H2O+ Green Tea Products Sale and Reviews

Hi...remember me? *sheepish grin* I've been away for a while, doing other things...but like always, I come back.

I wanted to do this review since H20+ currently has a clearance sale with all of their green tea products marked at 40% off. So, if you've ever been interested in trying them, now's a great time! Also, they usually have a code for free shipping (I think on orders over $50, I see their ads a lot on other blogs and websites), but I can't seem to find the code. =\

I'd bought these products the last time they were on sale for 40% off, back around late November/December.

H2o+ Urban Defense Facial Cleansing Milk, Green Tea Antioxidant Face Complex, Green Tea Reviving Eye Cream, and Green Tea Antioxidant Serum

Usually, I would just review one product at a time, but due to the sale (which I'm not sure when it will end but has already been going on for over a week), I thought it'd be more useful to post all.

*FYI My skin type is dry-combination and sensitive.


H2o+ Urban Defense Facial Cleansing Milk
DescriptionA gentle, calming cleanser for sensitive skin to neutralize irritants without drying with Oxysomes, Anti-Pollution System and Triple Tea Complex.

♥ Skin-calming formulation neutralizes irritants and removes impurities while reinforcing the skin's natural defense barrier.
♥ Powerful antioxidants help counteract damaging free-radical cells caused by UV exposure and environmental pollutants, so skin appears toned and smooth.
♥ Green tea soothes irritation and reduces blotchiness.
♥ Ideal for sensitive or delicate skin.

Key Ingredients♥ Triple Tea Complex: A proprietary blend of powerful antioxidant agents: Japanese Green Tea, Paraguay Tea and Gotu Kola, an ancient Chinese medicinal herb. Triple Tea Complex helps shield skin from aging environmental elements while soothing irritation and reducing redness, blotchiness and irritation.
♥ Anti-Pollution System: A distinct fusion of marine compounds: Thermus Thermophilus Ferment, a deep-sea enzyme with potent antioxidant properties and active marine glycogens. Anti-Pollution system helps neutralize free radical production and repair UV-damaged cells.
♥ Oxysomes: Mitochondrial enzymes that supply a concentration of encapsulated vitamins C and E to skin cells, helping to prevent oxidation caused by free radical damage.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, PEG-40 Glyceryl Cocoate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Coceth Sulfate, Coco-Glucoside, Ammonium Polyacrylate, Isohexadecane, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance (Parfum), Xanthan Gum, PEG-40 Castor Oil, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Methylparaben, Linalool, Benzyl Salicylate, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Isopropylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Panthenol, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Propylene Glycol, Tilia Cordata Flower Extract, Lecithin, Sea Salt (Maris Sal), Ilex Paraguariensis Leaf Extract, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Seed Extract, Mannitol, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Glycogen, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Methylisothiazolinone, Tocopherol, Retinyl Palmitate, Yeast Extract,
Biotin, Calcium Pantothenate
Price: $26 regular for a 7.5 fl oz / 222 mL bottle but only $15.60 with 40% off sale!

Pros:♥ gentle
♥ non-drying
♥ can be used with Clarisonic
♥ subtle and pleasant scent

Cons:
♥ not free of parabens (if that's a concern of yours)
♥ long list of ingredients (less is usually considered better) and green tea (Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract) is near the bottom third (usually ingredients are listed in order of highest amount)
♥ It's not easy to find in person, there are only a few flagship stores so you most likely need to order online (and pay shipping)

My Thoughts
I loved it the first time I'd used it and it made my 2010 Beauty Favorites list. Aside from what I already listed in the pros, it makes my face feel very soft and also look a bit brighter. I want to say it feels refreshing and perhaps a bit soothing, but ideally your face should always feel refreshed after cleansing, right? I do recommend this product though if your skin is dry and delicate and you want something gentle. I also recommend using it either in the morning or at night after you've removed your makeup (which I usually do with a cleansing oil), as it is a gentle cleanser intended more for soothing and not removing makeup.


H2o+ Green Tea Antioxidant Face Complex
DescriptionSoothing moisturizer that helps calm and protect sensitive skin from environmental exposure with Provitamin B, Multivitamin Complex and Triple Tea Complex.

♥ A powerfully hydrating antioxidant complex that helps protect and calm sensitive skin from free radical damage, environmental exposure and dehydration.
♥ Enriched with vitamins C, E and Provitamin B to help repair damaged cells.
♥ Powerful antioxidants neutralize damaging free-radical cells caused by UV exposure and environmental pollutants, so skin appears toned and smooth.
♥ Green tea soothes irritation and reduces blotchiness while strengthening skin's natural defense barrier.
♥ Ideal for sensitive or delicate skin.

