Erno Laszlo Blogs

This Mother's Day, it's time to give back with something that encourages her to slow down and indulge in a little well-deserved self-care. That's where Mother's Day skincare gifts come in.

As we age, skin is bound to do the same. Signs of aging skin include fine lines and wrinkles, uneven tone, dark spots, dryness, loss of firmness, and dullness. Each of these visible signs of aging skin are influenced not only by the passing of time, but also environmental and lifestyle factors. While we can’t keep the years from coming and going, we can do something about those environmental and lifestyle factors. Whether you’re looking to prevent signs of premature aging or restore the look of skin’s luster, the right anti-aging skincare and preventative skincare routines will support your very best skin at every age. What Causes Aging Skin? When we say that premature signs of aging skin stem from lifestyle and environmental factors, what does that mean? These factors include sun exposure, pollution, and gravity, as well as daily habits such as facial movements and lack of sleep. Emotions like stress can also impact our skin. Some of these are more or less within our ability to manage. Learn more about the skin & stress from our podcast.Sun exposure is the greatest culprit of premature signs of aging. Harmful UV rays can cause uneven tone and texture as well as fine lines and wrinkles. It’s essential to wear sunscreen no matter the weather, time of year, or your age. Our recommendation: Beyond SPF UV Defense Masque with SPF 30. This mineral-based sunscreen has a lightweight feel and sheer finish plus hydrating benefits and antioxidants—perfect for everyday protection. Learn more about SPF and skincare here. What is Preventative Anti-Aging Skincare? Preventative solutions for aging skin are designed to address environmental and lifestyle factors that are more within our control. Preventative skincare is all about protection and prevention. We can’t totally avoid sun exposure, but we can wear daily SPF. Pollutants will find their way onto skin’s surface, but we can give skin a twice-daily cleanse. Gravity is a scientific law, but science-backed skincare formulas can help promote the feel of firmness and elasticity. These are just some of the ways we can protect skin from external factors that can accelerate signs of aging. Plus, taking care of your skin before any visible signs appear will help your complexion age its beautiful best. Ways to Reduce Signs of Premature Aging To stave off signs of aging skin, adopt a daily skincare routine that addresses your skin’s unique needs and promotes preventative anti-aging benefits. Be sure to cleanse, hydrate, and protect skin, as well as target any more-specific skin concerns. This anti-aging regimen is a good place to start: Step 1: Double Cleanse Give skin a two-step cleanse morning and night to wash away excess dirt, oil, and impurities. Our Detox Cleansing Duo features an oil-based cleanser to break down surface debris, followed by a cleansing bar to rinse it all away. Skin is left refreshed and prepped to absorb the next steps in your ritual. Step 2: SerumSkin serums tend to have the highest concentration of active ingredients to affect skin’s look and feel. Timeless Skin Serum features our Peptide Complex, a blend of two tripeptides to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while improving the feel of skin’s tone and elasticity. Step 3: MoisturizeKeeping skin hydrated supports the feel of skin elasticity and suppleness. Proper hydration can also help keep the look of fine lines and wrinkles at bay. Choose a moisturizer formulated for your skin type, such as Mattifying Gel Moisturizer for normal to oily skin and Phelityl Cream for skin in need of intensive hydration. Step 4: Sun ProtectionApply daily SPF, like our Beyond SPF UV Defense Masque. Reapply every two hours for optimal protection from harmful UV and blue light rays. Pro Tip: Don’t neglect other lifestyle choices. Get enough sleep, exercise regularly, avoid intense sun exposure, and keep stress in check through outlets like journaling or mindful meditation. What is Corrective Anti-Aging Skincare?Corrective skincare solutions are designed to target signs of aging that are already visible. Loss of skin firmness and elasticity, skin dullness and dryness, fine lines and wrinkles—these can be addressed with more-advanced treatments formulated with potent anti-aging ingredients, like peptides and retinoids. Ways to Reduce Existing Signs of Aging To address existing signs of aging skin, choose an anti-aging skincare ritual that works to repair and restore skin’s look and feel. Our Phormula 3-10 Collection is our most-advanced anti-aging line of skincare. Phormula 3-10 products feature Epigene-6™, our proprietary complex that addresses the six key signs of aging skin: skin firmness, elasticity, hydration, tone, texture, and fine lines & wrinkles. Our Phormula 3-10 Essence Lotion, Serum Concentrate, Eye Intensive, and Skin Repair anti-aging cream seek to promote skin health by tapping into the science of Epigenetics. Learn more about Epigenetics and Epigene-6™ here. Together, our Phormula 3-10 ritual revives the look of dull, lackluster skin, leaving it feeling soft, supple, and smooth. After applying an anti-aging ritual, it’s essential to also apply SPF. Our Beyond SPF UV Defense Masque with SPF 30 protects skin from harmful UV rays and damage caused by blue light and other pollutants. As the name suggests, the formula also goes beyond SPF to support overall skin wellness, delivering hydration and antioxidants and helping strengthen the moisture barrier.Whatever your age, start now to see a difference in your skin. Explore all of our anti-aging and preventative skincare favorites.

