Robanda Review

Overview

Robanda is a newer player in the anti-aging skin care market, having been in business since 1999. Named after the three founding brothers, Robert, Anthony, and David Leib, this San Diego-based startup has made its name selling Retinol based creams. Robanda’s signature product is their Anti-Aging Hand Cream, which combines Retinol, SPF 20 sunscreen, and Gatuline Whitening into an absorbing cream that provides some degree of sunscreen protection, while simultaneously claiming to moisturize skin and fade dark spots. Gatuline Whitening is an exclusive lightening ingredient that is derived through the fermentation of Kojic Acid, Lactic Acid, and licorice extract, and is found in several of Robanda’s products. Robanda’s products have been featured in magazines such as Elle, Cosmopolitan, Allure, and Dayspa. Robanda has expanded into international markets, and now exports to more than 28 countries around the world. In addition to exporting its own products, Roabnda is also the exclusive US importer of the well-known Marc Daniels “First Aid for Hair” line of products, as well as Tweed Body Spray and Batiste Dry Shampoo.

Product Details

Most of Robanda’s products incorporate Vitamin A in the form of Retinol, and are marketed as anti-aging treatments. Robanda markets their Vitamin A products as “preventing premature aging and wrinkles while simultaneously replenishing moisture to the skin.” In addition to their Anti-Aging Hand Cream, other products in the Robanda line include such specified treatments as Robanda OptimEYES Eye Treatment, Anti-Aging Moisturizer, Balancing and Hydrating Toner, Exfoliating Facial Wash, Intensive Night Cream, and Pigment Control. The Robanda website lists the IU of Vitamin A contained in each of it products. Most of Robanda’s Retinol-containing products contain from 300,000 – 450,000 IU of Vitamin A per ounce.

The Good

• Robanda’s products use natural compounds that are not tested on animals.
• The Robanda website details the composition of, and active ingredients in, the products offered.

The Bad

• A newer company doesn’t have the established track record and portfolio of research as older companies.
• Retinol-based creams may cause sun sensitivity and allergic reactions in some individuals.
• Products are not directly available from Robanda; free samples are not available.

The Bottom Line

Robanda’s line of anti-aging skin care products seems robust and fairly well diversified. While their products are largely designed to combat the effects of aging, their reliance on Retinol could definitely be a setback as more sophisticated peptide complex-based treatments become more widely available. The fact that Robanda’s products are not available directly from Robanda, and are available online only from third party resellers is unfortunate, as free samples are not available and it may be difficult or impossible to return unsuitable products purchased from third parties. Users will have to commit to a full cycle of the treatment as full price. While some qualities of Robanda seem promising, we would like to see more research and a free sample before trying this skin care product. Wider availability would also be a plus here. Robanda could come up with great things in the future, but for now we’d like to give them some more time to develop—both the brand and the products themselves.