About Caudalie
Caudalie is a Parisian-inspired women’s skincare company that specializes in natural, clean, and sustainable formulas. Its wide range of products, including cleansers, serums, and oils, uniquely incorporate Grape Seed Polyphenols, an idea that blossomed from the founders’ expertise in winemaking.
With an impressive 828k followers on Instagram, Caudalie has been featured by numerous media outlets including Vogue Paris, Allure, and Elle Magazine. The brand’s award-winning products hold multiple titles, including a 2020 Women’s Health award for Best Moisturizer and two 2019 Harper’s Bazaar’s Best of the Best Beauty Awards.
Is this brand worthy of a friendly bonjour or a lukewarm au revoir? This Caudalie skincare review will hopefully answer that for you. We’ll take a look at the brand, its products, customer ratings, promotions, and more to help you decide if its products are worth the buy.
Overview of Caudalie
Caudalie couldn’t have been founded in a more beautiful setting. Its founders, Mathilde and Bertrand Thomas were inspired by Mathilde’s family estate, Château Smith Haut Lafitte, in Bordeaux, France.
Mathilde’s family was known for its grapevine fields that were picked to make wine. According to the brand’s website, the pair met with the laboratory director of the Pharmacy University at Bordeaux, who taught them that “grape seeds contain the most powerful antioxidants in the world.”
Mathilde and Bertrand were deeply inspired by this conversation and began to test the use of Grape Seed Polyphenols in skincare formulations. In 1995, they founded Caudalie and launched three products that feature this key ingredient.
Today, Caudalie continues to be a strong contender within the skincare industry because its unique formulas set it apart from other brands. Today, it offers hundreds of products that are designed to treat a number of skin concerns, offering anti-aging, hydrating, and firming products.
The company promises to only use clean ingredients in its formulas and to practice eco-friendly standards throughout its manufacturing process. Caudalie is proudly a member of 1% for the Planet, through which it donates to reforestation projects.
Though its headquarters are firmly established in Paris, France, the company has expanded their operations to service those in the United States, and offer a spa boutique in New York, NY.
Before we get into this Caudalie skincare review, let’s go over some initial pros and cons:
Pros
- Extensive collection of elixirs, moisturizers, toners, creams, and more
- Only uses clean, natural, and sustainably sourced ingredients
- Offers different lines for various skin concerns, such as anti-aging, dry skin, and dull complexions
- The company donates a portion of its sales to help fund reforestation projects; it has planted and protected over 4 million trees globally since 2012
- Thousands of positive customer testimonials
- Three free Caudalie samples with every order
Cons
- Only a 14-day return policy
- Pricier than competing retailers
Caudalie’s line inspires a certain sense of je ne sais quoi. From the Parisian name, derived from the French term for “the unit of measurement for the time the flavours of a wine linger on the palate after tasting it,” to the simple and sophisticated packaging, the company fully embodies Parisian elegance and timelessness.
From its iconic elixirs to the ultra-nourishing Caudalie serums, the brand incorporates antioxidant-rich botanicals into each of its formulas. Plus, it promises to never incorporate harmful ingredients, such as parabens, mineral oils, and phthalates.
Next in this Caudalie skincare review, we’ll feature a few of its most popular items.
Caudalie Beauty Review
Caudalie offers a treasure trove of skincare products. Whether you want to add radiance, correct common signs of aging, or detox your skin, the company has a product to help.
Though its skincare selection rose this brand to notoriety, its website also offers separate collections for your body and hair, as well as a set of elegant fragrances.
With so many products to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. Don’t worry, this Caudalie skincare review has you covered. We’ll take a look at the brand’s best-selling serums, moisturizers, toners, and more.
Caudalie Beauty Elixir Review
This mist might be the closest we can get to the Fountain of Youth. Inspired by the legendary tonic that the Queen of Hungary used in the 16th century, Caudalie’s Beauty Elixir contains a few of its famed ingredients to help reinvigorate the skin.
Featuring a combination of Green Grape Extract and Peppermint, Rose, Myrrhe, and Rosemary oils, this toner helps smoothen your complexion and blur pores.
