There’s no such thing as ‘short supply’ when it comes to skincare – in fact, it could be described as a saturated and confusing space. Which is why we make it our mission to make things as simple as possible (without skipping the science part, of course).
With that in mind, we’d like to introduce you to our Core Four – four hero Skinstitut formulas that work well as the basis of every routine. Think of them as your skin’s foundation: all-pleasing, hard-working, and most importantly, entirely results focused.
So, without further ado, we present the Core Four!
Gentle Cleanser
What is it?
A simple but super-effective gel cleanser that removes light makeup and pollutants without disrupting the skin barrier. Think of Gentle Cleanser as a do-it-all formula that works for every face (including oily, acne-prone and ultra-sensitive). If Goldilocks was perusing our cleanser lineup, this is the one she’d call out as “just right”.
Hero ingredients:
- Aloe Vera, a soothing hydrator that quenches and calms.
- Vitamin E to soften and aid hydration levels.
- Glycerine, a water-binding humectant to dial up moisture.
- Decyl Glucoside, a plant-based surfactant to gently dissolve makeup, dirt and sebum.
How to use it:
Gentle Cleanser can be used morning and evening as either a sole cleanser, or second cleanse (this is essential if you’re wearing sunscreen and heavy makeup).
Take a pea-sized amount and massage into damp skin, including the eye area. The soft gel transforms into a silky foam, rinsing to reveal skin that’s soft, clean and cared for.
Glycolic Scrub 14%
What is it?
Glycolic Scrub 14% is a hybrid formula that combines Glycolic Acid and rounded Jojoba Beads to buff, smooth and decongest the skin. It’s fast acting (as in, it reveals instant baby-softness) and works a treat on congestion, rough texture and ingrown hairs.
Hero ingredients:
- Glycolic Acid, a science-backed Alpha-Hydroxy Acid that dissolves the ‘glue’ holding expired skin cells together.
- Rounded, biodegradable Jojoba Beads to gently buff away these cells.
- Tea Tree Oil, which has antifungal and antiseptic properties to treat breakout-prone skin.
How to use it:
Glycolic Scrub 14% is a dedicated exfoliant and can be used a few times a week, after cleansing, and before serums.
Take a tiny amount and work it into the skin in circular motions before rinsing, and be sure to take it beyond your face. It’s also great for clearing body acne, smoothing ‘chicken skin’ and releasing ingrown hairs.
Retinol Serum
What is it?
Retinol Serum is a targeted treatment that improves cell turnover, stimulating deep skin repair and renewal. Because of this, it improves almost every major concern, including pigmentation, acne, wrinkles and uneven texture. Think of it as a gold-standard serum, and one to try if you want to see long-term skin transformation.
Hero ingredients:
- Retinol: we use a 0.25% concentration because it’s proven to be efficacious but still tolerable. A derivative of Vitamin A, Retinol is categorically an antioxidant, but converts to Retinoic Acid within the skin to stimulate the aforementioned cellular change.
- Peptides to further Retinol Serum’s skin-repairing power, and to support collagen production.
How to use it:
Retinol Serum might be a game-changer, but it should be used strategically.
New to the game? Start small, applying once or twice a week to clean, dry skin beneath your moisturiser. As your complexion adjusts, you can build up to either every night, or every second night. And, because the ingredients are all focused on repairing the skin, it’s best to incorporate Retinol Serum into your nighttime routine.
Moisture Defence Normal
What is it?
Moisture Defence Normal is the do-it-all ‘Holy Grail’ moisturiser every face deserves. It provides lightweight but serious hydration, is quickly absorbed, and ensures protection all-day long.
Hero ingredients:
- Antioxidant Complex, specifically Vitamin E and Kakadu Plum to guard against free-radical damage.
- Squalane, otherwise known as a skin-identical moisturiser, which replenishes and hydrates without heaviness.
How to use it:
Moisture Defence Normal can be used any time of day to hydrate and protect. With no ingredients that will compete with the rest of your routine, this is just good ol’ fashioned moisture with a side of glow.
Hot tip: During the day, be sure to layer your sunscreen on top.
Want to learn more about hard-working formulas? Read up on our active ingredients here
