Evidence, testimonials and reviews

Highly efficacious formulas, backed by science and reviewed by customers

Evidence Skincare products are formulated based on independent scientific studies that are peer-reviewed and published in major medical journals.

Our evidence based formulations have been proven repeatedly in independent clinical trials to reduce the signs of aging, protect, smooth and nourish your skin, so you can put your best face forward.

All of our products are pH balanced and contain ingredients that have shown to work in the exact concentrations and formulations with the best scientific evidence. We don’t use the cheaper, less effective versions. The result is an evidence-based skin care range that works, without the hype. You’ll see the difference.

Evidence - Proven ingredients

Also known as Vitamin A. Retinal is the number 1 “must have ingredient” in any skin care regime. “Rewinds the clock on skin aging” and results in increased skin elasticity and reduces wrinkles, fine lines and pigmentation. Also effective in managing acne.

Vitamin A, of which Retinal is one form, has the most and strongest evidence for reducing the signs of skin aging. In addition, vitamin A reduces wrinkles, fine lines and pigmentation. It has been shown to increase skin elasticity, reduce pore size, stimulate skin cell growth and collagen production. It also enhances the turnover of skin cells, to help with skin cell rejuvenation and renewal. In addition, Vitamin A is also effective in managing acne.

Of the different forms of Vitamin A, prescription Vitamin A (Tretinoin) has the strongest evidence but is usually irritating. Retinal (Tretinoin’s closest cousin) is as effective as Tretinoin but is the least irritating form of Vitamin A. That makes it effective not only for aging and acne, but also for sensitive skin, with early studies showing that it is also effective against Rosacea. Relative to Tretinoin’s more distant cousins, Retinal is 20 times more potent than Retinol, the more commonly used but old school form of Vitamin A which has weak or no evidence.

This makes Retinal the number 1 “must have ingredient” for most skin care regimes.

But don't take our word for it:

2006: “Retinaldehyde, which is fairly well tolerated, seems
to be the most efficient cosmeceutical retinoid; it has significant efficiency
toward oxidative stress, cutaneous bacterial flora, epidermis renewing, and
photoaging…Retinol and retinyl esters are not irritant, whereas demonstrating
only a modest clinical efficiency.”

2008: “In vivo studies showed that topical retinol had only
a modest retinoid-like biologic activity compared with topical retinaldehyde
and retinoic acid”

2009: “Retinol, a precursor to retinaldehyde and retinoic
acid, is widely used in cosmetic products, but again, there is little evidence
to support the efficacy of this derivative in the treatment of
photoaging…Retinaldehyde has been shown to be effective in improving fine line
and wrinkles…A concentration of 0.05% appears to be effective, is well
tolerated, and allows prolonged use on sensitive areas such as the face”

2010: “Of the evidence for over the counter retinoids, RAL
[Retinaldehyde] seems to be most efficacious”

2015: “Based on this data, retinaldehyde has the best
efficacy of the topical retinoid cosmeceutical agents, with less irritation
potential than prescription retinoic acid.”

2021: “With respect to choosing a cosmeceutical, the efficacy
of retinol is lower in skin treatment which is why retinaldehyde is preferred.
In fact it has been shown that most retinoids in cosmeceutical products are
deemed ineffective for photoaging unless the ingredient used is retinaldehyde”

Also known as Vitamin B3. Niacinamide manages Acne, Rosacea and eczema, reduces pigmentation and improves skin barrier function.

Also known as Vitamin B3, Niacinamide is a great all-rounder with benefits for aging, pigmented, inflamed, rosacea or acne prone skin.

Niacinamide acts as an antioxidant, and assists in repair of cell DNA. It improves skin barrier function, and decreases moisture loss so it’s a favourite for managing dry skin conditions, including eczema. When it comes to skin ageing, niacinamide increases skin elasticity, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, reduces blotchiness and general sallowness. Niacinamide also reduces pigmentation. Plus it has evidence for reducing the risk of skin cancer!

In terms of acne, it reduces pimples, and is not only anti-inflammatory, but reduces oil production as well.

Also known as Vitamin C, L-Ascorbic Acid protects and repairs damage from the sun – reduces wrinkles, skin roughness, and pigmentation.

Also known as Vitamin C. L-Ascorbic Acid is an anti-oxidant. It is effective at protecting the skin from sun induced premature ageing and reversing some of that damage as well. It helps maintain the skin’s barrier, build collagen and also reduces wrinkles, fine lines, skin roughness and pigmentation.

L-Ascorbic acid is naturally unstable and must be formulated in an oil base in order to delay oxidisation. Stabilised forms of Vitamin C are often used for convenience, however they have weak or no evidence.

Salicylic Acid gently exfoliates the skin – is effective in managing acne and reducing the signs of sun induced ageing.

