February 2021’s Buzziest Skin-Care Launches

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New skincare launches

ICYMI, skincare is having a major moment. People (other than me, that is) may be wearing less makeup while hiding out at home, but they’re definitely more interested in their skin than ever before. All those hours staring at our enormous pores on Zoom are putting a serious focus on skincare regimes, and these new launches are here to help.

(Related: The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Your Skin Smooth All Winter Long)

Courtesy of Charlotte Tilsbury

Charlotte Tilbury Super Radiance Resurfacing Facial

I’m not a huge fan of sheet masks because I always feel like I’m wearing some kind of slimy Kleenex, and I don’t love most leave-on masks either because my family always runs away from me screaming when I use them. So I’m pretty into this new entry from Charlotte Tilbury. The formula, which uses a super smoothie of exfoliating AHA, BHA, PHA and prickly pear, is clear, so I just slap it on once a week for 20 minutes while I drink my coffee. Nobody is any the wiser, and my skin is super smooth and glow-y afterwards.

$85, charlottetilbury.com.

(Related: The Benefits of a (Seriously) Stripped Down Skin-Care Routine)

Courtesy of Threeships

Three Ships Refresh Papaya + Salicylic Cleanser

The latest launch from this indie Canadian brand is a plant-based gentle foam cleanser for breakout-prone skin. Papaya extract is on brightening duty while Aspen Bark extract—which contains naturally high levels of zit-zapping salicylic acid—fights breakouts. Vegan and cruelty, sulfate and paraben free.

$28, holtrenfrew.com.

(Related: 9 Beauty Products Dermatologists Wish You’d Stop Wasting Money On)

Courtesy of Glow Recipe

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow AHA Pink Dream Body Cream

This beloved K-beauty brand has taken body lotion to the next level with this lightweight cream that hydrates and exfoliates at the same time. Hibiscus AHA smooths, watermelon seed butter moisturizes and hyaluronic acid hydrates in this vegan, cruelty-free formula that’s snagged the “Clean at Sephora” seal for being free of nasty ingredients.

$37, sephora.com.

(Related: A Decade-by-Decade Guide to Changing Up Your Skin Care Routine)

Courtesy of Inkey List

The Inkey List Fulvic Acid Brightening Cleanser

Wallet-friendly brand The Inkey List has launched a gel cleanser that brightens up your skin and removes your makeup at the same time. Hero ingredients in this vegan and cruelty free formula include Nordic peat, which is full of exfoliating fulvic acid, nourishing kakadu plum extract and illuminating licorice root.

$14, sephora.com. 

(Related: The 8 Best Things to Do to Your Skin in Quarantine, According to a Dermatologist)

Courtesy of the Detox Market

Detox Mode Nourishing Jelly Cleanser

Natural beauty destination The Detox Market have expanded their skincare line with three yummy botanical face cleansers. They’ve got formulas for dull (Renewing Foam Cleanser) and sensitive (Adoring Cream Cleanser) skin, but I’ve got my eye on the Nourishing Jelly for “wilted” or “drained” skin made with sweet almond oil, ylang ylang and rosehip oil.

$49, thedetoxmarket.ca.

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Courtesy of The Beauty of Eczema

The Beauty of Eczema Moisturizing Cream and Skin Wash

Canadians can now get their hands on this UK brand that’s specifically formulated for extra sensitive skin.  Along with natural butters and oat lipids, the cream uses the prebiotic Bioecolia to help balance the skin and strengthen its moisture barrier, and the secret sauce in the skin wash is rhamnosoft, a fermented sugar-based ingredient that soothes dryness.

Wash, $24 and cream, $32, shoppersdrugmart.ca.

(Related: The Best Sleeping Facial Masks for Brighter, Smoother Skin)

Courtesy of C'est Moi

C’est Moi Gentle Moisture Lotion

Affordable U.S. clean beauty brand C’est Moi has expanded into Canada with a full slate of skincare products. This fragrance-free lotion is packed with nourishing goodness like organic sweet almond oil and shea butter, plus organic calendula, strawberry, apple and kiwi extracts. It’s also vegan, cruelty free and made without parabens, phthalates, sulfates or silicone.

$18, walmart.ca. 

(Related: Facial Cupping Will De-Puff Your Face While Relieving Built-Up Tension)

Courtesy of Dermatologica

Dermalogica Melting Moisture Masque

With a super satisfying melting sensation, this buttery mask delivers extreme moisture to extra dry skin.  Massage it into your face once or twice a week and your body heat transforms the formula from a balm to a nourishing oil full of hydrating micro-algae, nourishing linoleic acid and protective Vitamin E.

$92, dermalogica.ca.

(Related: How to Give Yourself a Spa-Worthy At-Home Facial)

Courtesy of Grown Alchemist

Grown Alchemist

Beauty nerds are pumped that this schmancy cult skincare line from Australia has finally landed on Canadian shores. This uber clean collection is certified organic, cruelty free, comes in chic minimalist packaging and smells amazing. There’s everything from a gentle facial cleanser with bergamot, geranium and rosebud to a lip balm with watermelon and vanilla, but I’m partial to the hand wash with sweet orange, cedarwood and sage just so I can feel a bit of joy while scrubbing 7,465 times a day.

$49, sephora.com. 

Next: Could Psychodermatology Be the Key to Healthier Skin?