Last Updated on 25th August 2023 by Sarah Sarsby
If you’re a frequent reader of A Woman’s Confidence, you’ll already know that I’m a huge fan of Bali Body products. So when I heard that the brand was launching a brand-new effective skincare line, BB Skin, I couldn’t wait to try it!
I’ve been trying this new line for over 30 days, so I can honestly tell you whether this line has delivered results.
Over the years, I’ve tried a lot of amazing skincare, so I can afford to be picky. How does BB Skin compare to my fave products? Is this skincare line a must-have, or can you live without it? My honest BB Skin review tells you everything you need to know about this new range.
* This post contains some affiliate links. This means at no extra cost to you, I earn some commission if you purchase a product through my link. All thoughts are my own, though, as always. If you want to find out more, visit my affiliate disclosure page **
What is Bali Body?
Bali Body is an Australian, vegan, and cruelty-free beauty company that creates nourishing and beneficial products for the skin.
Over 6 years ago, a young Australian couple had a vision to create natural and vegan friendly suncare products.
Bali Body
The company is famous for its tanning products, like its Face Tan Serum, but it also does an excellent range of skincare, personal care, and suncare products. BB Skin is Bali Body’s new active skincare line, which features 7 skincare products that target specific concerns with noticeable results.
What BB Skin products did I receive?
I received the following 5 BB Skin products to test and review:
- Vitamin D Serum
- Pro-Collagen Cream
- Brightening Eye Serum
- Detoxifying Clay Mask (+ Face Mask Applicator)
- Hydrating Skin Shield
Below, I will review each product individually, taking a look at whether the products meet their claims, the INCI lists, and my personal experience.
1. BB Skin Vitamin D Serum
£50 for 30ml
Product claims
The BB Skin Vitamin D Serum promises to be a lightweight, hydrating, and nourishing serum. With “potent levels” of Vitamin D, BB Skin says this serum will help to repair and protect the skin’s DNA from a range of environmental factors. It claims to be suitable for all skin types and provide antioxidant protection.
Key ingredients
Excluding water, the top 5 ingredients on the INCI list are:
- Rosa damascena flower water: has antioxidant properties and a relaxing rose scent. However, it can be irritating to the skin
- Glycerin: hydrating
- Niacinamide: a powerhouse ingredient that has a heap of skin benefits. It helps reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, control excess sebum, improve uneven skin tone, brighten the skin, and boost the skin’s barrier and hydration
- Ganoderma lucidum (mushroom) extract: helps reduce signs of discolouration and signs of irritation
- Phenoxyethanol: a safe synthetic preservative
See the full INCI list below:
Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Glycerin, Aqua, Niacinamide, Ganoderma Lucidum Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, Xanthan Gum, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Butylene Glycol, Pectin, Arginine, Proline, Serine, Glucose, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Tocopherol, Eugenol, Geraniol, Linalool, Citronellol.
Review
Okay, so the BB Skin Vitamin D Serum is amazing.
It’s a lightweight and hydrating skin glaze. If you love the glazed doughnut skin trend, this serum is for you. The transparent serum applies effortlessly over the skin for a lit-from-within glow and a beautiful non-oily skin sheen that makes your skin look so healthy.
One of my favourite things about this serum is that it’s absorbent and layers well with other serums. For example, if I want to use a soothing green tea serum as well as the BB Skin Vitamin D Serum, the products won’t pill and will complement each other beautifully.
Beyond the gorgeous radiance this serum gives my skin, it’s also moisturising. It gives my skin a little hydration boost. It’s not as hydrating as a dedicated hyaluronic acid serum, but it’s still great.
Although I’ve not noticed any major changes to my skin since using this serum, I instantly notice the nourishment and luminosity when I apply it. Plus, niacinamide helps keep my oil under control throughout the day, so this is very much a go-to serum for me. If I want a smooth, hydrated, and non-oily makeup base, this serum is incredible for a super smooth canvas.
