Something I think about a lot when writing reviews is accessibility. It’s one of the only things that I think has been truly fundamental to theNotice since the beginning. Accessibility has to do with who can use the product, which opens up a slew of really interesting questions: who can afford this product? Who is physically unable to use it? What is it made of? Who does the brand market this product for, and are they a diverse group?

Unlike 99% of brands I see, the Good Molecules skincare line is TRULY accessible. And, after months and months of testing, I can reliably say that I love these products — and everything they stand for.

Who is Good Molecules marketed towards?

In the middle of a ton of Black Lives Matter protests, brands are finally waking up and realizing that they need to have diverse, representative advertising in order to earn the respect and trust of their consumers. As a result, you see a lot of brands starting to create this type of content for the very first time.

As a non-BI person of colour, I never quite trust that kind of marketing. I don’t want to buy from a brand who begins posting pictures of people who look like me when they realize that they have to. I’d rather buy from a brand who has always included people of colour in their campaigns, because I feel like it’s a more honest, accurate representation of their values. (It’s often a reflection of their own staffing diversity, which is so, so important if you truly want to help build up the lives of POC! The staff at Good Molecules and Beautylish are 8.5% Black and 64.4% non-Black POC, and maintain similar levels at the leadership level.)

Good Molecules fits into that latter category. Not only do they produce cheerful products that are easy to afford, they have ALWAYS marketed with a diverse, beautiful models. They sent their very first launch package to both white and POC creators (I know: I was one of them!), and their Instagram feed has reposted melanated creators since the very beginning.

The Good Molecules ~feeling~

When I use a Good Molecules product, I feel included. I know that the products are affordable (they start at $6!), which means that more marginalized people will be able to buy them. I know that each bottle is cruelty-free, so I know I can purchase without guilt. The brand even has its customers covered for the small things — like, their Niacinamide 1.1 (featured here) is already being reformulated because consumers wanted some ingredients removed.

When was the last time a brand they showed that level of commitment to their consumer? When was the last time a brand was so committed to not treating their customers in a patronizing manner?

The other half of this is that I feel included in the Good Molecules family, just based off of their packaging. They’ve intentionally placed their products in small, recyclable bottles that are easy to open and will help extend the shelf life of their products. Each one makes it obvious what the product is made to do, and when to use it. (I love the little AM/PM symbols on the back!) And even though these products are cheap, they don’t feel cheap or hokey. No part of their packaging is clinical; no part of it is intimidating.

It’s just easy. There’s a good vibe. It’s like…. it’s like meeting someone in a lecture hall and knowing that you’re going to be best friends.

Good Molecules review: Ultra-Hydrating Facial Oil

I have a lot of Good Molecules to review, and they’re all ready to go. So, you’re getting two today, and and three more later. (Still to come: the Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum, Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum, and the good Molecules Silicone-Free Priming Moisturizer.)

Good Molecules packages their face oils in perfect, tiny, amber-coloured bottles. Their smaller-than-average eyedroppers make it easy to get the right amount of product, and their ribbed caps are genius. (Seriously, I wish this style of packaging was more popular. It would help prevent my boyfriend from moisturizing his beard with my $90 face oils!)

There’s 13 ml/0.44 fl oz in each bottle, which is a good amount for the price and quality. It makes them more expensive than The Ordinary’s products, but still wildly affordable, and easily twice as good. (This applies tenfold for their water-based serums!) Compared to The Ordinary, Good Molecules is just… I mean, they’re way more wholesome. The bottles are easier to use, the oils smell fresher, and the company is more inclusive in both its marketing and its corporate structure.

I’m really, really enjoying both the Good Molecules Ultra-Hydrating Facial Oil ($10 USD) and Rosehip Oil. Made from camellia seed and sea buckthorn oil (you’ll recognize these as brand favourites of Tatcha and Fresh, respectively), the Ultra-Hydrating Facial Oil is very hydrating, and layers nicely with a water-based serum or moisturizer.

It’s rich and a little heavy, with a nutty scent and butter-yellow colour. It’s perfect for nighttime use on all skin types, but especially dry and combination skin.

Good Molecules Pure Cold-Pressed Rosehip Oil review

I love rosehip oil, so the fact that I’m using the Ultra-Hydrating oil more often speaks volumes.

This Good Molecules Pure Cold-Pressed Rosehip Seed Oil ($10 USD) is great, but the Ultra-Hydrating is just better (for me). I started off using the mixed oil at night and the rosehip in the day, both with moisturizer, but I found after the first couple of weeks that I just didn’t need a facial oil during the day anymore. It’s been great: my skin feels fresh and dewy, and without a daytime face oil, my makeup lasts longer.

(Er… when I wear it. Which, granted, is almost never under quarantine. But I do notice a big difference in my eyeliner when I do wear it!)

Rosehip seed oil smells lightly nutty, with a thin texture and that sinks in beautifully. It’s hydrating, but doesn’t leave you greasy the way that the Good Molecules Ultra-Hydrating Facial Oil is designed to.

Compared to The Ordinary Rosehip Seed Oil, I again prefer this offering from Good Molecules. It’s sourced sustainably from the Pantagonia Austral of Chile (AKA southern Chile) using fair-trade practices, which to my knowledge makes it unique in the budget skincare market. I prefer the smaller size to the standard non-fair-trade ounce; my rosehip oil from The Ordinary always goes bad by the time I reach the halfway point in the bottle.

The verdict on Good Molecules’ face oils?

These Good Molecules oils are just… they’re really good. They’re the perfect oils, made accessible by design and offered by an ethical company. The packaging is better than The Inky List and more approachable than The Ordinary, but the products are still offered at a fraction of the cost of most skincare.

Order right now (published June 26th, 2020) for free US shipping on orders over $35, and make sure to try their water-based serums, too!

Availability: $10 each for the Good Molecules Ultra-Hydrating Facial Oil and Pure Cold-Pressed Rosehip Oil. Permanent as of 2019.

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Disclaimer: These products were submitted by PR for editorial consideration only. I’ve been testing them for months to make sure they hold up despite the small price tag, and I’m happy to report that they do!