You know your skin type, you’ve addressed any age-related concerns, and have chosen products based on your skin’s unique needs. What next? It’s time to master how to layer your skincare. Layering skincare starts with the proper skin routine order, while also choosing products whose formulas are designed to work in synergy to achieve optimal results. Read on for our Erno Laszlo expert recommendations on layering, as well as product suggestions by skin type and application tips to ensure you always get the most from your skincare routine.What is Layering?A thorough, results-driven skincare ritual has multiple steps and products, each one serving a purpose. Applying these products in the correct order—known as layering—allows formulas to absorb into the skin effectively, optimizing the full potency of benefits. The general skincare layering order: cleansing > toner or essence > serums & treatments > eye care > moisturizer > sun protection (for day) or leave-on mask (for night). For a rinse- or peel-off treatment mask, it’s typical to mask after cleansing.   How to LayerFor many reasons, we always recommend that you apply products from thinnest to thickest texture. This helps each product absorb effectively into the skin, maximizing the active ingredients and benefits in each product. Applying thinnest to thickest also helps minimize product pilling between applications. Not only is this thinnest-to-thickest rule evident in your overall ritual order (toners are thinner than serums, and so on), it also applies when layering multiple products of the same category. For example: you might use a hydrating serum and an anti-aging serum. Apply the thinner, more watery formula first. Application Tip: To ensure certain products fully absorb, it’s best to pat (more details below) and wait about 30 seconds between each step, making sure one product is fully dry before applying the next. This gives each formula time to soak into the skin. Toner or EssenceToners or essences are the first step after cleansing due to their lightweight, water-like texture. Astringent toners like Light Controlling Toner remove residue after cleansing, while hydrating toners replenish moisture and prepare skin to receive the ritual steps that follow. Toners are optional for some people, or essences might be preferred for their thicker texture, more-targeted benefits, and higher level of active ingredients. Those with dry skin might prefer to layer both products, beginning with a toner followed by an essence. Learn more about the difference between toner, essence, and serum here. How to ApplyApply toner or essence with either a cotton pad or your hands. For a cotton pad: Saturate with product, then sweep in an upward motion. For hands: Use 4–5 drops and gently pat into the skin, allowing the product to fully absorb. If you’re using your hands to apply, take a moment to try a Hungarian Facial Massage to help circulate blood flow and energize the skin. Begin by warming up the product between your hands and pressing into the skin, then follow these steps: Expert Recommendations For dry skin: Skin Supplement Essence to replenish dryness and revive skin for a comfortable feelFor sensitive skin: Soothing Relief Hydration Lotion to infuse skin with calming hydration for a soothed, balanced complexion For all skin types: VTM Micro-Essence to hydrate, refine the look of pores, brighten, and improve tone Micro-Essence Pro Tip: To flood skin with hydration and both instant and long-lasting benefits, use VTM Micro-Essence before and after masking with Vitality Treatment Mask. Serums & Treatments Serums are the most-potent step in your ritual as they typically contain the highest concentration of active ingredients. You can choose to use just one or layer multiple serums to target different skin concerns. Although serums are lighter, due to their high concentration of actives, a little goes a long way. Applying more does not increase the effectiveness—rather, skin can become irritated from overstimulation. How to Apply Apply multiple serums from thinnest to thickest. After, apply any spot treatments to target blemishes, such as our Freeze-Dried Targeted Blemish Treatment. Use a pea-sized amount and pat lightly with sweeping motions over the skin to