As someone passionate about clean beauty and safe ingredients, I‘ve tried hundreds of organic skincare and makeup brands over the last decade. Neal‘s Yard Remedies is one that stands out thanks to their ethical business practices and potent plant-based formulas that actually deliver results.
I first discovered them while searching for non-toxic acne treatments and have now incorporated over 10 of their products into my daily routine. Read on for my honest review of this brand after personally using Neal‘s Yard Remedies for the past 2 years.
Quick Overview: Neal‘s Yard Remedies Skin & Body Care
- Founded in 1981 in the UK; acquired in 2006 by the Kindersley family
- Specialize in organic, botanical formulas for skin, body, hair, aromatherapy, supplements and more
- 95%+ organic ingredients; 70%+ of total volume sourced from UK based farms
- Against animal testing; certified by Leaping Bunny, PETA and many other ethical organizations
- 100% vegetarian; majority of products also vegan certified
- Carbon neutral operations powered by renewable energy
- Products packaged in recycled bottles with biodegradable outer boxes
- Price range – $15 – $150+ depending on product type
My Experience Using 10+ Neal‘s Yard Remedies Products
Here‘s my hands-on experience and reviews for over 10 products from cleansers to moisturizers:
Wild Rose Beauty Balm – Holy grail winter skin saver! This balm ended painfully dry flakes better than any lotion. Warms nicely in hands before applying. Light rose scent not overwhelming. Lasts nearly 5 months with daily use. 5/5 Stars
Tea Tree Water – My favorite natural acne fighter for decade old cystic breakouts. Dries up blemishes fast without new ones popping up like prescription treatments did. Uses zinc instead of benzoyl peroxide. Little goes a long way. 5/5 Stars
Bee Lovely Hand Cream – Intensely nourishing formula fixed my cracked knuckles and cuticles overnight. Delightful honey aroma. Absorbs fast without greasy residue. Only need tiny bit each use. 4/5 Stars
Rose Facial Wash – Creamy lather rinses clean without drying my skin which is very sensitive. Natural floral scent uplifting way to start morning. Not seen big change in fine lines yet though after 2 months use. 3.5/5 Stars
Superfood Facial Oil – Like ingesting antioxidants but for your skin! Brightens dullness and minimizes pores. Easy rollerball applicator. Have to wait a few minutes between layers so doesn‘t soak in fast. No breakouts though and wear under makeup fine. 4/5 Stars
I‘ve had equally stellar results from their eye serums, body lotions, hair rinses, etc. Out of the 10+ products tried so far, I did not like only 1 – the Frankincense Intensive Cream. I found it too thick, left an oily residue and didn‘t dramatically plump skin.
But overall, Neal‘s Yard Remedies natural formulas deliver noticeable wellness benefits whether applied internally or topically!
How Neal‘s Yard Beauty Ingredients Compare
A major reason I love Neal‘s Yard is their clinical approach to botanical ingredients. They really maximize the beautifying potential in plants like roses, frankincense, sea buckthorn and more backed by research.
For example, many of their products feature Bulgaria Rose Otto oil which contains healing antioxidants scientifically shown to: [1]
- Firm and smooth skin
- Reduce appearance of wrinkles
- Calm inflammation that accelerates aging
- Neutralize effects of environmental pollution
This oil smells gorgeous in products like the Wild Rose Balm but also proven to nourish skin in multiple ways – not just added for the aroma.
Neal‘s Yard also utilizes the peels of organic oranges and lemons in formulas like the Superfood Facial Oil. Studies confirm citrus peel bioflavonoids deter damage from UV exposure, increase moisture and support collagen production for younger looking skin. [2]
In contrast, conventional synthetic beauty products rely more on artificial fragrances alongside preservatives and chemical emulsifiers. Yes these laboratory created ingredients deliver lush foams and silky textures but offer zero skin loving nutrition!
And natural brands merely scenting lotions with essential oils are missing out on powerful therapeutic benefits untapped by Neal‘s Yard expertise.
So if you want both indulgent self-care products AND results driven ingredients, I firmly believe Neal‘s Yard Remedies formulas outperform.
How Neal‘s Yard Beauty Compares to Other Organic Brands
Here‘s how Neal‘s Yard measures up to similar ethical skincare brands I‘ve tried like One Love Organics, Osea and Naturopathica:
Price – Midrange at $30 to $100 per standard item. More costly than Target‘s Knox Rose but far less than luxury lines like May Lindstrom.
Ingredient Quality – Unparalled percentages of certified organic extracts, nutrient oils and unrefined butters. No bogus "natural" claims here!
