I've always had super sensitive skin, which resulted in a fair amount acne since my teen years and (yay!) residual acne scarring. Add that to some budding wrinkles and hyper-pigmentation and I've definetly felt some pressure to use ingredients that are less than natural because I wanted results.

Over the past two years, I've made a big effort to live more aligned to my core values, which has resulted in lots of lifestyle changes in many other parts of my life. And now, I've been questioning the use of what I consider to be harsher, less-than-great for you (or the environment) products.

(read: why I transitioned to clean beauty products.)

There's quite a bit of skepticism around whether or not clean beauty products actually work - or if they're actually better for you. And just because something is "natural" doesn't mean it's good for you -- think poison ivy or asbestos. On top of that, a lot of products that claim to be "natural" aren't actually that natural at all. You really have to do your research and it's just so annoyingly complicated.

(FYI: The video content is different than the questions below!)

What isn't complicated is the number of ingredients that have been banned in other countries because of their potential negative health effects. 

When I finally decided to make the transition to clean beauty products, I did so because I didn't want to feel I was trading in clear skin now for a myriad of issues later. Or knowing if I ever did decide to have kids, I'd have to completely change what products I was using anyway. 

I figured I'd either have to just deal with hyper-pigmentation and acne scarring, by being extra vigilant about wearing hats (which I still am) or maybe resort to using more toxic products in crisis. 

Needless to say, I was hesitant when I read all of the glowing reviews about Vintner's Daughter. An active botanical serum -- created by a wine-maker -- that was supposed to work for all skin-types and issues - fine lines, acne, and hyper-pigmentation. 

But, the more I read about Vintner's Daughter, and it's founder April Gargiulo ethos', the more I felt I might not have to trade health for actual results.

(Read: 3 Questions to Ask Before Switching to Clean Beauty.)

Now I know why Vintner's Daughter gets such dazzling reviews! I love it. It really seems to work AND it's safe for you to use. So, obviously I want to tell everyone about it.

I reached out to April (Her and her team are super lovey!) and now you can learn directly from her why she created Vintner's Daughter, and transitioned to clean beauty products. 

Ultimately, I want you to decide for yourself whether or not you want to give it a try, but I really do think it's an amazing product!

1. How is the Active Botanical Serum made?

I come from a family of fine winemakers in Napa Valley, which exposed me to a philosophy that values the finest quality standards and methodical process over cost-cutting and shortcuts. After becoming pregnant and scrutinizing the labels on my “luxury” skincare products, I realized how low quality, ineffective and unsafe most of the ingredients were.

 I couldn’t find anything on the market that was active enough for my troubled skin AND high quality AND safe, so I decided to create my own desert island product. I took the same standards I was exposed to from the world of fine wine and applied them to skincare.

Active Botanical Serum takes three weeks to make, as opposed to an industry standard of a few hours, and contains only the most nutrient-rich, high-quality botanicals sourced from the finest growers in the world. Experiencing the production of world-class wine definitely informed my process when I was creating a world-class skincare product. I refuse to compromise on what matters most and for me that is performance, quality and safety.

2. Why is Vintner's Daughter different from other serums? 

First, our serum is 100% active, which is very rare.

Every single ingredient — all 22 of them — is included at an active level, which is what produces the game-changing results we’re known for. To put it into perspective, most skincare products have 1-2 actives, while we have 22.

Secondly, our process is one-of-a-kind because we begin with whole plants and use a time-honored effleurage process. This method ensures we capture every ounce of nutrition from our whole plants through a temperature controlled infusion process. We do not use powders, extracts, or freeze-dried ingredients as they don’t yield the same nutritive benefits as the whole plant does. Lastly, Active Botanical Serum is actually made for everyone — seriously.

Because we are able to serve up full-spectrum skin nutrition, targeting inflammation and imbalance, our liquid gold works wonderfully on all skin types, ages, and concerns.

3.What were your goals in the creation of the Active Botanical Serum?

Simply put: My goal was to create a product that was uncompromisingly effective, completely safe, and made from the highest-quality ingredients in the world. I wanted it to work wonders on everything from acne to hyperpigmentation to fine lines — which were skin issues I personally had dealt with for years. As a mother, it was also important to me for the product to be totally safe to use.

4. How is the production of this product different from other serums?

Because of our unique formulation process that begins with the world’s most nutrient dense whole plants, Active Botanical Serum delivers 60+ of the most skin-beautifying nutrients to the skin.  This allows Active Botanical Serum to affect change at a foundation level because when skin is fed well it can perform at its best. It can heal, regenerate, rejuvenate and balance itself.

5. You recommend using a cleanser and toner/essence before using this product. Do you have any recommendations on which products to use?

I find that using a gentle cleanser to take the day off works wonderfully as a first step. You can even double cleanse if necessary. As a general rule of thumb, I avoid products with alcohol or fragrance. After that, I recommend a lactic acid-based essence, which will prep the skin perfectly for Active Botanical Serum, which follows that step. Apply using Push/ Press Method and if you can, appIy to a damp face. I use Suntegrity SPF in the mornings for extra protection.

6. Why is the push-pull method essential in using the Active Botanical Serum?

The Push/Press Method was developed alongside Active Botanical Serum and helps maximize the performance of Active Botanical Serum. The technique is simple, is always with you and helps with microcirculation and absorption. We are not trying to be too prescriptive, but it is very effective.  

Start with clean, toned skin that’s damp, ideally. Place 5-6 drops of Active Botanical Serum into the palm of your hand, and then gently rub your palms together to activate the serum. Then, place your full hands on either side of your face and press the serum into your skin on your entire face, neck, and decollete for 30 seconds. Savor this self-care time.

7. If you use this product twice a day, how long before you should see results — (anti-aging, calming, hydrating, brightening, and/or acne-clearing)?

Most people see results within a few days, but for sure within 2 weeks you will see brightening, evening out of the skin tone, less inflammation (acne, rosacea, redness) and over time a more youthful, radiant and most importantly, healthy complexion.

8. The $185 price point for this serum will make some people gasp, while other’s won’t think twice about it. Can you share more on the reason for its price point?  

Active Botanical Serum is made from the finest ingredients in the world and formulated using a time-honored, resource intensive process. Imagine a tomato destined for a Subway sandwich. Now imagine a tomato purchased from your local farmers market at the height of the summer growing season. One of those tomatoes is more nutritious, better for you body, environment and community, but definitely costs more. These are the quality of ingredients we are sourcing for Active Botanical Serum. This commitment to the very best is expensive, but worth every penny in the long run.

9. On average, how long should one bottle of the serum last?

Between 12-16 weeks depending in usage.

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If you wanting to try Vintners Daughter, but not ready to commit to the $185 price point, I'd recommend buying the travel size (5ml for $65) directly from their website.

Or, if you're looking to switch multiple products, I'd suggest buying online through a curated clean beauty store. My favorite spots are The Detox Market or Follain. If it's your first time buying at the Detox Market, you'll also get 10% off and some free samples of other products!

I hope you find Vintner's Daughter to be just as impressive as I did.