Dehydrated skin is much more common than you think; 9 out of 10 women report struggling with it. And those who suffer from its symptoms, including tightness and itchiness, will want to keep reading. Clarins has the solution: the Clarins Hydra-Essentiel collection.

In 2023, Clarins began updating the fan-favourite Hydra-Essentiel range – and it’s now complete. There are new formulas, innovations, and new promises. Intrigued? Read on to find out about the line, including what’s new, what’s the same and what it’ll do for your skin…

The Most Important Thing About Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Is…

It’s a hydrating skincare regime for all skin types that’ll moisturise and plump skin. It contains 8 products including a face serum, four day creams, 1 night cream, a lip balm and a face mask. Every step is covered.

The five face creams in the line are all powered by leaf of life extra and a duo of hyaluronic acid. And this is where it gets exciting: they deliver plumper skin in just 60 seconds. The face serum and face mask (launched in January 2024) contain Clarins’ new Hyaluronic Acid Power Complex+ with acetylated hyaluronic acid, which works 13x longer in the skin to provide long-lasting results.

If you’re an existing Hydra-Essentiel fan, you’ll want to know exactly how the range has changed over the last year. Let me give you the lowdown:

What’s Been Updated:

Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Matte Gel: This new-and-improved formula replaces the Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Cooling Gel Cream – Normal to Combination Skin.

Clarins Hydra-Essentiel [HA²] Silky Cream SPF15 – Normal to Dry Skin:  This new-and-improved version of the original cream of the same name.

Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Silky Cream – Normal to Dry Skin: This new-and-improved version of the original cream of the same name.

Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Bi-Phase Serum: More hydrating than ever before; this face serum has an upgraded formula and brand-new look.

What’s New:

Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Night Cream: This is the first-ever night cream in the Hydra-Essentiel range. It’s worth all the hype.

Our Team’s Night Cream Review:

Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Light Cream: If you want a lightweight moisturiser – ideal for warmer months – you’ll love this new addition.

Our Team’s Light Cream Review:

Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Restoring Cream Mask: When your skin’s crying out for a big hydration boost, this face mask is the ideal pampering choice.

Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Restoring Cream-Mask Review

What’s Getting Discontinued:

Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Milky Lotion SPF15 – Normal to Combination Skin

What’s Staying The Same:

Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Moisture Replenishing Lip Balm

You Will Love This Range If…

If you have dehydrated skin, this is the Clarins skincare line for you: no matter your age, ethnicity, gender, or where you live. It’s made for everyone.

Not sure whether you have dehydrated skin? If your skin feels tight (especially after cleansing) and looks duller than usual, you might struggle with skin dehydration. You may also notice more exaggerated line and dark circles, too.

Still struggling? Some people swear by the ‘pinch test’: gently pinch one of your cheeks, and if you see it wrinkle with gentle pressure instead of holding its shape, this is a tell-tale sign that your skin is dehydrated.

Hero Ingredients:

Each formula is powered by innovative new tech: HA². This fresh new addition creates an immediate plumping effect on the surface using HA of high molecular weight, while you’ll also find low molecular weight HA here, which dives deep down into the skin to ensure long-term moisture and plumpness.

Another key ingredient in the Clarins Hydra-Essentiel range is Clarins’ exclusive and patented organic leaf of life extract. As it’s patented, you won’t find it anywhere else – and trust me; thirsty skin will be crying out for this active. It boosts your skin’s natural hyaluronic acid reserves so your skin can keep itself better hydrated.

The newer launches (the face serum and face mask) contain Clarins’ Hyaluronic Acid Power Complex+ with acetylated hyaluronic acid, which works 13x longer in the skin to provide long-lasting results.

What Are The Textures Like?

The Hydra-Essentiel range has a texture to suit everyone’s preferences.

Hydra-Essentiel Serum: Light, watery texture.

Hydra-Essentiel Silky Cream: Rich, luxurious cream that melts into the skin in seconds.

Hydra-Essentiel Silky Cream SPF15: Cream texture that’s slightly lighter than the non-SPF silky version but takes a few seconds longer to work in.

Hydra-Essentiel Light Cream: Light, fast-absorbing cream that’s less rich than the silky version.

Hydra-Essentiel Matte Gel: Mattifying cool blue gel is especially good for targetting shine.

Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Face Mask: rich, creamy texture that absorbs quickly into the skin.

Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Night Cream: thicker than an emulsion cream that melts into the skin.

Clarins Total Eye Hydrate Mask-Balm: cooling cream gel.

Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Moisture Replenishing Lip Balm: rich, melt-in texture.

What Does The Range Smell Like?

The range has a soft, almost fruity-floral scent that feels very spa-like, not that I’d expect any less from Clarins!

How Do You Use The Products?

If you’re using the entire range, start off with the Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Bi-Phase Serum, and then follow up with your chosen moisturiser by applying it to the face and neck. Swipe the Hydra-Essentiel Lip Balm over your lips as and when needed. Once of twice a week top-up your skin’s hydration by using the Hydra-Essentiel Cream-Mask.

What’s Special About The Design Of The Range?

The range is cool blue, so they’ll all sit pretty on your dressing table or skincare cabinet.

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