A few powerful hydrators I keep close to me, and are worth spreading the word about.
We all have that product in our skincare routine, and we can’t explain why we have them.
If a product has no impact on my skin after using it 2 or 3 times, if there are no results after the second application, there is a big chance I will lose interest, stop using it, and keep it on the shelf, as a reminder it was not what I expected.
Eventually, I realize it’s been three months, and I have a collection of expensive and less expensive skincare products, just lining up on the bathroom shelf, doing nothing but collecting the steam.
I have a consistent list full of indie, cult, and independent beauty brands announcing amazing science and commitment behind their products, and with outstanding reviews, why should I waste my time on a product that does not impress me after the third application?!
I do, however, give every brand a second chance. After all, I invested time and energy in finding it, and I will buy another product from the same brand if the first one I tried worked out less for me.
I have so many skincare products I purchased and used three times or less in more than one year for different reasons; here are 5 powerful hydrators and a little debate around them:
🤍 REN Skincare Evercalm™ Overnight Recovery Balm
🤍ALGENIST Genius Collagen Calming Relief
🤍 OSKIA Isotonic Hydra-Serum
🤍 ZELENS Power D
🤍 Egyptian Magic All-Purpose skin cream
I’ve noticed:
✅My skin did not react to the 1st application (no irritations, no red spots, no itchiness, no oil production increased)
✅Having them in the house is useful (sunburns, irritations, flakiness, dryness, dehydration, fine lines, etc.)
✅Highly moisturizing and do just what they brag they should do
✅Both my hubby and I can use them.
What these 5 powerful hydrators have in common:
🏆Natural ingredients. All five products emphasize the use of natural ingredients in their formulations, which is obvious from the ingredient lists that include various plant extracts and oils.
🏆Hydration and skin-soothing. Each product provides hydration and moisturization to the skin. They contain ingredients known for their skin-soothing properties, such as bisabolol (chamomile extract), and various plant extracts such as calendula and aloe vera.
🏆Targeting the skin barrier. I purchased them because of the powerful ingredients that improve the skin barrier.
🏆Ethical brands. Aiming for vegan, cruelty-free, and environmentally friendly formulations is a key aspect of a conscious skincare routine.
Powerful hydrators #1 REN Skincare Evercalm™ Overnight Recovery Balm
The Brightening Dark Circle Eye Cream from REN is a constant in my skincare routine. Recently, this brand was on earth.org list of the best sustainable skincare brands in 2023 for its commitment to zero waste by 2021. I wrote about a conscious skincare routine.
Even though EVERCALM Overnight Recovery Balm is a night cream formulated for sensitive or dry skin, I have used it to repair my skin barrier. My skincare routine includes many types of acids. I had days when my skin needed a recovery balm, and this balm contains Coco-Caprylate/Caprate (a natural emollient), Glycerin (a hydrating ingredient), various plant-derived oils and extracts such as Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil and Moringa Seed Oil, which are rich in antioxidants and provide moisture to the skin. It carries a delightful fragrance and boasts a velvety, dense consistency that effortlessly glides onto the skin and is absorbed gradually, leaving a radiant glow.
I have oily skin, and to avoid excessive oil production, especially on my T-Zone, I applied this balm only on my cheeks to cover only the compromised area.
Powerful hydrators #2 ALGENIST Genius Collagen Calming Relief
I was curious about collagen, and prebiotics & probiotics, and I found Algenist. According to provenance.org, Algenist’s hero ingredient, Alguronic Acid from algae, is naturally sourced and sustainably produced through biotechnology, the innovative green science that respects nature.
From the Algenist, I have been using Alive Balancing Mask (prebiotics) and Algenist Genius Liquid Collagen Lip. I liked both, but I didn’t purchase them again.
I used Collagen Calming Relief pretty much during winter when my skin gets sensitive because of the strong winds and cold and in my evening skincare routine. Among the key powerful hydrators ingredients are vegan collagen, squalane (a hydrating and skin-softening ingredient), shea butter, jojoba seed oil, avocado oil, sunflower seed oil, and calendula to provide skin relief and support its barrier function.
