Hi everyone!
Here I am with a new skincare review and it's all about Estée Lauder Nutritious Mico-Algae Line. This line was launched earlier this year (in summer 2017) and I've been using it ever since.
This line focuses on algae and light and silky textures. As you know I really like Estée Lauder as a brand and I've tried many of their products. I've noticed that they very often add different types of algae in their products and find this quite cool as some algae can have beneficial effects on the skin.
Briefly when I reviewed their New Dimension Shape + Fill Expert Serum, I talked about this subject so I'll link back to this article here.
Algae and cosmetics
Many algae contain antioxidant molecules that have a promising potential in skincare and in food supplements. As usual, antioxidants are really useful to protect cells from oxidative stress responsible of many diseases and aging. Algae also contain polysaccharides. Polysaccharides are responsible for the skin’s natural ability to hydrate and retain water. They are critical for skin repair and skin renewal. In summary, although litterature about algae and cosmetics is still relatively new and not very well developed yet. it is clear that algae are potentially really interesting extracts to use in cosmetics. If you want to know more about algae and their potential, you can read the following review articles (1, 2, 3).
But back to Estée Lauder Nutritious Mico-Algae Line. This new line consists of 4 products: a toner, an emulsion (called lotion here), a gel cleanser and a black cleansing bar. Among them, there are 2 products that I absolutely love and adore, and 2 that don't interest me that much.
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The Pore Minimizing Shake Tonic
CLAIMS This is a dual-phase clay-in-tonic blend that helps absorb excess oil, reduce shine and minimize the look of pores.
HOW IT LOOKS/FEELS/SMELLS
This toner contains a powder (the clay) that settles at the bottom of the bottle. Don't forget to shake it before using it. It also contains some micas but you can't really see them on the skin.
When you apply it, it feels fresh and rather nice. It dries to a matte finish.
It is a watery toner with a water-like density. Concerning the scent, there is an alcohol scent combined with a salty scent that you find in the gel cleanser as well.
INGREDIENTS
Water\Aqua\Eau , Alcohol Denat. , Butylene Glycol , Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract , Asparagus Officinalis Stem Extract , Chlorella Vulgaris Extract , Panax Ginseng (Ginseng) Root Extract , Glycerin , Echinacea Purpurea (Coneflower) Extract , Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate , Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract , Laminaria Saccharina Extract , Spirulina Platensis (Algae) Powder , Copper Sulfate , Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex , Aluminum Chlorohydrate , Biotin , Sucrose , Lactobacillus Ferment , Caffeine , Sodium Magnesium Silicate , Disodium EDTA-Copper , Triethanolamine , Fragrance (Parfum) , Sodium Chloride , Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose , Algin , Propanediol , Hydroxyethylcellulose , Mica , Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891) , Yellow 5 (Ci 19140) , Ext. Violet 2 (Ci 60730)
THOUGHTS
In terms of ingredients, this toner is packed with different algae extracts with antioxidant properties, such as Chlorella Vulgaris, Laminaria Saccharina, Spirulina Platensis.
It also contains many skin-friendly botanical extracts, such as ginseng (antioxiant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, more info here), cucumber, asparagus, coneflower, green tea, and some ferments that are interesting to soothe the skin.
Then you also have Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex, a green dye that is also used in deodorant agents to helps eliminate odors, and Aluminum Chlorohydrate, another ingredient found in antiperspirants that is used here for its astringent properties.
The issue that I have with this toner is that the second ingredient is Alcohol. I guess it's used here to help mattify the skin, but alcohol as the 2nd ingredient is too much alcohol for me. Alcohol when used in high amounts can be drying and sensitizing. That said, I've used it a couple times to try it and I didn't seem to dry my skin but still that's not a toner I would really recommend because of the amount of alcohol. This makes me so sad because without alcohol it would be such a fantastic toner with all these amazing botanical extracts (cucumber, ginseng, coneflower, green tea, and all the ferments).
HOW IT LOOKS/FEELS/SMELLSHOW IT LOOKS/FEELS/SMELLS
This toner contains a powder (the clay) that settles at the bottom of the bottle. Don't forget to shake it before using it. It also contains some micas but you can't really see them on the skin.
