Science Matters: The Smoothing Edit
When we call for smooth skin, science always answers. Bringing us the products that take our routines to the next level, we’re using spring as an excuse to press reset. From the potent overnight serums that soothe and smooth to each dermatologist-approved day cream, these beauty brands more than deliver. Combining all-natural actives with expertly researched, patented formulas, skincare just got technical - and we’re here for it.
Which ingredients are best for smoothing skin?
Science might give us the answers to smoother skin, but knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. So, we’ve picked out the ingredients that really make a difference - like Retinol. Just like Collagen, it works to regenerate our skin and stimulate cell turnover to reveal smoother-looking skin. Dermatologist tested, approved and loved, it’s the most potent form of Vitamin A out there, and we love it.
We may have heard about the miracles Retinol can work, but more nourishing ingredients like Peptides and Hyaluronic Acid work in tandem to produce results in a more gentle way. Some might say it’s a match made in heaven; if you find a product that boasts a few of these ingredients, smoother skin is definitely in your future.
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Estée Lauder
Revitalizing Supreme+ Youth Power Creme Moisturiser
Best for: A silky finish
Silky skin incoming - Estée Lauder delivers yet another effective, dermatologist tested formula we just can’t get enough of. Promising firm skin and radiance everyday, this revitalising cream has the brand’s Hibiscus Morning Bloom, Moringa Extracts and Hyaluronic Acid for a host of smoothing benefits. Want a more targeted regime? We combine with Estée Lauder’s cult Advanced Night Repair for double the action.
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Lancôme
Rénergie Multi-Lift Ultra Triple Serum
Best for: An all-in-one formula
The clue’s in the name with this all-star skin smoothing treatment. Packed with Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C and Ferulic Acid to stimulate natural Collagen production in the skin, this serum works overtime so you don’t have to. The best part? The mix of soothing and regenerating ingredients make daily application super gentle, so you don’t need to worry about treating your skin every night.
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ELEMIS
Pro-Collagen Rose Marine Cream
Best for: Your daily Collagen fix
Taking the best skin smoothing cream and layering on a delicious Rose-infused cocktail of ingredients, ELEMIS gifts us with the *perfect* daily moisuriser. Joining the brand’s signature Pro-Collagen complex is Enlgish Rose Hydrolat for even more hydrating benefits. And if that doesn’t sound tempting enough, there’s a matching Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm to keep your skin smooth from step to step.
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SEASONLY
Quartz Mushroom Eye Massage Tool
Best for: Complexion-smoothing massages
The best smoothing products don’t just come in the form of overnight creams and powerful serums, but easy-to-use tools like this quartz mushroom from Seasonly. Designed for making at-home facial massages just as relaxing as those you’ll experience at the spa, regular use boosts blood flow to the surface of your skin - stimulating cell production as a result. To increase slip and reduce friction, apply Seasonly’s Night Repair Oil whenever you like. Our tip tip? Keep yours in the fridge for an extra soothing massage.
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LA MER
The Moisturizing Soft Cream
Best for: A little luxury
When our skin needs a little extra love, we bring La Mer’s sellout Soft Cream into the mix. Lighter than (but equally as nourishing as) the original Creme de la Mer, expect their patented Miracle Broth to kickstart your skin’s repair and renewal cycle from just one use. To experience visibly transformed skin both day and night, we use this Soft Cream before bed, and The Moisturising Soft Lotion for a lighter, silkier finish.
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MEDIK8
Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye 3
Best for: Smoother, brighter under-eyes
Ceramide and Retinal in one? It might be too hard to believe, but MEDIK8 pulls through with this night-time essential. Promising the same smoothing benefits as their cult favourite Crystal Retinal, this gentle-release formula is created specifically for our delicate under-eyes. We recommend starting with 3 before moving up to 6 or 10 for the best long-term results. Simply apply before your night-time moisturiser to wake up with brighter, smoother skin with every use.
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Clinique
Moisture Surge Sheertint Hydrator SPF25
Best for: Radiant skin
You might fast be realising that the secret to most of these smoothing formulas is none other than superhero Hyaluronic Acid - and this daily tinted hydrator is no exception. Plumping, smoothing and ultimately radiance-boosting, this is our choice whenever we want that fresh-faced, barely-there look. And with SPF25 to delay pigmentation caused by sun damage, this tint does far more than keep us glowing all day long.
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GUERLAIN
Abeille Royale Double R Renew & Repair Advanced Serum
Best for: A skin lifting effect
Inspired by technology used in Derma-Cosmetic care, this results-driven serum renews and lifts in one single step - and we love to see it. Made with 96% natural ingredients, Guerlain brings us a powerhouse formula we can always rely on - morning and night. The ingredients we need to thank for this? Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Honey, Glycolic Acid and so much more. If you weren’t already in love with the results, we can guarantee the luxurious texture is one you’ll never forget.
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Kate Somerville
ExfoliKate® Intensive Exfoliating Treatment
Best for: Weekly exfoliation
Want smoother, brighter skin in just two minutes? Enter Kate Somerville’s scientifically-proven exfoliating treatment, which boasts a line-up of Glycolic Acid, Fruit Enzymes and antibacterial Honey in one. When we’re figuring out how to get smooth skin, we don’t just rely on actives. When used alongside soothing, Ceramide-rich formulas, you’ll keep irritation to a minimum and results at the max. Kate Somervilles’s best choice? Their Protein-packed Goat Milk Moisturising Cream. Once you’ve rinsed off your exfoliating treatment, gently pat dry and apply this cream liberally for soothed, smooth skin.
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Eucerin
Anti-Age Hyaluron-Filler Night Cream
Best for: Overnight results
Containing two types of Hyaluronic Acid and skin-renewing Glycine-saponin, we recommend applying to both your face and décolleté for extra skin-smoothing results. And if you’re worried about irritation, don’t be. This formula is designed to care and soothe while smoothing all skins. It’s the overnight treatment we love to love.
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The INKEY List
SuperSolutions 1% Retinol Serum
Best for: Retinol beginners
Coming in hot with their new Retinol formula, The INKEY List proves to us how effective skincare doesn’t always have to break the bank. Not only does this gentle formula even skin tone, but it smooths complexions overnight for radiant skin come morning. The brand’s top tip? Start by applying once every 5-7 days before building up to once every 2-3 days - and make sure to use barrier boosting products on the nights in-between.
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SISLEY
Ecological Compound Advanced Formula
Best for: Soft, supple skin
Balance is one word we can never overlook in skincare. And while actives like Retinol and Collagen might stimulate our cells, they need hydrating, nourishing formulas to make sure our barrier is never compromised. Pulling together some of the most restoring ingredients in the business, Sisley helps us achieve the balance we need. Featuring Glycerin and a host of natural hydrators, we use on nights we’re not slathering on the Retinol before our favourite moisturiser.
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