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Product Review: American Botanics skin care products by Marla Rose How much do I like reviewing yummy vegan skincare lines? A whole lot, that’s how much. When I was contacted by Nancy Rimbergas of the new company, American Botanics, to review some items, I jumped at the chance. For one, American Botanics is based in the Chicago area, which is always a plus in my book, and the pretty bottles say “vegan skin care” right there on the label, which is a plus-plus-plus as far as I’m concerned as more and more companies seem to be afraid of the word. The American Botanics lines are free of more than just animal ingredients and animal testing: they are free of parabens, sulfates, petrochemicals as well as synthetic colorants, synthetic fragrances and more. What American Botanics does have is two very clean and antioxidant super-charged skincare lines, Super A+ Prickly Pear and Super C+ Lemon Peel). The Prickly Pear line is designed for maturing skin and as such it is developed to smooth lines as well as add firmness and hydration. The Lemon Peel line is designed to improve skin texture and add a bright boost. Both lines include four products listed as steps for complete skincare but they can be purchased individually as well. As I just celebrated my, um, 26th birthday, I thought that the Prickly Pear was in order. I was not disappointed as this is luxurious stuff. The first product is a cleanser; the second is a hydrating mist; third is a hydrating serum and the fourth step is a nighttime moisturizer. I will say right off the bat that I am ultra sensitive to fragrances so, removing the caps, I was immediately glad to find that the scents were subtle, calming and herby, clearly not the result of any added synthetic perfumes. I love every part of this line. The Gentle Cleanser is rich and soothing, with organic aloe vera, organic coconut oil, sweet orange essential oil and the signature prickly pear juice that packs an antioxidant punch. It’s rich but, unlike a lot of skin products, is not greasy: it’s light but effective. Just this product alone leaves your skin feeling fresh and clean. Next, the Antioxidant HydraMist is refreshing and smells divine with rose distillate and organic essences of lemon, cranberry and bilberry. This is truly a lovely product and is a great mood boost. Next, the Hydrating Serum is a very potent ally for maturing skin, concentrated with prickly pear seed oil, carrot oil, CoQ10 and vegetable glycerin. This is the stuff to use to see a quick improving of your skin’s texture. Only a little bit is necessary to cover your whole face and neck. Last, the Sleep Tight Radiance Cream is a calming, deeply hydrating moisturizer that features aloe vera juice, green tea extract, organic pomegranate and organic coconut oil for a great skin treat before bed and, as with the other items, it is so high quality, just a little bit is necessary. In all, it is a rich and lovely pampering experience, like good nutrition for the skin.  Many readers here care a lot about what they put in their bodies; here is a company that cares as much about what we put on our bodies. I love the care in the ingredients and the overall attention to details. In the week of using it, I’d say that my skin’s texture and elasticity seems to have improved. The dry patches I can expect this time of the year are now smooth. I look forward to my daily skin routine, too. I recommend American Botanics for creating high-quality vegan products and being committed to ethical principles. Also, just in time for Valentine’s Day, they’ll be offering specials on their Prickly Pear and Lemon Peel kits, which includes all four items, for $99, marked down from $130 and $140 respectively. If you order before February 10, free shipping and gift-wrapping is included. Hop on this deal! Vegan skincare for the win! Vegan Street received this product for free to review and this was my honest evaluation. © 2013-2016, Vegan Street