I’d wanted to try Kate Somerville’s products for a while, though they aren’t the cheapest and easiest to get in Europe. However, last year, I found a good deal on a set from KS, so I decided to give this brand a try.

The moisturiser comprises a host of moisture-retaining ingredients such as fatty alcohols, dimethicone, cholesterol, and various oils like the omega-rich cucumber seed oil, known for its skin-soothing properties. There are also ceramides and honey extract, which is full of amino acids, antioxidants and other compounds beneficial for the skin’s health. What’s more, honey may aid in creating a protective barrier on the skin, and it’s pretty high on the list. The formula also includes several other components meant to repair and soothe the skin, like green tea extract, adenosine, and the list goes on; there is plenty of everything. The product is free of fragrance and suitable for all skin types. 

In short, the product is disappointing. I’ve expected it to be much thicker and denser, as it’s intended for irritated skin, which in my perception is prone to moisture loss, so it benefits from occlusive moisturisers. Unfortunately, this moisturiser does not cope with dry skin well. Like every winter, my skin gets dry and flaky, and this product couldn’t remedy that – I’ve had to return to my trusted SVR Sebiaclear Hydra. Another issue with this product is that it leaves my skin incredibly oily, so whenever I use it, I end up with glistening patches of dry skin, which is comical and bizarre to look at in the mirror. The cream melts upon application but doesn’t truly absorb.  

It’s just an average moisturiser; I wouldn’t recommend it for combating irritation or dehydration. Based on my experience, I’m not convinced that this product is suited for its intended purpose. On Kate Somerville’s website, the brand’s founder claims to use the cream after peels or on stressed skin. I don’t see how this cream would be helpful after treatments such as peels, perhaps it’s good for redness. It’s better to opt for something thicker and plainer when your skin needs to take it easy. Also, the product’s cost is staggering, I bought the cream last year in a set from Lookfantastic.com for less than half of its original price, which made the purchase justifiable, but the RRP for the moisturiser is too high. I’ve actually enjoyed using the cleanser more than the cream, but it isn’t a good value for money. The moisturiser includes many great ingredients, but there’s no tech, not much R&D in the product. People have applied honey on their skin for centuries, and it’s no secret that emollients moisturise the skin. So why is the price tag so hefty? Of course, if you want to try it, like me, I won’t stop you from buying it, but there are loads of moisturisers for irritated skin on the market.

Ingredients:

Butter, Pentylene Glycol, Hexyldecanol, Glyceryl Stearate, Dimethicone, Ceramide NP, Mel (Honey Extract, Extrait de Miel), Tetrapeptide-14, Ceramide EOP, Boswellia Serrata Extract, Phtosphingosine, Ceramide AP, Cholesterol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Ectoin, Cetylhydroxyproline Palmitamide, Bisabolol, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Seed Oil, Hydroxyectoin, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Adenosine, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Sorbitan Isostearate, Stearic Acid, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Sterols, Tocopherol, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Aspalathus Linearis Extract, Aminomethyl Propanol, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, PEG-40 Stearate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, 4-t-Butylcyclohexanol, Isohexadecane, Polysilicone-11, Ceteareth-20, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Polysorbate 60, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Carbomer, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate. (lookfantastic.com).