When you apply it, it feels fresh and rather nice. It dries to a matte finish.
It is a watery toner with a water-like density. Concerning the scent, there is an alcohol scent combined with a salty scent that you find in the gel cleanser as well.
INGREDIENTS
Water\Aqua\Eau , Alcohol Denat. , Butylene Glycol , Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract , Asparagus Officinalis Stem Extract , Chlorella Vulgaris Extract , Panax Ginseng (Ginseng) Root Extract , Glycerin , Echinacea Purpurea (Coneflower) Extract , Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate , Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract , Laminaria Saccharina Extract , Spirulina Platensis (Algae) Powder , Copper Sulfate , Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex , Aluminum Chlorohydrate , Biotin , Sucrose , Lactobacillus Ferment , Caffeine , Sodium Magnesium Silicate , Disodium EDTA-Copper , Triethanolamine , Fragrance (Parfum) , Sodium Chloride , Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose , Algin , Propanediol , Hydroxyethylcellulose , Mica , Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891) , Yellow 5 (Ci 19140) , Ext. Violet 2 (Ci 60730)
THOUGHTS
In terms of ingredients, this toner is packed with different algae extracts with antioxidant properties, such as Chlorella Vulgaris, Laminaria Saccharina, Spirulina Platensis.
It also contains many skin-friendly botanical extracts, such as ginseng (antioxiant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, more info here), cucumber, asparagus, coneflower, green tea, and some ferments that are interesting to soothe the skin.
Then you also have Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex, a green dye that is also used in deodorant agents to helps eliminate odors, and Aluminum Chlorohydrate, another ingredient found in antiperspirants that is used here for its astringent properties.
The issue that I have with this toner is that the second ingredient is Alcohol. I guess it's used here to help mattify the skin, but alcohol as the 2nd ingredient is too much alcohol for me. Alcohol when used in high amounts can be drying and sensitizing. That said, I've used it a couple times to try it and I didn't seem to dry my skin but still that's not a toner I would really recommend because of the amount of alcohol. This makes me so sad because without alcohol it would be such a fantastic toner with all these amazing botanical extracts (cucumber, ginseng, coneflower, green tea, and all the ferments).
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The Pore Minimizing Hydra Lotion
CLAIMS This is a lightweight lotion containing a nutritiously rich micro-algae blend to help hydrate, control oil and minimize the look of pores. Skin drinks it up, looking refreshed and alive.
This is a lightweight emulsion that feels very fresh when applied. It has almost a gel/cushiony texture. I really like it because it feels comfy somehow. It sinks in fast and doesn't leave any residue on the skin. It doesn't have a particular scent, maybe something a bit fresh but that's subtle.
INGREDIENTS
Water\Aqua\Eau , Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) , Butylene Glycol , Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate , Glycerin , Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil , Silica , Sorbeth-20 Beeswax , Echinacea Purpurea (Coneflower) Extract , Chlorella Vulgaris Extract , Asparagus Officinalis Stem Extract , Laminaria Saccharina Extract , Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex , Biotin , Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate , Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract , Spirulina Platensis (Algae) Powder , Panax Ginseng (Ginseng) Root Extract , Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract , Caffeine , Dimethicone , Hordeum Vulgare (Barley) Extract\Extrait D'Orge , Cladosiphon Okamuranus Extract , Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract , Lactobacillus Ferment , Sodium Hyaluronate , Linoleic Acid , Trehalose , Caprylyl Glycol , Behenyl Alcohol , Propylene Glycol Dicaprate , Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seedcake , Carbomer , Xanthan Gum , Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer , Polysilicone-11 , Isohexadecane , Tocopheryl Acetate , Kaolin , Dextrin , Polysorbate 80 , Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate , Fragrance (Parfum) , Tromethamine , Disodium Edta , Bht , Phenoxyethanol , Yellow 5 (Ci 19140) , Blue 1 (Ci 42090) <ILN43005>
THOUGHTS
In terms of ingredients, this lotion/emulsion contains solvents (water), shea butter for a moisturizing boost, humectants (butylene glycol, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, trehalose) for hydration, some emulsifying agents and thickeners (Sorbeth-20 Beeswax, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate), some emollients (Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Linoleic Acid), and then plenty of skin-friendly plant extracts, such as coneflower, asparagus, gree tea, ginseng, cucumber, barley, soybean, and algae extracts, such as Chlorella Vulgaris, Laminaria Saccharina, spirulina, Cladosiphon Okamuranus. It also contains the green dye as in the toner and ferments.
