Sherry M—July 18, 2016✓ Verified purchase
For the price, I don't think this serum can be beat. My reasoning is below. First, the things some people may not like: - This retinol serum is not "thick," but it is not like water either. I would put it at a "thin gel" consistency. This isn't a bad thing in and of itself (you won't lose it "running away" like watery serums), but some people like the watery-type serums more. This is definitely thicker than water. - This serum contains retinol. I know this is an odd reason to say someone may dislike it, but I read a lot of the negative reviews before purchasing this product (I always do), and many of them seemed directly related to retinol itself. Until skin is used to it, which can take a couple of weeks, retinol can burn, flake, and cause skin irritation. I never use new retinol products more than 2-3 times a week until I know my skin is used to it... and if you aren't willing to do that with any new retinol product, you can expect some irritation. - The packaging is more than adequate, and pretty protective, but it is incredibly simple. I assume that's why it costs less than some other retinol serums on Amazon (they didn't spend the money on packaging?), but every other retinol I've ordered/bought in stores has had pretty nice/fancy packaging. I didn't mind the packaging because I didn't buy it for the packaging, and the packaging wasn't in any way ugly... but it's not "spiffy," which might throw some people off (the product itself looks high quality and nice, the contact info is a US company, and the bottle was sealed, so we're good there). Now the good: - It has, literally, the same active ingredients as some of the much higher priced serums out there. No joke. I don't know how this is possible (again, packaging?), but after talking to a few companies through email... there is literally no difference in the active ingredients. - It has worked as well for me as my normal, much higher priced retinol-based products. I know each person's skin is different (disclaimer: my skin is already acclimated to retinol), but I see no difference in my skin between this and my other retinol which was five times the price. Obviously, I didn't expect a miracle product (I don't buy into that hype), but at this price I feel it has more than lived up to its value. - Many of the ingredients are organic (the title says 72%), and it is vegan (I asked). BONUS! - They contacted me in an email after I ordered and told me they have a 100% money-back guarantee, even if the bottle is empty. I think that's a bit ridiculous, especially as this cost me less than $11, but who am I to judge... I won't be sending it back, but evidently you can if you want to. - The product came with a card which had their customer service's email on it (I used it to ask if the serum was vegan, which it is). Oh, and I got a message after I emailed them, from the "founder of the company," asking if I had any questions on how to use the serum, asking if I was "satisfied," and reminding me that if I didn't like it I could return it for a refund. I didn't respond, but was pretty impressed by the fact they reached out on an $11 product. For the reasons above, I feel I can give this product a solid 5-stars. If I change my mind for any reason (if it stops working as well as my normal retinol, for instance), I will update this, but I have definitely gotten my money's worth. I have read their vit c serum is fairly decent, so may try that next. I am still undecided as I like my current c serum, so would appreciate anyone who has used it responding to this to give me your thoughts (I prefer "" responders please, because I trust those more). Thank you for reading, and if my review helped, please vote it up below. Read more
JME—October 13, 2025✓ Verified purchase
I ordered this based on a few things; price point can't be beat and the Hyaluronic Acid serum from Tree of Life is a good product. I use the Tree of Life Vitamin C serum under Cetaphil's Healthy Renew retinol cream 3 days a week and my skin is really soft and smooth and looks pretty good. I am 63 and can really see a difference after a few weeks of using the Vitamin C serum. It's non-irritating and I think does a good job. If I use the Vitamin C serum w/ retinol more than 3 days a week, my skin gets a tiny bit red, but that is to be expected. It's worth trying if you want to even out skin tone. Also try the Hyaluronic Acid from Tree of Life. It's a great product. Read more
MichelleA—October 26, 2018✓ Verified purchase
I often tend to only give 1-4 stars with new products because having been in healthcare for 17 years, I KNOW there is NO miracle overnight-Fix! So it’s important (at least to me) to always be honest. That said, when I read reviews myself, I often zoom in on the “unsatisfied” reviews- 1st. —Why? Because 8/10 times the comments are based on “Immediate reactions.” We must remember that our “SKIN” is the largest organ in our body. It has a TON of responsibilities. So we must “Help” by not just “Topical” care, but equally important- Start within. (My rule of thumb is think of our Skin exactly like a Garden of Planted Flowers. What’s first? Yes, Water.. Nutrients.. the better we continue caring (watering/feeding) our Flowers... the better they Bloom! Skin is NO DIFFERENT. Even if a Flower blossoms overnight (rare, but “it happens) we still need to care for it in order for it to remain beautiful. I’m VERY picky when it comes to my Skin. I’m turning 47 next week, Mom of 3 (and a Grandma:) I still recall childhood of my sneaking into my Mom’s Med Cabinet to find the (most notorious “Oil of Olay.” Point: I started young. I found TOLB a couple years ago. I had Stopped for a bit (convincing myself of the hype over Designer labels) on skincare. (If a Par of jeans look fabulous on us— Do we REALLY care of the label or cost?) I don’t! I often then look at the other 50 pairs of $100+ Jeans in my closet and think I’m an idiot. So let’s go back to the Garden.. a LOT of factors go in too gorgeous field of Flowers. We can/better, water it daily but what else is mandatory? Yep, Sunliigt (Vit C) and of course nutrition. I won’t lie, I am A Product Junkie (I suppose I could be addicted to worse..) I saw Comments here of certain products being “Watery” or “its not a serum” and so on— It’s simply NOT TRUE. (Can you imagine layering 5 Thick serums + Moisturizing + SPF? 