True Botanicals Chebula Active Face Serum

This lightweight, hydrating serum is designed to support smoother, brighter-looking skin using chebula, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidant-rich plant extracts. It absorbs quickly, layers well under moisturizer or face oil, and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Ingredients

Camellia sinensis (green tea) leaf extract, aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice, citrus aurantium (neroli) flower distillate, glycerin, water, sodium hyaluronate, Terminalia chebula (chebula) fruit extract, echinacea purpurea extract, Sambucus nigra (elder) fruit extract, Zingiber officinale (ginger) root extract, phenethyl alcohol, xanthan gum, ethylhexylglycerin, alcohol, sodium phytate. The brand notes certain ingredients as organic where marked.

Certifications & Standards

  • MADE SAFE certified (verified on the brand’s website)

  • Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free (verified on the brand’s website)

  • PETA certified (verified on the brand’s website)

  • Non-GMO (brand-stated on the brand’s website)

  • Certified by the National Eczema Association (stated on the product page)

  • Pregnancy-safe (brand-stated on the product page)

What I Like

  • EWG rating: 2, based on entering the ingredient list into the EWG Skin Deep Analyzer, placing it in the low hazard range.

  • I like that this is hydration plus antioxidant support in one step, without feeling heavy or oily.

  • Chebula and green tea give it a “protect and brighten” feel that works nicely for daily use.

  • Hyaluronic acid and aloe make it a good option for skin that feels dry, tight, or easily irritated.

  • This layers easily and plays well with other skincare, which makes it simple to fit into a routine.

Things to Keep in Mind

  • This formula includes phenethyl alcohol and ethylhexylglycerin, which are commonly used in low-tox preservation systems. Very reactive skin types can sometimes be sensitive to preservative components, even when the overall formula is gentle.

  • Because neroli distillate is part of the base, patch testing is a smart step for fragrance-reactive or rosacea-prone skin, even though this is not a typical “essential oil blend” serum.

Sensitive Skin & Pregnancy Considerations

The base ingredients in this serum, including aloe, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and botanical antioxidants, are generally considered low risk for topical cosmetic use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The brand positions this serum as pregnancy-safe, and it is also presented as appropriate for sensitive skin. If you are extremely reactive, fragrance-sensitive, or rosacea-prone, patch testing is still a reasonable step because botanical distillates and preservation components can feel different from person to person.