So, you all probably know that I’m really leery of products that come with big promises. Like, “THIS IS THE BEST THING EVER!! THIS ONE PRODUCT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE FOREVER!!”
Yeah. I’m a total skeptic when it comes to big promises… because I’ve tried a lot of “miracle” products over the years and very, very few of them have impressed me. Especially when it comes to skincare.
Most are just meh. Or worse than “meh” — and they end up breaking out my sensitive skin in bad ways.
So when a box of Nerium products showed up at my house a few weeks ago, I admit I kind of had a bad attitude about it. I was rolling my eyes and thinking, “Great! I gotta review another skincare line that will promise life-altering things and do nothing or maybe even break my skin out more.”
{Just keeping it real here.}
I hate writing negative reviews, but I also love my readers too much to write anything less than 100% honest reviews. So I was afraid to start trying this product, thinking I was going to have to do another “meh” review for this giveaway.
Well, guess what? I was incredibly surprised and elated to discover that this skincare product actually has seemed to live up to its promises.
For real.
After using it for just 2-3 days, I could already tell that my skin looked healthier, felt healthier, and was breaking out less. After using it for 5 days, I had the healthiest-looking skin I could remember having in a long time.
I told Jesse last night, “I can’t believe it, but I actually think I believe that this stuff works! Or at least it seems like it’s working better than anything I’ve used in a very long time.”
You see, I’ve stuck with Mary Kay for years because it’s basically the only skincare line that has consistently not made my eczema- and acne-prone skin worse. But I’m totally going to keep using these bottles of Nerium I got as review products as long as they keep working.
And who knows? My stubborn, skeptical self just might actually switch skincare lines if these results keep happening! The Nerium products are really expensive, in my definition (see, I told you I can’t help but be brutally honest!), so they will have to show me some pretty crazy, amazing results over the next 30-60 days for me to be wholeheartedly convinced.
However, I’m willing to consider it if these results continue to happen. Because, as those of you who struggle with eczema and adult acne can probably relate to, we will go to great lengths and pretty great expenses if something will actually cause major improvement and less frustrating breakouts (don’t even start asking me about all of the weird diets and natural remedies I’ve attempted over the years just to clear up my face!)
Now, for those of you who are wondering more about Nerium, here are the details from Katie Parson, the brand partner who is graciously sponsoring this giveaway (and who had the courage to send me product knowing full well I might give it a negative review!):
Nerium is a skincare line that addresses all of the issues that make our skin blemished, wrinkled or “tired” looking. Using plant-based ingredients that are free of animal byproducts and gluten, Nerium’s mild formula is safe for the most sensitive of skin (even kids can use it on scrapes or sunburns). The formula’s active ingredient, Nerium Oleander, reduces the appearance of many annoying skin issues.
To see a number of pretty amazing before and after photos and be updated on current promotions, like Katie’s fan page on Facebook.
If you are looking for a natural, all-in-one skin system that eliminates the need for expensive chemical treatments, be sure to enter this giveaway!
One winner will get an ultimate combo pack that includes:
- One bottle of Nerium Age-Defying night cream
- One bottle of Nerium Age-Defying day cream
- One bottle of Nerium Firming body cream
A second winner will receive a bottle of Nerium’s Age-Defying night cream.
Note: The ultimate combo retails at $275 but MoneySavingMom.com readers can purchase it at a preferred customer rate of $160 by clicking here. Each of the three items is also available on its own at a preferred customer rate. New customers in July will also receive a free bottle of Nerium’s anti-aging hand cream while supplies last.
You can visit Katie’s Nerium site to shop, or email her at [email protected] with questions about the products or ways to order and save. All products have a 30-day money back guarantee if you aren’t loving your own results – no questions asked.
You can also find out more about becoming a Nerium brand partner and earn money sharing about Nerium here.
Want to enter to win some Nerium products? Click on the graphic below and type in your name and email address. 2 winners will be chosen and posted next week. This giveaway ends Sunday, July 12, at 11:59 pm, CST.
Jaime says
I usually stop reading comments when they start to get heated, but I totally indulged on this post. For years I stayed away from any MLM line; didn’t so much as buy a Pampered Chef pan or a 31 Bag. Something changed for me a few months ago. I fell in love with a product and decided to get on board. Now I can say that I’m in love with the people. Never in my life, at any job, have I had people reach out to me, believe in me, and offer daily personal development as I have with my MLM. Yes, MLM companies promote their products and create marketing language to sell it, but so do the national brands with billion dollar ad campaigns. The selling strategy is different, as is the way in which profits are shared. I’m unable to make any claims for or against the product in question in Crystal’s review, but I was encouraged to see her post it. If you’re curious, the MLM that I promote is called Purium. It’s a line of green superfoods. The green shake is so convenient, less mess, and less costly than juicing or smoothie making. If you’d like to try a product, or even go for the line’s flagship 10-day transformation cleanse (which is awesome), I can share a $50 gift code with you! Go to mypuriumgift.com and enter HealthRN. You only pay shipping.
