Ursa Major is a Vermont-based personal care brand that offers a streamlined lineup of skincare, body care, and hair care products made with plant-based ingredients.
Its core offerings include facial cleansers, toners, serums, moisturizers, and sunscreens, along with deodorants, body washes, hair cleansers, and hand care items.
Many of the brand offerings are also available in travel sizes or bundled kits made around specific needs like hydration, daily care, or on-the-go routines.
This article will examine Ursa Major’s product range, pricing, and how it compares to similar clean skincare brands. It will highlight the brand’s key advantages, along with its limitations, to offer a clear view of the brand’s overall performance and value.
Ursa Major focuses on simplicity, transparency, and plant-based ingredients. Its approach avoids complex routines and emphasizes basic skincare needs through minimal products with multi-use functionality.
As per the official website, Ursa Major operates as a Certified B Corporation, indicating it meets certain criteria for environmental and social responsibility. It has also partnered with rePurpose Global to offset its plastic usage and supports a recycling initiative through Pact Collective. Ursa Major is also a member of the B Beauty Coalition, a group of B Corp-certified beauty brands.
Ursa Major’s lineup combines facial care, body care, and hair care products. Its facial offerings include the Golden Hour Recovery Cream, Mountain Glow Serum, Forest Water Hyaluronic Serum, and Essential Face Tonic.
Cleansing products include foaming and milky options, while targeted treatments cover areas like the eyes and nighttime use.
The brand’s Body and hair care range features products like deodorants, shampoos, and moisturizers, as well as curated bundles that combine multiple products into packaged routines. Ursa Major claims to focus on nature-inspired skincare without the use of heavily processed or synthetic components.
Golden Hour Recovery Cream by Ursa Major is formulated with vitamins A, C, and E, and essential omega fatty acids 3, 6, 7, and 9. It could support skin hydration, texture, and barrier function.
As per the official website, Golden Hour Recovery Cream has a medium-weight consistency and is suitable for most skin types, including sensitive or eczema-prone skin. This formula also includes organic sea buckthorn, a natural source of omega-7 and beta-carotene, which might help reduce moisture loss and support skin regeneration.
The makers also added black currant in Golden Hour Recovery Cream, which is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and vitamin C that might help improve skin resilience, elasticity, and tone while reducing dryness or irritation.
This moisturizer also has organic calendula, which contains flavonoids and carotenoids that may reduce skin discomfort and support the healing of minor irritations. Sunflower oil in Golden Hour Recovery Cream might help replenish your skin’s lipid barrier and improve moisture retention without clogging pores.
As per the official website, Mountain Glow Serum supports skin hydration, structural integrity, and barrier function. It uses a combination of vitamins B, E, and C, which may support collagen synthesis, antioxidant defense, and maintain skin moisture levels.
The Mountain Glow Serum formula includes star-tipped lichen, which could help reduce the appearance of fine lines and support firmness. Honey locust seed is added for its skin-tightening effect, which may influence skin texture temporarily.
Moss stem cells in Mountain Glow Serum might help maintain hydration and reinforce your skin barrier, which may reduce signs of dryness and irritation. It also combines golden aspen bark, which may help remove surface dead skin cells and promote a more uniform skin appearance.
The makers also added agarikon mushroom in Mountain Glow Serum, which may help refine the look of pores, while wild indigo seed could help reduce visible redness after consistent use.
Ursa Major claims that its Forest Alchemy Eye Cream addresses concerns specific to the thinner, more sensitive skin around your eyes. It could help reduce the appearance of fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles, while providing hydration and barrier support.
Forest Alchemy Eye Cream includes tremella, a type of mushroom polysaccharide, which functions as a humectant by holding up to 500 times its weight in water. It might help maintain hydration and give your skin a fuller, smoother appearance.
The makers also added wild birch in Forest Alchemy Eye Cream, which offers a range of bioactive compounds, including 17 amino acids, antioxidants, enzymes, and minerals that can contribute to skin repair, elasticity, and resilience. Black Jack Daisy in this cream contains bioflavonoids and triterpenes that could help soften the look of fine lines and improve uneven texture.
As per the official website, Forest Alchemy Eye Cream also has pink snow algae and chage. Pink snow algae are rich in antioxidants and support your skin’s natural cell renewal cycle, which may contribute to a more refreshed appearance over time.
Chaga has a high concentration of polyphenols and melanin, which may help address hyperpigmentation and under-eye darkness by neutralizing oxidative stress. Horse Chestnut in Forest Alchemy Eye Cream might support microcirculation and may reduce the appearance of puffiness and fatigue by improving skin tone.
