Who doesn’t love a new skincare launch?
Obviously that was a rhetorical question.
And good thing, because SO MANY new serums, masks, moisturisers and cleansers hit our shelves over the last 12 months.
In fact, you probably missed a bunch of them in all the shiny yet overwhelming new beauty commotion.
Side note, we crunched the numbers to find our top-selling products from 2021 in this YouTube video below.
It has to be said: Even if you’re obsessed with beauty like I am, just because something is new, doesn’t mean you have to buy it.
But if you have the means and the product description and ingredients sound right up your alley, nothing beats the rush of an Adore Beauty haul arriving at your door.
Complete with a Tim Tam, of course.
So, let’s chat through some of the underrated new skincare products you probably missed in 2021 that deserve your attention.
What:
PCA SKIN Hyaluronic Acid Overnight Mask
This is an intensely hydrating overnight moisturising cream/gel hybrid.
The gel-like texture is super light, yet so intensely nourishing. Perfect if you love to wake up with plump, hydrated and healthy skin.
It’s made to be used every night, or whenever your skin needs an extra dose of hydration.
Best for:
All skin types can benefit from this night cream, however if you are dry, dehydrated or sensitive, then this would be great for you.
Oily skin types who don’t like the heavy feel of a cream would also get around this.
Trust me, you will always wake up looking glowy, hydrated and fresh after using this mask.
Oh, and it also smells amazing.
Shop PCA SKIN Hyaluronic Acid Overnight Mask here:
What:
NIOD Copper Amino Isolate Serum 3 1:1 - 30ml
The peptide serum to add to your routine if you have age management concerns.
It essentially delivers skin-building peptides into the skin while working on brightening and reducing the look of dullness, and helping overall skin health.
Best for:
All skin types will benefit from this, however I personally loved this when I was breastfeeding and wasn’t using vitamin A.
I am always recommending it to women who are pregnant, too.
Peptides are great ingredients to have in your routine during this time. This is also a great serum for anyone that may want to tackle the early signs of ageing.
Shop NIOD Copper Amino Isolate Serum 3 1:1 here:
What:
This kit contains four of Alpha-H’s most popular single ingredient serums: vitamins A, B, C and E.
Designed to tackle a range of concerns, they’re all 15ml, so you can trial each one before you commit to buying a larger size.
The formulas aren't new, but the newly-renovated bright packaging will also look great on the bathroom shelf!
Best for:
These are great entry-level serums, and the kit is a cost-effective way to try the products before committing to the full-size bottles.
My top pick is the the vitamin E serum. It's so incredibly soothing and very underrated, in my opinion.
Note, if you have sensitive or easily-irritated skin, I’d introduce the vitamin A serum into your routine slowly so as not to cause any irritation.
Shop Alpha-H Vitamin Discovery Kit here:
What:
Aceology Hydro Glow & Deep Hydration Watermelon Eye Mask
These under-eye patches visibly hydrate and wake up dull and tired eyes.
Best for:
If you are perpetually sleep-deprived or have a big event you really want to prep your under eyes for, then these would be great.
I love keeping under-eye patches in the fridge too for extra cooling and de-puffing oomph.
Shop Aceology Hydro Glow & Deep Hydration Watermelon Eye Mask here:
What:
This creamy cleanser is the latest addition to the Cosmedix Crystal line.
It uses the same science as the Cosmedix Crystal Eye Serum (you know, the famous one that's often described as unicorn tears) to cleanse your face, without stripping your skin.
Best for:
If you are a dry, dehydrated or mature skin-haver, you will benefit most from this product.
Personally, I have found now that I’m over 30, my skin loves a cream cleanser, especially first thing in the morning.
Cosmedix makes some of my favourite cleansers and this one is amazing!
Shop Cosmedix Crystal Cleanse here:
What:
This is a powerful pigmentation serum that helps brighten age spots and pigmentation.
It's also packed with resveratrol and potent peptides, making it great for tackling the early signs of ageing.
Best for:
All skin types will tolerate this, however it would be best for anyone who wants to focus on treating sun-induced hyperpigmentation.
It would also be great for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation caused by acne scarring, and you could easily use this serum both morning and night.
Shop Medik8 Oxy-R Peptides here:
What:
Avène A-Oxitive NIGHT Peeling Cream
A vitamin A night cream designed to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, texture and dullness by gradually delivering the active ingredient for less irritation.
Best for:
Tend to have issues incorporating ingredients like vitamin A into your routine?
A serum like this could be a great way to try, minus the side effects.
As with any active skincare product, it is best to introduce the product slowly so as not to cause irritation, and always wear sunscreen during the day.
Shop Avène A-Oxitive NIGHT Peeling Cream here:
What:
THE SKILLS Auto Correct Face Serum
This is a one-and-done serum that helps hydrate the skin, provides antioxidant protection and is formulated with peptides to support healthy skin.
Best for:
Yes, this brand is marketed as a men's skincare brand, but I believe anyone can use any skincare product!
All skin types can benefit from this serum, but it's best for anyone who really doesn’t want to overwhelm themselves with elaborate skincare routines.
This is for you if you need a fuss-free serum that can be used both AM and PM.
Shop THE SKILLS Auto Correct Face Serum here:
What:
Welleco The Super Skin Elixir 60 Capsules
Meet the capsule version of Welleco's popular daily greens powder.
Each capsule is full of antioxidants, vitamins C, E, B3, and B6, as well as minerals like copper and zinc that all support healthy skin.
(Side note: not recommended while pregnant/breastfeeding.)
Best for:
Not into green powders or adding supplements to smoothies? These capsules are very easy to take.
Every skin type can benefit from these and they’re a great way to get added greens and vital nutrients into your diet.
I wouldn’t say they’re an essential component to a skincare routine, but using a product like this is like the icing on a cake.
I personally love all of Welleco’s products and if you can’t stomach a greens powder, this is a nice alternative.
Shop Welleco The Super Skin Elixir 60 Capsules here:
What:
Aspect Sun Physical Sun Protection SPF 50+ Sunscreen Cream
This is Aspect Skincare’s first physical SPF. (You can learn more about the difference between 'chemical' and 'mineral/physical' sunscreens here.)
It uses zinc oxide as a UV filter and is great for anyone who has issues with chemical formulas.
It’s also a mattifying, water-resistant formula and leaves minimal white cast, so it doesn’t have a chalky feeling that is super common with physical sunscreens.
Best for:
Everyone, but especially those with blemish-prone, sensitive or reactive skin
And of course, SPF is only one part of sun protection!
Always seek shade, and wear sunnies, a hat and protective clothing. Use sufficient sunscreen for all unprotected areas and reapply sunscreen as directed. Always read the label. You know the drill.
Shop Aspect Sun Physical Sun Protection SPF 50+ Sunscreen Cream here:
