Herbivore Prism and Bakuchiol How's, Do's and Don'ts

[Magrathea]

Hello, my beautiful people! I need help. Recently I got that Herbivore Prism and Bakuchiol serum duo promo. I'd like to try them, but I am not sure how to use them, even after some Googling, and reading reviews, watching videos, and what not. I do have some basic idea. But still so many questions, as well. Can they be used together? Maybe not at once, but alternating them day/night, or some days this, some days that? And what about the rest of my skincare regimen? Is there anything I should avoid while using any of these? Also, can or should I use my chemical exfoliant while using these? I use Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta peels most of the time. Any piece of wisdom you can share would be greatly appreciated!

[lyravega]

I contacted Herbivore directly about this same thing. They were super helpful! I see many views here, but only @fantaji  offered some help, so I thought it could be helpful sharing their response in this thread for all the others who are looking for some answers, too.

Here's what Herbivore said about it:

"As Bakuchiol is all-natural, non-irritating serum, and does not affect the skin's photosensitivity, it can be used alongside any other active ingredients without issue, including Prism.

Although it is an exfoliant, Prism is also a gentle and hydrating formula that is suitable for all skin types. We just recommend that those with more sensitive skin spot test first and start off slowly, gradually working your way up to daily use to allow the skin time to acclimate.

When incorporating both in your routine, you apply Bakuchiol in the AM and Prism in the PM, or you could use Bakuchiol alone in the morning and use a combination of Prism and Bakuchiol in the evening. (We suggest using Prism at nighttime only, as the exfoliating fruit acids in the serum can increase the skin's photosensitivity, potentially leading to sun damage.) These two products can be applied either one after the other (in any order) or mixed together. The combination can actually help to boost the benefits of each product! Similar to traditional retinol, Bakuchiol helps to increase the rate of cellular turnover in the skin. Prism can help to aid this process by clearing away dead, surface skin to make way for the newly regenerated cells underneath. 

To apply, put a few drops of each in the palm of your hand, then swirl them together in a circular motion to ensure the mixture is as blended as possible before applying. You can then follow with a moisturizer of your choice. If you are planning to use another exfoliating product on a particular day, we recommend skipping Prism Serum in order to prevent over-exfoliation, especially if your skin tends to be on the sensitive side."

Hope this helps!

@Magrathea  @fantaji 

[Magrathea]

Thanks so much @lyravega  ! This is so very helpful! 

[Magrathea]

It would be great if other people with some experience with either of these, or both, would join the thread and share it with us. I would definitely like to hear more about it. 

[fantaji]

@Magrathea Prism directly replaces your chemical exfoliant. Bakuchiol is a plant based alternative to retinol (my understanding is that it increases the cell turnover as well), and the serum also contains PHA (gentler exfoliant vs AHA), so I wouldn't mix it with Prism or the Dennis Gross peels on the same application either. I would stick with nighttime use, and wear sunscreen during the day. Personally (I got the duo as well), I would use them one at a time for a week or two or until used up to evaluate the results for each of them individually and to make sure they are not breaking me out. 

[Magrathea]

Thanks. That's how I planned to do it. To try one of them first for some period of time. Then the other one. To see how my skin will react to them. Of course. That goes without saying. I was just a bit confused how to proceed if both are ok. 

So, if only Prism is ok, then no other kind of exfoliation is needed because it directly replaces other exfoliants? What if only Bakuchiol ends up working for me? 

[fantaji]

@Magrathea Prism has a pretty high AHA/BHA percentage, at least for my wuss skin. Bakuchiol is marketed for daily use -- I'm on day 3 and can attest that it seems rather gentle. So maybe use prism a couple times a week for starters, and Bakuchiol otherwise?