The Dew North Duo by Ursa Major combines Mountain Glow Serum and Golden Hour Recovery Cream, which may support hydration, strengthen the skin barrier, and address signs of dryness and fatigue.
Mountain Glow Serum (1 FL OZ) in this duo is formulated with 41 plant-derived actives, including adaptogens, phytosterols, and essential vitamins. It might help manage environmental stress on your skin and maintain hydration.
The makers state that using Mountain Glow Serum may support moisture retention and barrier repair, aiding in skin resilience over time.
Dew North Duo also has the Golden Hour Recovery Cream, which may help maintain skin hydration and restore balance. This cream could also help improve rough texture and fine lines.
Ursa Major offers the Heavy Hitter Bundle, which combines Forest Alchemy Eye Cream and Mountain Glow Serum, which may help visibly improve skin texture, tone, and hydration.
The products in the Heavy Hitter Bundle by Ursa Major may promote full-face rejuvenation by supporting collagen production and barrier health at a deeper level.
The makers state that the Forest Alchemy Eye Cream (0.5 FL OZ) in this bundle provides intense moisture while helping to reduce the look of fine lines, lighten dark circles, and ease under-eye puffiness. They further mentioned that the Mountain Glow Serum complements the eye cream with 41 clean plant actives, including vitamins B, C, and E, phytosterols, and adaptogens. It might also help reduce wrinkles, firm sagging skin, and restore lasting hydration.
The Super Soother Skincare Bundle by Ursa Major includes two products formulated to support reactive or stressed skin by delivering hydration, barrier support, and targeted support. The bundle consists of the Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum and the Golden Hour Recovery Cream.
The Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum is a concentrated formula that uses two stable forms of Vitamin C that could help even out your skin tone and potentially reduce dark spots. It also provides hydration and absorbs quickly, with a lightweight texture suitable for use both in the morning and evening.
The Golden Hour Recovery Cream in this Super Soother Skincare Bundle could help restore hydration and ease discomfort in compromised skin. It might help smooth the look of fine lines and assist in skin recovery. The makers state that the products in this bundle may support better hydration, tone correction, and barrier maintenance.
As per the official website, Ursa Major’s Fantastic Face Wash is a gel-based cleanser that uses alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) from sugar maple, lemon, and bilberry extracts to gently exfoliate your skin. These AHAs help dissolve dead skin cells, unclog pores, and improve texture by promoting surface cell turnover.
Sugar Maple is a source of glycolic acid, known for refining rough skin, while lemon extract provides citric acid, which can help even out skin tone. Bilberry extract adds lactic and tartaric acids, contributing mild exfoliation along with antioxidant support.
Fantastic Face Wash formula also uses coconut-derived surfactants like coco-glucoside and sodium lauroyl glutamate for cleansing. These non-ionic and amino-acid-based surfactants remove oil, dirt, and sweat without disrupting your skin’s lipid barrier.
The makers added aloe vera in this face wash to help soothe and hydrate your skin, which might help retain moisture and calm redness. Fantastic Face Wash also has white tea extract, which could help minimize oxidative stress that can lead to dullness or premature signs of aging.
Leuconostoc Ferment Filtrate in this face wash might help calm irritation-prone skin. It could also support your skin’s microbiome, helping maintain balance in reactive or stressed conditions.
Ursa Major’s visual and material design reflects a utilitarian approach influenced by Vermont’s natural terrain and climate. The brand uses layered mountain graphics, muted earth-toned colors, and minimal layouts across its packaging. Materials like glass and aluminum are used in place of plastic where possible, aligning with waste-reduction efforts. These choices suggest an emphasis on durability and function rather than decorative appeal, aligning with conditions typical of colder, outdoor-oriented environments like Vermont.
The Forest Alchemy Eye Cream offered by Ursa Major reflects this aesthetic through both presentation and composition. Its jar features subdued colors and straightforward labeling, consistent with the brand’s minimal design system. The formulation includes forest-sourced ingredients such as chaga, tremella mushroom, pink snow algae, and wild birch and is made without synthetic fragrance, PEGs, sulfates, silicones, or parabens. This means the brand follows a design approach in its products centered on visual consistency and utility, using muted colors, minimal labeling, and functional packaging rather than decorative or cosmetic-focused elements.
Ursa Major is Leaping Bunny certified, which means it has met one of the most rigorous cruelty-free standards in the industry. This certification confirms that neither the brand nor its suppliers test on animals at any stage of product development. This certification gives you a clear, third-party-verified reason to trust the brand’s cruelty-free claims. Instead of relying on marketing language, you’re getting proof that the products you use align with ethical standards. It also helps you avoid indirectly supporting animal testing through ingredient sourcing or manufacturing practices.
