John Legend's Skincare Line Is Actually Really Amazing — Here's Our Full Review

When I saw the headline about John Legend launching a skincare line, I thought, “Great. Another well-known skincare brand in an already oversaturated market.” However, my eye rolling stopped when I delved deeper into Loved01.

First, unlike many well-known lines that launch at a seemingly daily rate, Loved01 is actually affordable — each product in this unisex face and body line is $15 and under. Speaking to PEOPLE, Legend says, “We wanted Loved01 to feel elevated and like a lot of care and intention was put into it, but not to sell it at a price point that made it out of reach for so many people. And we had to put it in stores where we all shop.”

Plus, after watching Legend’s YouTube hangout with beauty expert Jackie Aina, I was even more intrigued after he said, “The FDA doesn’t even make you test on darker skin tones.” Wait, what? How is that possible? Like Aina and many commenters, I was amazed, even as someone who has spent years writing and learning about beauty products and ingredients.

So when an EGOT winner says he’s doing this line with black and brown leather on his forehead, it’s not just a soundbite. He and his team did the research. Studies show that beauty products marketed to black women — especially hair care — contain potentially harmful chemicals like phthalates that disrupt hormones and can even cause uterine fibroids, as Northwestern scientists recently discovered. With skin and inner health in mind, each product in the Loved01 line is dermatologist-approved and formulated without listed chemicals, including artificial colors or synthetic fragrances, as well as controversial ingredients like mineral oil, parabens, and petrolatum.

With all this information in mind, I was excited to try out the collection. So let’s get to it!

People / Bianca Lambert

Face + body oil

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This was another product I was delighted with. In proper skincare order by applying products from thinnest to thickest, I like to apply a layer of oil at the end to give my skin a glow.

Again, I was pleasantly surprised and shocked at how much I loved this oil, especially as someone whose vanity is filled with expensive body oils. I rubbed this into my skin, which melted with no residue left behind. This would be a great body oil during the warmer months as it is light yet very hydrating.

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This body oil has kept its place in Bianca’s skincare rotation. “I love how the formula is lightweight yet ultra-moisturizing,” she says. “[It] it melts quickly into my skin without leaving an oily residue. The oil is also easy to fit in my carry-on bag for travel, takes up very little space and the bottle is secure, so no spills.”

People / Bianca Lambert

Shaving cream

Loved01

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When I think of shaving cream, I think of foam. But this lightweight, creamy balm is the exact opposite (in the best way). I put some on my wet legs in the shower and the razor went golden over my leg. Honestly, I use anything to shave my legs from body wash to shampoo (I know, I know — it’s probably not the best remedy for skin without a nick), so I loved that this cream was actually useful and helped add a moisturizing rose oil buffer hips and back. It is also gentle, hydrating and pH balancing. And for anyone who travels, this fits easily into any toiletry bag without fear of a messy surprise when you arrive at your destination.

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“I use this weekly with my Oui the People razor,” says Bianca. Since then, she’s tried many shaving creams, but she always comes back to this one. “The formula is light, but it keeps my legs and underarms hydrated and non-drying. You also can’t beat the price of the ingredients.

“This is a big deal because I use a single edge razor that gives a close shave. Hydration after showering is non-negotiable. However, with this formula, my legs and underarms can do almost without lotion. And I like that it’s compact for travel.”

People / Bianca Lambert

Facial and body cleansing bar

Loved01

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Like many, I swapped my soap for a body wash. However, these days I’m once again relying on bars to reduce my carbon footprint. The brand may have eavesdropped a bit on this cleaning bar and tried to give us some soapy water. The skin on my body can be dry and I occasionally have dry patches. So I enjoy that this formula, while a bit foamy, is made with shea butter and jojoba oil for extra hydration.

It was love at first use, and now it’s part of my shower routine. The bar creates a great lather with my Japanese bath towel and Cozy Earth washcloths

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Handwash

Loved01

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I wash my hands a lot, so they are often dry if I don’t actively moisturize them. The formula lathers, but when I wash it off, my hands aren’t nearly as dry as other formulas I’ve used. With a dermatologist-recommended formula containing rosehip oil, sea buckthorn oil, vitamin E, avocado oil and aloe vera, the hand wash is ideal for people like me who wash my hands frequently.