Salicylic acid gently exfoliates the skin. It is effective in managing acne , reducing the signs of sun induced ageing and in managing psoriasis. Being related to aspirin, salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties and is usually super well tolerated. Its effectiveness as an exfoliator has also been shown to be enhanced when formulated with Urea, which is a (humectant) moisturising agent. Salicylic acid also helps reduce the damage cause by sun exposure. Salicylic Acid is often incorrectly known as Beta Hydroxy Acid.

Also known as Alpha Hydroxy Acids. Glycolic and Lactic Acid exfoliate and smooth the skin surfaces.

The best known and most evidence based Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Glycolic and Lactic Acid exfoliate and smooth the skin surfaces.

They have been shown to improve skin texture and tone. Glycolic and Lactic Acid increase collagen and elastic fibres in the skin. They also increase epidermal thickness, and enhance the levels of hyaluronic acid in the skin and even combat pigmentation. Alpha hydroxy Acids have been shown to improve the activity of retinal.

Also known as Tyrosinase Inhibitor. 4-N-Butylresorcinol reduces hyperpigmentation, for a lighter more even skin tone.

4NB as we like to call it is the most powerful inhibitor of tyrosinase , the enzyme which is primarily responsible for, and is therefore the primary target of, skin hyperpigmentation treatments. By powerfully inhibiting tyrosinase, it reduces hyperpigmentation, for a lighter more even skin tone. It is not only highly effective, but is also non-irritating and safe for continuous long term use.

As a physical or “inorganic” sunscreen, zinc oxide forms a physical barrier to block UVR from reaching the skin, by scattering, reflecting, and absorbing UV.

In fact according to the US FDA, Zinc Oxide is one of only two sunscreen ingredients to be considered “GRASE” (Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective)” We know zinc is essential for wound healing with zinc supplements being standard treatment for burn patients. But applying zinc
oxide directly to the skin at concentrations of between 6 and 15% has leads to better wound healing. Zinc is also antimicrobial, in other words it can kill bacteria, including acne causing bacteria. This makes zinc based sunscreen a great choice for people with acne and rosacea.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that inhibits damaging reactive oxygen species and has anti- inflammatory and wound healing benefits.

Known for its anti-inflammatory and wound healing benefits, vitamin E is an antioxidant that inhibits the activity of damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS), including those generated by the sun’s UV rays. There are 8 types of vitamin E, but it is Alpha tocopherol or α Tocopherol whose effects have been found to be greatest in the skin. A-Tocopherol has been shown to inhibit bacterial growth as well as having wound healing effects and helping to grow new blood vessels. Most importantly, it has also been found to help stabilise and increase the effectiveness of vitamin c skincare products.

Your skin's pH level sits at 4.9 and it's important to use skincare products with a similar pH. Products with higher pH levels can damage the skin resulting in dryness, itchiness and sensitivity. Subsequently, skin conditions such as Rosacea, Eczema and Acne can flare up.

Your skin's pH level sits at 4.9. Products with higher pH levels can damage the skin resulting in dryness, itchiness and sensitivity. Subsequently, skin conditions such as Rosacea, Eczema and Acne can flare up.

A substance’s pH is a measure of how acidic/basic that substance is. The range goes from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Skin pH is naturally acidic (average 4.9), with an ideal pH of 4-6.

We know that the skin’s low pH – its acidity- helps maintain skin barrier function and the skin’s immune function as well as both the integrity and cohesion of the stratum corneum. And skincare has a role to play where products which have a slightly lower pH than that of the skin can benefit a number of common skin conditions. And the opposite is also true. In fact washing with a typical soap, which is typically highly alkaline will see a rapid overgrowth of the main bacteria responsible for acne. Worryingly, In one recent study, the vast majority of soaps and cleansers on the market had a pH of over 9!

Dissolving Microneedles can up our skincare game, by safely and painlessly getting better results than those that we get from using traditional creams or serums alone.

Since 2016, our understanding of dissolving microneedles and how they can be used for delivering skincare ingredients (and medications) has come a long way. They help in all sorts of ways, but the bottom line is that can help get better results from our skincare.

There are a number of ways in which they help do this including

1.) Delivery of ingredients which are too big to be absorbed or just don’t absorb well when used in traditional creams and serums
2.) Improving the stability and therefore effectiveness of unstable ingredients and
3.) Bypassing the difficult journey of ingredients across the outer protective layer of the skin, so ingredients can work more effectively

When it comes to demonstrated benefits of dissolving microneedle patches we know that they can help with aging skin by reducing wrinkles, crows feet, hyper-pigmentation and have also been shown to help with acne.

While there are many different ingredients that have been used to make the dissolving microneedles, Hyaluronic acid has been found to be preferred. That’s because it is a substance found naturally in our skin, so it is safe and well tolerated, it is also effective at doing the job of penetrating the outer layer of the skin and then releasing the actives contained in the needle tips. And even better, while it is often too large to penetrate the skin, when used to make a dissolving microneedle, it helps with skin aging by reducing skin roughness and wrinkles.