Ursa Major doesn’t include dermatological testing in its product development, which could be a drawback if you rely on clinically backed skincare for safety and results. You won’t find terms like “dermatologist-tested,” “non-comedogenic,” or “hypoallergenic” on the labels or product pages, even for products like the Fantastic Face Wash or Golden Hour Recovery Cream that are positioned as gentle and suitable for sensitive skin. This makes it harder to measure how your skin might react, especially if you're managing breakouts, inflammation, or post-treatment sensitivity.
Without clinical trials or third-party validation, you're left to assess safety based on ingredients and customer reviews. While the brand is transparent about what it includes, like aloe, willow bark, and essential oils, there’s no formal testing to confirm how these ingredients perform across different skin types or conditions.
Reddit reviews from 2023 to mid-2024 highlight several limitations with Ursa Major's product range. Some users found the brand’s Golden Hour Recovery Cream off-putting due to its strong patchouli scent, while others experienced a burning sensation upon application, suggesting potential issues with sensitivity or formulation. Concerns about effectiveness also surfaced, particularly with products like the Golden Serum, which one user said led to the return of fine lines after switching from retinol. Although a few users expressed loyalty to items like the Mountain Glow Serum or gel moisturizer, even they hesitated to repurchase due to price concerns or underwhelming results from other products like the vitamin C serum. These earlier user experiences about sensory issues, inconsistent performance, and high cost could impact your experience. If you’re sensitive to fragrance, rely on actives for results, or expect consistent value across a brand’s range, Ursa Major might not meet all your needs.
Lather and Ursa Major both operate in the clean skincare space, but they diverge significantly in structure, shopping experience, and product focus.
As per its official website, Lather offers a broad wellness-oriented product range that spans face, body, hair, and sun care. It includes products like the Ultra Mild Face Wash ($24), Mega Moisture Magnet serum ($38), and Bamboo Silk foaming face Wash ($26), all centered around plant-based formulations with a strong emphasis on sensory experience. Meanwhile, Ursa Major takes a minimalist approach, offering a tightly curated line of skincare products such as the Fantastic Face Wash ($46), Mountain Glow Serum ($84), and Golden Hour Recovery Cream ($54). The brand’s focus is on function, simplicity, and nature-powered actives without excess fillers.
Lather has physical retail locations in Pasadena, Long Beach, and Phoenix, along with placement in airport retail outlets like Las Vegas and Salt Lake City. It also offers a store locator on its website, making it easier to find and try products in person. Ursa Major, on the other hand, is exclusively online with no dedicated storefronts and no store locator feature. This limits hands-on access and puts greater weight on digital tools for exploration.
Ursa Major addresses that limitation through personalization. It offers two quizzes, one to recommend a full skincare routine and another to match you with the right serum. These tools help you navigate the line and also come with a 10% discount on the suggested products. Lather doesn’t provide any quizzes or interactive personalization, so choosing the right items relies more on browsing and reading individual product details.
There are also differences in pricing and bundling strategy. Lather is more accessible overall, with most products priced between $19 and $58, and kits ranging up to $68. Ursa Major’s price points are higher, with serums like Lunar Bloom and Mountain Glow reaching $76–$84, and curated bundles often priced between $50 and $130. However, Ursa Major offers “Bundle & Save” and “Subscribe & Save” programs with approximately 10% off, and adds one free sample at checkout, benefits that Lather does not match on its site.
In terms of values and certifications, Ursa Major is a Certified B Corporation, emphasizing social and environmental accountability across its operations. While Lather promotes cruelty-free and synthetic-fragrance-free formulations, it does not carry the same level of third-party certification or sustainability branding.
Lather provides a broader, in-person shopping experience with more body and lifestyle options, while Ursa Major focuses on streamlined skincare, online personalization, and structured discount programs backed by sustainability credentials.
Herbivore Botanicals offers a wide-ranging lineup that centers on spa-inspired skincare routines, with a focus on oils, masks, serums, and soaks. Its product line includes options such as the Lapis Balancing Facial Oil, Blue Tansy Resurfacing Clarity Mask, Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Serum, and Coconut Milk Bath Soak.
In comparison, Ursa Major keeps its selection minimal and utility-driven, targeting face, body, and hair care basics. Its product range includes the Fantastic Face Wash, Golden Hour Recovery Cream, and Forest Fix Deodorant, helping you build a routine built around functional, multi-use products intended for daily use.