encourage better absorption. Expert Recommendations For mature skin: Phormula 3-10 Serum Concentrate to target lines & wrinkles, elasticity, brightness, tone & textureFor sensitive skin: Soothing Relief Hydration Serum to replenish hydration, soothing & nourishing sensitive skinFor all skin types: Timeless Skin Serum to hydrate skin, smooth the look of fine lines & wrinkles, and improve the feel of skin elasticity & tone   Eye CareIf you are using both an eye serum and eye cream, the same rule applies. Apply the thinnest eye serum first, then layer your richer eye cream. Wait between applications to give each product time to absorb into the skin. How to ApplyUse a pea-sized amount, applying with the ring finger of your non-dominant hand. This is your weakest finger and allows for the most-gentle application to this delicate skin. Gently smooth over the skin moving from the outer to inner corners beneath the eyes, then above the upper eyelid, until the product is fully absorbed. Do not pull or stretch the skin around the eye as this can contribute to signs of premature aging. For mature skin: Phormula 3-10 Eye Intensive for advanced anti-aging repair, targeting the look of under-eye bags, puffiness, dark circles & fine linesFor all skin types: Day & Night Intensive Eye Cream Duo for around-the-clock brightening, line-smoothing & hydrating benefitsPro Tip: Pair our Multi-Task Full Circle Eye Serum Mask with our Day & Night Eye Cream to best care for skin on both the upper lid and under eye.MoisturizerSeal in your previous skincare steps with moisturizer. For dry or extra-dry skin, layer a more water-like emulsion before richer creams. Note that even oil-prone skin types benefit from a moisturizer to ensure balanced skin hydration. How to ApplyUse a quarter-sized amount and dab into the skin in an upward motion, without pressing or rubbing too hard. Gently pat your skin afterwards to help the moisturizer fully absorb. Expert RecommendationsFor normal/dry skin: Phelityl Night Cream to replenish EFAs for a revived tone by morning; also works nicely for daytime to give skin a hydrated, sheer-matte finishFor mature skin: Phormula 3-10 Skin Repair to rejuvenate & deliver actives to target the 6 key signs of aging—wrinkles, elasticity, firmness, skin tone, skin hydration, skin texture For combo/oily skin: Mattifying Gel Moisturizer to deliver instant & lasting hydration for a smooth, satin finishFor sensitive skin: Soothing Relief Hydration Emulsion to hydrate, nourish & soothe for a comfortable, supple feel Day: Sun ProtectionWhether a day at the beach or the middle of winter, SPF is an essential final step to your skincare routine. Although the texture of sun protection can vary from a thin, milky consistency to a thicker cream-like consistency, your daytime ritual should always end with SPF. Consistently layering sun protection shields skin from harmful rays that can lead to signs of premature aging and sun damage. How to ApplyWhen applying sun protection, apply about two-fingers worth or more of product to any one portion of your body (ex: face and neck). In a similar motion to your moisturizer, dab onto the skin in an upward motion. Note: Not only is the correct amount needed to receive the maximum SPF benefits as labeled, sunscreen should also be reapplied every 2 hours to ensure coverage remains consistent. Expert Recommendation For all skin types: Beyond SPF UV Defense Masque offers mineral-based protection from UV & blue light while strengthening the moisture barrierNight: Leave-On MaskUnlike other masks that you rinse or peel away, a leave-on mask cloaks the skin in revitalizing benefits while you sleep. Similar to a moisturizer, a leave-on mask seals in all of the skincare steps that come before. How to ApplyApply a quarter-sized amount and dab into the skin in an upward motion. Overnight leave-on masks are best used 1–2 times each week. Expert RecommendationFor all skin types: Hydra-Therapy Memory Gel Sleep Mask to lock in vital nutrients & replenish moisture overnight so skin wakes up feeling plump, smooth, and more elastic Browse our entire collection to continue your skincare layering journey today. Questions about how best to layer for your skin? Reach us any time at advisor@ernolaszlo.com.