Emerging Evidence

The emerging evidence suggests that smaller ceramides can improve the skin barrier function which helps with skin hydration and decreasing skin inflammation.

The stratum corneum has a brick and mortar structure, made out of dead skin cells surrounded by a complex layer of proteins and lipids or fats. There are 3 types of lipids in this matrix, with about 50 percent being ceramides, (cholesterol and free fatty acids making up the other 50%.) Ceramides are the most important for maintaining the skin barrier function. That’s because they’re more than just the glue in the skin ‘wall’. They are also “bioactive” substances that we now know are essential to both self-renewal of the skin cells and also immune regulation inside the skin itself.

There are over 1000 known types of ceramides. Having a decent broad range of different types of ceramides is essential for healthy skin and an imbalance causes skin issues. Ceramides are disrupted in eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, acne skin and ageing skin.

Using ceramides in skincare is still relatively new. Recent advances in cosmetic chemistry have resulted in the development of bio-identical synthetic ceramides (especially CER-1, CER-3, CER-6 and CER-9) which have been shown to function like natural ceramides in the skin. There is emerging evidence that they can help with a whole range of skin issues.

The optimum Hyaluronic Acid (HA) to have in skincare is still a matter of debate. However, there is some emerging evidence for medium-size HA to be absorbed by the skin, promoting wound healing and skin regeneration.

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a key component of the extra-cellular matrix or scaffolding of the skin and is essential for wound healing as well as elasticity in the skin. HA promotes skin cell regeneration and stimulates the production of collagen. It is also extremely important for hydration, being able to bind water molecules over 1000 times its own weight.

Early studies show that when applied to the face, Hyaluronic acid can yield significant improvement in overall skin appearance, with fewer fine lines and wrinkles, as well as less roughness. It’s also been shown to improve your skin’s hydration, as well as boost collagen and elastin. Early studies have also noted improvements when applied to skin with rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis.

But not all Hyaluronic acid is the same. HA comes in many different size. Large molecular size HA is anti-inflammatory and helps support the structure of the skin, but is too large to penetrate the skin. Medium size HA can penetrate the skin and promotes wound healing and skin regeneration. Small size HA penetrates the skin but can cause hypersensitivity and inflammation, but it does look like it may help with conditions like, fine lines, Rosacea and Dermatitis.

For a long time, scientists have wanted to add resveratrol to skincare for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. Some studies have shown potential for prevention of UV damage, from skin aging to skin cancer.

Resveratrol is a natural, antioxidant rich polyphenol found naturally in grapes, berries, peanuts and red wine.

Scientists have wanted to add resveratrol to skincare for ages for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects. Studies of resveratrol put on the skin show potential for prevention of UV damage, from skin aging to skin cancer. When put directly onto the skin, studies show resveratrol can stimulate fibroblasts, increase skin elasticity, reduce skin roughness and increase collagen. Small studies have shown benefit for acne, wound healing and pigmentation. But it’s early days yet.

The emerging evidence for green tea in skincare suggests that it can improve acne, prevent damage from UV radiation and possibly help those living with skin conditions such as dermatitis and rosacea.

Packed with antioxidant polyphenols, green tea has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties and probably protects skin from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation.

There is some evidence that applying skincare containing green tea help reduce sebum secretion and improve acne. Green tea is anti-inflammatory and prevents damage from UV radiation. Tiny studies show there may also be benefits for atopic dermatitis, rosacea and keloid scars.

This science is at a very early stage but watch this space!

Having anti-inflammatory and anti septic properties, tea tree oil may be beneficial for acne, healing wounds and potentially psoriasis too.

Tea tree oil. AKA Melaleuca oil is an Aussie icon. In terms of skin care, the evidence for tea tree oil has centred around its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory actions, especially for people with acne.

Small studies show that tea tree oil products improve mild to moderate acne and that they are well tolerated.

Some studies also show it accelerates the wound healing process and even has anti-skin cancer activity. Other early research suggests it might help with psoriasis too.

One of the biggest issues with tea tree oil is its tendency to cause irritation or even full-on allergic reactions, especially when put on neat. That’s why in skincare it tends to be diluted to between 5 and 20%.

Ferulic acid’s emerging evidence suggests it can stimulate more skin cells, fibroblasts, collagen and elastin, improve the effectiveness of Vitamin C and help to reduce fine wrinkles.

Ferulic acid is an antioxidant that is naturally present in fruits, vegetables, and grains. Studies have previously shown that ferulic acid has both antioxidant and anticancer properties. In the right skincare formulations, there’s mounting evidence that ferulic acid helps stimulate more skin cells, fibroblasts, collagen and elastin. It seems to inhibit pigment production, enhance the growth of new blood vessels (that’s a good thing!) and accelerates wound healing. In various studies it has also been shown to reduce fine wrinkles.