Herbivore Botanicals spans a broader pricing range, starting at $14 for cleansing bar soaps and reaching up to $88 for full-sized facial oils and serums. Its most products, including the NOVA Turmeric + Niacinamide Bi-Phase Glow Facial Oil, BAKUCHIOL Retinol Alternative Smoothing Serum, and MILKY WAY 10% AHA Exfoliating Serum, are priced between $58 and $68. Larger sets such as the Oil Discovery Set ($139) and Renew & Replenish Set ($163) reflect the brand’s emphasis on multi-step routines and bundled options. Smaller sizes for certain oils and cleansers are available, but full-size pricing dominates the facial care lineup.
On the other hand, Ursa Major stays within a more limited pricing range, with products typically falling between $14 and $54. Staples like the Fantastic Face Wash ($46), Essential Face Tonic ($26), and Golden Hour Recovery Cream ($54) are priced consistently across this band.
As per their official website, Herbivore uses 99% natural, vegan, and cruelty-free formulas, packaged in recyclable glass and FSC-certified boxes. While the brand mentions eco-conscious packaging and carbon-neutral shipping on select orders, it does not emphasize broader sustainability goals or third-party certifications. Instead, the brand highlights ingredient sourcing and aesthetic presentation, with a focus on self-care and sensorial routines.
Herbivore emphasizes variety, offering a wide selection of skincare oils, masks, and serums designed for layered routines. On the other hand, Ursa Major limits its product range to functional, everyday essentials across skincare, body care, and hair care, supported by third-party certifications.
To evaluate Ursa Major, we looked at a combination of factors, including brand age, business history, and independent consumer review platforms like BBB, Trustpilot, and Tenereteam.
Ursa Major was founded in 2010, giving it over a decade of presence in the clean skincare market. The brand is known for its focus on plant-based ingredients and a minimalist approach to formulation, which appeals to people looking to avoid harsh or synthetic chemicals in their skincare.
Ursa Major holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). This rating suggests that the brand handles customer issues transparently and resolves complaints effectively, signaling a stable and accountable business operation. However, the brand is not currently listed on Trustpilot. While this doesn’t imply negative feedback, it does limit visibility into a broader collection of customer reviews and suggests the brand hasn’t focused on building its profile on that particular platform.
We also looked at customer reviews on Tenereteam, where Ursa Major has a score of 4.3 out of 5, based on nine reviews.
Thus, it may indicate that Ursa Major meets expectations in areas like product quality, customer service, and business practices. However, the limited number of external reviews makes it difficult to draw broad conclusions. The brand’s years in operation and relatively high ratings, where available, offer some indication of consistency, but more data would be needed for a clearer assessment.
We looked at Ursa Major’s refund policy to analyze how the brand supports its customers and how much flexibility and transparency it provides after purchase.
Ursa Major allows returns within 30 days of receiving the order, which gives you a fair amount of time to try the product. If you’re not satisfied, they provide a prepaid return label and let you choose between a refund and an exchange. This makes the process more convenient and lowers the risk of trying something new.
However, the policy applies only to U.S. orders made through the official website. International customers are excluded, which limits accessibility for buyers outside the U.S. Also, the product must be at least two-thirds full to qualify for a return. While this prevents misuse, it also restricts how much of the product you can use before deciding it isn’t for you. Samples and promotional gifts are non-returnable, and subscription orders are also excluded from returns, which can be inconvenient if you’re unhappy with a recurring purchase.
The brand also reserves the right to cancel any return if it determines that it is unauthorized or ineligible, leaving room for subjective judgment. While AfterPay is available to split payments on non-subscription orders over $35, it doesn't impact the return terms and may involve late fees if not managed carefully.
Ursa Major focuses on simplicity, plant-based formulations, and long-term skin support. It claims to avoid synthetic fragrances, silicones, and harsh chemicals, instead using ingredients like stabilized vitamin C, omega fatty acids, and botanical extracts such as chaga and tremella mushroom in its products.
The brand highlights ingredient transparency, environmental responsibility, and ethical practices, offering recyclable packaging, carbon-neutral shipping, and Leaping Bunny certification. Its minimalist product lineup is designed to appeal to you if you are seeking minimalist skincare.
However, Ursa Major does not conduct dermatological testing. This may be a drawback if you need reassurance on non-comedogenic or hypoallergenic claims, especially for sensitive or reactive skin. Some users have reported irritation or inconsistent results, particularly with products containing essential oils or natural fragrances. Others note that performance may not match that of clinical-grade actives or prescription-strength options.
Ursa Major may suit you if you prefer clean, plant-based skincare with a focus on sustainability and basic maintenance. If you require targeted options, clinical validation, or fragrance-free options, it may not meet all your needs. As with any skincare brand, reviewing ingredient lists and conducting a patch test is recommended, especially if you have specific sensitivities or conditions.
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