The beauty industry is constantly evolving, with consumers becoming increasingly aware of the ingredients in their skincare products. Beautycounter, now relaunched as Counter, has positioned itself as a clean cosmetics brand focused on performance, safety, and transparency. The Beautycounter All Bright Facial Oil, a product designed to hydrate and improve skin radiance, is a key component of their All Bright line. This article delves into a comprehensive review of the Beautycounter All Bright Facial Oil, examining its benefits, key ingredients, and overall value.
Introduction to Counter (Formerly Beautycounter)
Beautycounter, founded in 2013, aimed to disrupt the beauty industry with effective and high-end formulations while adhering to strict standards for ingredient sourcing. After a brief shutdown in May 2024, the brand was reacquired and relaunched as Counter in June 2025 by its founder, Gregg Renfrew. Counter retains the core formulations of Beautycounter's best-selling products, maintaining a strong commitment to ingredient safety and transparency.
Counter products are free of over 2,800 harmful or questionable ingredients, guided by their extensive Never List. This includes endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, formaldehyde, chemical sunscreens, coal tar, parabens, phthalates, PEGs, retinols, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances. Counter prioritizes sustainable materials and uses post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic in primary packaging for select products.
Overview of the All Bright Collection
The All Bright collection by Beautycounter includes several products designed to brighten the skin, including the All Bright C Serum and the All Bright Triple Acid AHA Toner. The All Bright C Serum, launched in 2020, quickly became a best seller, prompting the creation of other products with the same goal: to brighten skin. The Brightening Oil is a key component of this line, offering a deeply nourishing oil that includes antioxidant vitamin C to help brighten and even skin tone.
Benefits of Beautycounter All Bright Facial Oil
The Beautycounter All Bright Brightening Facial Oil is designed to provide multiple benefits for the skin.
Read also: Get Rid of Facial Hair
Hydration
The oil is intensely hydrating and absorbs easily into the skin, making it an essential part of a skincare routine, especially during colder months when skin tends to be drier. It helps to lock in the skin's natural moisture. The fatty acids present in several of the oil's ingredients contribute to its emollient properties, helping to soothe and soften the skin by creating a film that traps moisture.
Brightening and Evening Skin Tone
The oil visibly brightens the skin, giving it a dose of radiance. Over time, it helps to even skin tone, thanks to the antioxidants in vitamin C. It protects the skin from outside damage and helps it to function better.
Protection and Nourishment
The oil protects the skin from environmental stressors and locks in any products or serums applied before it. It helps to keep the skin healthy and nourished.
Suitable for Dry Skin
The facial oil is particularly beneficial for those with super dry skin, providing essential hydration and helping to balance moisture.
Key Ingredients and Their Benefits
The Beautycounter All Bright Facial Oil contains a proprietary blend of oils designed to hydrate and improve the appearance of skin radiance. Key ingredients include:
Read also: Choosing the right facial peel mask
Rosa Canina Seed Oil (Rosehip Oil)
Rosa Canina Seed Oil comes from the seeds of the dog-rose plant. It is an emollient that helps hydrate the skin by trapping moisture in, creating a thin film to prevent moisture from escaping.
Persea Gratissima Oil (Avocado Oil)
Also known as avocado oil, Persea Gratissima Oil has antioxidant properties. It is mostly made up of the glycerides of fatty acids, with about 67% consisting of oleic acid, along with palmitic acid and linoleic acid. These fatty acids help hydrate and soften the skin and may increase collagen content, which helps keep the skin plump and firm.
Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil (Grape Seed Oil)
Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil comes from the grape vine and is a byproduct of creating grape juice or wine. Its components have many skin benefits, including antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains potent antioxidants such as Vitamin E, Vitamin C, proanthocyanidins, polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. These antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules that can damage cells. Grape seed extract may help reduce the signs of aging and absorb UV rays, though it should not replace sunscreen. The fatty acids in grape seed oil give it emollient properties, helping to soothe and soften the skin by creating a moisture-trapping film.
Ribes Nigrum Seed Oil (Black Currant Seed Oil)
Ribes Nigrum Seed Oil, or Black Currant Seed Oil, contains a high amount of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as linoleic acid. Black currant berries contain anthocyanins, an antioxidant that helps fight free-radicals from sources like pollution. They also contain Vitamin E and fatty acids, which can help soften the skin.
Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil (Marula Oil)
Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil is expressed from the seeds of the Marula plant. It is a non-fragrant oil rich in fatty acids such as oleic, linoleic, palmitic, and stearic acids. These fatty acids help hydrate the skin.
Read also: PRP Facial Recovery Tips
Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil (Meadowfoam Seed Oil)
Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil is extracted from the seeds of the meadowfoam plant. This non-fragrant oil is an emollient that helps soften and hydrate the skin. It is stable and has a long shelf life due to its high concentration of stable fatty-acids, preventing it from degrading once exposed to oxygen.
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil (Argan Oil)
Argan Oil has antioxidant, hydrating, and soothing properties. Studies have shown it can help fight radical damage from the sun, preventing hyperpigmentation. The large amounts of vitamin E found in argan oil help the skin retain water. It also contains fatty acids such as linoleic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid, and is a good source of lipids. Argan oil can help reduce inflammation-related skin symptoms and regulate sebum production in pores, potentially treating hormonal acne. Traditionally, it was used for its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil and Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil and Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil are oils from the peel of citrus fruits, such as oranges. Limonene and linalool, which make up the majority of these oils, provide a "citrus" fragrance. Citrus peel is also a rich source of flavonoids, which are natural antioxidants that help protect the skin against damage.
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (THD Ascorbate)
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (THD) is a stable and oil-soluble form of Vitamin C. It can travel deeper into the skin than traditional ascorbic acid, fighting off free radicals that can compromise the skin barrier. Even at just 0.1%, THD demonstrates antioxidant activity. When used up to 2%, it helps keep skin calm, especially when stressed from pollution or sun. At 5% or more, it can fade dark spots and tackle hyperpigmentation, especially when paired with ingredients like niacinamide or licorice root. THD has a slightly silky, oily texture and is best paired with silicones or oils to help the skin absorb it better. It is vulnerable to degradation from light or heat, so it should be stored in dark and opaque packaging.
Citrullus Lanatus Seed Oil (Watermelon Seed Oil)
Citrullus Lanatus Seed Oil is made by expressing watermelon seeds. It is a non-fragrant oil with antioxidant and hydrating properties. It contains a high percentage of linoleic acid and other fatty acids, making it a great skin hydrator.
Rosa Damascena Flower Oil (Rose Oil)
Rosa Damascena Flower Oil is an essential oil made from the Damask Rose. It is often used as a fragrance in cosmetics. Rose Oil has antibacterial and antioxidant properties due to its terpene, glycoside, flavonoid, anthocyanin, and Vitamin C content.
Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil (Seabuckthorn Oil)
Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil comes from the seabuckthorn berry. The seabuckthorn fruit contains carotenoids, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, and vitamin E. The nutritious content of seabuckthorn fruit oil helps hydrate and nourish the skin. Studies suggest it may help with alleviating UV damage due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Glycine Soja Oil (Soybean Oil)
Glycine Soja Oil comes from the soybean, native to eastern Asia. Soybean oil is an emollient rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, including palmitic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids. These fatty acids help keep the skin soft and hydrated by creating a moisture-trapping film. Soybean oil is also rich in vitamin E, a potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and soothing effects. Studies show soy may help fade hyperpigmentation from UVB by disrupting the melanin process from UVB-induced skin inflammation.
Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
Tocopherol, also known as Vitamin E, is a common antioxidant used to protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's fat-soluble, meaning the skin can easily absorb it. Vitamin E helps keep natural skin lipids healthy, offering extra protection for the skinâs lipid barrier. It also provides some UV protection, helping to reduce damage caused by UVB rays, and is often paired with Vitamin C to increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
Phytosterols
Phytosterols come from plants, nuts, and whole grains. These compounds have skin-soothing and moisturizing properties.
Limonene
Limonene is a fragrance found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. It acts as an antioxidant, helping to neutralize free radicals. However, when exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin, making it unsuitable for those with sensitive skin.
Citral
Citral is a fragrance used to add a lemon-like scent to products. It is found naturally in plants like lemon myrtle, lemongrass, and lemon verbena, and can also be created synthetically. The EU mandates that citral be listed separately as a fragrance, as it is a known allergen and may cause contact dermatitis.