Toner, essence, and serum are often confused—and for good reason. Each plays a distinct role in your skincare ritual, yet they share overlapping benefits, especially when it comes to hydration and prep. Understanding the differences—and how to layer them—can help you build a more effective routine tailored to your skin’s needs.   Each of these science-backed formulas is designed to enhance your ritual and support your healthiest-looking complexion. What is a Toner? Texture:  Lightweight, water-like Purpose: Used after cleansing to remove leftover debris, balance pH, and prep the skin. Recommended For: Oily or Combination skin types prone to clogged pores or excess surface oil. How to Use: Apply after cleansing using a cotton pad to sweep toner across the face. Toners to Try:  Light Controlling Toner: A clarifying formula that gently exfoliates while removing surface oils and binding moisture for a fresh, shine-free finish.  Best For: Normal to Combo/Oily skin. Shake-It Tinted Skin Treatment: Not a traditional toner--but a shake-to-activate tinted treatment used as the final skincare step. It visibly refines pores, events skin tone, and mattifies.  Best For: Combo/Oily skin, especially those seeking a sheer-matte finish. What is an Essence? Texture: Thicker than toner, thinner than serum. Purpose: Hydrates, nourishes, and primes the skin with beneficial actives. Recommended For: Dry or dehydrated skin needing a moisture boost and antioxidant support. How to Use: After toner, press essence into the skin with your palms for better absorption. Those with dry skin may use essence in place of toner; oily skin may skip essence altogether. Essences to Try:  Skin Supplement Essence: Energizes and comforts dry skin with hydrating ProVitamin B5 and Allantoin.  Best For: Dry Skin, leaving it soothed and revitalized. VTM Micro-Essence: A weightless, restorative essence lotion for dry, pigmented, or dull skin. It smooths texture and refines tone over time.  Best For: All skin types, especially dull or uneven skin. Soothing Relief Hydration Lotion: A silky essence lotion powered by SensCalm® Complex to instantly calm and deeply moisturize. Best For: Sensitive skin prone to redness or irritation. What is a Serum? Texture: Most concentrated and typically the thickest of the three. Purpose: Targets specific skin concerns like dullness, fine lines, irritation, or dehydration. Recommended For: All skin types--just choose the right formula based on your concern. How to Use: Apply after toner and/or essence, before moisturizer. Smooth evenly across the face, avoiding the eye area. Use eye creams first to prevent irritation from active ingredients. Serums to Try: Phormula 3-10® Serum Concentrate: Rejuvenates and revitalizes skin, improving suppleness and overall tone.  Best For: Mature skin, but suitable for all types.  Timeless Skin Serum: A lightweight, age-defying serum that improves tone and texture while preserving hydration. Best For: All skin types, especially those concerned with early signs of aging. Soothing Relief Hydration Serum: A calming serum that replenishes moisture and supports the skin barrier.  Best For: Sensitive skin, leaving it visibly calm and healthy-looking. How to Build the Right Routine Whether your skin is oily, dry, mature, or sensitive, combining toner, essence, and serum in the right order helps maximize results. Need help deciding? Use our skin type guide to discover the best formulas for your skin, or take our quiz for personalized product recommendations.

