These days, I am not really into testing skincare as much as I was. I’m quite content with my routine and satisfied that nothing is breaking me out, so I’ve just had the same products on rotation. The only problem I can’t prevent is hormonal breakouts but I can make them less devastating and ensure they heal okay.
What I’ve found very useful is my discovery of the light layering technique in terms of hydrating the skin. Instead of using few heavier layers, I have been playing with the idea of patting in multiple layers of light, watery liquid essence-type products and wanted another essence to do this with. I had samples of Etude House Collagen Essence which I quite liked and I also have a LJH TeaTree90 essence which is too expensive and precious to just slather on all the time in multiple layers.
So, in this product category, B Refreshed Essence Lotion is really the only UK drugstore option at the minute. It comes in a generous 140ml for about £6.99, and is often on offer at Superdrug so make sure to keep an eye out – this includes buy-one-get-one-free!
From the website:
B. Refreshed is a lightweight, soothing essence lotion. It replenishes skin with 12 hour intense moisture.
Instantly soothes – Allantoin helps to soften, protect and soothe.
Softens and smoothes – With naturally derived Algae Extract.
12hr hydration – Packed with Hyaluronic Acid to moisturise deep down.
Dermatologically approved.
Here are the ingredients:
Aqua, Isopentyldiol, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Panthenol, Pentylene Glycol, Sorbitol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Cross polymer, Fructose, Urea, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Polyglutamate, Parfum, Sodium Hydroxide, Allantoin, Maltose, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Lactate, Sodium PCA, Trehalose, Algae Extract, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Glucose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Geraniol, Potassium Sorbate, CI 61570, CI 47005
It comes in a pour bottle which has a small hole at the top so not too much splashes out. I would absolutely love a pump or a dropper but for this price, I am fine with it.
It has a clear, thin and runny texture which I was looking for and was happy with, but there was a tacky feeling which I did not like as I patted it in. It also had quite a perfumey smell that lingered as I was patting it in – not unpleasant, but I feel that it really isn’t appropriate for this type of product. If it were to have a scent at all it should be calming and not likely to induce a headache. I don’t have a sensitive nose but this might be off putting for those who do – it’s certainly stopped me from reaching for this as much as I might do otherwise.
In short, yes, it does the job and lightly hydrates the skin, but Superdrug haven’t quite captured the essence of the essence in the finer details. I’ll persevere whilst I go through my supply and have been soaking mine in sheet mask tablets to use up more of it. I’ve also discovered Muji’s Moist Essence Lotion which is a pricier UK alternative and seems to tick the boxes so far, so perhaps I’ll try it out.
Thank you for reading! Until next time,
X
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