This ‘Holy Grail’ Moisturizer From the No. 1 Skincare Brand in Japan Is Essential for Your Mid-30s Skin
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At this point in my career in women’s media, I have probably tested a thousand face creams. Since a good facial cream is the foundation to a highly effective skincare regimen, it’s what I’m most excited to report on. So, when Japanese skincare brand Curél offered to send me their best-sellers, including the Intensive Moisture Facial Cream , I was interested to see if it could compete with some of the other brands in its category, like Tatcha and Shiseido (both leaders of the skincare pack and personal favorites of mine).
The verdict? This $22 drugstore face cream knocked it out of the park.
Cetyl-PG Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide: This is a ceramide-type skincare ingredient that strengthens the barrier and helps with moisture retention
Squalane: An emollient that boosts moisture and leaves skin soft and supple. It basically copies skin’s natural oils, leaving it more dewy and healthy.
Allantoin: This helps calm down any kind of skin irritation and promotes healing by subtly exfoliating.
Glycerin: A humectant that keeps that moisture locked in, helping skin look more elastic, plump and radiant.
As someone in their mid-30s with oily skin that’s sensitive (and also randomly super dry, because post-pregnancy hormones), I loved that this formula was so moisture-rich without feeling greasy. It absorbs quickly, plays nice with makeup (no pilling), and doesn’t cause any kind of inflammation or breakouts. It’s fragrance-free, so if you have sensitive skin that’s prickly to scents, you’ll appreciate this simple formula. I tested it in the winter and well into spring, so it’s safe to say this cream is four season (whatever that means in Los Angeles)-approved.
The internet has nothing but raving reviews, as well. (I always consult other shoppers, since it’s important to evaluate a product’s effectiveness on a variety of skin types!) One shopper on Amazon says, “My skin gets dry, and my makeup will not look right. I have tried so many products. I also have eczema so I have to be careful the products I use. This is a lightweight moisturizer that instantly absorbs into the [skin] , leaving [it] feeling soft. It’s not greasy or oily. I find that when I put on my makeup it looks so much nicer. My skin feels good. There is no scent which is wonderful I also have asthma.”
Another calls it their “holy grail,” saying, “I NEVER believed in what people like to call the ‘holy grail’ of their skincare routine. I’ve been fooled by that claim too many times and I’ve never experienced this with any product…until now.” They elaborate, writing, “For context, I struggle with acne in my mid 30s. I’ve probably tried almost everything under the sun in terms of skincare and nothing has ever worked. Strangely, this product is keeping new breakouts at bay since I’ve started using it in the AM and PM.”
Tldr; if you need a good daily moisturizer that hydrates and soothes without breaking out sensitive skin, this is a must-have in your bathroom cabinet.