Anne says
I wanted to mention here that Nerium can only be purchased on an auto-delivery basis, meaning that in order to purchase you will receive an expensive shipment of their product every month whether you need it or not. Many people report that they just keep getting new bottles way too frequently for how quickly they go through their supply of the product. This is troubling in the context of a frugal living scenario and something to factor in before falling too deeply in love : -)
M says
The bottle will actually last about 2 months if you are only using it on your face. There isn’t any water in the product, like most products. You can cancel at any time, push back an order, or even set it up to be received no-monthly. It has done wonders for my daughter’s adult acne.
Lori in NY says
The fact that the EWG gave it a score of 5, plus they had no info regarding animal testing makes me leery of this product. Please do your research when it comes to your skin absorbing chemicals into your bloodstream – it happens in only seconds (and is worse in delicate areas like eyelids)! As women, our toxic load is highest from all the products we put on our skin (including those toxic dryer sheets/fabric softeners/detergents we wash & dry our clothes with)! Ladies, we want to be around for our families – and healthy – for a long time, so please look into this for yourselves and your kids – it’s important!!!
Lori
🙂
Katie Chase says
I sampled Nerium through a friend who sells it. I was super excited to try it, but was very concerned about the ingredients. A little research is enough to frighten anyone away. It seems most reviews, positive or negative, have an agenda or hidden angle behind them, sadly. I am not saying that applies to Crystal’s review here, but the drama is fierce around Nerium. Either way, I tried it but couldn’t keep it on for more than a few minutes. The sensation was unbearable to me and I just didn’t feel comfortable with it. (Intense burning, tingling, and tightening.) I decided I have no reason to fight time or nature anymore by trying to do that to myself. My skin imperfections are my own and I earned every darn wrinkle, freckle, scar, and mark I have. Lol. So this mom will pass. That’s my humble opinion. However, it worked for someone!! For me, I won’t shell out that kind of money for that kind of product any more. Maybe if I put that money into things that bring me genuine joy I wouldn’t need to pay for products to fix my worry lines??? (Total self revelation here. I’m not judging anyone! I’m sure it’s a lovely product for some.)
Leslie says
This might be my favorite comment so far. LOVE that you embrace aging too 🙂
Shelly says
Our NAE-8® extract has undergone more than 10 years of scientific research and clinical testing by scientists and medical professionals. The safety of NAE-8, the Nerium oleander extract in NeriumAD products, has been tested, documented, and confirmed throughout every phase of product testing. With the primary goal of product safety and quality, Nerium SkinCare, Inc. has taken great care with respect to the safety of their flagship product, NeriumAD Age-Defying Treatment.
It is important to understand that the term “oleander” cannot be used in a general sense. Nerium oleander (used in NeriumAD) is often mistaken for a different plant called Thevetia peruviana (referred to as yellow oleander). Therefore, many of the comments on safety are related to stories and facts not related to the Nerium oleander plant used in Nerium products.
• To read the full safety report on NeriumAD night cream, click here.
• To view the safety video on NeriumAD night cream, click here.
Lazy Man and Money says
I have done extensive research on Nerium and I haven’t seen any information on 10 years of research on it. The company doesn’t seem to be CLOSE (by any stretch) to being 10 years old, making it impossible for them to do such research (they didn’t exist).
MLM companies often exaggerate, using misleading claims. For example it would be like Apple saying that the iPhone has thousands of years of research because it has glass screen.
As CBS News extensively proved, there is no real research or science behind Nerium. Read it for yourself: http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2014/02/10/questions-raised-about-real-science-behind-age-defying-skin-cream/
I have not seen any clinical trials of significant number of people (more than 10) showing that Nerium AD is safe. If you have such information, you should post detailed links to the scientific information.
It simply isn’t enough to say, “our paid scientists looked into it and gave it the thumbs up.”
Lindsay says
For those who are interested, here are a few articles I found after a quick Google search. I encourage everyone to do their own research before spending money.
First, from the San Diego Consumer Advocate Network:
http://www.sandiegocan.org/2014/11/23/dangers-of-anti-wrinkle-cream-nerium-case-study/
Second, from a physician who discusses the lack of any peer-reviewed journal articles about Nerium’s claims: https://drjengunter.wordpress.com/2013/11/04/is-nerium-a-toxin-snake-oil-or-an-anti-aging-marvel/
And finally, from a finance blogger: http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/nerium-scam/
Lindsay says
Sorry for the double posting, I thought my computer had timed out and not saved or submitted the first post.
Lindsay says
I’d never heard of Nerium before, but I looked it up on Paula’s Choice Beautypedia and apparently there’s not any research supporting their claims:
http://www.paulaschoice.com/beautypedia-skin-care-reviews/by-brand/nerium-ad/_/Nerium-AD-Age-Defying-Treatment
I also would hesitate to get involved in a multi-level-marketing program… actually, I would turn and run the other direction.
