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illuminating exfoliating serum

Regular price $48.00
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Hurry, Only 3 Left!

For most skin types, including sensitive. 

A hydrating treatment serum to decongest, smooth roughness, soften fine lines, and lessen scarring in a gentle formula for all skin types.

The effective, yet sensitive-skin-friendly salicin and lactic acid not only refine and brighten but improve the skin's natural moisturizing factors, leveraging the other hydrating herbs to refresh the skin.

A base of soothing, emollient-rich herbs of wild pansy, marshmallow, and aloe softens and smooths the skin. Working to improve hydration and retain water.

This is a low-dose exfoliating formula that works with a collection of botanicals that encourage cellular renewal while lactic acid helps lift unproductive cells (aka "dead" cells) that can cause dryness, dullness, and irritation.

For a more intensive exfoliating experience, pair with our enzymatic facial oil for additional support to create a complete evening moisturizer (Hydrating Layer + Oil Layer): Overnight Resurfacing Oil . 

Ideal For

Most skin types, including sensitive and congestion prone skin. Though caution should be taken if you have a compromised barrier.

Aromatics

The scent is neutral with hints of green tea. No added essential oils.

Texture

Light, clear gel with a rich humectant base.

Ingredients

84% Regionally Sourced

aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) juice*^, camellia sinensis (green tea) hydrosol*^, spiraea ulmaria (meadowsweet) extract*^, salix nigra (willow) bark extract*, punica granatum (pomegranate) extract*, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) flower extract*, distilled water & palm free vegetable glycerin* & viola tricolor (wild pansy) flower/leaf*^ & althaea officinalis (marshmallow) root*^, vigna aconitifolia (moth bean) extract, lactobacillus ferment, lactic acid (vegan), water & acetyl tetrapeptide-40 & caprylyl glycol, crithmum maritimum (sea fennel) extract*, sodium hyaluronate (vegan), sodium PCA (plant derived), xanthan gum, lecithin, sclerotium gum and pullulan

*organic | ^regionally sourced

Sunburn Alert: Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) may cause sensitivity to UV light. Apply sunscreen while in use and for 1 week after discontinued use.

We’ve taken this into consideration and incorporated the recommended dilution to limit UV sensitivity as defined by the EU Scientific Committee on Cosmetic Products and Non-Food Products intended for Consumers (SCCNFP).

Contains 4% Lactic Acid (AHA) and the equivalent of 1.5% Salicylic Acid (BHA) with a pH between 3-4%

To foster higher standards of stewardship among the land & people we practice bioregional sourcing. Most ingredients are grown throughout the Pacific West and including our own micro-garden in Oregon.

Products ordered from our site often have a freshness guarantee of 12+ months, refer to the best-by date on the packaging.

If you are pregnant or nursing, consult with your doctor before using herbs. Always do a patch test on your skin before applying it to a large surface. For informational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Ritual

Apply 1-2 pumps on clean, damp or dry skin. Follow with your favorite facial oil or moisturizer. You may notice a slight film for about 30 seconds as it absorbs. You can blend your oil/moisturizer with the serum as a micro-emulsion or it can be layered while it is absorbing.
As a spot or zone treatment, apply a thick layer and let dry (5-10 minutes). Then very lightly take a damp cloth and remove any film.
It can be applied 3 times a week for sensitive skin and up to once a day for more exfoliation. For maintenance, 3-5 times a week is advised.
Complete the Routine
Recommended oils to be blended to create a customized moisturizer.

For Oily Skin: Awaken Clearing Oil

For Combination Skin: Hormonal Harmony Calming Oil

For Dry Skin: Rooted Balancing Balm(link opens in new tab/window)

For Dry Sensitive Skin: Vibrant Garden Universal Oil(link opens in new tab/window)

For Additional Brightening Support - Combination & Slightly Dry Skin: First Light Brightening Serum Oil

We recommended alternating with the Solar Return Revitalizing Essence or Radiance Elixir when not using the Exfoliating Serum.

Net Weight

1 fl oz / 30 ml

Woman Owned

Farm-Grown Organic Ingredients

Herbalist Formulated

Handmade in USA

illuminating exfoliating serum

$48.00

Brand Story

Live Botanical

Carolyn McRory's herbal education began in her youth and continued formally from 1998–2002 under registered herbalist Dr. Mara Levin of Blue Heron Herbs, with additional early guidance from Sue Sierralupe.

Over the past 25 years, she has studied through numerous long‑format programs, including the Institute of Personal Care Science (where she is currently completing her cosmetic chemistry diploma), the Vitalist Herbal Practitioner Program, Herbal Academy, and various aromatherapy, herbal medicine, and herbal astrology programs. She also holds a degree from Linfield College in Business Management, Information Systems, and Environmental Literature.

Through Live Botanical, Carolyn creates herbal‑based skincare that helps people build meaningful connections with the natural world. Her formulations are designed to support personal care rituals while reminding individuals of the beauty around them — and within themselves.

Everything You Need to Know About Live Botanical

What is the freshness/best by date?

Products should be used by the date noted on the bottom of each product carton. We note the month/year and batch number. Most products have a 10-18 month range. Though products can likely last much longer we find the potency best enjoyed within a year. If you have any questions please let us know.

All water based products use proper & complete preservation and challenge tested for safety.

Are your products gluten free?

None of our ingredients have gluten in them.

Our oats and rice are certified gluten-free but not all the ingredients we have are certified. Meaning they may have been around other products with gluten in them.

Our herbs that come from local farms don’t have facilities that are “gluten-free”. Unfortunately, the ingredients with these guarantees are very limited (especially working with small and local farms) and not always available to maintain the stock needed to keep the business going.

If you have a gluten intolerance, we feel good with the ingredients given the large molecular size is not absorbable in the skin, but from a liability standpoint, we are unable to have a gluten-free guarantee or certification.

Are your products pregnancy safe?

We have quite a few options to support your skin through the cycles of your pregnancy. We suggest our essential oil free products with the exception of the Exfoliating Serum & the Clarifying Elixir...

Also, all of our masks are suitable. Our Honey Mask, it has less than .25% essential oils.

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