As a beauty writer I test a lot of products, and when I like something I tend to stick with it. I am extremely fussy about what I put on my face, especially as my skin has got more, rather than less sensitive with time. It gets harder and harder to find effective yet gentle products that give a bit of radiance!
But I was intrigued when I was asked to test a new high street skincare range on the block. Superdrug’s Naturally Radiant range has new gentle products that are suitable for more sensitive skin.
But, I wonder, can they give me a winter glow? Could they really measure up to the carefully selected line-up that I’ve honed over years of meticulous trialling and testing? I’d be very surprised.
‘Skin can be sensitive at any age,’ says aesthetic expert Dr John Quinn, at Quinn Clinics in Bristol. ‘Teenagers are often susceptible to irritating ingredients, but around perimenopause it’s quite common for sensitivity to develop. Both these times are ideal for having a think (or rethink) about skincare, and choosing products with care.’
I love the look of the elegant pink and green packaging, and the ingredients and ethos of the range are very appealing. The Naturally Radiant range is cruelty free, suitable for vegans, and contains sustainable palm oil derivatives. The cardboard is certifiable sustained and the packaging uses less plastic.
So far, so convincing.
What’s more, customers of the Naturally Radiant Range are big fans: 79%* associate it with glowing skin, and also recognise its great performance. But will it be able to release my currently well-hidden inner glow?
I start my bed-time routine with the Naturally Radiant Gentle Cleanser, which is formulated with aloe vera juice, as well as Fruit Acids and cranberry fruit extract.
This effectively remove impurities and excess oil, to leave skin clean and hydrated. It’s a lovely, fresh smelling clear gel that smooths on easily. I massage it in using warm water to create a light foam and then remove with a flannel – very old schooll!
My skin feels clean and soft, but without that overly cleansed tight feel that can sometimes happen with more astringent cleansers.
I follow this up with the Naturally Radiant Gentle Toner, which contains Fruit Acids (exfoliators). These gently and effectively exfoliate the skin, leaving pores minimised and tightened. It’s also infused with aloe vera juice.
I whizz it around my face with cotton wool – charmed to find that my skin is left squeaky clean, but not – importantly – remotely irritated. I’m always amazed by how much extra make-up comes off after cleansing – though obviously I ought to be an expert at doing that correctly.
Serums are like magic on the skin, and have so many different applications. A little of the Naturally Radiant Gentle PHA Serum goes a very long way indeed. Less than a pipette full is enough for my whole face and neck – so I love the value for money element.
This serum is formulated with Gluconolactone – a gentle PHA, which has antioxidant properties, and it has a wonderfully silky texture. It makes me reflect on the importance of using an entire range, where products are designed to complement each other, rather than mixing and matching from different brands.
Finally, I layer on the Naturally Radiant Gentle Moisturiser, which has a richer, more luxurious texture, and sinks wonderfully into my skin. This also contains cranberry fruit extract, which has long been a popular ingredient because of its nourishing and moisturising qualities, and its ability to give skin a bit of a luminescence.
I’d never say I look my best before bed, because frankly I am far better with make-up on, and ideally with a bit of good lighting. But I have to admit, my skin has a radiance that I don’t normally enjoy last thing at night, and the next morning, as I stand in front of my bathroom mirror, I look noticeably fresher than usual. I’m a big fan of this naturally acquired and recently released glow.
*August 2023 skincare customer. 1,590 superdrug customers who had purchased a Naturally Radiant product in the last 6 months from a list of skus
Superdrug’s new Naturally Radiant range is available at Superdrug stores and online now