Vintner’s Daughter’s now-iconic Active Botanical Serum dropped back in 2015, and after just a few years on the market has far surpassed the cult-level status, amassing an impressive fan following among editors, makeup artists, and celebrities, including wellness-obsessed Gwyneth Paltrow, model Hilary Rhoda, and Naomi Watts. Before we get into the best Vintner’s Daughter dupes, let’s first address why this facial oil is so universally beloved, despite its jaw-dropping price point. This multi-use oil has been touted for its vast array of skin-enhancing benefits and its uncanny ability to work its skin-enhancing magic on just about any skin type and apparently, improve just about any skin concern, from clearing recurring acne flare-ups, softening fine lines, and fading acne scars just to name a few.
To be fair, though it’s steeply priced at a whopping $185 a pop, this complexion-nourishing holy grail is one product that loyal fans claim is a splurge-worthy game-changer in their skincare lineup, and Vintner’s Daughter’s website provides an extensive explanation of ingredients, benefits, and shares their elaborate formulation and sourcing process to help warrant its lofty price point. After working at her family-owned vineyard in Napa for a decade, founder April Gargiulo (yes, she is indeed the daughter of a winemaker) became inspired to formulate an all-natural skincare product equally as effective at combating common skincare woes as other chemical-laden counterparts after she gave birth to her first child.
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Courtesy of Vintner’s Daughter.
Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum
Drawing from her vast knowledge of winemaking, she formulated the Active Botanical Serum with a roster of 22 different clean active ingredients sourced from sustainable growers around the world, including Grape Seed Oil, Turmeric, and Rosehip alongside a slew of regionally-sourced, cold-pressed botanical oils and nourishing fatty acids. According to the website, formulators spend about three weeks infusing the plants with other powerful additives to ensure the utmost in quality and efficacy. In addition to its eco-friendly actives, the oil is also formulated with a three-level delivery system, which helps the skin better absorb the ingredients, allowing them to penetrate deeper, while the push/pull application design helps boost circulation for an instant glow. Basically, this oil is like a nutrient-packed green juice for your face.
With all this being said, if you simply can’t even entertain the idea of dropping nearly $200 on face oil, we’ve done the research for you, and found some promising Vintner’s Daughter dupes for a fraction of the price. These alternatives all contain similar, clean, nutrient-dense ingredients that deliver anti-inflammatory and skin-nourishing properties but come with much more palatable price points. You’re welcome!
Courtesy of Kiehl’s.
1. Kiehl’s Daily Reviving Concentrate
This face oil-serum hybrid is like an instant pick-me-up for your skin, especially when you’re jet-lagged, under the weather or sleep-deprived. With a blend of ginger root, sunflower oil, and antioxidant citrus extracts, this lightweight oil gives your skin an instant glow and offers free-radical defense. Because it’s mineral oil-free and noncomedogenic, it’s a great choice for those with acne-prone skin.
Courtesy of Paula’s Choice.
2. Paula’s Choice Moisture Renewal Oil Booser
This booster oil is infused with anti-aging and skin-plumping ceramides suspended in a moisturizing argan oil base. With continued use, it promises to help soften lines and restore skin’s elasticity, and it layers well under your makeup during the daytime too.
Buy: Paula’s Choice Booster Oil $38
3. Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil
A cult-favorite in its own right, this luxe face oil contains a gentle form of retinol suspended in a lightweight oil to offset any irritation. It also contains soothing ingredients including German Chamomile and Blue Tansy to nourish the skin, restoring plumpness, and softening fine lines without feeling heavy.
Buy: Sunday Riley Luna Oil $55
Courtesy of Fresh.
4. Fresh Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil
Like the original Vintner’s Daughter Oil, this alternative also contains grape seed oil to help balance the skin’s hydration levels and keep pH in check. It’s also chock-full of powerful antioxidants including seaberry oil to protect against free radical damage and fatty acids like omega 7 to keep skin looking plump and luminous.
Courtesy of Herbivore.
5. Herbivore Botanicals Orchid Face Oil
Similar to Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum, this orchid-infused dupe contains high-quality, cold-pressed actives, including Camellia oil and both omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.
Buy: Herbivore Botanicals Orchid Face Oil $64
A version of this article was originally published on May 3, 2019.
