Lapis Blue Tansy Face Oil
Lapis Blue Tansy Face Oil
Product Description
Product overview
A stunning deep-blue, ultra-lightweight facial oil from Herbivore Botanicals formulated to balance oil production, soothe redness, and calm blemish-prone skin. Powered by chamazulene-rich Blue Tansy oil alongside plant-derived Squalane, Jojoba, and Kukui Nut, this clean, vegan formula delivers concentrated nourishment without clogging pores — making it a cult favourite for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types.
Blue Tansy Anti-Inflammatory Power
Rich in chamazulene — the naturally occurring compound that gives this oil its iconic deep-blue hue — Blue Tansy actively soothes redness, calms irritation, and helps rebalance oily or blemish-prone skin without stripping it.
Texture & feel
SENSORYBlue Tansy Anti-Inflammatory Power
Rich in chamazulene — the naturally occurring compound that gives this oil its iconic deep-blue hue — Blue Tansy actively soothes redness, calms irritation, and helps rebalance oily or blemish-prone skin without stripping it.
Sebum-Balancing Formula
Jojoba Oil closely mimics the skin's natural sebum, signaling the skin to stop over-producing oil. Combined with Kukui Nut Oil and Squalane, the formula keeps skin moisturized and balanced — not greasy.
100% Natural, 8-Ingredient Formula
Herbivore's philosophy: every ingredient serves a purpose. With only 8 clean, plant-derived ingredients and zero fillers, synthetic dyes, parabens, or preservatives, this formula is as pure as it gets.
Luxurious Jasmine & Rose Absolutes
Jasminum Sambac (Jasmine) and Rosa Damascena Absolutes provide natural aromatherapeutic fragrance alongside antioxidant benefits, making every application a sensory ritual.
Sustainably Packaged
Housed in a beautiful dark glass dropper bottle that protects the formula from light degradation. Both the glass and FSC-certified cardboard packaging are fully recyclable.
Award-Winning Formula
Winner of Glamour's Readers' Choice Beauty Award for Best Natural Skin Care Product. Loved by over 59,000 Sephora customers with a 4.3-star rating and featured in countless beauty editors' top picks.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEUse with caution. This formula contains Rosa Damascena and Jasminum Sambac absolutes — essential oil components that are generally advised to be used sparingly during pregnancy. There are no retinoids, salicylic acid, or hydroquinone. Consult your OB-GYN or midwife before use.
All 8 ingredients in this formula are considered safe for fungal acne. It contains no fermented ingredients, polysorbates, or problematic fatty acid esters that feed Malassezia yeast. Squalane and Jojoba Oil are both well-tolerated by fungal acne-prone skin.
The primary oils — Squalane (0), Jojoba (0–2), and Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride — score very low on the comedogenic scale. Kukui Nut Oil scores 2. Overall comedogenic risk is very low, making this suitable for oily and acne-prone skin.
Blue Tansy's chamazulene is a known anti-inflammatory that soothes reactive skin. However, Rosa Damascena and Jasminum Sambac are fragrant botanicals and may cause reactions in very sensitive or fragrance-reactive individuals. Patch test recommended.
No AHAs, BHAs, or actives that would conflict with retinol or vitamin C. This oil can be layered over serums as the final step before moisturizer. Apply active serums first, then follow with a few drops of Lapis.
Due to the natural Blue Tansy oil content, the formula color can range from deep blue to green over time when exposed to light. This is a natural oxidation process and does not affect product safety or efficacy.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSAmaranthus Spinosus Seed Oil (Squalane) ~40–50%Proven
The star base of this formula, this plant-derived Squalane (sourced here from Amaranthus Spinosus — a plant-based alternative to traditional olive or shark squalane) is chemically identical to sebum. It is a saturated, stable hydrocarbon that moisturizes deeply without any greasy residue, forming a weightless yet effective barrier to prevent transepidermal water loss.
