Your Shelf · Night · Esse
Helen’s note
Switch to a retinol alternative without losing the full anti-aging benefits.
Helen Ritchie, skin professional
Esse
Bakuchiol Facial Serum 30ml
£76
A 1% bakuchiol serum for anyone who wants retinol-style results without retinol. Bakuchiol supports collagen and elastin, softens lines, refines rough texture, helps with pigmentation and calms inflammaging; it helps with mild breakouts too. Myrothamnus and hyaluronic acid hydrate, and probiotics strengthen the barrier. It smells softly of vanilla and is a good choice in pregnancy.
Key ingredients
Bakuchiol: Stimulates the production of collagen, reduces inflammation, and hyperpigmentation. It’s a great retinol alternative during pregnancy.
- Myrothamnus – This extract of the Namibian Resurrection plant is very high in antioxidants and has a rapid moisturisation effect that lasts for 24 hours.
- Hyaluronic acid – Rapidly increase hydration, plumps and firms the skin and reduce inflammation. - Lactobacillus Ferment – Contain Anti-Microbial Peptides (AMPs) to shift the skin microbiome toward a more balanced state. - Lactobacillus Extracts – 1 Million tyndallised probiotics per ml improve the barrier function and reduce trans-epidermal water loss. - Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) – Repairs barrier function, relaxes the facial muscles to reduce wrinkles, boost skin firmness and improve rough skin. - Panthenol – Improves barrier function, decrease trans-epidermal water loss and promote wound healing, reduce inflammation and skin irritation. - Prebiotic mix – Esse’s proprietary prebiotic mix includes Inulin, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharides and Yacon root extract to favour the growth of beneficial skin microbes.Tocopherol Vitamin E. Enhances solar protection, blocks the formation of free radicals as a results of environmental stress.
A 1% gentle retinol-alternative serum that improves the appearance of fine lines and brightens skin without irritation. If you’re someone who is looking to treat the signs of ageing with the same powerful results without the annoying and detrimental usual after effects of retinol.
What to expect
- Softer lines and wrinkles
- Smoother, more refined texture
- A brighter, more even tone
- Calmer skin with fewer breakouts
How to use
Full ingredients
About Esse
Developed by Trevor Steyn in South Africa. Microbiome-first: live probiotics and plant actives that work with your skin’s own ecosystem, never against it.
Conscious
Plastic neutral with CleanHub.
Delivery
The routine
Where this fits
Step 1Cleanse
Never strip. Even oily skin needs a cleanser that leaves it comfortable. If you feel tight afterwards, it’s the wrong one.
Shop cleansers →Step 2Balance
Mists, toners and probiotics settle skin after cleansing, so everything that follows works harder.
Shop balance →Step 3TreatYou’re here
Your targeted serums. Layer thinnest to thickest, and keep vitamin A for the evening.
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Daily SPF, every single day. The most effective anti-ageing step there is.
Shop SPF →Step 5Recover
Moisturise to lock it all in, and give skin what it needs to repair overnight.
Shop moisturisers →Shop oils and balms →Shop masks →Shop exfoliators →Step by step
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