I can’t smell the rose flower water at all in this, however, it’s something to be mindful of if you’re sensitive to fragrance and essential oils in skincare.
Rating: 5 stars
The Vitamin D Serum is worth shouting about!
2. BB Skin Pro-Collagen Cream
£50 for 30ml
Product claims
The BB Skin Pro-Collagen Cream is a peptide face cream that promises to hydrate and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It claims to leave skin firmer, plumper, and visibly nourished with a naturally radiant glow. BB Skin says this cream promotes collagen production and improves skin elasticity.
Key ingredients
Excluding water, the top 5 ingredients on the INCI list are:
- Glycerin: hydrates the skin
- Vitis vinifera (grape) seed oil: an emollient (softens or soothes skin) with strong antioxidant properties
- Niacinamide: a powerhouse ingredient that has a heap of skin benefits. It helps reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, control excess sebum, improve uneven skin tone, brighten the skin, and boost the skin’s barrier and hydration
- Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil: an emollient that helps enhance the skin’s restorative properties
- Sodium hyaluronate: the salt form of hyaluronic acid that is an excellent skin-replenishing agent
See the full INCI list below:
Aqua, Glycerin, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Niacinamide, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Lecithin, Tocopherol, Caprylyl Glycol, Bakuchiol, Pentylene Glycol, Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 sh-Polypeptide-76, Oligopeptide-1 , Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 sh-Polypeptide-47
Review
Okay, I want to start off with my gripe about the BB Skin Pro-Collagen Cream, which is that it’s marketed as a vitamin A serum, but it technically isn’t. This collagen cream contains the ingredient bakuchiol, which is often described as a retinol (vitamin A) alternative. It’s not vitamin A.
Having said that, bakuchiol offers similar anti-ageing benefits to retinol. It has wrinkle-reducing properties, improves skin elasticity, and can make skin appear smooth. In my own experience, bakuchiol is not as powerful or effective as vitamin A. However, bakuchiol is more tolerable and gentler than retinol, as it’s not as harsh.
On the positive side, I like that I could use the BB Skin Pro-Collagen Cream nightly without worrying that it’ll be too potent for my skin. This is great for my rosacea-prone skin, as overloading it with strong actives can lead to a flare-up, so I’m careful to not overdo it.
I love that the collagen cream immediately smooths, softens, and hydrates my skin. It also gives my skin a lovely healthy glow. This cream also has a fantastic plumping and firming effect that takes place instantly. I really like how the Pro-Collagen Cream feels on my skin. It has a cooling gel texture that’s very satisfying to apply at the end of my night-time routine.
I use this cream at night, rather than as a daytime moisturiser, as it allows the bakuchiol to work overnight without interruption.
Rating: 4.5 stars
This is a great night cream. I just wish it was marketed as a bakuchiol serum, as this is a bit misleading.
3. BB Skin Brightening Eye Serum
£35 for 15ml
Product claims
The BB Skin Brightening Eye Serum promises to be lightweight and brighten, hydrate, and replenish the delicate eye area. It claims to minimise the appearance of puffiness, dark circles, bags, and fine lines. BB Skin says this eye cream will also de-puff, soothe, and soften the eyes.
Key ingredients
Excluding water, the top 5 ingredients on the INCI list are:
- Glycerin: hydrates the skin
- Camellia sinensis leaf extract: a great antioxidant
- Niacinamide: a powerhouse ingredient that has a heap of skin benefits. It helps reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, control excess sebum, improve uneven skin tone, brighten the skin, and boost the skin’s barrier and hydration
- Sodium hyaluronate: the salt form of hyaluronic acid that is an excellent skin-replenishing agent
- Diaminopropionoyl tripeptide-33: conditions the skin
See the full INCI list below:
Aqua, Glycerin, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Diaminopropionoyl Tripeptide-33, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Lecithin, Caprylyl Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Butylene Glycol, Pectin, Arginine, Proline, Serine, Glucose, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Tocopherol, Farnesol
Review
I’m absolutely gutted because I’m allergic to the BB Skin Brightening Eye Serum. It’s the first time I’ve ever been allergic to a skincare product.