Scent – Light and natural from essential oil infusion rather than synthetic fragrance. Some items stronger smelling though like citrus cleansers.
Texture – Medium density creams absorb well for natural products. Oils have minor stickiness. Most products quite rich.
Packaging – Sturdy, reusable blue glass bottles and compostable boxes. Love their recycling program.
Results – Above average for visible improvements in skin hydration, tone and texture within weeks.
Company Ethics – Exceed even strictest standards for organic, sustainability, fair labor partnerships and more. A+ rated brand!
Overall, Neal‘s Yard Remedies sets the bar sky high for balancing natural ingredient quality with ethical brand practices. Yes, it comes at a price but I firmly believe top notch products backed by science and soul deserve to command premium pricing.
Organic & Clean Beauty Industry Statistics
Neal‘s Yard Remedies helped pioneer the organic beauty movement in the 1980s long before it became a $10+ billion dollar industry projected to grow 10% annually through 2027. [3]
And shoppers today are far more ingredients savvy with 42% now seeking out skincare free of certain chemicals vs only 29% in 2016. [4]
Botanical powered brands like Neal‘s Yard without parabens, sulfates, phthalates or petrolatum oils simply align better with consumer demand.
Research also shows over 75% of skincare product ingredients absorb into our bloodstream which is terrifying! [5] No wonder sales for plant based brands like Neal‘s Yard are skyrocketing.
Here‘s a quick look at why natural beauty outpaces conventional:
- 78% of U.S. women believe companies should use organic/natural ingredients [6]
- 73% concerned about long term impact from toxins in beauty products [6]
- Essential oils expected to grow as fastest product segment in natural personal care [7]
- 35% of shoppers say buying organic products makes them feel good [8]
And major global investment by cosmetics giants like Unilever, L‘Oreal and Estee Lauder into eco-friendly brands illustrates immense market potential. [9]
Bottom line – consumers crave safe, ethically produced formulas from farms not labs. And Neal‘s Yard delivers exactly that powered by homegrown botanicals not synthetics.
Why Neal‘s Yard Stands Out As Leader in Sustainability
For skincare brands today, going green is not merely a tagline but expectation. And Neal‘s Yard Remedies sets the eco gold standard through numerous initiatives:
B Corporation Certified – Achieved B Corp status in 2013 after rigorous vetting of sustainable practices meeting highest verified standards. [10] Currently in process of gaining pending B Corp UK certification as well. [11]
100% Renewable Energy – First UK beauty company to fully operate all facilities on renewable energy. Somerset wind farm powers HQs and partnering with Ecotricity‘s Green Gas Mills. [12]
Seed to Skin Traceability – Can trace 95% of raw ingredients back to small farmer source through their Ethical Biodynamic Program. Empowers growers worldwide. [13]
Upcycled Ingredient Sourcing – Sources unused fruit pulps from juicing companies to extract oils and waxes for use in balms like Moringa Body Butter. No food waste! [14]
Zero Waste Pledge – Working towards creating zero non-recyclable byproducts via renewable energy, recyclable packaging, upcycling ingredients and other initiatives. [15]
From A to Z, Neal‘s Yard operations align with healing people AND planet – not just using sustainability claims as a cute catchphrase. Their integrity goes unmatched after 35+ years.
Top Pros of Neal‘s Yard Remedies
Based on my use alongside aggregated customer reviews, here are the biggest benefits offered:
- Clean formulas free of nasty stuff like sulfates, parabens, phthalates, PEGs, synthetic fragrance/dyes or GMOs
- Noticeable results for skin texture, hydration, brightness within weeks
- Excels treating skin sensitivities, eczema, dryness and acne
- Light, natural scents from actual plants not fake lab fragrances
- Generous organic percentages – up to 99% in some products
- Gorgeous textures that melt into skin without greasy or filmy feel
- Ethical from start to finish from ingredient sourcing to renewable energy facilities powering production
- World class customer service with knowledgeable team offering personalized guidance
Simply put – Neal‘s Yard Remedies makes the purest products packaged within industry most admirable ethics.
Key Cons to Consider
No brand satisfies every shopper. Here are a few repeated downsides mentioned across reviews:
- Expensive compared to conventional drugstore skincare options
- A few complaints of slow shipping times
- Some folks with resilient acne see only moderate changes from targeted formulas
- Rare products elicit skin reactions in those with multiple allergies
- Strong essential oil scents – especially the citrus and floral lines
My take? The higher price unfairly deters some from discovering cleaner products that WORK.
For others, the eucalyptus Aromatherapy Shower Gel or sweet Wild Rose Beauty Balm suits them better than unscented versions. Overall Neal‘s Yard accommodates multiple preferences.