Overall, pretty impressive ingredient list, just as I love them! There are lots of humectants that will trap water in the skin and some emollients (including shea butter) to give a good balance of hydration and moisture. Plus it contains many plant and algae extracts with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. There is no irritating or sensitizing plant extracts, which is great. I also really like the texture of this emulsion, lightweight yet moisturizing and with an almost "cushiony" texture and feel.
This lotion is supposed to mattify the skin and help keep it oil-fee throughout the day. Note that I'm normal-to-slightly-combo but I've started trying this summer when it's >30°C and when my skin was a bit oiler . In these conditions it worked to keep my skin matte. If you're really oily, I can't say if it will keep your face matte though. I'm still using it at the moment (it's getting super cold here), I use an emulsion in the morning by the way and a cream in the evening, and it still provides enough moisture and hydration for me although it's a lightweight emulsion. So yes, despite being lightweight, I still find it quite moisturizing. Overall, I really, really like this emulsion for the texture, feel, and ingredients!
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The Cleansing Bar
CLAIMS Crafted in Japan with a nutritiously rich micro-algae blend, this gentle cleanser purifies skin and leaves it feeling refreshed and alive. It helps purify, detox, keep pores clear and dissolve makeup/impurities.
This is a black solid cleansing bar that lathers well when you massage it over a damp face. The lather has a slightly green tint and has a salty scent, which I find quite addictive.
Water\Aqua\Eau , Sucrose , Sodium Myristate , Sorbitol , Sodium Laurate , Sodium Palmitate , Ppg-9 Diglyceryl Ether , Sodium Stearate , Potassium Myristate , Potassium Laurate , Sodium Isostearate , Potassium Palmitate , Potassium Stearate , Sodium Castorate , Sodium Lauryl Glycol Carboxylate , Algae Extract , Chlorella Vulgaris Extract , Glycerin , Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex , Potassium Isostearate , Potassium Castorate , Polyquaternium-6 , Polyquaternium-39 , Sodium Chloride , Tetrasodium Etidronate , Trisodium Edta <ILN43263>
I'm usually not a fan of cleansing bars because I often find them drying. That said, I've tried it a couple of times although I was a bit worried it would leave my skin dry but surprisingly it didn't. BUT I pH tested it and it came at 9.0, which is way too high. The pH of the skin is around 5.5 and if you want to respect the acidic mantel of your skin and the overall balance of it (aka its barrier function and microflora), it's better to use cleansers that are in the same range of pH as your skin. So that's not a cleanser I'm a fan of.
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The Pore Purifying Cleansing Jelly
CLAIMS A cleansing gel that removes makeup particles and impurities and leaves skin feeling soft, supple and fresh. Gentle, non-drying formula.
HOW IT LOOKS/FEELS/SMELLS
Now that's an interesting gel cleanser. First it's a medium-dark green gel reminiscent of the color of the ocean and of some alage. It has a fresh and salty scent, again in line with the algae theme.
To use it, simply massage it over a damp face. It creates a fine lather when you work it up. I generally use it to remove my face makeup in the evening when I don't wear too much makeup (otherwise I go for an oil cleanser, but note that this gel cleanser is totally fine to remove heavier makeup, too except eye makeup).
pH is around 6.5, so slightly acidic, which is great for the skin as it's close to the skin's pH.
INGREDIENTS
To use it, simply massage it over a damp face. It creates a fine lather when you work it up. I generally use it to remove my face makeup in the evening when I don't wear too much makeup (otherwise I go for an oil cleanser, but note that this gel cleanser is totally fine to remove heavier makeup, too except eye makeup).
pH is around 6.5, so slightly acidic, which is great for the skin as it's close to the skin's pH.