In fact, in a clinical test performed by Caudalie, 100% of users felt their pores looked smaller after immediate use.
The Beauty Elixir can be used in multiple ways. In addition to its moisturizing properties, when used as a primer, it provides a smooth surface for makeup to adhere to for a look that lasts all day. Plus, it is safe for all skin types.
Designed to provide users with a burst of refreshing mist that harnesses the power of 100% natural ingredients, it is available for $49 (100 ml). To completely rejuvenate your complexion, try incorporating a Caudalie detox mask into your routine, too.
Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet Review
Akin to those fruity desserts that help cool us down during blazing-hot Summer afternoons, the Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet is like a sweet treat, but for your face.
Its gel-to-water formula instantly fades into the skin for a more hydrated, smooth, and supple complexion.
Thanks to its special cocktail of Chamomile, Organic Grape Water, and Polyphenols, it is formulated to help soothe ultra-sensitive skin by providing calming properties. This sorbet also helps minimize redness.
Scented with the aromatic notes that include Mandarin Blossom and Fresh Mint, this sorbet fervently embodies the feeling of summertime bliss. To use, simply apply morning and night, after any serums.
According to a clinical test done by the experts at Caudalie, 90% of participants felt the cream soothe their skin. Additionally, 77% reported that their skin was less red after regular use.
The Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet comes in a delightful baby pink tube and retails for $39 (40 ml).
Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum Review
Considered one of Caudalie’s top-performing products, the Vinoperfect Radiance Serum has been reinvented to better suit the modern woman. The company has worked to bring you a serum that is still as effective as its predecessor, but more natural and clean.
This dermatologist tested serum works to naturally improve the appearance of dark spots with the help of Olive Squalane and Viniferine. This skin-loving milky concoction leaves you with a visibly brighter complexion.
In a 56-day study conducted by Caudalie, 87% of users reported a more even skin tone, while 83% noticed more radiance.
This oil-free serum is gentle enough to use twice daily and won’t photosensitise. It is pleasantly scented with summery notes of Citron Blossom, Orange Leaves, and other delightful scents.
On top of all of that, its bottle is made out of 100% recyclable material as part of the brand’s Repack Revolution. You can purchase the Vinoperfect Radiance Serum for $79 (30 ml). For added radiance, you can incorporate products like the Caudalie Glycolic Peel to help gently remove dull skin.
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner Review
Caudalie’s Vinopure Purifying Toner is enriched with natural Salicylic Acid and organic Grape Polyphenols to promote a radiant complexion. When lightly applied to cleansed skin, this formula blurs imperfections, tightens pores, and prepares the skin for serums and moisturizers.
In a clinical study performed by the brand, 91% of users stated that this toner helped in purification while 83% reported that it helped tighten their pores.
Delivering a surprising element of freshness with each application, this Caudalie toner is formulated without the use of synthetic fragrance.
The Vinopure Purifying Toner retails for $28 (200 ml). For a nighttime routine that is even more nourishing, we recommend pairing it with a Caudalie eye cream.
Caudalie Grape Water Review
No, “grape water” isn’t another term for wine. Caudalie’s Grape Water mist is formulated to freshen and restore your complexion. Featuring a powerful combination of Green Grape Extract and organic Grape Water, this cooling concoction soothes sensitive skin.
Considered an iconic Caudalie product, it is proven to stop 56% of free radicals from forming. You can pair the Grape Water with complimentary face masks, exfoliators, and serums for a truly indulgent and transformation skincare experience.
Unfortunately, this formula is currently sold out. Once it has been restocked, customers can grab a 200 ml bottle for $18.
Caudalie Premier Cru The Serum Review
You could say that the Premier Cru The Serum is a fusion between French and South Korean skincare. Its water-like texture was inspired by Mathilde’s travels to Asia. Patented with Vinergy complex, this formula targets signs of aging while leaving your complexion looking youthful and energized.
Featuring hydrating ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid and Resveratrol, you can breathe a sigh of relief because it’s gentle enough for sensitive skin.
