available online, on their site, on the same page as the product is for purchase. For example: http://www.arbonne.com/Pws/homeoffice/store/AMUS/product/Calm-Collection-US-8705,1526,206.aspx
ReplyDeleteThis link goes directly to the Calm line set, where you can read the ingredient list, in detail, for each product.
It may not have worked for you, but there are lots of people it has worked for, and if it wasn't the case, Arbonne wouldn't continue to sell it.
After speaking to a manager from Arbonne she notified me that the products were probably contaminated. As for the products not having ingredients, they don't have them on the actual products. I was certainly not the only person who suffered from allergic reactions after reading other horror stories online.
DeleteGlad it worked for you though
I used the products for two days and my face is red, puffy, and itchy. Its horrible. Returning the entire line and going back to my chanel hydra beauty creme.
DeleteI started using the products 10 years ago and Loved the Re9, until an accident and many health conditions flared up my skin. I had to stop using everything but water for a while. After years of frustration and lots of money trying to find decent products to use...I finally told my husband..I don't care if I have to take allergy medication I am going to use those products again because my skin had never looked more beautiful... Flawless. I am happy to report I am using the Re9 again...no allergy meds...and getting complimented on my skin again. I think all of our bodies handle ingredients differently... And at different times in our lives. But yeah your Consultant... Not good. P.s. I don't know how many products you accept from people online. But the fact that you didn't get new products in their original box so you could read the ingredients... Scary to me that you even tried them. I'd use more caution in the future with your skin. Lots of crazy's out there... You are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI started using the products 10 years ago and Loved the Re9, until an accident and many health conditions flared up my skin. I had to stop using everything but water for a while. After years of frustration and lots of money trying to find decent products to use...I finally told my husband..I don't care if I have to take allergy medication I am going to use those products again because my skin had never looked more beautiful... Flawless. I am happy to report I am using the Re9 again...no allergy meds...and getting complimented on my skin again. I think all of our bodies handle ingredients differently... And at different times in our lives. But yeah your Consultant... Not good. P.s. I don't know how many products you accept from people online. But the fact that you didn't get new products in their original box so you could read the ingredients... Scary to me that you even tried them. I'd use more caution in the future with your skin. Lots of crazy's out there... You are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI used the RE9 cleanser, toner and moisturiser for three days and all of a sudden my normally brilliant skin became horrendously dry, flakey, red,blotchy and stingy. I've stopped using it for three days and slowly my skin is calming down. Totally relate to this post. I spent a lot of money the mascara is rubbish and I don't rate the lip gloss I bought either
ReplyDeleteAfter being contacted by a friend/Arbonne consultant I also tried the Calm product line and immediately regretted it. After just one application of the moisturizer, my face was red & dry and I got little red bumps everywhere! My skin isn't normally sensitive and I'm not prone to breakouts either. There's no way I'd ever get near this stuff again!
ReplyDeleteI agree, I've had nothing but amazing results from the Arbonne products! Every woman I know uses them, and I use them on my children because they are safe and pure.
ReplyDeleteThis is a strange post.
I used the 'calm' range last night and the same thing happened to me; it burned my skin and I had a severe reaction and my eyes puffed up. Red blotches over my face. It's not the first time that I've used a product of Arbonne and it's burnt my face, one of the face masks did the same. I had eery intention of joining Arbonne BUT i'ts not what it says it is and my experience over the past few months made me realise they're not natural....or truthful////The thing is, a product doens't need to have a long list of ingredients (like these products do) - if it's natural, and REALLY natural(like the actual natural products I do use that work AMAZINGLY!) the list will have 3/5 things in it - of ONE if you use coconut oil ! coconut oil can be used for so many things, make up remover, moisteriser, hair conditioning, teeth whitening....its a scam as far as Im concerned.
ReplyDeleteThe products largely botanically based and it is natural for some to react to certain ingredients as with any line. They use safe science and make no claim of being 100% natural. They offer the best of both worlds. It's up to us to make a choice. Baby line is way safer than the leading brands which contain parabens (cancer causing) and many other harmful chemicals.
ReplyDeleteI have only had great results with Arbonne products. My first though in reading your blog was "could these products been used past expiration date ? could they have unintentionally contaminated? anything is possible. Also, Many medications can cause an undesirable result with any other products. Some medications can cause adverse reactions to other medication. But for the most part, there are few bad reviews on Arbonne.
ReplyDeleteNov 4th 2016 update on RE9 caused by face to redden and dryness, discomfort I developed pimples which I never used any products on my face suddenly checks were stinging causing to have a bad rash until I stopped using the product. This RE9 is only for women who have really dry skin or pyrolysis my best friend has pyrolysis they used this and works fine. Again use this product at your own risk. Read the information prior to use ask a consultant to receive samples first to try on skin.
ReplyDeleteI have also had a bad reaction to these products. Was giving samples to use for 3 days. Used them for only 2 because my face stung and became red and scaly and broke out in bumps. Also, my left eye became swollen and 3 days later it is still swollen and traveling into my cheek. I suspect it is the Vitamin C concentration that I must be allergic to.
ReplyDeleteHello the same thing happened to me after two says of using this product. How long did it take for skin to go back to normal?
DeleteI went to an Arbonne party which demonstrated the skin care products. The morning after my skin felt hot, itchy and inflamed. The representative had us try one of the products on one side of our face and not the other so that we could see the difference. Although I was hesitant, I tried it. This morning the side that I tried it on is puffy and even interfering with my vision. It was only supposed to last for 7 hours. I hope this gets better throughout the day...
ReplyDeleteSame thing happened to me. How did you get it to clear up?
