CLAY+essence
  • Korean Hero Ingredients
    ingredient spotlight,  routine

    Korean Hero Ingredients

    uniquely Korean Korean skincare is synonymous with some amazing ingredients such as snail mucin, propolis and ginseng. Many are steeped in medicinal history that dates back to ancient times, their efficacy proven over centuries. Let’s take a look at some of the heroes that are currently trending.   propolis Propolis Extract is a combination of beeswax, enzymes and tree sap used by bees to seal, disinfect and waterproof their hive. It’s additionally excellent for the skin, implemented to heal wounds for centuries. Rich in flavonoids, propolis displays powerful antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. It works to regenerate and moisturize, achieving smooth, supple and hydrated skin. It also assists to balance…

  • Benton Shea Butter and Olive Hand Cream
    Benton,  body

    Benton Shea Butter And Olive Hand Cream

    the claim The Benton Shea Butter And Olive Hand Cream claims to moisturise and soothe hands throughout the seasons without leaving a tacky residue.     the science Firstly, let us consider the star ingredients of the hand cream. Shea Butter is a plant-based emollient that mimics the lipid content of skin to promote a soft, smooth, healthy appearance. It features at an impressive 10% concentration. Olive Oil, (2%) is extracted from compressed olives. It contains powerful antioxidants which help to protect against premature ageing by restoring skin smoothness and fighting free radicals. Olive oil penetrates deeply to provide both cleansing and moisturising effects. Furthermore, often coexisting in cosmetic formulations,…

  • Glass Skin
    routine

    Glass Skin

    what is “glass skin”? As a Korean skincare enthusiast, you may have recently heard the term “Glass Skin”. The clear, translucent, even and smooth properties of glass are a reflection of skin goals. To achieve glass skin is to achieve a complexion so clear that it resembles a sheet of glass. It is the ideal skin state, one of dewiness, clarity, evenness and youth.   how to achieve glass skin A key attribute of glass skin is excellent hydration and moisturisation in order to give skin a plump and dewy glow. The Korean skincare routine utilises multiple layers that contribute such properties including toner, essence, sheet masks and serums. Clarity…

  • Tia'm Snail & Azulene Low pH Clenaser
    second cleanse,  Tia'm

    Tia’m Snail & Azulene Low pH Cleanser

    the claim The Tia’m Snail & Azulene Low pH Cleanser is a mild gel cleanser that helps to maintain a healthy skin pH while also reducing skin irritation that can be caused by cleansing.     the science Represented at the highest concentration, following water, is Cocamidopropyl Betaine. This ingredient is a gentle surfactant which acts as a cleansing and lathering agent. According to beauty guru, Paula Begoun of Paula’s Choice Skincare, it is too mild to clean adult skin when used alone. Thus the requirement for Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate at position 3. A water soluble, sulfate-free, coconut derived surfactant, it too is incredibly mild and considered one of…

  • Heimish Bulgarian Rose Mist
    Heimish,  mist,  serum

    Heimish Bulgarian Rosewater Mist Serum

    the claim The Heimish Bulgarian Rosewater Mist Serum is a mist, toner and serum hybrid made using 88% Bulgarian Rosewater to impart pH balancing, detoxifying and hydrating properties on the skin.     the science Rose Flower Water is simply water scented or distilled with essential oil from the Rose plant (the hydrosol is steam distilled and more potent in delivering benefits). It exhibits soothing, cooling and anti-inflammatory properties, ideal for sensitive skin or that suffering acne, redness and irritation. Astringent behaviour helps to tighten pores and reduce their appearance. Furthermore, benefits are provided in a pH balanced solution. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is a superstar ingredient that acts as a…

  • Helloganic One A Day Sheet Masks
    Huangjisoo,  sheet

    Helloganic One A Day Sheet Masks

    the claim The Helloganic One A Day Sheet Masks are 100% vegan and made from Eucalyptus. Each targets different skin needs including brightening, hydrating, firming and pore refining.     The PORE PURIFYING mask is said to calm irritated, stressed and sensitive skin suffering breakouts and inflammation by balancing oil moisture and controlling sebum with the help of vitamins and enzymes in adlay. The BRIGHTENING mask uses vitamins and minerals from peaches to brighten and diminish the appearance of dark spots. The FIRMING mask claims to assist skin to remain youthful by restoring elasticity and resilience with tomato. The HYDRATING mask uses the proteins and actives in coconut to help…

  • Jayjun Roselle Tea Eye Patches
    eye,  Jayjun,  mask

    Jayjun Roselle Tea Eye Gel Patches

    the claim The Jayjun Roselle Tea Eye Gel Patches provide soothing and conditioning benefits to the delicate area around the eyes. They also claim to reduce dark circles and puffiness.     the science There’s a good amount of Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) in this formula, a superstar ingredient that acts as a restorative agent, helps to brighten skin by inhibiting melanin production and is also an effective treatment against hyperpigmentation. Niacinamide can improve the appearance of enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, fine lines and dullness plus strengthen the skin surface. Also acting as a soothing and skin-restoring agent, Adenosine has proven anti-wrinkle benefits due to its ability to energize the…

  • Combating Dry Skin
    routine

    Combating Dry Skin

    what does it mean to have dry skin? Skin that is dry is inefficient at producing enough sebum which can lead to dullness, cracking, tightness, itchiness and flaking. Dryness is not equivalent to dehydration. When skin is dehydrated, it lacks water; when skin is dry, it lacks oil. Dehydration is typically the result of environment, causes including inadequate water intake, poor diet, lack of humidity, season, frequent cleansing and improper cleanser choice. Dryness is simply the natural state of skin. To combat dry skin, oil reserves need to be replenished.   how to treat dry skin Ideally, skin is plump and radiant, full of moisture and bounce. Although skin type…

  • Commleaf Rose Sleeping Mask
    Commleaf,  mask,  overnight

    Commleaf Rose Sleeping Mask

    the claim The Commleaf Rose Sleeping Mask comprises rose extract and rose water to soothe, whiten and hydrate skin for a revilatized complexion.     the science Rose Flower Water is simply water scented or distilled with essential oil from the Rose plant (the hydrosol is steam distilled and more potent in delivering benefits). It exhibits soothing, cooling and anti-inflammatory properties, ideal for sensitive skin or that suffering acne, redness and irritation. The formula contains a substantial concentration of 75% rose water. Next in strength is Butylene Glycol, second on the ingredient list. This assists to increase the effectiveness of other ingredients as well as thin the formula’s consistency. It…

  • BY WISHTREND Pure Vitamin C 21.5% Advanced Serum
    ByWishtrend,  serum

    ByWishtrend Pure Vitamin C 21.5% Advanced Serum

    the claim The ByWishtrend Pure Vitamin C 21.5% Advanced Serum serum claims to improve overall skin tone and texture. It is formulated with 10 essential ingredients for a fast and effective result.     the science Vitamin C is essential for healthy skin. It has many healing properties including the ability to decrease sun damage and dehydration plus reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Ascorbic acid (often referred to as L-ascorbic acid) is considered its most potent form, highly effective at concentrations over 20%, in this case, 21.5%. Studies have found that using Vitamin C topically for at least 12 weeks can result in a visible decrease in…