It has a scent reminiscent of freshly cut greens or herbs mixed with a subtle chemical undertone. You only need a small amount for application; it rapidly absorbs into the skin, leaving it feeling wonderfully soft to the touch.
Powerful hydrators #3 OSKIA Isotonic Hydra-Serum
Oskia Isotonic Hydra-Serum is an award-winning product with a list of ingredients that includes a blend of hydrating and skin-beneficial components: Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Water (Lavender Flower Water), Glycerin (a common humectant), Dimethyl Sulphone (MSM, which can help with skin hydration and inflammation), Niacinamide Panthenol (Provitamin B5, which helps with hydration), Sodium Hyaluronate (a form of hyaluronic acid, a potent hydrator), and various amino acids, peptides, and botanical extracts.
I used it here in the Emirates for a few days in my morning skincare routine last winter and have applied it only on my cheeks. I discontinued its use due to the tacky sensation it left on my skin post-application, which made me feel like I have a lot of weight on my skin, and it might be contributing to clogged pores. The serum has a fluid, milky texture and a pronounced lavender scent that lingers on both the face and hands after use, which I found overwhelming.
Very important to add to this, the Oskia Liquid Mask Lactic Acid micro-peel was my first encounter with lactic acid, and it cleaned my T-Zone nicely.
Powerful hydrators #4 ZELENS Power D
After checking all vitamins A, B, C, and E, I found Zelens delivers Vitamin D, and I started using it for the same reason: to strengthen my skin barrier. If you’re checking the Zelens Power D ingredient list, there is NO way you will NOT buy this product. The list includes Squalane (a hydrating ingredient), Meadowfoam Seed Oil and Linseed Seed Oil (both are moisturizing oils), Avocado Oil, various fatty acids, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi Mushroom) Extract and Plankton Extract. Zelens is a skincare brand founded by a plastic and reconstructive surgeon and a renowned expert in skin aging.
You need a small amount of this vitamin D power-up liquid for application. It has a slightly noticeable smell, although only apparent if you bring it close to your nose. The finish is pleasantly shiny, and I appreciated that it didn’t make my face feel heavy or oily. Zelens Power D is my introduction to this brand, and I’m eager to have more of their products.
Powerful hydrators #5 Egyptian Magic All-Purpose skin cream
When I discovered Egyptian Magic at a Sephora store in Bucharest, it felt like a little trip in time into my grandma’s bathroom cabinet. It instantly brought to mind the vintage cream jars my grandmother always kept on hand, ready for any burns or rashes.
Egyptian Magic applies minimalism when it comes to ingredients in its formulation. The ingredient list is simple and consists of natural components: Olive Oil, Beeswax, Honey, Bee Pollen, Royal Jelly, and Bee Propolis. The brand’s flagship product, the Egyptian Magic All-Purpose Skin Cream, is celebrated for its versatility. Was crafted to be used for a wide range of skincare needs, including moisturizing dry skin, soothing minor burns and irritations, and providing a barrier against harsh weather conditions. Egyptian Magic is another award-winning brand that is highly appreciated by celebrities.
No smell, easy to apply with a balm-like texture that absorbs fast into the skin, leaving it soft to the touch. This cream does wonders on the skin that has been exposed to the sun all day.
In the Emirates, the daily transition from comfortable indoor AC temperatures of 20-21 degrees with cooling air on your face to the outdoor elements of humidity, dry air, and sandy winds, all under scorching temperatures exceeding 45 degrees, is a common occurrence. By the end of the week, the toll on your skin becomes noticeable. The skin barrier is a priority for me. 🙋🏻♀️
I realized these products are powerful hydrators and feel like a little too much for my oily combination skin for daily application. These five products were specially designed for the overall sensitive skin in desperate need of hydration and moisturizing.
I still use a little bit of each of these powerful hydrators from time to time, especially when I feel I have exaggerated with the use of acids, but I am working on a different strategy in my skincare routine steps so that I can remove the many types of powerful acids I now have in my skincare routine, not needing highly moisturizing products like these, and protecting my skin barrier as well.
The Founder
If you are an expat in the Middle East facing skin concerns and want to share your story, send us a message at [email protected]
*Disclosure: I received no compensation for this review. This is solely based on my personal experience and assessment.