ReplyDeleteThe consultant told me I had a reaction because I used topical acne medication as a teenager. I told her that was 25 years ago. She says that it stays in your skin that long. Wow , is all I could say to her comment. She has been brain washed if she really thinks that's what happens!!!
ReplyDeleteIn our town of 70,000 I am the 3rd person to go into our local Body Shop looking for solutions to Arbonne reactions this year. I experienced burning, redness, and extreme dryness that started the second day with a mysterious "sunburn" that shouldn't have been there. I am not one to turn pink/red in a very short amount of time outside and my skin has never reacted to Avon, Body Shop or any other lines before. I am now sensitive to all facial products and am applying Body Shop Aloe Vera products in layers multiple times a day. The color and tightness subsides for a day or two so hopefully within weeks it will be restored. My skin is totally void of moisture and BEWARE- the rep will offer to let you try this other line, and these products, but- be mindful of your 45 day limit or you will be left with nothing but spent money you will not get back. I demanded all the products I purchased be sent back just shy of the limit- and also be warned- Their money-back guarantee is MINUS your shipping bill in both directions! So glad I followed my gut and got that crap out of here.. All those considering Arbonne- Take your money and run the other direction. I have spent 80$ with the Buy 3 Get 3 Free promo at Body Shop trying to erase the damage the Arbonne has done.. god bless.
ReplyDeleteOMG! I googled Arbonne lotion cause allergic reaction and read this. So glad you had same experience. A friend of mine is considering becoming a consultant and gave me a sample of lotions to try. She said they are pure, natural, etc.... WELL- my skin is now in such a rage. I had same reaction. My skin is dry, painful, and SOOOO flaky around my mouth and nose. It is embarrassing and I cannot make it stop! I wasn't sure what my reaction was until I questioned this lotion.
ReplyDeleteI have just been to an Arbonne party and had a facial and makeup applied. By the time I got home my eyes were watering and my skin was burning like I had a slight case of sunburn. I washed it all off but my skin is still burning. Am trying to sleep with a wet washcloth on my face to ease the burning. Hoping it will calm down overnight. Luckily I haven't ordered yet as I had to leave early.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry this happened to you :( One should always be careful with make up. But accidents still happen sometimes. Personally i feel like using hypoallergenic make up is the best option
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry that you had such a terrible experience with the Arbonne products and the consultant. Please understand that everyone's reactions when trying a new product will vary, especially for those who have been using chemical-filled products prior to switching to all-natural ones. It's unfortunate that the one consultant you may have dealt with doesn't represent the majority and clearly did not get the proper training on the products or the business. I actually just started with the company and luckily for me have also finally found cosmetic products that don't make my skin look oily and that have cleared up my adult acne. I am truly saddened when I read stories such as yours and the poor experience you had with the company overall. If you would like to discuss your story with me some more, feel free to reach out.
ReplyDeleteI have red itchy burning skin all around my nose area after using the serum by Arbonne. I can't wear foundation or anything because of the pain. Is there anything that any of you used that helped clear this up? I'm desparate!
ReplyDeleteI too have had a serious drying issue under my eyes for several days. The RE9 Advanced caused what feel like a burn under my eyes and nose. The skin is so dry and rough, the bags seemed to have shrunk and left folds of skin! JUST AWFUL...I do not have sensitive skin so I can't figure out what caused this. On my way to a dermatologist!
ReplyDeleteI have had exactly the same thing happen to me although my entire face ballooned, please tell me that your skin went back to normal it’s really starting to get me down :( the rep is coming back to see me today, she’s lovely but the product is terrible x x
ReplyDeleteOh My God, exact same thing happened to me when I tried it. My skin burns, itches and the entire face looks extremely RED.
ReplyDeleteI have recently purchased some of Arbonne's health products such as there Digestion and detox tea. As well as the Protein powder and fizz drinks. Oddly the first of the year I had gotten and severe respiratory infection that later seemed to turn into the flu. It may have been the flu, but the respiratory infection has never gone away my eyes are watery, coughing, snotty nose. Just miserable in general. It dawned on me that since this has stuck with me since the first of the year, when i purchased the Arbonne products, that maybe I am having an allergic reaction to one or more of these products. I stopped taking them two days ago, this morning I am feeling a little better. Not sure as of yet that Arbonne is for sure the cause of this, but at this point I am highly suspect. I have lost weight but I don't think that the product has done that as much as the fact I have changed my diet. The Arbonne consultants are very pushy, I am not impressed.
ReplyDeleteIt's the perfect gift for everyone on your list and acts like a debit card. Just choose the amount and the recipient can redeem it for whatever she wishes in the amount you specified. women's fashion product
ReplyDeleteWhen you used the primer did you notice a rash around your lips by any chance? I have been using it for almost a month and this has happened to me - at first I thought it was the weather or something but it only seems to come back/ flare up when I use the primer and maybelline foundation... just wondering your thoughts?
ReplyDeleteI was given nine of these products in Feb. 18 from my cosmetic surgeon. The doctor was fantastic! He did 4 things and they all turned out well. Argonne, on the other hand was more than horrible!
ReplyDeleteFirst, I had to use a glove to apply the cleanser. The cleanser was fine on my face, but strangely, it made my 70 year old hand, which could pass for 50 look like 99! The skin on the back of my hand got shriveled up after two washes!
The eye cream makes my lower lids turn red and tender, as does the cream in the small jar, And the red lasts for days.The other moisture creams were not as bad, but tended to turn my skin red also. I thought I was just taking a very long time and it wasn’t me, but Arbonne.
I was a consultant with them for a year. They lie about everything.
ReplyDelete