Shani Darden Skincare Review

Shani Darden is known for being an esthetician to celebrities everywhere, after having been discovered by Jessica Alba. Shani launched her own skincare years ago, but recently went through a packaging redesign, and added some products to her line. Her line launched in Sephora in 2020, which is the ultimate #goals for any skincare brand. As an esthetician myself, I’ve always looked up to Shani, and I was so excited when her team reached out and asked to send me the products. They did not send the skincare line to me with any expectations, but I get asked about the products frequently, so I wanted to do a comprehensive review.

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Cleansing Serum

This is a gel cleanser that contains Sodium Hyaluronate to hydrate, olive and chicory extracts to soothe irritation, and oat bran extract to support the skin’s barrier. It is designed to remove every trace of makeup. It is fragrance free.

My thoughts: I really enjoy this cleanser. First off, I love a gel cleanser, especially one that can work as both my first and second cleanse. This delivered in fully removing every trace of makeup and sunscreen, and also worked well as my second cleanse, leaving my skin clean but not stripped. A few other content creators tested the pH of this cleanser and found varying results between 5.5 (which is in the ideal range of 4.5-5.5), and 7. 7 is far too stripping, so I typically do not go for cleansers this high. However, I don’t find this stripping on my skin, so I think it may be something you just need to try and see for yourself if this feels drying on your skin type.

5oz/$38

Sake Toning Essence

A toner and treatment essence in one formula, it has both brightening and balancing benefits. Sake water help to hydrate and brighten the skin, while sebocytine helps balance oil production while reducing the appearance of pores. This also has Niacinamide, an all-star ingredient that helps strengthen the skin barrier, prevents aging, balances the skin, evens the skin tone, and diminishes the look of pores and fine lines.

My thoughts: As someone who has combination skin that is very acne prone, I really appreciate this product. It adds a layer of hydration, but also has the benefits of being balancing, which is nice especially when you have skin that is both dry, and areas that also get oily. I’d recommend this to those that are Normal to Oily skinned, but would probably reach for something more hydrating if I had dry skin. I actually just checked, and this is exactly what is recommended on Sephora, so even Shani clearly created this product for these specific types of skins. Even with my combo skin, I will probably reach for something more hydrating come winter, but it’s been really nice to use all summer. If you’re oily, I think you’d LOVE this all year round.

$52/4oz

Retinol Reform

This is Shani’s first ever created product, and it has a cult following. This is a serum for all skin types that contains 2.2% encapsulated retinol, 2% lactic acid, and apple fruit extract. As we know, retinol supports collagen production and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots, acne scars, and uneven texture. Lactic acid is a fabulous AHA that gently exfoliates as well as hydrates, and apple fruit extract reduces the signs of aging and provides antioxidant protection.

My thoughts: I have to preface this by saying that I have been using an Rx retinoid since I was 15, so I am an experienced user with very strong retinoids. I like to use this product on days where my skin is feeling more dry, and I feel my skin needs a break from the strong stuff. I also love that this has an AHA so I can apply this one serum, a moisturizer on top, and go to bed. I still find I wake up to smooth, hydrated and happy skin with this, so it’s perfect for balancing out something more intense, for me. For most, this is going to be a great all-year round retinol + chemical exfoliant at any age, and especially for those that are looking for the anti-aging and texturizing benefits of a retinoid + chemical exfoliant, and aren’t dealing with severe acne.

$88/1oz

Texture Reform

I was not gifted this product, but want to explain who it is designed for!

Texture Reform is a more gentle product for those with sensitive skin. It contains 5% Retinyl Palmitate, which is an even gentler retinoid, which will still help support natural collagen and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots, acne scars, and uneven texture. Because of the gentler retinoid, this contains 7% lactic acid to gently exfoliate and hydrate the skin, as well as aloe vera to soothe the skin.

Who is this for? This is for those with sensitive skin, and retinoid beginners who are nervous about going right in with Retinol Reform. This is also going to be great for people who have very dry skin. You can try this product first, if it does well, bump it up and try Retinol Reform next to see if that works for you.

$88/1oz

Weightless Oil-Free Moisturizer

An oil-free, fast-absorbing moisturizer that provides weightless hydration without clogging pores and keeps skin looking fresh, hydrated, and balanced. This is designed for normal to oily skins. It contains sodium hyaluronate, a humectant that helps skin attract and retain moisture, leaving it appearing plumper and smoother; hydrolyzed collagen to visibly plump the look of skin and restore suppleness. And lastly, red algae extract to provide antioxidant protection and visibly soften the skin.

My thoughts: This is a really nice lightweight gel-cream type of moisturizer. It’s perfect for daytime for my combination skin, but not quite heavy enough to provide an occlusive layer at night. I do think normal to oily skins will enjoy this, but it definitely wouldn’t be enough for drier skin. I also really love the pump packaging of this, and have been enjoying using it. For $48, I think you could find many similar products to this at a more affordable price point, but I think it’s a nice complement to her line.

2.5oz/$48

Overall Thoughts

Overall, I really like the line and it worked amazingly well for my combination skin! I am curious if she will end up coming out with some other products for more dry skin types, as these seem to cater a bit to the more oily, with the exception of the retinol and texture reform products which are for all skin types.