CLAY+essence
  • Rovectin Skin Essentials Conditioning Cleanser
    Rovectin,  second cleanse,  Style Korean

    Rovectin Skin Essentials Conditioning Cleanser

    the claim The Rovectin Skin Essentials Conditioning Cleanser claims to be a gentle, low-pH, hydrating cleanser which washes away daily grime without stripping skin of its protective moisture barrier.     the science A foaming cleanser comprises surfactants, the ingredients that create a lather/foam and deliver the cleansing properties to the product. This one includes several, all deemed gentle.   Decyl Glucoside is a natural substance obtained from a combination of plant based fatty alcohols and glucose that does not dry the skin. Although the name might not suggest it, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate is a gentle surfactant and not considered a harsh sulfate. Not to be confused with Sodium Lauryl…

  • Hyggee All-In-One H2 Soap
    Hyggee,  second cleanse

    HYGGEE All-In-One H2 Soap

    the claim The HYGGEE All-In-One H2 Soap claims to be suitable for skin that feels especially tight and dry after washing, looks dull, lacks colour or is sensitive and requires mild cleansing.     the science Coconut Oil Powder is found at the largest concentration in this soap. It contains a high amount of lauric acid, a medium chain triglyceride (MCT) that has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties, thus resulting in benefits for acne prone and inflamed skin. Similar properties also give Silver its place in this product, seemingly making it an effective topical treatment for skin ailments including acne. However, there is little current scientific evidence to support this…

  • re:p Bio Fresh Mask With Real Nutrition Herb
    mask,  re:p,  wash off

    re:p Bio Fresh Mask With Real Nutrition Herbs

    the claim The re:p Bio Fresh Mask With Real Nutrition Herbs claims to soothe irritated, stressed and troubled skin with natural vegan-friendly ingredients that gently peel away trapped impurities and soothe irritations for supple and softer skin.     the science Following water in the formula is Kaolin, included because of its detoxifying effect brought on by strong absorption capabilities. Kaolin is able to draw out impurities, excess oil and dirt to achieve clear skin and clean pores, making it ideal for oily and acne-prone skin.   Rich in vitamin E and K, Canola Oil  helps to soothe the skin by easing acne, blemishes and even fine lines. Antioxidants protect…

  • Klairs Supple Preparation Toners
    hydrating toner,  Klairs

    Klairs Supple Preparation Toners

    the claim Both the Original and the Unscented Klairs Supple Preparation Toners are said to be lightweight and designed to restore skin moisture and pH level after cleansing. With the aid of plant extracts, hyaluronic acid and beta-glucan, they keep skin calm, hydrated and soothed. Recommended for normal, dry, combination and sensitive skin types.     the science Following water, Butylene Glycol  is found in the formulation at the highest concentration. Its ability to improve the penetration and hence increase the effectiveness of the ingredients that follow is its main strength. It also has humectant properties, drawing moisture from the atmosphere for a hydration boost. Also referred to as Methylsulfonylmethane…

  • Formaldehyde Releasers
    ingredient spotlight

    Formaldehyde Releasers

    the problem Formaldehyde is an effective preservative that also happens to be a known human carcinogen. Cosmetics companies include formaldehyde releasing chemicals in formulas to eliminate bacteria and contamination and hence extend the shelf life of their products. They can be found in skincare, hair care and even baby products. According to the World Health Organisation, when formaldehyde is inhaled, it is considered a carcinogen. Topical application classifies it a potent skin sensitiser and allergen. Pure formaldehyde is not included in skincare. Instead, cosmetic companies use chemicals that when added to water, decompose very slowly over time to form molecules of formaldehyde. This starts to happen immediately upon manufacture and…

  • Avene Thermal Spring Water
    Avène,  mist

    Avène Thermal Spring Water

    the claim The Avène Thermal Spring Water will cleanse, soothe and calm skin. Avène Thermal Spring Water is particularly recommended for sensitive, hypersensitive, allergic or irritated skin. With both health and beauty benefits this product can be used to tone the face as well as soothe, soften and calm inflamed skin.     the science A product composed of just two ingredients should be easy enough to analyse, particularly when one, Nitrogen, acts as a propellant, turning the liquid within into tiny particles to create a mist, providing no benefit to the skin. So, the remaining item is simply water. What makes the Avène water so special? To determine that,…

  • Pyunkang Yul Moisture Cream
    moisturize,  Pyunkang Yul

    Pyunkang Yul Moisture Cream

    the claim The Pyunkang Yul Moisture Cream is a powerfully effective daily moisturizer for all skin types, especially those with sensitive, acne-prone or oily skin. Formulated with safe and gentle ingredients free of fragrance and artificial dyes, it goes on smoothly, absorbs easily, providing a soft and supple finish without feeling greasy or sticky.     the science Once again delivering a product with a non-diluted formulation containing more actives, Pyunkang Yul Moisture Cream is concentrated with their trademark star ingredient, Coptis Japonica Root Extract, also known as Goldthread. It is an Asian herb cultivated to answer medicinal needs and often used to treat skin disorders. Goldthread is high in…

  • Andalou Naturals Rosewater Mask
    Andalou Naturals,  mask,  wash off

    Andalou Naturals Rosewater Mask

    the claim The Andalou Naturals Rosewater Mask claims to be a revitalizing mask with alpine rose stem cells which delivers essential hydration and dermal vitality to soothe and nourish sensitive skin. Pomegranate uplifts tone while hyaluronic acid and aloe vera help revive skin’s moisture barrier for a flawless looking complexion.     the science PhytoCellTec™ is the name of a relatively new biotechnology that researchers from Mibelle Biochemistry have used to generate and cultivate plant stem cells. This enables cosmetics companies such as Andalou Naturals  to include exclusive, often rare and near extinct plants that contain especially valuable ingredients in their formulations since only a minute amount of plant material is…

  • Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream
    Klairs,  moisturize

    Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream

    the claim The Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream claims to sooth extremely sensitive skin and protect it from stress and irritation by strengthening the skin barrier.   the science Firstly, the unusual colour of this cream should be explored. Although it looks artificial, exhibiting a shade a cornflower blue, it’s perfectly natural. Guaiazulene, (often called azulene), one of the formula’s key ingredients, is a violet coloured, plant-based component extracted from camomile oil. The colour softens to a gentle blue after the blending process. Guaiazulene is also present due to its healing properties, able to sooth and calm skin as well as stimulate cell regeneration. In clinical studies it has exhibited…