Weleda Skin Food Review: Is This $19 Cream Actually Magic?
It’s a backstage secret used by Victoria Beckham and Adele. We break down the ingredients and test if this thick, botanical cream is worth the hype or just greasy marketing.
In a world of thousand-dollar creams and high-tech serums, Weleda Skin Food stands out for being unapologetically old-school. Launched in 1926, the formula hasn’t changed in nearly a century. Yet, you will find it in the kits of top makeup artists and on the vanities of celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Victoria Beckham.
Often called a “La Mer dupe” for a fraction of the price, this little green tube promises to hydrate the driest, roughest skin. But is it too heavy for modern preferences? Does it clog pores? We tested it extensively to see if it deserves its holy grail status, especially compared to luxury routines like Kim Kardashian’s skincare regimen.
2. Ingredient Deep Dive: The Botanical Powerhouse
Weleda Skin Food is a NATRUE certified natural product. It doesn’t rely on synthetic preservatives or fragrances. Instead, it uses a heavy-hitting blend of plant extracts and oils.
Note for Vegans: Because it contains beeswax and lanolin, the original Skin Food is not vegan, though it is vegetarian and cruelty-free.
3. Texture & Scent: The “Love it or Hate it” Factor
This is where Skin Food is polarizing. The texture is thick. It comes out of the tube like a paste or a salve rather than a lotion. It requires a bit of warming up between your fingers before it will spread easily.
The Glow: Once applied, it leaves a very dewy, almost glossy finish. This is why makeup artists love it as a highlighter on cheekbones. It gives that “glass skin” look instantly.
The Scent: It smells strongly of citrus and herbs—specifically orange, lavender, and rosemary essential oils. It is a refreshing, spa-like scent, but if you are sensitive to fragrance or essential oils, this might be too potent for you. It feels very European and medicinal in a luxurious way.
The cult classic. A super-rich, heavy-duty moisturizer for dry, rough skin. Doubles as a highlighter and hand cream.
Check Price4. How to Use It (Face vs. Body)
Because it is so rich, you need to use it strategically. Here is how the pros do it:
- On the Face: Use it as the final step in your night routine to seal in moisture (“slugging” alternative). Or, use a tiny amount on the high points of the cheeks as a natural highlighter over makeup. This technique is often spotted in celebrity morning routines.
- On the Body: It excels on rough patches like elbows, knees, and heels. It is also a miracle worker for dry cuticles and hands in the winter.
- As a Mask: Apply a thick layer before a flight or after sun exposure, let it sit for 20 minutes, and tissue off the excess.
5. Comparison: Original vs. Skin Food Light
Recognizing that the original paste was too heavy for some (especially those with oily skin), Weleda launched Skin Food Light.
The Light version contains the same key herbal ingredients (chamomile, calendula, pansy) but swaps the heavy lanolin base for lighter oils like cocoa seed butter and shea butter. It absorbs much faster and feels like a traditional lotion. If you have combination or oily skin, or want to use it under makeup as a primer, the Light version is the better choice.
The modern update. Same herbal benefits, lighter texture. Absorbs quickly and works great as a face moisturizer for normal/oily skin.
Try Light Version6. The Verdict: Pros & Cons
Why We Love It
- Incredible hydration for under $20
- Instant glow/highlighter effect
- Multi-purpose (face, body, hands)
- Clean ingredients (NATRUE certified)
The Downsides
- Heavy, greasy feel (takes time to sink in)
- Strong herbal scent (not for sensitive noses)
- Can trigger breakouts in acne-prone skin
- Not vegan (contains beeswax/lanolin)
7. Frequently Asked Questions
It can. It contains oils and lanolin which can be comedogenic for some people. If you are acne-prone, patch test first or stick to using it on your body and dry spots rather than your entire face.
Yes, Weleda products are generally considered safe for pregnancy as they are free from synthetic preservatives and parabens. However, due to the essential oils, always consult your doctor if you have specific sensitivities.
Yes! Many makeup artists use it as a primer for dry skin because it creates a tacky, hydrated base that foundation grips onto well. It gives a “lit from within” glow under foundation.
No, Weleda Skin Food does not contain retinol or active chemical exfoliants. It is purely a nourishing and repairing moisturizer.