The first time I applied this eye serum, my eyes were swollen, red, sore, and a bit itchy. I wasn’t sure if this was down to the Brightening Eye Serum or something else I’d applied to my skin. I let the allergy clear up fully, which took 3 days for the swelling to completely reduce. After this, I didn’t use the eye cream for about 2 weeks to determine what had caused the allergy.
A couple of weeks later, I tried the serum again. The same reaction happened. I knew I was allergic to the serum.
It’s a shame because I could tell this is a good eye serum. It was immediately cooling, hydrating, and brightening. However, these benefits were immediately outweighed by the uncomfortable allergy.
Rating: inconclusive
I can’t fairly rate this product, as it didn’t work for my skin.
4. BB Skin Detoxifying Clay Mask (+ Face Mask Applicator)
£40 for 50g + £15
Product claims
The BB Skin Detoxifying Clay Mask promises to deeply cleanse the skin and remove pollution and impurities. It claims to nourish the skin for a fresh and radiant complexion. Importantly, BB Skin says this clay mask is non-drying. The mask is also supposed to minimise the appearance of pores and re-balance the skin’s moisture levels.
The BB Skin Face Mask Applicator is the perfect companion to the clay mask. It promises to get into the contours of your face for effective and even application.
Key ingredients
Excluding water, the top 5 ingredients on the clay mask’s INCI list are:
- Kaolin: a clay that helps reduce skin’s surface oil
- Glycerin: hydrates the skin
- Cetearyl alcohol: a gentle emollient
- Glyceryl stearate: an emollient
- Montmorillonite: another clay that helps control oil
See the full INCI list below:
Aqua, Kaolin, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Montmorillonite, Ceteareth – 20, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Butyrospermum Parkii (shea) Butter, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Lactic Acid, Tocopherol, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Santalum Spicatum Wood Water, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Benzyl Benzoate, Linalool.
Review
The BB Skin Detoxifying Clay Mask is one of the more comfortable and non-drying clay face masks I’ve used. It’s not uncommon for clay masks to have stripping properties that can make your skin feel uncomfortable, tight, and dry after use. Thankfully, BB Skin’s clay mask is packed with moisturising ingredients to offset any dryness.
I love the texture of the Detoxifying Clay Mask. It’s surprisingly smooth and not gritty like many other clay masks. It feels lovely and cooling on application too.
The BB Skin Face Mask Applicator is a great addition. It ensures your hands don’t get messy when applying the face mask and helps you spread the product across your skin evenly. Because the applicator isn’t formed of bristles, it’s a breeze to clean too. You can simply rinse it with warm water, and you don’t need to worry about any product drying into the brush.
After applying this clay mask, I notice my skin is less oily and feels very soft and smooth. I love how my skin feels after using this mask, even if the effect is only temporary.
Despite this being a good clay mask, I think it’s overpriced. Clay masks are not expensive to formulate at all. I’ve used good clay masks that feel similar to this one for about half the price. I reckon this mask should cost around £15-£20.
Rating: 4 stars
This is a decent face mask, but it’s expensive for what it is.
5. BB Skin Hydrating Skin Shield
£50 for 30ml
Product claims
The BB Skin Hydrating Skin Shield claims to be a vitamin-enriched cream-based serum with added sun protection from UVA, UVB, and blue light. It promises to hydrate and shield skin to help prevent premature skin ageing. It’s supposed to give your skin a glow.