Key Elements♥ Triple Tea Complex: A proprietary blend of powerful antioxidant agents: Japanese Green Tea, Paraguay Tea and Gotu Kola, an ancient Chinese medicinal herb. Triple Tea Complex helps shield skin from aging environmental elements while soothing irritation and reducing redness, blotchiness and irritation.♥ Multivitamin Complex: A supercharged blend of vitamins A, C & E that helps increase skin’s elasticity while delivering powerful antioxidants to help repair and prevent cell damage. ♥ Provitamin B: This cellular nutrient contains natural anti-inflammatory and humectant properties to optimize moisture levels and calm stressed skin.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Octyl Palmitate, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Myristyl Myristate, Isostearyl Behenate, Borago Officinalis Extract, Cetearyl Alcohol, Diisopropyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Squalene, Triethanolamine, Stearic Acid, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Carbomer, Mica (CI 77019), Imidazolidinyl Urea, Betaine, Cetearyl Glucoside, Sorbitan Tristearate, Fragrance (Parfum), Sodium PCA, Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Panthenol, Allantoin, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Silica, Proline, Disodium EDTA, Sorbitol, Serine, Glycine, Glutamic Acid, Lecithin, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tocopherol, Linalool, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Alanine, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Arginine, Lysine, Limonene, Benzyl Salicylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Theorine, Ilex Paraguariensis Leaf Extract, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Yellow 5 (CI 9140), Red 4 (CI 14700), Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Blue 1 (CI 42090).

Price: $35 regular for a 1.7 fl oz \ 50 mL jar but only $21 with 40% off sale!

Pros:♥ moisturizing and absorbs easily
♥ subtle but pleasant scent

Cons:
♥ not free of parabens and also contains Imidazolidinyl Urea (if that's a concern for you)
♥ long list of ingredients (less is usually considered better) and green tea (Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract) is second from last (usually ingredients are listed in order of highest amount)
♥ It's not easy to find in person, there are only a few flagship stores so you most likely need to order online (and pay shipping)
♥ comes in a small jar, I know some people don't like that because of sanitary issues

My ThoughtsI actually really liked this moisturizer (especially for $21) as I found it to be moisturizing without being too heavy. It absorbed quickly and didn't make my face feel oily. My face felt soft and smooth all day long. I used it every day and the jar lasted about three months. However, I'm hesitant to repurchase because I prefer my moisturizers to be free of petro products/mineral oil, Imidazolidinyl Urea and Diazolidinyl Urea. So I've actually just started using another green tea moisturizer that doesn't contain those and I believe it's free of parabens as well.


H2o+ Green Tea Reviving Eye Cream
DescriptionA rich moisturizer to nourish and protect the delicate area around the eye from daily environmental stressors with Micronized Illuminators, Caffeine and Triple Tea Complex.

♥ Potent formulation of antioxidant-rich Japanese green tea, Paraguay tea and marine algae promotes skin recovery and inhibits environmental free-radical damage.
♥ Special micronized illuminators instantly brighten the under eye area, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
♥ An added boost of caffeine works to reduce puffiness.Key Elements
♥ Triple Tea Complex: A proprietary blend of powerful antioxidant agents: Japanese Green Tea, Paraguay Tea and Gotu Kola, an ancient Chinese medicinal herb. Triple Tea Complex helps shield skin from aging environmental elements while soothing irritation and reducing redness, blotchiness and irritation.
♥ Caffeine: Natural anti-inflammatory agent that reduces puffiness; also scientifically shown to help deflect UV damage.
♥ Micronized Illuminators: Made from finely ground mica, a shimmering sheet-like mineral; reflects natural light to naturally illuminate shadowy areas.
Price: $30 regular for a .5 fl oz / 15 mL jar but only $15.60 with 40% off sale!
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Dimethicone, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Stearic Acid, Cetyl Alcohol, Trisiloxane, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Xanthan Gum, Triethanolamine, Mica (CI 77019), Caffeine, Epigallocatechin Gallate, Allantoin, Pikea Robusta, Butylene Glycol, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Lecithin, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Methylisothiazolinone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Retinyl Palmitate, Ilex Paraguariensis Leaf Extract
Pros:♥ I did notice a temporary brightening effect
♥ hydrating (but a bit thick/didn't absorb quickly)