According to a seven-day clinical test conducted by Caudalie, 80% of users felt their skin was firmer. Subtly scented with Rose Petals soaked in an oak barrel, round the clock back in time with the Premier Cru the Serum for $150 (30 ml).
Caudalie Premier Cru The Rich Cream Review
Considered the sister product of its serum formula, the Premier Cru The Rich Cream is an indulgent blend that combats common signs of aging. Featuring ingredients such as Plant Wax, Hyaluronic Acid, and Vinolevure, this cream helps to smooth out wrinkles.
After frequent use, this product helps to firm the skin while contouring your features for a redefined look. Based on a study conducted by the brand, a majority of users stated that their complexion was more even and nourished.
Infused with a subtle fragrance of Rose Petals and the woody undertones of Oak, treat your skin with the luxurious Premier Cru The Rich Cream for $117 (50 ml).
Caudalie Instant Detox Mask Review
After long days spent in the city, you’ll need a good cleanse to get rid of pollutants and debris. The Instant Detox Mask does the job. This mask removes impurities and excess sebum.
Its powerful formula contains Rose Clay, Papaya Enzyme, and Tannins to tighten pores, leaving your complexion looking radiant after just 10 minutes.
In a clinical test led by Caudalie experts, 100% of users found their skin visibly detoxed after just one use. Its formulation of cleansing and nourishing ingredients is safe to use two times a week.
This mask encourages spa-like tranquility with its subtle notes of Lavender, Parsley, and Chamomile. The Instant Detox Mask can be incorporated into your relaxing nighttime routine for $39 (75 ml).
Caudalie Moisturizing Hand and Cream Trio Review
Purse essentials usually entail hand sanitizer, earphones, a mirror compact, and lotion to help with dry skin. If you happen to run out of the latter, the Moisturizing Hand and Cream Trio might be just what you need.
Designed to deeply nourish and hydrate your nail cuticles and hands, this set is infused with antioxidant-rich Grape Polyphenols and reparative Organic Shea Butter. This kit includes three of Caudalie’s products:
- 1x 30 ml tube of Thé des Vignes Hand Cream
- 1x 30 ml tube of the Rose des Vigne Hand Cream
- 1x 30 ml tube of the Hand and Nail Cream
The great thing about this product is that for every gift set purchased, Caudalie will plant one tree in an effort to combat deforestation. To participate in a great cause while getting all the benefits of this skincare essential, the Moisturizing Hand and Cream Trio costs $15 compared to its $24 retail value.
Unfortunately, this kit is currently out of stock. Keep checking back on its website for any updates on availability.
Caudalie Reviews: What Do Customers Think?
We turned to online Caudalie reviews to find out what customers are really saying about the brand. Spoiler alert: it’s mostly positive! Let’s take a look at the highlights from the company’s website, Inflenster, and Sephora.
On Caudalie’s website, most of its best selling products usually garner dozens of rave reviews, with average ratings of 4.5/5 stars or higher:
- Vinoperfect Radiance Dark Spot Serum: 605 ratings and an average of 4.5/5 stars
- Resveratrol-lift Instant Firming Serum: 184 ratings and an average of 4.8/5 stars
- Grape Water :121 ratings and an average of 4.5/5 stars
- Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet: 148 ratings and an average of 4.8/5 stars
The Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet is one of the brand’s most recommended products. Users have noted that it helps to soften the skin while reducing redness and irritation. One woman reports that the product does exactly what it advertises:
“This is my ride or die morning moisturizer, it’s simply wonderful. I find this product to do everything Caudalie claims it to do plus more. It calms the irritation and redness caused by long time mask use. It also serves as a primer and sits beautifully under makeup.”
Positive Caudalie reviews continue on Influenster and Sephora. On Influenster, there are 48.9k comments posted with a collective grade of 4.5/5 stars. Altogether, buyers report that Caudalie’s skincare line helps to refine, smoothen, and freshen their complexion.