Citronellol
Citronellol is used to add fragrance to a product and is often derived from plants such as roses. It can be found in many essential oils, including geranium and lavender. The scent of citronellol is often described as "fresh, grassy, and citrus-like." However, it can become irritating on the skin when exposed to air and has low permeability, meaning it is not easily absorbed into deeper layers of the skin. Citronellol is also a natural insect repellent.
Linalool
Linalool is a fragrance derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender. Like limonene, it oxidizes when exposed to air, potentially causing allergies and skin sensitivity.
Geraniol
Geraniol is used to add fragrance to a product and is the main component of citronellol. It is a monoterpenoid and an alcohol found in many essential oils, including Rose Oil and Citronella Oil. The scent of geraniol is often described as "rose-like." While it can irritate the skin when exposed to air, it does not penetrate skin easily. Geraniol is also a natural insect repellent.
How to Use the Beautycounter All Bright Facial Oil
The Beautycounter All Bright Facial Oil should be one of the last steps in your skincare routine.
- Cleanse and Tone: Begin by cleansing your face and applying a toner or essence.
- Apply Serums: After toning, apply any serums you use in your routine.
- Warm the Oil: Dispense a few drops of the Brightening Oil onto your fingertips and warm it up slightly by rubbing your fingers together.
- Apply to Face and Neck: Gently massage the oil into your face and neck, pressing it into your skin.
- Moisturize: Finish off your routine with a moisturizer. Some people prefer to apply the oil under their moisturizer, while others like to mix it with the moisturizer.
- Allow to Absorb: Allow the oil to absorb before applying SPF or makeup.
The Brightening Oil can be used every night. If you are in a rush in the morning, you can skip it or mix it into your moisturizer for daytime wear.
Counter's Commitment to Clean Beauty
Counter places a strong emphasis on ingredient transparency, disclosing exactly whatâs in each product. The ingredients list for each product is easy to find and listed at the top of the page. Most importantly, Counter does not use undisclosed fragrance and maintains full transparency about all fragrance components. Many Counter products have received EWG verification.
However, Counter does use phenoxyethanol, a synthetic preservative commonly found in cosmetics. While itâs considered safe in low concentrations, it can be contaminated with trace amounts of carcinogens during manufacturing.
Alternatives to the Brightening Oil
While the Beautycounter All Bright Facial Oil is a popular choice, there are alternatives to consider. The Oliveda F63 Cell Active Face Oil Serum is one alternative. Additionally, other clean beauty brands like Crunchi and Primally Pure offer high-quality skincare products.
Positive Reviews and Personal Experiences
Many users have reported positive experiences with the Beautycounter All Bright Facial Oil. Users with dry skin find it intensely hydrating and essential during colder months. The oil is praised for its ability to brighten skin, even skin tone, and protect against environmental damage. Many users appreciate the subtle citrus scent and the fact that it absorbs easily into the skin.
Potential Drawbacks
Despite its many benefits, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider.
Price
The Beautycounter All Bright Facial Oil is a high-end product, which may be a barrier for some consumers.
Phenoxyethanol
Counter uses phenoxyethanol, a synthetic preservative, which can be a concern for those looking to avoid such ingredients.
Fragrance Components
The oil contains fragrance components like limonene, citral, citronellol, linalool, and geraniol, which may cause irritation for individuals with sensitive skin.
The Relaunch of Counter
The relaunch of Beautycounter as Counter represents a fresh start with a renewed mission, updated product selection, and a fresh approach to clean beauty. Counter maintains a strong commitment to ingredient safety and transparency, guided by their extensive Never List. The company has transitioned to a direct-to-consumer approach, making it easier for customers to access their products.
Counterâs Product Line
Counter offers a range of skincare and makeup products, including:
All Bright C Serum
Contains a 10% blend of two stable forms of vitamin C, plus turmeric and camu camu, which instantly brightens skin and helps even skin tone.
Countertime Collection
An anti-aging skincare collection that contains active ingredients like bakuchiol and Swiss alpine rose.
Retinatural+ Super Serum
A brand new product from Counter as part of the Countertime anti-aging collection, great for aging skin.
Overnight Resurfacing Peel
Contains gentle alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids, making it a safe alternative to a chemical peel.
Silky Skin Cleanser
Part of the new Counterglow line, this cleanser is great as part of a double cleanse for all skin types.
Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer
Offers a slight tint while acting as a moisturizer for your skin.
Skin Twin Foundation
Lightweight and blends well, providing light coverage.