Key ingredients
Excluding water, the top 5 ingredients on the INCI list are:
- Zinc oxide: a broad-spectrum UV filter
- Dicaprylyl carbonate: an emollient and skin-conditioning agent
- Sucrose laurate: an emollient
- Shea butter: a rich emollient
- Glycerin: hydrates the skin
See the full INCI list below:
Aqua, Zinc Oxide, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Sucrose Laurate, Butyrospermum Parkii (shea) Butter, Glycerin, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Solanum Lycopersicum Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Lecithin, Caprylic/ Capric Triglyceride, Vaccinium Macrocarpon Seed Oil, Panthenol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Boswellia Carterii Oil, Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil, Tocopherol, Lycopene, Courmarin, Geraniol, Linalool, Limonene.
Review
I absolutely love the BB Skin Hydrating Skin Shield. Just like the vitamin D serum, this beautiful serum is lightweight, absorbent, moisturising, and adds radiance to the skin.
This serum gives less of a skin glaze and more moisture glow. Again, the radiance is very natural and healthy! It’s another cheat code to luminous skin that I love. I actually find layering the Hydrating Skin Shield with the Vitamin D Serum gives my skin the most amazing dewiness.
I like that this serum provides some protection against UV rays. While you should always use a dedicated SPF to ensure adequate sun protection, any additional UV protection is always welcome!
With a raft of emollients featuring high up the INCI list, this serum really adds moisture to the skin. Actually, if you have particularly oily skin, you might be able to get away with just using the BB Skin Hydrating Skin Shield without a moisturiser – particularly if your SPF is nourishing.
Rating: 5 stars
This is another beautiful glowy and hydrating serum that makes my skin look and feel amazing.
Overall BB Skin review
I think Bali Body’s new BB Skin line is really good with 2 particular holy grails that need to be in your collection right now.
Firstly, the packaging is beautiful. That gorgeous aubergine (eggplant for my US readers) shade that runs throughout the entire line is so pretty and unique. It makes a change from standard white or pink packaging. It’s modern, chic, and gender-neutral.
Plus, all of the products, besides the face mask, have a pump dispenser, which I prefer. It means you dispense the right amount every time.
One of my fave things about the BB Skin range is that emollients and niacinamide have a very central role in all of the products. I’m a sucker for moisture-boosting skincare. Niacinamide is one of my fave skincare ingredients because of how versatile and beneficial it is for your skin, so seeing this featured heavily throughout the line is a big plus for me.
One of the only criticisms I have is that most, if not all, of the products are fragranced. Whether it’s from added perfume or essential oils, these are potential irritants. I personally like fragranced skincare and haven’t experienced any sensitivity with such ingredients, but it’s something to be mindful of. It’d be good if BB Skin released fragrance-free options.
My 2 must-have skincare picks are the Hydrating Skin Shield and Vitamin D Serum. These both have strong INCI lists with the actives listed at the top. Plus, the way they hydrate your skin and give it major dewiness is unmatched. £50 each for these serums is reasonable because of how beautiful the products look and feel on the skin.
The Pro-Collagen Cream is nice but not essential IMO. While I don’t think this cream is overpriced because it has a good INCI list, it doesn’t have the same ‘wow factor’ as the 2 serums. Having said that, I still really enjoy this.
The Detoxifying Clay Mask is expensive for what it is. It’s a nice face mask, but I wouldn’t buy this with my own money.
What I’d love to see from the BB Skin line in the future is a gentle cleanser, basic daytime moisturiser, and dedicated SPF. The Pro-Collagen Cream can be used in the day but is more of a night cream due to the bakuchiol.
Fave product?
Which BB Skin is calling your name the most in the post? I’d love to hear from you in the comments.
Sarah Sarsby is the owner of A Woman's Confidence. With over 5 years' experience of writing in the fields of beauty and lifestyle, Sarah is passionate about all things content, makeup, skincare, wellness, and lifestyle. She has oily skin, is obsessed with lip gloss, and loves cookie dough.
I really like the sound of the face mask. I often find them really uncomfortable on my face as they dry, but this one sounds good. Not sure I’d spend that on it, but I could be persuaded.