Kiehl’s Iris Extract Activating Treatment Essence

Skin essences were not a regular item in my skincare routine. To be quite honest, I didn’t even know what they were. All I knew is that they are quite the rage in Asia. What an essence is supposed to do apparently, is prepare your skin for skincare, its active ingredients allowing whatever skincare you put on top to do its job better. Interesting concept? Sure thing. So when I got this full sized Kiehl’s Iris Extract essence in a goodie bag, I decided to give it a go.

Kiehl’s Iris Extract Activating Treatment Essence

This is the type of product that I would never have purchased with my own money just to try it. First of all, I am not one to believe all the beauty hypes when it comes to skincare. I want skincare that does something for my skin, but I do not expect miracles. So I went into this one being a tad skeptical. Secondly, it is also on the more expensive side of the skincare spectrum: it retails for €43 for 200 ml of product. That’s quite a bit of money to spend on a product just for fun.

The skin essence comes in a straightforward looking bottle. It is made of a sturdy plastic that falls right into the overall Kiehls aesthetic. The product name is listed in bold letters, while the rest of the bottle is filled with writing explaining how to use the product and what it does. This is supposed to have anti-aging and hydrating properties and should make your skin looking more radiant and smoother.

The ingredient list is mostly water, glycerin and glycols followed by ‘good’ alcohol. The promised Iris Extract is there, but not until 2/3 of the way in. So how much of it is actually in this product, remains to be seen. There is also some salicylic acid and some abracadabra ingredients that I do not understand.

You’re supposed to use this twice a day: before your moisturizer but on cleansed skin. You should simply pour it into your hand and then press it onto skin. I only use this once a day, as I like doing a more thorough routine at night. My morning routine is focused on slapping some products on my face before I’m out the door.

The dispenser is very easy to use. The product itself looks like a clear watery substance. But I was surprised at how much I like this. I cannot really test the anti-aging properties, but I find my skin feels more plump when I use this underneath my skincare at night. I apply this, then my serum and then my night cream. While that might seem excessive, I truly believe this watery infusion makes a difference in my skincare routine.

I have been using this product since February now and I can tell a difference when all I use is a moisturizer and I haven’t used this. My skincare goes on more smoothly, applies more evenly and seems to be doing its job even better when I apply this underneath. What’s even more: a little goes a very long way. I’ve been using it for three months and so far I’ve only made a very small dent into this product. I’m guessing about 10 mls have been used up so far. When it comes to cost per use, this is very cost effective indeed.

To sum up, this product wiped my skepticism of the table after using this for a few weeks. It makes my skin feel more hydrated, it makes for a great base underneath my skincare and since my skin needs all the help it can get to combat dryness and dehydration, I feel this product truly adds something to my routine. I do believe this isn’t for everyone, but I have found the people at Kiehl’s to usually be very kind with giving a sample if you ask for it. So go out and give it a try if my review has piqued your curiosity.

Do you use a skin essence?