In today’s increasingly complex skincare market, it seems there’s a new must-have ingredient on the horizon every week. While innovation is undoubtedly exciting, it can sometimes be hard to decipher exactly what your skin needs. So when we come across an ingredient that doesn’t require a degree in dermatology to understand, we’re totally here for it.
The latest beauty buzzword to pique our interest doesn’t have an unpronounceable name, lengthy scientific backstory or puzzling application process. In fact, there’s nothing remotely science-y about it – which, considering the often-confusing nature of today’s beauty industry – is a pretty refreshing concept.
Aloe vera has been around for years – since ancient times, actually. You’ve probably discovered it before: perhaps you’ve slathered it on sunburnt skin on holiday, or drank it in a nutritional supplement. But thanks to new scientific innovation from the beauty experts at Clinique, this spiky leaf is now being used to benefit our skin on a deeper level – no tropical holiday required.
Yes, Clinique’s new Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator – the latest addition to the much-loved Moisture Surge family – is taking this humble plant’s skincare credentials to the next level, and we predict a cult product in the making. Read on for a deep dive into the aloe vera revival…
Aloe vera is a succulent green shrub that grows in tropical climates around the world. The rigid, pointed leaves contain a squidgy, jelly-like substance that has been hailed for its healing powers since Cleopatra supposedly used it in her skincare routine. It’s one of the most studied plants in history, with recorded mentions dating back to around 2200BC.
Aloe vera is used as a food flavouring, a herbal remedy for minor burns, and is even believed to make an effective toothpaste. But perhaps its best known use is as a brilliant skin soother.
The cooling gel naturally contains hormones that work to fight skin inflammation, making it ideal for use on sunburn, sensitive skin, and topical irritation. Skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis and eczema may also be calmed with a dose of aloe.
And while aloe vera is a supreme hydrator in its own right, Clinique’s scientific tweaks take it to impressive new heights.
The activated aloe water in Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator actually prompts the skin to hydrate itself. Sound like a far-flung claim? It’s not quite as complicated as it sounds – here’s how it works.
The skin’s transepidermal electrical potential can be thought of as a kind of ‘pump’ that runs from the surface of the skin right through to the base of the epidermis. This internal system is relied upon to ensure every layer of the skin has access to hydration, but over time it can become sluggish, which can lead to dehydration.
Activated aloe water works to stimulate this water pump, helping the skin to boost its own internal water source. When the surface of the skin becomes dry, moisture is drawn up from the deeper levels, ensuring a continual cycle of ever-renewing hydration.
After a gruelling testing session (it’s a hard job but someone’s gotta do it), we can confirm this little pot of magic is indeed a brilliant hydrator.
As someone who suffers with dry skin, I’ve come to expect thick, unctuous textures prescribed for my skin type, begrudgingly slathering endless cold-cream iterations onto my tight, parched complexion. So the lightweight gel-cream texture of Moisture Surge was a welcome surprise. When applied in lieu of my usual moisturiser, the absorption rate was also impressive; it sank right in without leaving a tacky, clammy feeling across my T-zone.
So did it deliver during the UK’s recent slew of snow days? Despite dashing around the city in sub-zero temperatures, my skin did feel sufficiently hydrated until evening, and the flaky patches that usually appear on my nose noticeably decreased. Aloe, it seems, holds up just as well in brutally cold weather as it does in blistering sun.
But while aloe vera may be the star of the show, there’s a host of clever ingredients playing vital supporting roles, too. A hit of hyaluronic acid works on the surface layers of the skin, sealing the good stuff deeper into the epidermis while increasing hydration by up to 152%. Plus, a shot of caffeine provides more energy than your morning flat white, helping to keep that internal water pump working at peak capacity.
And the benefits don’t stop there. I also used it as a face mask before a night out, which helped my makeup sit more smoothly, and as an emergency saviour for cracked cuticles and elbows. Sometimes, skincare’s most impressive ingredients are under our noses the whole time.
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