From the beginning, Algenist has always been about two things: alguronic acid and using ingredients derived from algae. It took seven years, but the brand finally found a natural-yet-potent form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) in the form of spirulina, which is found naturally in blue algae and. Once Algenist pinpointed and tested the ingredient — discovering that it was more potent than any other naturally-occurring sources of vitamin C such as goji berry, kakadu plum, strawberry, and camu camu extracts — they got to work formulating its first vitamin C product, the result of which is the Algenist Blue Algae Vitamin C Dark Spot Correcting Peel (£80), launching in the UK on 15 Sept. exclusively on Cult Beauty.
In addition to vitamin C, the peel contains alguronic acid (which softens fine lines and promotes hydration), the brand's proprietary Triple Acid Complex (made up of low levels of alpha, beta, and poly hydroxy acids, as well as azelaic acid and tranexamic acid), and lavender and blue tansy oils (for the colour and the smell). With all of those actives, you wouldn't be wrong to think this might be superharsh. But Algenist formulated the peel in a special way — putting glycerin at the top of the ingredient list instead of water. Not only does the humectant attract water into the skin to keep it from drying out (meaning less irritation), but it also helps deliver the ingredients in a really interesting way. The ingredients in the peel will not activate until they come into contact with water, meaning you must apply this to damp skin to get it to work, then leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing it off. All of these things — the glycerin base, the stable vitamin C that only activates when you mix it with water, and the low levels of multiple acids (versus high levels of just one) — result in a brightening and spot-fading formula that won't burn your face off.