😳 yeah, me either! I’m a HUGE fan of the fact Vit C is one of our most liquified serums. (Kind of like an Essence is, we should “PRESS IT INTO OUR SKIN” not rub. (I presume we all follow the staple rule of “Thin to Thick” when we later products?) so TOLB is an EXCELLENT product in my opinion. Having stopped once, then resuming (that’s how we often realize “challenge/error” (why did I stop NHM HMM!) At least that’s how I built My Arsenal of skin care. TOLB has stood the test against my $100 labels (which need I explain “Marketing?”) They’re on TV, Famous people are the spokesmodels, etc) so it MUST work— WRONG! Don’t get me wrong, My bathroom has its own closet sized Dept. Store of those products) I often assumed “More expensive- it has to work) mantra. (Staring at a covergirl using a designer “magic serum” — yeah, I got Fooled too!) Again, simply NOT true. And Tryst me, Im the “go to girl” with my friends for my “new finds” always looking for the next new product that actually works— TOLB is one line I can support by my own proven comparisons) I’m “THAT Girl” who lines hers up (Day/Night) and seldom skip a beat. I look Forward to caring for my facial skin (it IS often the 1st thing we see when we look at another. - We don’t talk to their knees!) so why not make it a Priority? Now, “My Routine” is not for the faint of heart :) after my showers - while I’m getting ready is how I begin My layering. (Most often during hair products, blow drying, etc) so there is NO RUSH and each have time to “Do their Job!” I’ll share my arsenal but it’s only because TOLB is so far the only line that most all can afford. (Exfoliating is my last step in my shower.) I keep My jar of daily exfoliant and my Large pump bottle of Coconut oil in my shower) I exfoliate my body there, so why not my face? This way, once out and dried.. the “Stage” is set. I begin: (Face wash, Tone - Anyone who does not TONE - do it now!) such an easy swipe of quick drying - pallet preparing greatness. (Seriously, stop reading, go Tone!) I don’t know about you but I’m not wasting products on a old skin cell canvas, are you? (Preparing the soil- Water, Raking, etc) Next (my Absolute Must) “ESSENCE.” Yeah, she’s not that new.. but more often than not she’s forgotten. Essence is the Gardener. She’s in charge! Without Essence (Pressing into skin/Do NOT RUB and DO NOT WASTE ON COTTON PAD) Infact, the ONLY Colton pad Swipe you should ever use is Toner. Otherwise, no explanation needed- Wasteful! So while I’m preparing my hair for blow dry (yes, there are layering products in hair regimen too) my skin is drinking up.. while sitting in the Sunshine (Vit C that has been pressed into my face.) Rookies: (smile) Place few drops in one palm and use 2 fingers opposite hand and dip/dab into all regions of your face (check/chin/forehead etc) then go back and LIGHTLY spread) now using 2 fingers of each hand, gently pressing into face. I end By a little extra TLC on any bullies on my playground (age/sun spots) they gotta go! Now it’s time for my Treatment serums. These most likely are now becoming “serum like” why? - They have a bigger responsibility. Another Absolute MUST is choosing a serum or Serum (S) that Target the needs we feel are our most bothersome. (We’re all different!) but I don’t agree, just my opinion) with time of year- change my routine) Even if I’m not physically tending to my flowerbed.. Mother Nature is— (so she doesn’t have time to do my job!) For me, I have a few serums. I start with Peptides (vitamins) then age prevention! (Your choice) — then once I’m done blow drying (Or styling if not a blow dry day) That’s plenty of time for all the team to have completed their job. But Nope- I’m not done. -Next, HA. Think of HA as a “LOCK” (in the “Lock & Load) HA is really just a Serum Moisturizer. (Supervisor in the Garden) Once she’s on Duty. The rest can go. She’ll report too— The Manager (Moisturizer & SPF!) I dont use separately UNLESS I’m going to be out and about all day (Yes, we need SPF regardless if Sunny) I just use a “Transformation Moisture Day Cream” that INCLUDES SPF- nothing less than 15-20!) but if I’m actual Sunlight nothing less than 30+ and THAT will be a 2nd layer OVER my TMDC! (Now is it more understandable that all serums/treatments have different textures?) One step I didnt add.. I’m the lucky one who fights Cystic Acne in my 40’s (I agree, what the heck?!) THOSE DARN PESTS! So if Bad, I treat At Night & Spot Treat (AFTER VIT C!) But Night Regime (esp Retinol & AH take charge.) But if I even Look At a Jellybean- Boom!) and that Stinks because they’re my Weakness (oh and Cheese grrrr) But I’m not about to give up either (a girl needs a little fun!) so my skin care just has more work to do at times. —- So once all of the garden is Prepped for the day— if makeup (I myself believe in a Kabuki/Mineral (non liquid) application) I think The only “soft liquid” I apply in regards to makeup is Primer and Lipgloss. The rest (even contours) are with powder. Lord Knows I spent enough time on my skin care- Garden is well hydrated! Clearly, I got carried Away writing but it’s important I share What I know. Always in hope I read “Only honest” reviews too. Moral of my story: It’s a Process, it’s Not over night and It’s DEFINITELY NOT a one Wo/man Team! (PS- I didnt add Eyecream because if your not already well aware of the MUST HAVE in Eye cream.. We have a LOT more work to do!) But Eye Cream is a Treatment so should be applied after Essence (it also works as a barrier to help avoid other products from getting in our eyes) I won’t bore you with my Tea, Herb, Vitamin & Night regime but it’s a FT job. And TOLB is an EXCELLENT line in my opinion so we can all afford Quality but it’s up to us to hire the staff and be sure, as with any new role, we allow a 90 day probationary period. However, if anyone finds the Overnight Fountain of Youth—- I’m ALL EARS 🌸 Read more