Elemis Skincare: The Best Products and Brand Review

Elemis skincare

@elemis

As the skincare lovers that we are, it’s really no surprise that we’re always down to try the latest and greatest products to hit the market. While some lesser-known brands undoubtedly launch newbies worthy of our devotion, other brands are staples—classics, if you will—from the get-go. Case in point: Elemis

The fan-favorite clean skincare brand has been around for decades, but unless you have ample bucks to spend, many budding beauty lovers don’t know much about the brand beyond the looks of its label. Such is the reality of luxe products. That said, if or when you do get your hands on the products from the UK-based brand, your old skincare routine will undeniably need an update. After all, with dreamy cleansers and texture-perfecting toners in a collection that promotes collagen production, it’s safe to say there are dozens of swoon-worthy Elemis products just waiting to be discovered. 

Which is precisely why we’re here to introduce them to you, today. 

Elemis

Founded: Noella Gabriel, Oriele Frank, and Sean C. Harringon, in 1988

Based In: London

Pricing: $$$ (most products are $40 and above)

Best Known For: Spa-quality products with “an aromatherapist’s soul, an artist’s spirit, and a scientist’s commitment to results.”

Most Popular Product: Pro Collagen Marine Cream, Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads, Superfood Facial Oil

Fun Fact: Elemis has won over 200 beauty and spa awards for its products. 

Other Brands You’ll Love: L’Occitane, Algenist, and Tata Harper

Point blank: Elemis is a skincare brand worth considering for your own daily routine. Not only because the products look nice, but because they genuinely do a world of good for the skin—and have been for 30 years. 

Part of what makes these products so admirable is their devotion to skin wellness. In essence, if an ingredient isn’t wholly beneficial to the complexion, it won’t be included in the brand's products. 

“With a mission to deliver Truth in Beauty, we set out to deliver pro-skincare powered by active naturals in sublime textures, with proven results, and we introduced the industry and its consumers to an entirely new concept: skin wellness,” says co-founder and global president Noella Gabriel. “Our consumers have grown into this concept with a newfound awareness, and this growth has been fundamental to the Elemis journey.”

See, that’s the thing about Elemis: Once you start using the products, you start to realize what certain good-for-you ingredients can do for the look and feel of your skin. 

“At Elemis we don’t believe in miracles, we believe in delivering results,” Gabriel says, noting that, as a brand, Elemis is committed to creating quality skincare. It does so by formulating its products based on four key principles.

First and foremost is skin health. “Our products work to protect your skin’s unique microflora and fight off daily aggressors, while promoting a healthy acid mantle,” Gabriel says. “Following your virtual or in-store skin consultation, your personalized Elemis Skin Wellness Plan will be tailored to maximize the health of your skin.”

Next up is the fact that all of the products in the Elemis brand portfolio deliver proven results. “Every new Elemis formula is rigorously tested to ensure maximum efficacy, and our powerful active ingredients deliver clinically-proven results,” Gabriel explains. “We are committed to delivering results that you can see and feel, inside and outside.”

Thirdly, the brand focuses on creating products that actually feel good—both physically and sensorially. “We want our products to bring joy to your life,” Gabriel says. “With a foundation in aromatherapy, our products are thoughtfully created with natural fragrances and sublime textures. Our approach to skincare is holistic; we believe in the power of engaging all the senses on your skin wellness journey."

Lastly, the brand prides itself on being fully transparent. “All of our products are developed in our Elemis Innovation Hub here in London,” Gabriel adds. “We proudly manufacture in England, with the highest standards in quality and safety.”

Which brings us full circle to the overarching notion of the brand: It’s all about being holistic. Where some skincare brands focus solely on vanity, Elemis hopes to instill feelings of positivity throughout, lending both to an improved complexion and a whole beauty outlook. 

With all that in mind—along with the appearance of the products—some folks think that Elemis is targeted toward an older demographic. On the contrary, it’s fit for people of all ages—men, women, and nonbinary folks included. After all, at the end of the day, everyone can benefit from a holistic, results-proven skincare routine.

So, without further ado, read on for our favorite Elemis products.

01 of 06

Pro-Collagen Marine Cream

ELEMIS PRO COLLAGEN MARINE CREAM

Say hello to the ultimate anti-aging day cream. This water-based cream is infused with anti-inflammatory mimosa extract (which works like a charm to tone skin), calming rose extract, and hydrating padina pavonica (a brown algae that your skin will go bonkers over). All together, these ingredients make this universally-beneficial cream a particular dream for folks with sensitive and reactive skin types. And, as someone with a complexion that flares up at the slightest touch or hint of an unfamiliar ingredient, I can safely say that this wrinkle-reducing cream won’t let you down. 

02 of 06

Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30

ELEMIS PRO-COLLAGEN MARINE CREAM SPF 30

As wonderful as the OG Marine Cream is, there’s something especially wonderful about the SPF 30 version. Namely, it goes that extra step in protecting your skin against UV damage while staying true to the key sensitive-skin-friendly ingredients in the original formulation. That said, it also features skin-firming chlorella and ginkgo biloba, giving it an extra anti-aging boost.

03 of 06

Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads

ELEMIS RESURFACING PADS

Sometimes the idea of having to perform multiple steps to tone your face is enough to make you want to skip the step altogether. Fortunately, Elemis understands that and came up with pre-soaked Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads, which work well for—wait for it—all skin types. These skin-smoothing pads are packed with a triad of enzymes, ultra-gentle exfoliating lactic acid, and a probiotic ferment complex that works to improve radiance and tone. The result? Insanely smooth, virtually poreless skin over time. Seriously, your best complexion yet could be just two-swipes-a-day away with these fan-favorite pads. Thankfully each jar comes with 60 (though there’s a 14-pad travel size, as well).

04 of 06

Superfood Facial Oil

ELEMIS SUPERFOOD FACIAL OIL

Facial oils can seem tricky for some skin types—particularly for those with oily and acne-prone skin. But, believe it or not, applying an oil—this one in particular—can lead to your most radiant, even-looking skin yet. Here’s why: First off, it’s loaded with nine superfood oils, which are chock-full of antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and vitamin C. All three of these nutrients can help repair damaged skin (say, like the kind associated with frequent flare-ups) while boosting moisture, texture, and tone. What’s more, flaxseed oil—another standout in the formula—also works to address moisture levels. With each drop applied, you can expect this facial oil to help hydrate your skin and effectively rebalance its oil production. 

05 of 06

Papaya Enzyme Peel

ELEMIS PAPAYA ENZYME PEEL

The word peel might make this product seem scarier than it is. Though, if you’re acquainted with the magic of skin peels, then the name alone may make you want to click ‘Add to Bag.’ Here’s the deal: This peel is actually a rinse-off exfoliator. But rather than making your skin peel in an unfavorable, unsightly way, it works microscopically to slough away dead skin cells in an effort to reveal brighter, smoother, softer skin underneath. It’s super mild, and over 97% of participants in the 2016 123-subject study felt that it worked its magic without leaving any negative side effects behind. This ultimately means that, despite being a peel, even folks with sensitive and/or reactive skin types can enjoy it. 

06 of 06

Superfood Facial Wash

ELEMIS SUPERFOOD FACIAL WASH

Just as your internal organs can benefit from consistent superfood consumption, so can your skin. That’s why Elemis launched its Superfood Facial Wash, a daily rinse infused with a variety of nutrient-dense superfoods, like broccoli and kale extracts. While anyone can use the gel formula, there’s no doubt that those with dull complexions will benefit the most, as the sole purpose of this wash is to attain a natural-looking glow. 

Related Stories