Now it’s a staple, and a little goes a long way. I will often follow this up with hand and body lotion.

Cleaning wipes

Loved01

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On a recent trip, after checking my bags, going through security, being delayed three hours, and finally settling in for a 14-hour flight, I felt like a sticky mess. Luckily, I always travel with cleansing sheets like these facial refresher wipes on the plane.

I took a moment in the airplane bathroom to wipe my neck, chest, shoulders and underarms. There’s no substitute for a shower, but since these are made with salicylic acid and I have pimples on my back and chest, I was happy to treat those areas while I freshened up. The wipes are thick, do not leak and retain moisture without drying out. Just be sure to close them tightly after each use. For frequent travelers, gym goers and even festival goers, they can be a great addition to your backpack or bag.

Toning mist

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There are tons of toner mists on the market, so this one isn’t groundbreaking. But for anyone who uses dermaplaning tools or has inflamed, acne-prone skin, the soothing ingredients—chamomile, lavender, and aloe vera—in this witch hazel-infused alcohol-free formula can be a great addition to your daily routine to help add moisture and balance skin’s pH.

Detergent for face and body

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I usually stay away from multipurpose face and body care. But hey, I’m always willing to try any beauty product at least once.

When I poured it into my hands, I enjoyed the milky texture. After cleansing my face with oil, I used washing as the second step in my routine. My skin was clean and soft to the touch. However, while the brand recommends using your hands to apply the product, for best results, I suggest using a muslin washcloth with warm water on your face to make sure all makeup and residue is washed off as the formula doesn’t lather.

If I didn’t live as a beauty writer, the lack of suds might drive me crazy; most consumers are used to bubbles and foam equaling cleanliness. However, because this cleanser is sulfate-free and infused with skin-loving oils, you won’t get the typical soapy feel you’re used to.

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A year later, Bianca no longer uses face and body cream. “I found the bottle bulky when I was trying to get the formula out with wet hands in the shower. However, I understand why the bottles are without a pump; they are better for the environment,” she says.

People / Bianca Lambert

Cleansing scrub

Walmart

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I skip physical scrubs on my face (they can be a bit abrasive), so instead I used this creamy texture made with fine bamboo powder, sea buckthorn and rosehip oil from the neck down. However, after feeling the soft texture, I decided to try it on my face for the purposes of this review. I am happy to report that there was no skin irritation or acne breakouts after using it. It was super gentle on my skin.

While this won’t be something I use regularly on my face, I loved using it on my body, especially my neck, décolleté and shoulders. The formula offered enough exfoliation for softer skin and plenty of hydration. So if you have drier skin, I would recommend this as an addition to your body care routine. (Oh, and just know that a little goes a long way.)

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After the first year of application, Bianca still appreciates the formula, but not enough to replace her long-time favorite cleanser. “I already have a cleansing scrub that’s a mainstay,” she says.

People / Bianca Lambert

Face and body lotion

Walmart

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When I saw that this moisturizer contains coconut oil, I didn’t want to risk trying it on my face because coconut oil can clog pores. But, on the body, it’s a *chef’s kiss*. I expected a watery formula to ooze out of the cap, but instead, there was a heavy, rich formula in my hand. I smeared it and immediately thought: This is their hero product. This one. Is. The. One.

I’ve tried tons of body lotions, creams, and butters — and this one is now in my top five. Most of the body care products I use are priced high, so what makes the oil and butter rich formula even more impressive is the $10 price tag and that it is made from safe, effective ingredients. Those two things don’t always go together. With all these benefits, I didn’t need to rehydrate the next morning. I was ready.

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Although this product was among Bianca’s “top five”, it did not surpass the two products she regularly uses to hydrate her skin and body. However, she keeps the lotion on the kitchen sink to use after washing her hands. “The formula melts into my hands with no residue and usually does the trick for restoring moisture.”

People / Bianca Lambert

Final thoughts

Is this line that different from what we already have available? Yes and no. You can get any of these products at various prices, from drugstore to prestigious. However, this launch stands out to me because of its accessibility, affordability, and promise to give people of color a line of products made with safe and effective ingredients that don’t have eye-watering prices. That’s a rarity in the world of celebrity product launches. And, it is difficult to pack all these things carefully. But Loved01 did. Looking forward to their next drop (hopefully SPF).

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education