The Best Skin-Care Products Launching in May 2021
The Best New Skin-Care Products Launching in May 2021
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Before the pandemic, the beauty industry had already been growing at break-neck speed, with new launches dropping every single day of the week. But after over a year of forgoing makeup (if you've still been wearing foundation every day, we seriously applaud you) and focusing on the status of our skin, the skin-care sector in particular positively exploded. From new launches and collaborations to the recent influx of celebrity skin-care lines like J Lo and Alicia Keys, it's become hard to keep track all of the latest and greatest, as well as what's actually available here in the UK without paying exorbitant shipping fees. Well, that's where we come in. Every month, we round up the most exciting skin-care launches coming to the UK, from classic brands to indie newcomers and all the serums, creams, and sunscreens in between.
May 2021 is an exciting month, and not just because on the 17th pubs and restaurant will reopen for indoor dining (at reduced capacity of course). Whether you love skin care or you're looking to finally put together a skin-care regime of your own, you'll be interested to check out our list, which includes a mineral sunscreen from chicer-than-chic Australian brand Grown Alchemist (a first for the brand), and aromatherapy fake-tan face mists from industry innovator Isle of Paradise — two products that double as sensorial beauty experiences, a trend that got its start whilst we were all in lockdown. There's also a bevy of body lotions launching this month — from brands like Weleda, Faith in Nature, and Sol de Janeiro — because skin-care doesn't just stop from the neck down (especially now that warmer weather and shorter sleeves and hemlines are in our future).
Keep reading to discover all of the skin-care products arriving in the UK this month.
Curél Makeup Cleansing Oil
The Curél Makeup Cleansing Oil (£14.50) only launched this month and it's already found a permanent spot in our skin-care regime. Formulated with zero added fragrance, the makeup-removing oil cleanser is gentle, coddling, and good for sensitive skin types, although anyone can use it. "If you do have sensitive skin it's brilliant because it has liquorice extract, which is an anti-inflammatory", Dr Catherine Denning, who is a GMC registered medical doctor that specialises in advanced medical aesthetics and cosmetic dermatology, said of the cleanser at the digital launch event. "Although, I do recommend it for most skin types, as it doesn't break you out if you have acneic skin", she added. What makes this formula so genius is that it leaves your skin feeling great after using it. "The key thing with this products is that it doesn't disrupt the ceramide level on the the skin barrier, it takes off what it's meant to take off — pollution, makeup if you're a makeup wearing — but it doesn't disrupt the lipid layer, Dr Denning added.
Tata Harper Radiance Mask for Sensitized Skin
Tata Harper Radiance Mask for Sensitized Skin (£52) is part of the brand's new Superkind range, formulated specifically for people with reactive skin. Three years in the making, all of the products are free of fragrances and essential oils, and don't contain harsh sulphates, exfoliants, or beta-hydroxy acids. What they do boast is the SkinSafe Seal, which is a seal developed with the Mayo Clinic in the US that confirms whether or not a product is truly safe for sensitive skin (a board of dermatologists review all of the INCI lists and review the brand's testing protocols and results before awarding the distinction).
The Radiance Mask, which was hardest of the three products in the line to formulate, was inspired by the brand's best-selling and award-winning Resurfacing Mask (they have a similar gel-cream texture). "It allows people with sensitive skin to get similar benefits", founder Tata Harper told POPSUGAR over Zoom. The mask contains phytic and lactic acids, which are both skin-care acids and humectants, meaning they promote cell turnover and boost hydration at the same time. Also found in the formula is white kaolin clay, and two new sugar technologies: a sugar-derived prebiotic (to help balance the skin's microbiome) and a sugar carbohydrate complex, which helps not only bind water in the skin, but also promotes the production of hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and proteins according to the brand.
Isle of Paradise Day Dew and Night Glow
Isle of Paradise is always offering up new and innovative self-tan formulas, from its colour-correcting tanning waters back in 2018 to its most recent self-tanning butter that's become an instant best-seller. And the brand is showing no sign of slowing down; this month, it introduces two unique launches: the Isle of Paradise Day Dew Self-Tan Face Mist (£16) Isle of Paradise Night Glow Gradual Self-Tan Face Mist (£16).
The self-tanning face mists — one for day and one for night — feature bi-phase formulas that contain not only DHA (the molecule that helps turn your skin turn bronze), but also skin-coddling ingredients and mood-enhancing essential oils, placing them in the sensory beauty category that emerged during lockdown. The sprays both contain hyaluronic acid and glycerin (for moisture), but where the Day Dew includes an invigorating blend of lemon, rosemary, and sage oils, the Night Glow has a soft, calming scent of ylang ylang, jasmine, and lavender. Simply shake the bottle, then spray over your face to both lift your mood and boost your tan all in one go.
Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Bright Power Soft Creme
The new Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Bright Power Soft Creme (£75) might be airy and lightweight (making it great for the warmer months ahead), but that doesn't mean it skimps on the hydration or active ingredients. The face cream (which also comes in a fluid form) contains shea butter and sodium hyaluronate to help moisturise the skin, as well as a collagen-boosting complex made up of peptides, marine algae extract, and whey protein to help firm the skin, and moringa extract, which is a powerful antioxidant that helps neutralise free radicals in the skin that can speed up the ageing process. But it doesn't stop there, the cream also includes a combination of vitamin c and beautyberry, which isn't a made up ingredient but is an actual berry found in nature. Together, the two ingredients help brighten your complexion over time.
Vichy LiftActiv HA Epidermal Filler Serum
The Vichy LiftActiv HA Epidermal Filler Serum (£38) is non-evasive, obviously, but the 1.5% of hyaluronic acid in the formula, as well as glycerin, and vitamins CG and B5, will help hydrate the skin and smooth the appearance of fine lines, giving the illusion of a plump, radiant complexion.
SkinCeuticals Oil Shield UV Defense Sun Cream SPF 50
If you've got oily and/or spot-prone skin, and struggle finding a sunscreen that doesn't make your face look all shiny and greasy, then you might want to consider in investing in the new SkinCeuticals Oil Shield UV Defense Sun Cream SPF 50 (£41). With both mineral and chemical UV filters that provide broad-spectrum protection (so against both UVA and UVB rays), the formula also contains silica, which helps absorb excess oil, and offers a mattifying effect to your skin. The one downside is because of the mineral filters, this formula has the potential to look ashy on darker and deeper skin tones.
Grown Alchemist Natural Sunscreen SPF 30
Indie Australian brand, Grown Alchemist, gets into the sunscreen game this month with its Grown Alchemist Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 (£33). A physical sunblock that's made with zinc oxide, the formula is broad spectrum (so it protects from both UVA and UVB rays), vegan, and reef safe, and incorporates rosehip oil (rich in omegas 3, 6, and 9), antioxidants, and hydrating ingredients to ensure it leaves skin feeling silky and soft, not dusty and dry.
Decléor Eucalyptus Cica Botanic Mask
The Decléor Eucalyptus Cica Botanic Mask (£34) is all about calming and coddling the skin. As given away in the name, the mask contains eucalyptus essential oil, an ingredient that has natural antibacterial properties (it also smells divine and relaxing). It also contains cica, a nickname for centella asiatica, a leafy green herb found in Asian wetlands that's been used for centuries to treat wounds (and actually, a study in 2012 confirmed that the plant can facilitate healing of burns and incisions). Cica also has anti-inflammatory properties that help repair and soothe irritated skin, whether that's due to acne, dryness, or general sensitivity. It's also been said that cica can increase circulation and decrease moisture loss in the skin, both good things when it comes to your complexion looking plump, glowy, and dewy.
Votary Glow Drops
This month, Votary gave its Neroli & Myrrh Facial Oil an upgrade. The result? The Votary Glow Drops (£65), which now features a mess-free dropper so there's no chance of spilling oil all over your bathroom counter. It still smells of neroli and myrrh, and features hazelnut, argan, grape, and apricot oils that help hydrate the areas of your skin that need it, without overloading the spots that don't. Skin simply looks luminous and feels balanced after using it.
Bioré Clear & Bright AHA Clay Face Mask
The Bioré Clear & Bright AHA Clay Face Mask (£7) works in two ways to leave your skin smoother, your complexion brighter, and your pores a bit clearer. The mask contains clay, which helps absorb excess oil on the surface of the skin, while alpha-hydroxy acids derived from fruits (in this case lemon and papaya) help to remove dead skin cells lingering on the skin that can make your skin look dull.
Zelens Tea Shot Urban Defence Serum
The Zelens Tea Shot Urban Defence Serum (£85) is a concentrated moisturising and antioxidant serum that contains five different types of tea: green, matcha, white, red, and black (as well as kombucha, which is a form of fermented black tea). The teas are rich in polyphenols and flavonoids (both antioxidants) that not only have anti-inflammatory properties but also help protect the skin from external stressors that can lead to premature ageing. It's a great serum to layer underneath your moisturiser and sunscreen for an extra layer of protection this summer.
Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Evening Mist
Spritz the Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Evening Mist (£55) over your face before you go bed help calm and soothe your skin with ingredients like reparative CBD, stress-relieving magnesium salts, and relaxing lavender oils.
Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Radiance Emulsion
The Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Radiance Emulsion (£52) launched at Selfridge's in April, but this month the serum/emulsion hybrid becomes available nationwide. This pretty product — which you'd slot in before your moisturiser — does quite a lot for your skin: it hydrates, brightens, soothes, and protects, thanks to a bevy of antioxidants.
Chantecaille Purifying and Exfoliating Phytoactive Solution
The Chantecaille Purifying and Exfoliating Phytoactive Solution (£76) is chock-full of skin-care acids including AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs to help brighten and smooth your skin, as well as unclog pores (click here if you need a refresher on all the different types of acids out there). But this isn't just a chemical exfoliator; it also contains red microalgae and botanical extracts that the brand claims regulate sebum production and balance the skin's microbiome — the very top layer of skin that's made up of over a trillion types of bacteria that help us fight infections, protects against environmental damage, regulate pH levels, and keep our skin plump and glowy.
