Review (5/5): Surprisingly Good
I’m really glad I gave this one a second chance. I bought it, used it twice, decided I didn’t like the way it coated my face, and shoved it into a corner for about a month.
On a whim, I tried it again one day after a shower. What I noticed is that the light coating it provides made my moisturizer glide on like silk. As the day goes on, my face stays looking hydrated. So, I’ve been using it ever since for about two months. Now I feel like my routine would be incomplete without it.
You could, if you have oilier skin, use this as your only moisturizer in a pinch. I like that it primes my face so beautifully, even though I don’t wear makeup. It makes the moisturizer glide and settle nicely.
I *think* it also creates a sort of plump look to the skin. I am not sure that lessens scars or deals with discoloration yet. I do know, however, that it makes my skin look dewy and refreshed.
I’ve experienced no irritable or breakouts. My skin is hyper-sensitive, it reacts to fragrances even before they touch my skin. Sometimes it burns slightly upon application, but it does not irritate or damage the skin in any way.
It creates a very, very light coating on the face. But I have applied topical acne medication in spots over it and it didn’t prevent the treatment from penetrating. It plays well with niacinamide, which is in my la Roche Posay moisturizer, BP, and BHAs.
I wrote elta asking if I could apply it before applying my retinoid at night. They said they don’t know and told me to consult my derm. Therefore, I only use it in daytime, after my morning cleansing. I would like to try it as a buffer to my Tazorac at night, but until my derm says it’s okay, I won’t.
I think toners are absolutely necessary when you live in a hard water area like I do. But it has taken me years to find one that doesn’t break me out. Prior to this, I used rose water occasionally or no toner at all. I’m actually terrified elta will stop making this. Above all, its main benefit is that it removes residue from hard water and facial cleanser and restores the ph balance. That is all you should expect of a toner. But the added benefits listed above make this a keeper.