Plant-based skincare that contains little to no chemicals don’t have the best rep for yielding instant results. Female and Kiehl’s explore a moisturiser that does.
Plant-based skincare that contains little to no chemicals don’t have the best rep for yielding instant results. Female and Kiehl’s explore a moisturiser that does.
According to a study done by the Green Beauty Barometer, nearly one in four women feel that it’s important that their skincare products are natural – free of parabens, mineral oils, and synthetic colours and fragrances. It’s a sentiment that’s even more pronounced among more than half of the millennials surveyed within the group.
But even though interest in natural skincare has been increasing steadily, there’s still the popular perception that suchproducts lag behind in terms of efficacy. To change this, Kiehl’s has created the Pure Vitality Skin Renewing Cream ($95) that helps skin work optimally and look healthy. With a 99.6 per cent naturally derived formula, it’s said to be the first of its kind to combine two popular wellness – and some might say, delectable – ingredients: Korean red ginseng root and New Zealand manuka honey.
“Our focus for this formula ingredients: Korean red ginseng root and New Zealand manuka honey. “Our focus for this formula wasn’t tackling the typical antiageing attributes. It was (more of the overall) look and feel of the skin; a more macro approach that offers our customers the opportunity to have their skin look its healthiest and most vital,” says Dr Geoff Genesky, Kiehl’s head chemist. It’s with this goal in mind that the American brand zeroed in on the two ingredients, known for their ability to boost skin’s resistance and recovery.
In its prime, skin looks vibrant, radiant, smooth, supple, and is better able to withstand and recover from damage. Over time, though, it naturally becomes less resistant – its recovery rate lowers, cell renewal rate slows down, and the complexion grows duller and rougher. Korean red ginseng root is supposedly able to boost cells’ energy to improve epidermal turnover, as well as boost radiance and hydration for a bright, even-textured appearance.
What else happens when skin ages: Its natural immunity and barrier weakens, making it less able to recognise and neutralise irritants. This, in turn, causes skin to become more sensitive to them. Manuka honey is valued for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and ability to treat skin wounds, including post-surgical ones. Rich in sugar, minerals and antioxidants, it is said to stimulate collagen production, fight free radicals, and strengthen skin’s protective barrier.
Both ingredients are infused in the moisturiser to help renew skin and boost radiance. The moisturiser had to go through 68 trials to keep the formula mostly natural, without compromising its efficacy. Its soft balm-like texture melts quickly into skin upon application, leaving it softer and smoother in a snap. For best results, Kiehl’s recommends starting your beauty routine with Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash ($47), followed by Calendula Herbal Extract Alcohol-free Toner ($59). Brighten with the brand’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution ($92) serum, then apply Pure Vitality Skin Renewing Cream, before finishing off with a lightweight sunscreen such as Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF50/PA++++ ($55). Now, you’re ready to step into the sun and embrace what else nature has to offer.
DO YOUR PART
In line with the brand’s commitment to supporting children’s causes, Kiehl’s Singapore is partnering with Ginette Chittick for the “New Year, New Skin, New You” campaign to raise funds for Children’s Cancer Foundation (Singapore). The 2017 St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival performing artiste has designed limited edition labels that adorn the brand’s most popular moisturisers: Ultra Facial Cream ($49), Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream ($49) and Super Multi-corrective Cream ($95). The designs are centred on “Love”, “Nature” and “Music”, themes that form an essential part of this old-world apothecary’s DNA. Kiehl’s will donate $2 from each limited edition product sold to the Children’s Cancer Foundation (CCF), in support of its services and programmes that focus on Casework and Counselling, Financial Assistance, and Place for Academic Learning and Support (PALS).