INGREDIENTS
Water\Aqua\Eau , Sodium Laureth Sulfate , Acrylates Copolymer , Glycerin , Disodium Cocoamphodipropionate , Lauramidopropyl Betaine , Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract , Asparagus Officinalis Stem Extract , Chlorella Vulgaris Extract , Echinacea Purpurea (Coneflower) Extract , Panax Ginseng (Ginseng) Root Extract , Lactobacillus Ferment , Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract , Laminaria Saccharina Extract , Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex , Biotin , Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate , Glucose Oxidase , Lactoperoxidase , Spirulina Platensis (Algae) Powder , Caffeine , Laminaria Digitata Extract , Glucose , Butylene Glycol , Laureth-2 , Sodium Pca , Potassium Hydroxide , Polysorbate 20 , Caprylyl Glycol , Polyquaternium-7 , Sodium Sulfate , Sodium Chloride , Propanediol , Xanthan Gum , Alcohol , Citric Acid , Fragrance (Parfum) , Hydroxyethylcellulose , Disodium Edta , Edta , Phenoxyethanol , Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499) , Green 5 (Ci 61570) , Yellow 5 (Ci 19140) <ILN43090>
THOUGHTS
This is a gentle gel cleanser made of course of gentle cleansers (Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Disodium Cocoamphodipropionate, Lauramidopropyl Betaine), texture enhancer (Acrylates Copolymer), humectant (glycerin), a bunch of plant extracts, such as cucumber, asparagus, coneflower, ginseng, green tea, some algae, such as Chlorella Vulgaris, Laminaria Saccharina, spirulina, Laminaria Digitata, and ferments. It also contains the green dye we can find in the other products of this line (Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex).
Overall, pretty interesting ingredients for a cleanser, I love it! I also love the texture of this cleanser, how it feels on the skin, and its scent, yes basically everything! :D
I love that in the 3 main skincare products (lotion/emultion, toner, and jelly cleanser), you can find the same main botanical extracts, such as cucumber, asparagus, coneflower, ginseng, green tea, some algae and ferments. If, like me, you like having lots of plant extracts in your skincare, you will love this line (and basically pretty much Estée Lauder products).
In this regard, I absolutely love the lotion/emulsion. It has a fantastic formula in terms of ingredients, texture and feel. I can't ask for more for an emulsion. It's everything I like: lightweight yet moisturizing, with a very nice cushiony feel on the skin, it contains plenty of skin-beneficial ingredients and no irritants. Same goes for the jelly cleanser, I think it's neatly formulated and I like how it feels on the skin and cleanses it. On the other hand, I'm less into the toner because of the alcohol in it and the bar cleanser has a pH too high for my liking. I don't mind using it from time to time though, but I wouldn't recommend using it everyday. The jelly cleanser is more gentle and much better in my opinion. So yes, the products I would recommend in this line are the lotion/emulsion and the gel cleanser!
And you, have you tried something from this line or what would you be interested in?
- FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE NUTRITIOUS MICRO-ALGAE LINE -
Overall I think this is a very interesting line, especially for people with normal to combination skin. I love that in the 3 main skincare products (lotion/emultion, toner, and jelly cleanser), you can find the same main botanical extracts, such as cucumber, asparagus, coneflower, ginseng, green tea, some algae and ferments. If, like me, you like having lots of plant extracts in your skincare, you will love this line (and basically pretty much Estée Lauder products).
In this regard, I absolutely love the lotion/emulsion. It has a fantastic formula in terms of ingredients, texture and feel. I can't ask for more for an emulsion. It's everything I like: lightweight yet moisturizing, with a very nice cushiony feel on the skin, it contains plenty of skin-beneficial ingredients and no irritants. Same goes for the jelly cleanser, I think it's neatly formulated and I like how it feels on the skin and cleanses it. On the other hand, I'm less into the toner because of the alcohol in it and the bar cleanser has a pH too high for my liking. I don't mind using it from time to time though, but I wouldn't recommend using it everyday. The jelly cleanser is more gentle and much better in my opinion. So yes, the products I would recommend in this line are the lotion/emulsion and the gel cleanser!
And you, have you tried something from this line or what would you be interested in?
Purchase info
Estée Lauder products can be purchased from autorized retailers (Nordstrom, Selfridges, Marionnaud, Douglas, Manor, Globus). For Switzerland, you can now buy online at EstéeLauder.ch.
*PR samples*
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