- Function: Emollient, skin-identical moisturizer, barrier support
- Comedogenic Rating: 0 — completely non-pore-clogging
- Science: Squalane has been shown to enhance skin hydration and elasticity while being non-irritating for all skin types including sensitive and acne-prone
- Stability: Fully saturated — highly resistant to oxidation, giving this formula excellent shelf stability
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil (Jojoba Oil) ~20–30%Proven
Technically a liquid wax rather than a true oil, Jojoba is structurally the closest natural substance to human skin sebum. It penetrates deeply, conditions the skin without leaving residue, and importantly helps regulate the skin's own oil production — a key reason this product is ideal for oily and combination skin types.
- Function: Emollient, sebum-regulator, barrier strengthener
- Comedogenic Rating: 0–2 — generally considered non-comedogenic
- Science: Studies show Jojoba has anti-inflammatory properties and can help treat mild acne and skin lesions
- Key Component: Rich in Vitamin E and B-complex vitamins
Jojoba Oil/Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Esters (Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride) ~10–15%Proven
A fractionated coconut oil derivative, this lightweight ester acts as an excellent carrier oil and emollient. It spreads easily across the skin surface, improves texture and slip of the formula, and helps deliver other active ingredients. It is highly stable and essentially odourless, adding to the formula's longevity.
- Function: Emollient, solvent, texture enhancer, carrier
- Comedogenic Rating: 1–2 — very low risk; well-tolerated by most acne-prone skin
- Source: Derived from fractionated coconut oil via esterification with Jojoba
- Note: Occasionally reported as slightly comedogenic for a very small subset of sensitive skin — patch test if you have a coconut allergy
Aleurites Moluccanus Seed Oil (Kukui Nut Oil) ~5–10%Proven
Sourced from the kukui tree native to Hawaii and the Pacific Islands, Kukui Nut Oil is exceptionally rich in linoleic and alpha-linolenic fatty acids. It is a lightweight, fast-absorbing oil with proven anti-inflammatory properties that soothes and helps protect the skin barrier — making it an excellent ingredient for acne-prone and sensitive skin types.
- Function: Emollient, anti-inflammatory, barrier repair
- Comedogenic Rating: 2 — low, safe for most acne-prone skin
- Key Fatty Acids: ~42% linoleic acid, ~29% alpha-linolenic acid
- Traditional Use: Long used in Hawaiian medicine to heal burns, eczema, and psoriasis
Tocopherol (Vitamin E) ~1–2%Proven
A powerful fat-soluble antioxidant that protects the formula and skin from oxidative stress and free radical damage. Vitamin E (tocopherol) also acts as a natural preservative for the oil blend, helping extend shelf life while delivering documented skin conditioning and anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Function: Antioxidant, natural preservative, skin conditioner
- Comedogenic Rating: 0–3 — the purified tocopherol form used here is low-risk
- Science: Clinically shown to reduce UV-induced skin damage, support barrier function, and reduce inflammation
Tanacetum Annuum Flower/Leaf/Stem Oil (Blue Tansy) ~1–3%Proven
The hero ingredient that gives this product its name and its signature deep-blue color. Blue Tansy is an essential oil steam-distilled from the flowering tops of Tanacetum annuum. It contains an extraordinary concentration of chamazulene (35–65%), a potent anti-inflammatory azulene compound that calms redness, reduces irritation, and balances acne-prone skin. It also provides the product's unique herbal-sweet scent.
- Function: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, soothing, colour contributor
- Key Compound: Chamazulene (~35–65%) — the naturally blue azulene that gives the oil its colour
- Science: Chamazulene inhibits the formation of leukotriene B4, a key mediator of inflammatory skin responses
- Color: The deep blue to green color is natural — no synthetic dyes added; color changes with light exposure are normal and safe
Jasminum Sambac Flower (Jasmine Absolute) <1%Promising
Extracted from the night-blooming Sambac jasmine variety, this absolute provides the formula's intoxicating sweet floral note. Beyond its perfuming role, Jasmine Absolute contains skin-conditioning compounds and has been used in traditional skincare for centuries for its moisturizing and softening properties.