There’s a new addition to the VTM family. VTM Micro-Essence is a restorative essence lotion, scientifically formulated to treat dry, pigmented, and damaged skin. It infuses the complexion with weightless hydration delivered via a 29-patent process of Microfluidic Technology. But more on that in a moment. First, let’s look at the results. Benefits VTM Micro-Essence leaves skin instantly energized, balanced, and deeply purified for an overall soft and supple complexion. Over time, our revitalizing formula helps brighten, refine pores, and improve skin’s tone and texture. VTM Micro-Essence is currently in clinical trials to unequivocally prove these skincare benefits. Microfluidic Technology The tech inside VTM Micro-Essence is pour-to-activate and drop-by-drop. How does it work? The formula allows thousands of uniformly-sized, encapsulated oil droplets (bubbles) to float in clear, aqueous gel. Each of these pretty, pink, jellified bubbles features a protective membrane. Inside: Meadowfoam and Raspberry Oil. These precious oils remain suspended until the moment the Micro-Essence hits the skin, releasing the ingredients’ full potency. Every time you use this essence, those little droplets burst, activating each ingredient and benefit as they melt into the skin. The result is a unique sensation: the cooling hydration of a water splash with the silky-soft nourishment of an oil serum. Key Ingredients  Madonna Lily  brings the brightening benefits to VTM Micro-Essence. This luminous, night-blooming flower helps restore balance to aging, uneven skin affected by UV rays. It helps to regulate skin pigmentation for a brighter, more-uniform tone. Pore-perfecting  Marine Extract  is pulled from a microorganism off the coast of Brittany, France. This sugar-based extract reinforces the skin's barrier, renewing and rehydrating the complexion. Dull skin is sloughed away, reducing roughness and shrinking the appearance of pores for a smooth, soft look.  Meadowfoam Oil  also helps to reinforce skin’s natural barrier. Rich in essential fatty acids like Omega 9, this botanical oil is easily absorbed, thereby locking in hydration and protecting skin from the elements. Rosy-hued  Raspberry Oil , rich in vitamins, helps to keep the complexion looking and feeling more youthful. Vitamin A helps maintain elasticity and smooth the look of fine lines and wrinkles, while Vitamin E targets oxidative stress and signs of aging. Lastly, there’s our  Multi-Mineral Complex , inspired by the Triple Mineral Complex found in our Vitality Treatment Mask (VTM). This multi-mineral blend of Magnesium, Zinc, and Copper re-energizes skin to restore vitality. It acts as a pick-me-up, stimulating the renewal process for a refreshed complexion. How To Use After cleansing, but before serum—that’s the right time to apply your toner or essence. Sweep VTM Micro-Essence over your skin, either using a cotton pad or simply dabbing and patting with fingertips to blend. This refreshing, lightweight formula absorbs quickly and leaves skin feeling softer, smoother, firmer, and more radiant.

The Best Souvenir: Never Breaking Your Ritual We’ve all been there—skipping your skincare in favor of relaxing, escaping the norm, or avoiding run-ins with TSA. But skin is so much happier when we care for it consistently, perhaps even more so under the stress of travel.  From local long weekends to long-distance destinations, you can press pause on reality without pausing your routine. It’s easy to shop for travel skin care with our TSA friendly products and travel skin care kits. In this blog post we will discuss your essential travel skin routine and travel skin care tips! Mid-Flight Masking Our Multi-Task Eye Serum Masks are an easy and inconspicuous way to ensure bright eyes after the red-eye. Our hydrogel patches come in handy little packages, already easy to pack. Their barely-there look means you won’t be turning heads until after you peel them off to reveal some seriously luminous skin.  To keep your face feeling fresh in-flight, try a quick coat of our Hydra-Therapy Memory Sleep Mask. This pretty pink beauty keeps the complexion hydrated, plumped, and protected from all that dry, stale-feeling cabin air. Give skin a rinse when you land for a perfectly-refreshed face. Post-Flight Skin Care The best feeling after a long flight? Washing your face. And it doesn’t get any better than our signature Detoxifying Double Cleanse Method. If your complexion still feels extra congested, opt for our Pore Cleanse Clay Mask to really reset skin after hours in transit.  As you recover from any jet lag, a quick swipe of purse-friendly Multi-Task Eye Gel will swiftly reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness. The easy applicator makes this gel cream perfect for on-the-go.  For next-level radiance, you can’t beat VTM after a long journey—especially if you’re traveling for a big event where it’s all-eyes-on-you. Our Vitality Treatment Mask instantly improves clarity, brightens, hydrates, plumps, and smooths skin. So whether you’re in the spotlight or just want a spot of self-care while kicking back, you can always count on VTM. Warm Weather + SPF As you change time zones and climates, your skin’s needs may also change. If your trip takes you someplace warmer, your complexion could become more oily. Our suggestion for your vacation skin care routine: Hydra-Therapy Gel Cream, ideal for giving skin gorgeous, mattifying moisture.  Where there’s heat, there’s likely sunshine too. If you’re spending more time outdoors during your travels, be sure to layer on the SPF, like our travel-size Phelityl Day Lotion SPF 15. Of course, SPF is a must-have whatever the weather! Cold Weather Care If you’re en route to a colder climate, remember that skin can become more dry and cracked in cooler air. Be sure to pack nourishing, moisture-replenishing favorites like Hydraphel Skin Supplement and Phelityl Night Cream to really restore and lock in hydration.  So instead of using travel as an excuse to shrink your skincare routine, take the opportunity to treat your complexion to the best kind of care. Use your time away to replenish, pamper, and pack in all the beautiful nourishment skin loves.