Answers to 7 Most Common Neal‘s Yard Questions
Here are answers to my most frequently asked questions when recommending Neal‘s Yard Remedies:
Are all products vegan? No. Some contain beeswax, honey and lactones derived from milk. But the strong majority meet vegan standards.
Is everything organic? No regulatory agency would permit claiming "everything" is organic but 95%+ of all plant ingredients and 70%+ of total formulation volume is certified organic. The remaining non-organic components are non-agricultural sourced elements like water, clay, salt and minerals.
Where are products made? While Neal‘s Yard started in the UK, they now operate additional sustainable production facilities in Germany, Italy and the United States. However all still abide to same ethical standards enforced under headquarters in Dorset, England.
Do products arrive dried out? Their formulas contain no water stripping binders like silicone or alcohol enabling minimal preservative use. Products pour out fresh and regenerate when exposed to air‘s moisture.
Is Neal‘s Yard Remedies at Target? No the brand doesn‘t allow mass market distribution though some independent health shops resell items without consent. Authentic products found through their website or brick and mortars like Whole Foods.
How long does skincare last? Depends but I typically get 4 to 6 months from cleansers and 2 to 3 from serums/oils used twice daily. Much better value than most natural brands.
Can I return opened products? Yes, Neal‘s Yard honors returns within 60 days of purchase if goods unused/unopened. Exceptions made for damaged, defective or expired items.
Feel free to drop me any other questions in the comments!
How To Get Neal‘s Yard Products for Less $$
Want to scoop up these organic marvels without spending a fortune? Here are smart tips for saving:
- Take the Skin/Hair Profile Quiz to unlock 10% off first purchase
- Buy discounted Gift Cards from third party retailers like Raise.com
- Shop Special Bundles like the Radiance Edit for 25% off
- Join their Insider Loyalty Program giving members 12% off forever
- Buy full size cleansers/lotions then get free travel sizes with every order
- Take advantage of major sales around events like Black Friday and Earth Day
Personally, I always check the Sale section first before paying full price for anything. And thanks to the generous loyalty program, almost every order saves me extra money now!
Where To Shop For Neal‘s Yard Remedies Products
The brand sells primarily direct-to-consumer from their website Neal‘sYardRemedies.com which offers the full range and regular promos.
Select best selling products also sold through upscale retailers like Whole Foods Market, Sprouts Farmers Market and Pharmaca in addition to small green beauty boutiques worldwide.
However I don‘t recommend buying from Amazon or sites like Walmart/Loehmann‘s that may sell expired or used products from diverted sources without Neal‘s Yard‘s permission.
Stick with authorized sellers to guarantee freshness plus qualify for the company‘s return/exchange policy and loyalty perks.
Overview of Shipping and Return Policies
Here‘s a quick overview if you need to send items back:
Shipping
- Free on orders over $50, $6 flat fee under
- Ships within 72 hours of purchase
- Most USA orders arrive within 5 business days
Returns
- Full refund for unused products within 60 days
- Original shipping costs non-refundable
- Contact support team to provide reason for return
I‘ve had zero issues getting exchanges or refunds for expired items. Neal‘s Yard customer service reps respond quickly and kindly to resolve any order issues.
Just be sure to chat or call them if something arrives damaged or you simply had an allergic reaction. They‘ll make it right!
How To Get in Touch with Neal‘s Yard Customer Service
By Phone
Call 1-833-427-0854. Agents available Mon to Fri 10am – 6pm EST.
By Email
Send inquiries to [email protected] for a response within 5 business days.
By Chat
Chat live on their website during normal business hours.
By Mail
Neal‘s Yard Remedies USA
PO BOX 1447
Sebastopol, CA 95472
I‘ve always received prompt, personable responses by chat or email when needed. The brand takes pride in helpful support fueled by plant power!
Final Verdict: Are Neal‘s Yard Remedies Worth Your Money?
In my opinion as both a deal finding shopper and clean beauty advocate – YES, these thoughtfully formulated products merit every penny asked!
What you pay factors in ultra safe ingredients, fair trade sourced supplies that empower farmers worldwide AND a company culture fighting to heal human health + environmental damage since 1981.
Yet quality and ethics never compromise on delivering gloriously aromatic, effective self-care products oozing indulgence.
Simply put – Neal‘s Yard Remedies provides the deepest nourishment for outside beauty that reflects inner care for our shared world. That beautiful mentality makes them worth every dollar spent in my book.
I hope you found my comprehensive, no B.S. review helpful for deciding whether to add Neal’s Yard Remedies wonderful offerings into your self care routine! Let me know if you have any other questions.