- Function: Perfuming, skin conditioner, antioxidant
- Traditional Use: Used in Ayurvedic medicine and historical perfumery for skin softening
- Note: As a fragrant absolute, it may be a potential irritant for very fragrance-sensitive individuals
Rosa Damascena Callus (Moroccan Rose Absolute) <1%Promising
Sourced from the famous Damask Rose of Morocco, this precious absolute contributes both a refined floral dimension to the scent profile and antioxidant skin benefits. Rose Damascena contains geraniol, citronellol, and linalool — naturally occurring fragrant compounds with documented antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Function: Perfuming, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory
- Key Compounds: Geraniol, citronellol, linalool, benzyl alcohol
- Science: Rosa Damascena extracts have demonstrated antioxidant and antimicrobial activity in multiple studies
8 ingredients
Squalane (Amaranthus Spinosus Seed Oil), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Aleurites Moluccanus (Kukui Nut) Seed Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Tanacetum Annuum Flower/Leaf/Stem Oil (Blue Tansy), Jasminum Sambac (Jasmine) Flower Extract, Rosa Damascena (Moroccan Rose) Extract, Limonene*, Citronellol*, Linalool*, Benzyl Alcohol*, Geraniol*, Eugenol*
*Naturally occurring fragrant components of the Jasmine and Rose absolutes; not added synthetically.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply Lapis after water-based serums and before your moisturizer. Oils seal in the hydration from your previous layers. Use AM and PM — apply SPF on top in the morning.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse Thoroughly
Start with a gentle cleanser suited to your skin type. Pat skin dry. The oil absorbs best onto clean, slightly damp skin.
Apply Toner & Serums First
If using a hydrating toner or active serum (vitamin C, niacinamide, HA), apply these before the oil. Oils are applied after water-based products.
Dispense 3–5 Drops
Warm 3–5 drops between your palms. A little goes a long way — avoid overuse, especially if new to facial oils.
Press & Massage In
Gently press the oil into face and neck using upward pressing motions. Massage lightly in circular motions for 1–2 minutes to encourage absorption and lymphatic circulation.
Allow 1–3 Minutes to Absorb
Let the oil fully absorb before layering moisturizer or sunscreen on top. The oil should feel comfortable and non-greasy within a few minutes.
Use AM & PM
Suitable for both morning and evening use. In the morning, follow with SPF. At night, apply before your moisturizer or night cream as the final treatment step.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily, combination, or blemish-prone skin
- Your skin is prone to redness, irritation, or inflammation
- You want a clean, 100% natural facial oil with minimal ingredients
- You're looking for a lightweight oil that won't clog pores
- You enjoy an aromatic, spa-like skincare ritual
- You prioritize vegan, cruelty-free, and sustainably packaged beauty
- Your skin is dehydrated and over-producing oil due to lack of moisture
Consider alternatives if:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding (consult doctor first)
- You have fragrance sensitivity or allergy to rose or jasmine
- You need heavy anti-aging actives (retinol, peptides, AHAs)
- You have very dry skin needing rich, occlusive hydration
- You prefer completely fragrance-free skincare
- You're on a tight budget — this is a premium-priced product
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESSpecifically formulated for oily skin. Jojoba mimics sebum to regulate oil production, while Squalane provides hydration without adding shine. The result: balanced, non-greasy skin.
Works beautifully to balance different zones of the face — moisturizing dry areas without overloading the T-zone. Highly rated by combination skin users across all platforms.
Non-comedogenic formula (rating 1/5), fungal acne safe, and Blue Tansy's anti-inflammatory chamazulene actively calms active breakouts and blemishes. Many users report clearer skin within weeks.
Blue Tansy and Squalane are both soothing and gentle. However, the jasmine and rose absolutes contain fragrant compounds that may irritate highly reactive skin. Patch test before full use.
Provides meaningful moisture and nourishment, but dry skin types may need a richer moisturizer on top. Best used as a serum-layer treatment rather than a standalone moisturizer for very dry skin.
A wonderful maintenance oil for balanced skin — the lightweight formula adds a gorgeous radiant glow, protects the barrier, and provides antioxidant protection without disrupting skin balance.
Results timeline
MONTH 2–3Immediate Soothing & Glow
From the first application, most users notice instant comfort, reduced tightness, and a visible radiant glow. Redness and irritation appear visibly calmer after the first use, thanks to Blue Tansy's fast-acting anti-inflammatory chamazulene.