Ferulic acid has good penetration into the skin and tends to work well with other ingredients. It also has evidence for stabilising and increasing the effectiveness of Vitamin C. Like most cosmeceutical ingredients, ferulic acid needs to be kept in a dark, air-tight bottle so that it does not oxidize.

References

1) Hahn HJ 2016

2) Saija 2000

3) Zhang LW 2010

4) Zduńska 2018

5) Fu-Hsiung Lin 2005

6) Murray 2008

Some studies for copper peptides in skincare demonstrated that they improve skin elasticity and firmness, as well as reducing fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage and hyperpigmentation.

In the skin, copper is involved in the synthesis and stabilization of the scaffolding proteins in the skin and new blood vessel formation. Peptides are fragments of proteins that carry out biological functions. Peptides that bind to copper are called copper peptides. Some occur naturally in humans, such as GHK-Cu which is released from any injured tissue and it has been shown to be a powerful protective and regenerative ingredient with repair and maintenance functions in over 4000 genes! Added to skincare, these copper peptides are able to penetrate the skin and have been shown in studies to improve skin elasticity and firmness, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, reduce sun damage, and hyperpigmentation, and increase skin cell turnover.

In fact, one study of collagen production (admittedly a small study and on the thigh not the face) found copper peptides in a skincare formulation increased collagen production in 70% of the women after a month when looking at skin biopsies. In the same study, 50% of the women treated with the vitamin C cream saw an increase in collagen, and 40% of women treated with retinoic acid achieved the same result!

Caffeine is emerging as a promising addition to anti-aging skincare products. Dissolving microneedles provide a viable method for delivery.

As an anti-oxidant with abilities including protection and repair of sun damage, reduction in wrinkles, improvement in microcirculation in the skin and possibly reduction in under eye puffiness, improvement in skin barrier function and anti-inflammatory ability, caffeine is emerging as a promising addition to anti-aging skincare products. In part due to difficulties in absorption of caffeine in topical creams, it’s full potential has yet to be realised. But dissolving microneedles provide a viable method for delivery.

Squalane is a stable and non-irritant oil naturally found in human sebum that can penetrate the skin to increase hydration and enhance absorption of active substances, and it also has anti-oxidant properties that protect the skin from UV radiation.

Squalane is a saturated oil that is naturally present in human sebum. It is clear, odorless, very stable, nontoxic, and non-irritant squalane oil is an emollient that can penetrate the human skin increasing skin hydration and enhancing the absorption of other active substances. Squalane appears to have anti-oxidant properties protecting skin from UV radiation.

Panthenol is quickly absorbed by the skin and converted to pantothenic acid, which helps with wound healing, management of Eczema, has anti inflammatory effects, moisturises the skin, and enhances the skin barrier.

Panthenol is rapidly absorbed through the skin where it’s converted to pantothenic acid
which is essential for the healthy function of skin cells. Panthenol plays a role in wound healing, management of Eczema and has anti-inflammatory effects. It also acts as a moisturizer and skin barrier enhancer, increasing the water and fat content of dry skin. It is very well tolerated,
even by the most sensitive skin. No good studies of panthenol for rosacea have been done and yet a consensus statement from Asian dermatologists recommended panthenol as an important skincare ingredient to manage sensitivity and dryness in people with rosacea.

Also known as Poly Hydroxy Acids. Lactobionic Acid and Gluconolactone exfoliate, hydrate and calm the skin.

Poly Hydroxy acids are similar to Alpha Hydroxy acids in that they exfoliate and smooth the skin surface, but they are much more gentle than their AHA cousins. Not only can be used on sensitive skin including on Rosacea, Eczema and post procedure skin, but also appear to calm the skin.

There is emerging evidence for their ability to smooth, hydrate, reverse some of the signs of aging skin, reduce hyperpigmentation and the apparent size of pores, assist in the management of Acne and also prevent other ingredients from irritating.

"I have been using ESK (mature pigmented) kit for 4 weeks. My skin is softer, clearer and the sun damage and pigmentation has reduced. I am very happy to recommend ESK to friends."

Before

After

Rosacea Skincare Kit - Anti Redness

"After many years of trying multiple cleansing products nothing worked for my rosacea I googled for specific rosacea products and found ESK. I had nothing to lose and everything to gain if it worked and base did the reviews I felt positive.

Within a day of using the rosacea kit my forehead was clearing up and I could see the redness going.

Fast forward to a month later and I only have a slight redness on my nose, my forehead is clear and my skin has never felt smoother. The products are not harsh, don't dry your skin and smell nice too.

I am super happy that I made the switch as I can now go make up free and not have to hide my skin under make up. A big thank you to the makers of ESK and I will definitely be continuing to purchase"