Birchbox is a monthly subscription box that sends samples (and sometimes full sizes) of new and exciting beauty products from top brands. Despite being out of the game for a minute, the subscription is back! Birchbox is one of the original beauty subscription boxes and is a great way to discover new makeup, hair care, and skincare products (four to six items every month) without breaking the bank.
This is one of our top recommendations if you are looking for a subscription box — the value and sample sizes are amazing. Just like Ipsy, Birchbox sends out many different variations of their bag each month — so my review is just one of the bag variations you might receive!
My Subscription Addiction pays for this subscription. (Check out our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes).
First Impressions
This month's box came with a card featuring some favorite products of the month and more.
Now, on to the items!
DR. BOTANICALS Grapefruit and Watermelon Refreshing Cleanser, 30 ml - Retail Value $9.90
Washing my face with the Dr. Botanicals Grapefruit and Watermelon Refreshing Cleanser felt like a mini spa moment. I was immediately drawn in by the jelly-like texture; it glides across the skin with a cooling, cushiony feel that transforms into a light, satisfying lather. Unlike many cleansers that leave my sensitive skin feeling tight or squeaky, this one left it feeling smooth, clean, and calm. There’s no overpowering fragrance, just a mild scent that vanishes quickly, which is a huge plus for me. What sets this cleanser apart is its powerhouse blend of antioxidant-rich grapefruit and watermelon extract, which help fight against environmental stressors (something I’m always looking for here in sunny California). I could really feel the difference after just a few uses: refreshed, balanced skin with a subtle glow and zero irritation. Definitely one of my favorite finds from this brand.
SKINFIX Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream, 7.5 ml - Estimated Value $10.00
Every now and again a moisturizer comes along that just perfectly understands warm-weather skin, and the Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream fits that bill beautifully. I’ve been seeing this brand pop up more and more lately, and after trying this cream, I can see why. The formula has a lush, gel-cream texture that feels weightless going on, but still manages to deeply hydrate thanks to its infusion of barrier-boosting lipids and peptides (as the name suggests). It sinks into my skin nicely without any greasy after-feel, making it ideal for spring and summer, especially if you’re trying to avoid clogged pores in the heat like myself. While the scent isn’t the best (it’s vaguely paste-like), it fades fast enough not to be a dealbreaker. I do love that it’s vegan, although I noticed the absence of a cruelty-free emblem, which gave me pause. Still, it’s a solid pick for my sensitive, moisture-hungry skin.
KIEHL’S Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily Cleanser, 30 ml - Estimated Value $5.80
There’s something oddly satisfying about this Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily Cleanser from Kiehl’s. It looks like a clay mask but rinses off like a dream. I was pleasantly surprised to see a second cleanser in this month’s box; since that’s the one skincare item I fly through the fastest, I welcomed the backup. This one has a creamy, almost mask-like texture thanks to the Amazonian white clay, which helps draw out impurities in the skin without drying it out. Despite being labeled as an exfoliating cleanser, it’s quite gentle and didn’t trigger any irritation for me. The sample size is generous enough to get a true feel for how it performs over a few uses, which I really appreciated. It’s one of those rare exfoliators that feels like a deep clean without the roughness. Overall, a great option for daily use if you’re looking to refine pores without upsetting your skin.
ILERA APOTHECARY Awaken Hydrating Body Wash, 0.14 g - Estimated Value $5.00
It always feels like a little bonus when a subscription box tosses in a body wash, and the Ilera Apothecary Awaken Hydrating Body Wash was a welcome addition. I’m a sucker for a citrusy scent in the shower, and this one hits just the right note: fresh and clean but not overpowering. The formula is rich in nourishing oils like coconut and olive, and it truly leaves my skin feeling soft and moisturized post-rinse. My only issue is with the bottle. It’s on the smaller side and not the easiest to squeeze every last drop from, which is a bit of a letdown for someone like me who’s all about using up every bit of product. Still, it’s a soothing, travel-friendly option that brings a touch of aromatherapy to your shower routine.
CHRISTOPHE ROBIN Detangling Gelee with Sea Minerals, 250 ml - Retail Value $39.00
As someone with thick, textured, curly hair that seems to attract mystery lint like a magnet lately (even with a sleep bonnet on every night), I was thrilled to try out this Detangling Gelee with Sea Minerals from Christophe Robin. I’ve tried the brand’s scalp scrub before and had a great experience, so I was curious to see if their detangler would live up to its claims. Of course, not all hair products like this will work for my type of hair. Right out of the gate, though, I appreciated that this formula is designed with sensitive scalps in mind and contains minerals like magnesium, zinc, and iron to "remineralize" the scalp while softening the strands. The full-sized bottle was a huge bonus, and it’s giving me a proper chance to see how it performs over time. I’m hopeful that this lightweight gelee will help combat the sudden lint situation I’ve been battling lately, and if it delivers, I can absolutely see it earning a permanent spot in my haircare rotation.
ALTERNA Caviar Anti-Aging Restructuring Bond Repair Shampoo and Conditioner, 14 ml - Estimated Value $2.07
I had high hopes when I spotted the Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Restructuring Bond Repair Shampoo and Conditioner tucked into this month’s box. Anything that says it’ll help strengthen damaged hair and reduce breakage always catches my eye. The formula itself is impressive; it’s packed with caviar extract and a special "bond enforcing technology" that targets the hair’s internal structure to help seal, smooth, and protect. I love that it includes a built-in sealing serum to reduce split ends and support healthier strands over time. That said, as someone with thick, curly, high-density hair, I’ll admit these tiny sample packets were a bit of a letdown since I could barely cover half my head, and that’s being generous. It’s probably better suited for someone with finer hair or for a travel moment. Still, it’s clear this is a quality product, and I’d definitely be open to giving the full-size versions a proper shot in the future.
The Verdict
This month's Birchbox felt thoughtfully curated, with a nice balance of skincare and haircare that aligned well with my preferences, especially as we shift into the warmer weather. The Dr. Botanicals cleanser was a standout product for me; its jelly texture and antioxidant-rich formula made my skin feel clean, smooth, and refreshed with zero irritation. I also really enjoyed Skinfix’s triple lipid-peptide cream. The lightweight, gel-cream consistency is perfect for spring, and it delivers hydration without clogging my pores. As a long-time fan of Kiehl’s, I was happy to see their daily cleanser in this box, especially with its clay-like texture and gentle exfoliation that worked well on my sensitive skin. I appreciated the travel-sized body wash from Ilera Apothecary, which offered a citrusy, skin-softening moment in a convenient size. That said, I still wish the packaging allowed for easier use of every drop. The detangling gelee from Christophe Robin was the product I was most interested in trying, and I was pleasantly surprised with it; bonus points for being scalp-friendly and full-sized. Lastly, while the Alterna bond repair shampoo and conditioner sample packets were far too small to take on my thick curls, I was indeed impressed by the formula and its promise to repair and strengthen hair over time. Overall, this box delivered some real gems, and I appreciate the practical, well-rounded mix of products designed to support both skin and hair health.
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Value – Was This Box Worth It?
The Cost: $17
Value Breakdown:
- Cleanser: $9.90
- Face Cream: $10.00
- Exfoliating Cleanser: $5.80
- Body Wash: $5.00
- Detangling Gelee: $39.00
- Shampoo & Conditioner: $2.07
The total retail value of these six items adds up to about $71.77, which is a great value for a $17 box.
Other Things You Should Know
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, but sign up to receive the May 2025 box while stocks last.
What do you think of the March 2025 Birchbox?
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