90%+ noticed immediate comfortBalanced Oil Production
With consistent twice-daily use, oily skin users begin to notice reduced midday shine. Jojoba Oil's sebum-mimicking properties start signaling the skin to moderate excess oil production. Skin feels softer and more comfortable throughout the day.
~75% noticed improved oil balanceClearer, Calmer Complexion
Blemish-prone users typically report a visible reduction in active breakouts and skin redness. The skin's inflammatory response is calmed, pores appear less congested, and overall complexion tone becomes more even.
~65% reported fewer breakoutsLong-Term Skin Balance
Consistent long-term users describe significant improvement in overall skin balance. The cycle of over-washing and over-oiling breaks, resulting in a consistently balanced, glowing complexion that is neither too dry nor too oily. Skin barrier function noticeably strengthened.
~80% reported sustained improvementRatings by platform
2K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Iconic deep-blue color from natural Blue Tansy — no synthetic dyes
- Visibly soothes redness and inflammation quickly
- Ultra-lightweight texture absorbed within minutes
- Non-comedogenic — safe for acne-prone and oily skin
- Fungal acne safe formula
- Intoxicating natural herbal-floral scent
- Only 8 clean, purposeful ingredients — no fillers
- Vegan, cruelty-free, sustainably packaged in glass
- Award-winning formula with thousands of verified reviews
- Glamour Readers' Choice Award winner
Criticized
- Premium price ($88 for 50ml) — investment product
- Strong natural scent may not suit fragrance-sensitive users
- No synthetic preservatives — use within 12 months of opening
- Color changes from blue to green over time (natural, not a defect)
- May feel slightly greasy in very humid conditions for oily skin
- Not ideal as a standalone moisturizer for very dry skin types
- Caution advised during pregnancy due to essential oil content
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESA direct Blue Tansy oil dupe that also includes Squalane, Rosehip, and Turmeric for skin benefits. Contains Blue Tansy as a key ingredient like Lapis but has a more complex ingredient list with added extracts. Less refined texture and packaging, but delivers comparable soothing and balancing effects at a fraction of the cost.
A clean, plant-based facial oil from Biossance using their bio-fermented sugarcane Squalane as a base — similar to Lapis. Adds Tea Tree and Meadowfoam for blemish control but lacks Blue Tansy's chamazulene. Fully fragrance-free, making it a better option for those with scent sensitivity. Comparable price tier.
Pure squalane at an extremely accessible price point. Captures the base of Lapis (squalane moisturization) without Blue Tansy's anti-inflammatory benefits. Completely fragrance-free and minimal ingredients. Ideal for those wanting squalane hydration without the premium add-ons. Not a full dupe but a cost-effective partial alternative.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEHerbivore Phoenix Rosehip Anti-Aging Oil
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening. Because the formula contains no synthetic preservatives, use within this window for best results. Store away from direct light to slow natural oxidation.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Avoid storing in humid bathrooms if possible. Refrigeration is not required but can extend the formula's freshness.
Dark glass dropper bottle — protects the formula from light degradation. The glass and cardboard outer packaging are fully recyclable after rinsing. Dropper allows precise dispensing.
The 8ml travel size is ideal for carry-on (under 100ml liquid limit). The 50ml full size technically qualifies but is close to the limit — pack securely. The glass bottle is durable but check airline regulations.
Frequently asked questions
FAQUse with caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The good news is that Lapis contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens — the main ingredients to avoid during pregnancy. However, it does contain Jasminum Sambac (Jasmine Absolute) and Rosa Damascena (Rose Absolute), which are essential oil components. Many experts advise caution with concentrated essential oils during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester. The concentrations in this formula are very low (under 1%), but individual sensitivities vary. We strongly recommend consulting your OB-GYN, midwife, or dermatologist before incorporating this product into your pregnancy skincare routine.
Yes — Herbivore Lapis is considered fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) safe. All 8 of its ingredients pass the key screening criteria: there are no fermented ingredients, no polysorbates, no problematic fatty acid esters, and no high-lipid ferments that are known to feed Malassezia yeast. Squalane, Jojoba Oil, and Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride are all well-documented as compatible with fungal acne-prone skin. The Blue Tansy oil itself has antimicrobial properties. If you are managing confirmed fungal acne, this is one of the safer face oils you can choose.