One testimonial on the Vinoperfect Glow & Go Set echoes these sentiments: “I adore these two products separately so when the company packaged them together it was a win. The serum is very effective at tackling my redness, rosacea and dark spots. The facial mist…smells fragrant, clean and refreshing. It releases the perfect, finely amount of mist to any parched skin.”
Meanwhile, customers on Sehpora readily recommend the Resveratrol Lift Firming Cashmere Moisturizer and the Grape Water, which have earned 4.8/5 stars from 221 ratings and 4.4/5 stars from 4.4/5 stars from 1.4k ratings, respectively. Both products are described as being worth their high price tags.
Multiple users enjoy the texture of the cashmere moisturizer because it doesn’t feel greasy or oily, which is probably one of the reasons why 5.6k customers have favorited this product. One woman loves this formulation because of how it makes her skin look and feel:
“I LOVE it!!! It has transformed my skin. My dark spots are less noticeable, as are my pores. My skin appears tighter. I cannot believe how moisturized my skin feels- without feeling heavy or oily… LOVE THIS!!!!”
Though we found some average ratings for the brand’s products, we struggled to find negative Caudalie experiences, which is a good sign! Most often, users enjoyed the products but thought that they were too pricey or the scents too overpowering.
One woman wrote on Sephora that the Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet “feels nice when applied but the fragrance is so overpowering I had to wash it off and return it.”
Thankfully, these reports are quite rare. But, if you are sensitive to scent, it is definitely something to keep in mind. Overall, there are thousands of positive testimonials that attest to the quality and efficacy of Caudalie’s skincare products.
Is Caudalie Worth It?
For a sustainable skin care line that uses clean and natural ingredients, this Caudalie skincare review encourages you to check this brand out. After examining its product line, we can see that there is something for everyone, whether you’re struggling with acne, signs of aging, or another skin concern.
What makes this brand different from other competing cosmetic companies is its focus on Grape Seed Polyphenols. This aspect helps Caudalie stand out because most other retailers don’t solely emphasize the importance of one ingredient throughout their lines.
Caudalie is actively working on making its packaging more eco-friendly and aspires to plant 8 million trees by the end of 2021. It has partnered with organizations such as Nordesta and Ocean Protect in an effort to do its part for the environment. This mission is one we can get behind.
Though its products are pricey, it seems customers get what they pay for. Years of research and testing go into each formulation, and the company avoids using toxic and harmful ingredients. Plus, thousands of users have attested to how luxurious, high-quality, and effective each item is. If you’re willing to invest in high-quality skincare, Caudalie is a brand worth supporting.
Caudalie Promotions & Discounts
This Caudalie skincare review found an ongoing promotion on its website. Customers receive a five-piece gift set on orders of $130 or more. Simply use the code SELFCARE at checkout.
For additional savings, the company has a loyalty program. Shoppers earn points for each order, which they can redeem to gain access to exclusive deals and perks.
Where to Buy Caudalie Skincare
For the best selection of products, customers can head to Caudalie.com. For those that prefer to shop in-store, head to the Find a Store section of its site.
The Caudalie Sephora, Asos, Walmart, Amazon, Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, and Revolve collections are also among your options.
FAQ
What is Caudalie’s Shipping Policy?
This Caudalie skincare review found out that they offer free shipping on U.S orders that total $40 or more. Anything less than this amount is charged a flat fee of $6. With its main courier FedEx, packages usually take two days to arrive. The brand also provides overnight shipping at a fixed rate for customers to choose as well.
Caudalie offers international shipping, and these costs will be calculated at checkout. Customers will receive a tracking number via a confirmation email in order to locate their packages.
What is Caudalie’s Return Policy?
Customers have 15 days to return their orders if they are unsatisfied. Caudalie only accepts items that were purchased directly on its website and does not cover return shipping costs. To send back your product, the brand requires you to fill out the online form found on its website.
How to Contact Caudalie
For inquiries unrelated to this Caudalie skincare review, you can contact the company through:
- Phone: 1-866-826-1615
- WhatsApp: 1-212-308-3550
- Message form: Available on the brand’s website
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