Cons:
♥ not free of parabens (if that's a concern of yours)
♥ long list of ingredients (less is usually considered better) and green tea (Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract) is near the bottom third (usually ingredients are listed in order of highest amount)
♥ It's not easy to find in person, there are only a few flagship stores so you most likely need to order online (and pay shipping)
♥ comes in a small jar, I know some people don't like that because of sanitary issues

My Thoughts
This is a little hard for me to review because I believe dark circles are largely genetic, but also affected by your lifestyle (such as often staying up late, drinking lots of alcohol, not drinking lots of water, crying, etc...all things I often do minus the last). I don't think the brightening and puffiness-reducing effects are all that noticeable or long lasting, but I will admit that I have not been using eye cream lately and my eyes seem puffier. ㅠㅠ So in my mind, it is a "light" to "medium" eye cream that does hydrate but it's not a heavy hitter for those who want to see a huge improvement for dark circles and puffiness.


H2o+ Green Tea Antioxidant Serum
DescriptionDaily antioxidant treatment that helps repair and protect skin from environmental stress with Anti-Pollution System, Horse Chestnut Seed and Triple Tea Complex.

♥ Powerful antioxidants neutralize damaging free radical cells caused by UV exposure and environmental pollutants, so skin appears toned and smooth.
♥ Green tea soothes irritation and reduces blotchiness while helping to strengthen skin's natural defense barrier.
♥ Horse chestnut seed improves circulation and reduces the appearance of broken capillaries.
♥ Ideal for sensitive or delicate skin.

Key Elements♥ Triple Tea Complex: A proprietary blend of powerful antioxidant agents: Japanese Green Tea, Paraguay Tea and Gotu Kola, an ancient Chinese medicinal herb. Triple Tea Complex helps shield skin from aging environmental elements while soothing irritation and reducing redness, blotchiness and irritation.♥ Anti-Pollution System: A distinct fusion of marine compounds: Thermus Thermophilus Ferment, a deep-sea enzyme with potent antioxidant properties and active marine glycogens. Anti-Pollution system helps neutralize free radical production and repair UV-damaged cells. ♥ Horse Chestnut Seed Extract: Derived from a deciduous tree in the northern hemisphere, this botanical extract helps stimulate skin circulation and diminish the appearance of broken capillaries.
Price: $36 regular for a .85 fl oz / 25 mL bottle but only $21.60 with 40% off sale!
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Glycereth-26, Thermus Thermophillus Ferment, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Butylene Glycol, Tilia Cordata Flower Extract, Carbomer, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Mannitol, Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Seed Extract, Panthenol, Triethanolamine, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Ilex Paraguariensis Leaf Extract, Glycogen, Fragrance (Parfum), Disodium EDTA, Yeast Extract, Linalool, Algae Extract, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Lecithin, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tocopherol, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Sea Salt (Maris Sal)
Pros:♥ no parabens

Cons:
♥ long list of ingredients (less is usually considered better) and green tea (Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract) is in the middle (usually ingredients are listed in order of highest amount)
♥ It's not easy to find in person, there are only a few flagship stores so you most likely need to order online (and pay shipping)

My Thoughts
I have mixed feelings about serums. On the one hand they don't seem to make a great, noticeable improvement...on the other hand, it doesn't hurt to use them (in case there are longterm benefits). I really bought the serum to use in case the Face Complex wasn't moisturizing enough (especially since I started using it at the beginning of January), but that wasn't necessary. Also, due to the price and having to order online, I won't likely rush to buy it again.

Overall, I did like the products because they're gentle but effective, albeit in a subtle way. I think they're definitely suitable for sensitive and delicate or dry skin, but it's a little hard for me to attest to it reducing blotchiness and being soothing since I don't think of my skin as being very blotchy and my skin always feels soothed when I'm taking care of it, unless the product creates an adverse reaction. I would recommend the Urban Defense Facial Cleansing Milk and Green Tea Antioxidant Face Complex. The Green Tea Antioxidant Serum and H2o+ Green Tea Reviving Eye Cream are nice to have but not necessary. In general I feel that the marketing is great but when looking at the ingredients...well, I would be more impressed if the lists were shorter and contained natural or certified organic ingredients. However, I appreciate the 40% off sale and I've even seen a BOGO sale before too. Other skincare companies in their price range very rarely have such big sales like that, so definitely take advantage of it if you're interested in trying their products!

All information was taken from www.h2oplus.com.