With each new product drop, the Gwyneth Paltrow Goop Industrial Complex charges on in its efforts toward world wellness domination. The latest: Goop is cashing in on the oil-based skincare trend with its own take, the GoopGenes All-in-One Super Nutrient Face Oil. Described as a “high-performance, results-driven face oil,” the product aims to not only moisturize, as most oils do, but to also work as an anti-aging agent, with the wrinkle-fighting ingredient bakuchiol, a retinol alternative. All buzzwords aside, does it actually work? Four W editors gave it a try, and delivered their honest opinions.
Sandra Ballentine, Beauty and Health Editor at Large
What is your opinion of Gwyneth Paltrow's approach to wellness and the Goop brand in general?
I’m a big GP fan. She’s been ahead of the wellness curve more often than not, and has carved out a nice niche for her brand. She’s also her own best ambassador. (Trust me, I’ve stood next to her, and it’s daunting.) I like (and use) many of the clean beauty and skincare brands on her site, and of the Goop Beauty lineup, my favorites are GoopGlow Body Luminizer (just the right amount of sheen), GoopGlow Morning Skin Superpowder (mix with chilled water for an elixir that tastes like a healthier version of Tang) and The Martini Emotional Detox Bath Soak (who doesn’t need an emotional detox right about now?).
Freestar
Does your skin respond well to oil-based formulations?
Truth be told, I usually opt for whipped-creamy moisturizers over face oils, but a new crop of efficacious, science-driven oil formulations (like GoopGenes) has caused me to do an about-face, pun intended. My skin tends to be dry and a bit sensitized, especially in winter. Past face oils I’ve tried kind of just sat on the skin’s surface, which is annoying. But GoopGenes penetrates nicely, and lends a delightfully dewy glow to my poor, snow-beaten complexion.
Describe your experience using the GoopGenes Face Oil. Would you use it again?
My first impressions were of the recyclable outer packaging and petite glass dropper bottle, both paradigms of minimal apothecary chic. The dropper functioned perfectly, easily passing the SB application test. (I have nothing against serums and oils with glass droppers, but please don’t present me with a drippy dropper.) The oil itself has a pronounced vegetal smell (not surprising for a botanicals-based product), bringing to mind an expensive salad, which, if you think about it, is pretty on-brand.
I’ve been anointing myself with the GoopGenes oil for nearly a month now, and as I mentioned earlier, it absorbs nicely, makes my skin feel soft and smooth, and even enhances my dew factor. Has it made me look years younger or diminished my fine lines? Not yet. But fast fixes and dramatic differences usually require close encounters of the dermatological kind. And until I’m once again comfortable with IRL aesthetic interactions, I am content to continue dabbing on my GoopGenes oil. (Seriously, you should see what it’s doing for my hands and cuticles.) Now if only GP could actually bottle her own Goop genes...
Andrea Whittle, Features Editor
What is your opinion of Gwyneth Paltrow's approach to wellness and the Goop brand in general?
I’d say I have a playfully reverent relationship with Goop as a brand. I’ve always loved going into their stores and checking out what natural-leaning companies they’re pushing. I even bought a dress at their Amagansett pop-up one summer. I respect what the woman has built, and I think she leans into the ridiculousness of it all on purpose. I’ve heard generally great things about their skincare products ever since they started out with a collaboration with Juice Beauty (their Exfoliating Instant Facial in particular). That being said, I know there has been some straight-up snake oil on their shelves over the years. So a healthy dose of skepticism is required.
Does your skin respond well to oil-based formulations?
I usually have pretty textbook combination skin, but it’s been extremely dry lately. Red, flaky, angry dry. I’ve incorporated oils into my routine since college, especially during the winter months—I feel like they offer an extra layer of protection from the elements and help lock in my serum and moisturizer.
Describe your experience using the GoopGenes Face Oil.
The first thing that flashed into my mind when I patted a few drops of this on was “miso soy glaze.” There’s something distinctly savory about the smell—like you could use it to marinate a piece of fish before slapping it on the grill. It reminds me of the Fresh Sea Buckthorn Face Oil but a little more umami. When I got into bed, my boyfriend took a curious sniff and just said, “Interesting.” In the morning, my skin felt hydrated and velvety—a vast improvement from flake city.
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