Blemished skin can affect anyone—teen or adult, royalty or everyman. Following Dr. Laszlo’s university studies of skin pathology, one of the first notable women who benefitted from his research-based formulas for blemished skin was Princess Stephanie of Hungary. In 1925, Dr. Laszlo was able to help heal the princess’s acne by developing Phormula 3-1.Since then, experts have built upon decades of research to benefit blemish-prone skin. Inspired by our founder and his science-backed approach to skincare, we at Erno Laszlo continue to develop new formulas that work toward improving skin health and clarity. These formulas begin with a deep understanding of why blemishes occur and the ways they manifest on skin’s surface. What Are Blemishes? Blemishes are any marks, spots, or discoloration on the skin, including hyperpigmentation and acne. Common acne blemishes include: Blackheads: Clogged pores from surface debris and oil that are exposed to oxygen, turning these spots black after oxidation. Whiteheads: Similar to blackheads, these are clogged pores that have not been exposed to oxygen. Pustules: Larger bumps filled with fluid due to bacterial growth and clogged follicles. There is a visible whitehead, and the area tends to be red and inflamed. Papules: Similar to pustules, these are bumps filled with fluids but no visible whitehead. Often, it’s caused by dead skin cells clogging the pores and increasing inflammation. Cysts: Deep acne under the skin that is highly inflamed. These tend to be painful and filled with pus. Causes of Blemishes From oil production and environmental debris that clog pores to diet and stress levels that cause inflammation, understanding the root cause of blemishes is the first step in addressing them. Hormone ChangesHormone changes can contribute to oil overproduction, especially around puberty and menopause. Stress can also cause the hormone Cortisol to increase oil production and lead to breakouts. Dehydrated Skin That’s Overcompensating Dry skin will attempt to rehydrate itself by producing an excess amount of oil. Skin can become excessively dry due to factors like sun exposure, traveling (the air on airplanes is notoriously drying due to the high altitude), even using skincare products with overly-drying ingredients. All of these scenarios can cause skin to ramp up oil production and exacerbate blemishes. Environmental ToxinsOur environments are full of pollution, debris, and bacteria that can lead to blemishes. For example, touching your face can introduce bacteria that sits on the skin's surface, clogging pores and causing complexion problems. Sweat also coats the skin in dirt and debris. Between environmental factors and our skin’s own sebum (an oily substance produced in skin’s sebaceous glands), the right daily skincare ritual is essential to properly cleanse, nourish, and balance the complexion. Diet & InflammationStudies have shown that dairy products may cause acne in some people. One theory is that certain hormones in milk can cause inflammation inside the body, leading to blemishes on skin’s surface.* Diets high in sugar or carbohydrates have also been linked to blemished skin. Studies show that when blood sugar spikes, it causes inflammation throughout the body. These spikes lead to increased sebum production, which can cause blemishes. Lack of SleepJust as stress can cause a rise in the hormone Cortisol, so too can a night of tossing and turning. Lack of sleep increases Cortisol production, which not only affects skin’s oil production but also triggers inflammation. While many lifestyle choices can be adjusted to improve blemished skin, a proper skincare ritual can also support skin wellness and appearance. Common Ingredients for Treating BlemishesBelow are some ingredients to look for when shopping for skincare products that will help target blemishes and clarify skin. Salicylic Acid: This beta hydroxy acid (BHA) gently exfoliates dry, dead skin cells, retexturizing skin. Benzoyl Peroxide: This topical treatment works by decreasing inflammation and eliminating or preventing the growth of bacteria on the skin. Lactic Acid: This exfoliating alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) helps promote the shedding of dead skin cells to soften and smooth skin texture over time. Less buildup of dead skin cells