Yes — Lapis is highly compatible with all major actives. It contains no acids, retinoids, or reactive ingredients that would conflict with retinol, vitamin C, AHA (glycolic, lactic), or BHA (salicylic acid) products. The correct layering order is: apply your active serums (vitamin C in the AM, retinol/AHA/BHA in the PM) first to clean skin, then apply your Lapis oil on top as a treatment layer before moisturizer. The oil creates a lightweight seal that helps actives penetrate more effectively while providing soothing protection for skin that may be sensitized by potent actives.
Lapis was specifically designed for oily, combination, and blemish-prone skin — and it excels with these skin types. Jojoba Oil's sebum-mimicking structure helps regulate excess oil production while Squalane provides lightweight hydration without greasiness. Blue Tansy's anti-inflammatory chamazulene directly soothes acne and redness. It also works beautifully for sensitive and normal skin types. While dry skin users can certainly benefit, they may find they need a richer moisturizer layered on top as Lapis is quite lightweight rather than deeply occlusive. It is rated Excellent for oily, combination, acne-prone, and normal skin, and Good for dry and sensitive skin.
Many users notice immediate soothing effects and a radiant glow from the very first application. Visible reduction in redness and improved skin comfort are typically noticed within the first 1–3 days. For oil balance improvements and blemish reduction, expect to see meaningful results within 2–4 weeks of consistent twice-daily use. Long-term skin rebalancing (breaking the over-washing, over-oiling cycle) typically requires 6–8 weeks of consistent use. Multiple Sephora reviewers noted they saw a difference within 24 hours of their first use.
Lapis fits as Step 4 in a typical routine: Cleanser → Toner → Serum/Actives → Lapis Face Oil → Moisturizer → SPF (morning only). As an oil, it always goes after water-based serums and before creams or moisturizers. The golden rule: apply products from thinnest to thickest consistency, water before oil. You can also use it as your final step before moisturizer, or after your moisturizer as an occlusive finishing layer. Both morning and evening use are supported and recommended by the brand.
No — Lapis is officially classified as non-comedogenic and is explicitly designed for use on acne-prone skin. Its overall comedogenic rating is approximately 1 out of 5, which is very low. The two primary oils — Squalane (rating: 0) and Jojoba (rating: 0–2) — are among the least pore-clogging oils available. Kukui Nut Oil rates a 2, and Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is generally considered a 1. There are no high-comedogenic oils (such as coconut oil, palm oil, or wheat germ oil) in the formula. Thousands of verified acne-prone skin users have reported no increase in breakouts from this oil.
The recommended Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Because Herbivore uses no synthetic preservatives in keeping with their clean beauty philosophy, it is important to use the product within this window. Store the bottle away from direct sunlight and heat, as light and warmth accelerate oxidation in natural oils. The dark glass bottle is designed to protect the formula from light. If the oil's color shifts significantly (from blue/green to brown) or the scent changes to smell rancid or off, discontinue use. For daily AM and PM use, a 50ml bottle typically lasts 2–3 months, well within the PAO window.
Verdict: Herbivore Lapis Blue Tansy Face Oil is a genuine cult classic that has earned its reputation among the clean beauty community. Its ultra-short, 100% natural ingredient list is anchored by squalane and jojoba — two of the most scientifically validated face oils for balancing skin — and elevated by Blue Tansy's chamazulene, a powerfully soothing anti-inflammatory that visibly calms redness and blemishes. For oily, combination, acne-prone, and reactive skin types, this is one of the best facial oils on the market. The aromatic jasmine and rose absolutes make every application a luxury ritual. The main drawbacks are the premium price point and the potential for sensitivity in fragrance-reactive individuals. For those who can invest, it delivers on its promises consistently — and the thousands of glowing reviews across Sephora, Amazon, and the brand's own site back that up.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 |
Amaranthus Spinosus Seed Oil
Emollient, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Jojoba Oil/Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Esters
Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
|
|
|
| 0 |
Aleurites Moluccanus Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Tocopherol
Masking, Skin Conditioning, Antioxidant
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|