Glow Hub Pep Talk Plumping Peptide Rescue Balm
The Glow Hub Pep Talk Plumping Peptide Rescue Balm (£7) joins the brand's core range this month. The vegan and cruelty-free lip balm contains hydrating avocado, rosehip, and almond oils as well as peptides that help plump your lips. It's a great everyday lip balm, but also makes a great prep before lipstick.
Kylie Skin Makeup Melting Cleanser
When mixed with water, the Kylie Skin Makeup Melting Cleanser (£30) transforms from a lightweight cream to a silky oil that quickly breaks down and whisks away your makeup and any grime from the day. And with key ingredients like olive oil and glycerin, skin is left soft and silky after you've rinsed it all off.
Weleda Body Lotions
Skin care doesn't stop from the neck down, which is why we've added the Weleda Body Lotion to the list, which the brand has reformulated for 2021. Launching 18 May, the brand introduces four new vegan-friendly body lotions: the Hydrating Body Lotion, the Unscented Body Lotion, the Pampering Body Lotion, and our personal favourite, the Weleda Refreshing Body Lotion (£12.50), which has a mouthwatering lemon-and-lime scent that is perfect for the warmer summer months. All the formulas contain natural butters and oils and are silky and fast-absorbing.
Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Bright Cream
Not only does the new Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Bright Cream (£18) smell incredible — it has an intoxicating creamy, vanilla-y, and musky scent — but the formula also helps to hydrate and brighten the skin, thanks to the addition of alpha hydroxy acids derived from mango and banana and vitamin C ester. It also contains willow bark extract, which is rich in salicin (the natural source of salicylic acid) to help prevent ingrown hairs.
Faith in Nature Coconut Hand & Body Lotion
This month, natural beauty brand Faith in Nature debuts new Hand & Body Lotions in three of its best-selling scents: Grapefruit & Orange, Coconut and Lavender & Geranium. The hard-working lotions contain both coconut oil and shea butter, and we love that they also come in 5 litre jugs that allow you to refill the 400 millilitre bottles (shown here). With the summer months ahead, we can't wait to slather the Faith in Nature Coconut Hand & Body Lotion (£6) after every shower.
Sand & Sky Tasmanian Spring Water Wonder Body Lotion
Inspired by the brand's cream and serum of the same name, the Sand & Sky Tasmanian Spring Water Wonder Body Lotion (£39) helps keep limbs soft, smooth, and hydrated thanks to mineral-rich Tasmanian spring water, hyaluronic acid, and fermented sea kelp.
Sisley Black Rose Beautifying Emulsion
Makeup artists and beauty editors love Sisley's Black Rose Cream Mask despite its hefty price — it leaves skin ridiculously soft, plump, and radiant in the morning. The new Sisley Black Rose Beautifying Emulsion (£155), which is a body cream inspired by the iconic face treatment, will do the exact same thing for your skin from the neck, down.
Nuxe Prodigieux Floral Scented Shower Gel
Speaking of body care, we'll definitely be adding the Nuxe Prodigieux Floral Scented Shower Gel (£13) to our shower routine this month. Inspired by the brand's Prodigieux Floral hair and body oil, the luxurious body wash features the same beautifully optimistic, citrusy-floral fragrance, which is a combination of bright and zesty notes (lemon and bergamot), and softer, smoother ones (magnolia, orange blossom, and musk).
Summer Fridays Pooltime Glowing Body Oil
Summer Fridays Pooltime Glowing Body Oil (£26, plus international shipping fees) is a great product to have on hand once the temperature finally starts to warm up here. The shimmering gold body oil leaves skin glistening, whilst ingredients like macadamia, jojoba, apricot kernel and sunflower oils help keep you hydrated.
Seed to Skin The Matcha Soap
The Seed to Skin The Matcha Soap (£52) provides the perfect opportunity to turn your bath or shower time into a truly luxurious, spa-like experience. The liquid body soap has a sophisticated citrusy-green fragrance, and a slew of hydrating oils (wheat germ, sunflower, and coconut to be exact) blended with matcha tea extract.
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Sensitive
Parisian Pharmaceutical brand Embryolisse is loved by beauty editors, makeup artists, and dermatologists across the globe thanks to its highly effective formulas, with the star of the brand being the Lait-Crème Concentre. Luckily, for all you sensitive skin folks out there, the famous cream now comes in a new ultra-sensitive version. The Embryolisse Lait-Crème Sensitive (£25) is formulated with all of the same good-for-the-skin ingredients like fatty acids and vitamins, but without the fragrance. Whilst fragrance in skin care isn't an issue for most people, for those with highly sensitive skin and conditions such as eczema and rosacea, it's often best to skip the fragrance — at least until you can get a handle on your triggers.
