elmt is a new, exclusive skincare brand from Wishtrend, an online retailer of Korean skincare. I was sent the Gentle Exfoliating Solution and Advanced Calming Solution to test out and I’m ready to share my thoughts!
For reference, I am acne prone, normal to dry skin. I am currently using 0.1% Tretinoin in my skincare routine so my skin is a bit sensitive as well. I used these solutions as my sole hydrator in my skincare routine for a couple of weeks on their own after rotating them in my skincare routine first to make sure I had no reactions.
Products are PR Samples. This does not change my opinion of the products.
My thoughts are honest, always *casts doe patronus*
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About elmt Gentle Exfoliating Solution and Advanced Calming Solution
elmt Gentle Exfoliating Solution
“This solution gently but effectively exfoliates the complexion while keeping it moisturized and supple all at once. The Gentle Exfoliating Solution is formulated with AHA and vitamin C, which work together to remove dead skin cells to uncover your skin’s inner glow. To help balance the exfoliating properties, an antioxidant-rich super berry complex composed of 49.02% blueberry and raspberry extracts reduces inflammation and irritation, while also promoting cell turnover. All combined, you have a great daily exfoliator.”
Wishtrend.com
Price: $20 USD
Amount: 150ml
pH: 3.0~4.0
Where to Buy:
Wishtrend, use “MICHXMASH15” for 15% off
elmt Advanced Calming Solution
“This lightweight, liquid-type solution doubles as a toner and serum that quickly absorbs into the skin to deliver a calming, regenerative experience for irritated skin. Enriched with more than 59.12% Centella Asiatica extract, a superstar ingredient highly lauded for thousands of years as a part of reparative skincare in Asia, and snow fungus-derived polysaccharides, which keeps the skin moisturized and comfortable, the Advanced Calming Solution is a one-stop solution to hydrate, heal and soothe.”
Wishtrend.com
Price: $20 USD
Amount: 150ml
pH: 5.0~6.0
Where to Buy:
Wishtrend, use “MICHXMASH15” for 15% off
ADDITIONAL CLAIMS:
- Made in Korea
- Vegan Friendly
- Cruelty Free
elmt Gentle Exfoliating Solution and Advanced Calming Solution Ingredients
elmt Gentle Exfoliating Solution
Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract, Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Trehalose, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Panthenol, Allantoin
The elmt Gentle Exfoliating Solution has a base of Blueberry Fruit Extract at 49.02% which comes from a fruit high in antioxidants, followed by good ol’ Glycerin, a humectant that’s naturally occurring in our skin. It also contains Rasberry Fruit Extract and 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid for antioxidants. The latter ingredient plus Licorice Root Extract can also aid in brightening. The formula also contains the classic combo of Allantoin and Panthenol for Soothing. Just before this soothing combo, we see the actual exfoliants – Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs).
I do question the exfoliating power of this solution however. While it contains AHAs and the pH level is low for them to perform, the percentage is very low. If the chemical exfoliant was Salicylic Acid, I would have more faith, for a 0.5% concentration of this beta hydroxy acid (BHA) is effective. With AHA, the concentration needs to be higher, otherwise they perform more like humectants, and that’s what I fear it is doing in this solution. I believe in South Korea, the percentage of AHAs and BHAs for OTC products is limited, whereas over here in North America we can easily find AHAs at concentrations of 5-10% and BHAs up to 2%.
elmt Advanced Calming Solution
Centella Asiatica Leaf Water, Water, Centella Asiatica Leaf/ Stem Extract, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Propanediol, Pullulan, Trehalose, Panthenol, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Allantoin, Pentylene Glycol, Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Centella Asiatica Root Extract
The elmt Advanced Calming Solution is in a base of the fan-fave ingredient, Centella Asiatica Leaf Water at 59.12%. Soothing ingredients Panthenol, Allantoin, and Centella Asiatica Root Extract are also in the formula to add to the soothing factor. There’s also humectants Glycerin, Pullulan, Trehalose, and Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide.
Firstly, I appreciate the minimal ingredients list in these elmt solutions and how the focus is on the purpose of each one.
The elmt Advanced Calming Solution does not have any intense active, and focuses more on humectants and soothing ingredients. While it doesn’t seem as fancy as the Gentle Exfoliating Solution, sometimes boring and gentle is what you need in your skincare routine!
Experience Using elmt Gentle Exfoliating Solution and Advanced Calming Solution
Both solutions are in the same dark green glass packaging that have a white plastic twist-off cap with a spout for dispensing. Texture is also the same for both, very watery. For both I would apply 3 layers all over my face and neck like I would any hydrator.
No matter the amount of layers, I found no trace of moisture on my skin, both solutions would just disappear. The Advanced Calming Solution has a slight bit more slip but the overall feel on the skin is the same. These solutions seem better as a “morning cleanse” in my AM routine by drenching a cotton round with one of the elmt solutions and wiping my face and neck.
My doubts of the elmt Gentle Exfoliating Solution happened – it does not exfoliate. I was hoping to see some mild decongesting around my nose, but my sebaceous filaments looked the same. I also hoped to feel some conditioning effects on my skin so it feels slightly smoother, but it just disappears and my skin has stayed the same.
The elmt Advanced Calming Solution did calm my skin a bit when I applied it after my skin was sensitized from a vitamin C serum. Another instance when my skin became irritated from an active I used, I only used this solution to help address the redness I developed. I saw and felt no difference in my skin this, and did not notice it helping reduce inflammation around my breakouts either. I experienced these types of benefits with the By Wishtrend Quad Active Boosting Essence, so I was hoping to have a similar experience with the elmt Advanced Calming Solution.
Final Thoughts on elmt Gentle Exfoliating Solution and Advanced Calming Solution
I appreciate the thought in the formulas and the amount you get for the price, but the performance of both elmt Gentle Exfoliating Solution and Advanced Calming Solution was sub-par on my acne-prone, normal to dry skin. In the few weeks I’ve had these products, they have not made a noticeable difference in my skincare routine; It just felt like I was applying water. No trace of additional moisture to be found, the Advanced Calming Solution did soothe my skin a bit, but not as much as other items I have with Centella Asiatica. The Gentle Exfoliating Solution does not exfoliate my skin, it performs more as a light antioxidant water, so I don’t really know if anything is happening. Usually if I want a product for exfoliation, I need at least 5% AHA and 0.5% BHA to notice any difference on my skin.
This new skincare launch was lackluster for me, it just doesn’t seem to pair well with my parched skin. Based on the texture alone, those of you with an oilier skin-type would enjoy them more than my thirsty, dry skin. I’m curious if any of you have ever noticed exfoliating benefits from a small amount of AHA in a formula – if you have, please let me know in the comments down below! It could just be my skin being too acclimated to strong chemical exfoliants.
WHERE TO BUY:
Wishtrend – “MICHXMASH” 15% OFF
As always, I hope you find content like this helpful and informative!
xo, M