Lindsay says
For those interested, I found a few other articles worth reading.
First, from the San Diego Consumers Action Network:
http://www.sandiegocan.org/2014/11/23/dangers-of-anti-wrinkle-cream-nerium-case-study/
From a physician who discusses the lack of reputable, peer-reviewed journal research for Nerium:
https://drjengunter.wordpress.com/2013/11/04/is-nerium-a-toxin-snake-oil-or-an-anti-aging-marvel/
And finally, a very thorough investigation from a finance blogger:
http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/nerium-scam/
I came up with these after a quick Google search. I hope people will take the time to do their own research before they decide to spend large amounts of money on this.
Elizabeth S says
Incredibly dangerous stuff. Oleander is so high-risk we are careful to warn our neighbors not to plant it within two miles of our apiaries. In terms of cost it represents the total household income of a family in Haiti. There is a product called Derma-e available at health stores for under $12 that is far more effective, safer and more in line with frugality.
Crystal Paine says
Thanks so much for the Derma-e suggestion! I’ve never heard of it before and will have to check it out!
Kimberly says
I will second the warning to proceed with caution-there are a lot of articles out there written by dermatologists who claim Nerium is dangerous and oleander should not be used in skincare products.
Sarrah Schipper says
99% of the people that have negative things to say about Nerium and claim its “poisonous”, sell a competitive product. The people I know personally selling Nerium, and are extremely successful, are in the medical fields themselves…pharmacists, doctors, nurses, dermatologists, esthitician a,…don’t believe everything you read ?
Leslie says
I think with the availability of information online, scientific studies published for the world to see, etc., it’s a bit extreme to claim “99% of people that have negative things to say about Nerium and claim it (is) poisonous, sell a competitive product”. That’s simply untrue.
I have quite a few girlfriends who are exceptionally educated professionals (researchers, scientists, physicians) who have been approached to try the product. With so much concern surrounding the products we introduce in our homes and to our bodies, it’s smart to do some research vs just nod your head at the soundbites a MLM company feeds you.
I think you underestimate the intelligence of those questioning the product containing “oleander” by instantly jumping to ‘they sell a competing product’.
Leigh says
Please be very careful with this product! My sister-in-law had a horrible cardiac reaction to this product and I would hate to see this happen to anyone else. The active ingredient is from a poisonous plant, oleander, and it acts like a digoxin which is a cardiac drug. Just a little googling will show that it’s very controversial. She loved the effect on her skin, but the product built up in her system over time and started causing issues with her heart rate and pumping force, numbness in her arm, and even vision issues. Please just do some research before recommending it or using it yourself any more.
Crystal Paine says
Thanks so much for this word of caution. I hadn’t googled and didn’t know it was controversial, so I really appreciate the heads up.
Elizabeth A. says
I’m sorry that your mother had a cardiac event while using Nerium.
I find it highly doubtful that Nerium caused such reaction because Nerium has been thoroughly tested and does not get into the bloodstream.
Additionally, the NAE-8® extract has undergone more than 10 years of scientific research and clinical testing by scientists and medical professionals. The safety of NAE-8, the Nerium oleander extract in NeriumAD products, has been tested, documented, and confirmed throughout every phase of product testing. With the primary goal of product safety and quality, Nerium SkinCare, Inc. has taken great care with respect to the safety of their flagship product, NeriumAD Age-Defying Treatment.
It is important to understand that the term “oleander” cannot be used in a general sense. Nerium oleander (used in NeriumAD) is often mistaken for a different plant called Thevetia peruviana (referred to as yellow oleander). Therefore, many of the comments on safety are related to stories and facts not related to the Nerium oleander plant used in Nerium products.
Dove Press recently completed an independent study, finding Nerium to be both safe and effective. Nerium also has a Scientific Advisory Board composed of doctors and a microbiologist, all of whom ensure it’s safety and effectiveness.
Nerium Safety Video: https://youtu.be/uopjHUlY32g
Again, I am sorry that your mother had a cardiac incident. It is always possible for any person to be allergic to anything. Lots of people have bad reactions to Tylenol, Ibuprofen, and other medications, which are FDA approved and widely thought of as “safe”. Many people also have allergic reactions to topical creams, which your mother very well may have had to Nerium. However, that does not mean that Nerium is unsafe for most people or that Nerium causes heart issues.
For the record, my husband is a physician and also researched it. I am an attorney and am not aware of any lawsuits resulting from the use of Nerium either.
colin morris says
I have tried Nerium and liked it but the price scared me away. I would enjoy winning some though!
Elizabeth A. says
Did you try getting it free with the 3UR Free referral program?
Jessica Ryan says
Okay how do I send you L’BRI products to try!?!? Much more affordable, healthier, and you are not paying for water! (first ingredient of all products is pharmaceutical grade aloe vera) Please let me know! Thanks! 🙂
Crystal Paine says
You’re sweet! Feel free to email crystal @ moneysavingmom.com 🙂