on the surface of your skin can mean less congestion in your pores. Lactic acid is more mild than Glycolic Acid, making it suitable for sensitive and dry skin types. Glycolic Acid: This alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) exfoliates the skin by dissolving dead skin cells and oils. It absorbs more quickly into the superficial layers of the skin than Lactic Acid and is best for normal to oily skin types. Our Blemish-Prone Skin SolutionsDeveloped and backed by science, our experts recommend these proven solutions for blemish-prone skin: Clarifying Gel Mask Mask to promote clear skin. This clarifying treatment mask targets blemishes and surface oil, diminishing the appearance of pores while infusing skin with refreshing hydration. The gel formula brings a cooling sensation, revitalizing the complexion. BlemishCare Balancing Complex (Featured in our Clarifying Gel Mask)To support a healthy skin microbiome, our BlemishCare Balancing Complex with active ingredient polylysine helps with shifting skin’s balance toward healthier strains of bacteria and away from blemish-causing bacteria. The complexion is left balanced with diminished surface oils for a healthy, shine-free look. Freeze Dried Targeted Blemish Treatment Show skin targeted, fast-acting care. Powered by mix-to-activate technology for maximum potency, this weekly treatment blends freeze-dried powder actives with a soothing liquid ampoule to resurface and address uneven skin tone without drying.  BlemishCare Resurfacing Complex (Featured in our Freeze-Dried Targeted Blemish Treatment)To preserve maximum potency of our BlemishCare Resurfacing Complex, powerful actives are freeze-dried for a powder phase of resurfacing salicylic acid, a combination of five revitalizing peptides, and moisturizing amino acids. Over a three-day period, this powder phase is frozen at -40° celsius, then dehydrated and dried. This freeze-dried process optimizes the dissolving of these highly-concentrated actives. Your Complete Ritual for Blemish-Prone SkinStep 1: Cleanse with Detox Cleansing DuoStart with our lightweight clarifying oil to dissolve surface impurities and makeup without leaving skin feeling tight or dry. Next, our detoxifying cleansing bar works to purify, unclog pores, and absorb excess surface oil for smooth, refreshed-feeling skin. Formulated With: Charcoal + Dead Sea MudResults: Skin is left looking and feeling smooth and soft, clarified and refreshed. Step 2: Tone with Light Controlling TonerThis clarifying facial toner sweeps away surface oils while lightly exfoliating and binding moisture to the skin for a fresh-faced, more-clarified complexion. Formulated With: Cosmetic Grade Alcohol + GlycerinResults: Skin is left with matte-finish moisture—refreshed, conditioned, and prepared for the rest of your ritual.Step 3, Option 1: Mask with Clarifying Gel MaskDesigned to address blemishes and reduce surface oils, our mask’s microbiome-balancing BlemishCare Complex and hydrating Apple Extract actives work together to refine the look of pores while refreshing skin with nourishing hydration. Formulated With: BlemishCare Balancing Complex + Apple Extract + Sea Water Results: Skin is left clarified, moisturized, and routinely revived.Step 3, Option 2: Treat with Freeze-Dried Targeted Blemish Treatment This dual-phase treatment targets blemished skin with advanced mix-to-activate technology. To preserve maximum potency, powerful actives are freeze-dried for a powder phase. These freeze-dried actives come to life when mixed with the liquid phase. Formulated With: BlemishCare Resurfacing Complex + Peptide Complex + Hyaluronic AcidResults: Improves the look of skin blemishes, gently exfoliates, and soothes signs of redness.Step 4: Moisturize with Mattifying Gel Moisturizer Formulated for all seasons and skin types, this daily moisturizer saturates the skin with hydration, leaving the complexion with all-day, matte-finish moisture and a smooth, satin finish. Formulated With: Squalane + Hydrating Sugar ComplexResults: Skin enjoys instant and long-lasting hydration in one. Step 5: Finish with Shake-It Tinted Skin Treatment Your last step to skincare, Shake-It is 80% treatment and 20% pigment. This iconic tinted treatment leaves the complexion supported, shine-free, and prepped for a natural look and feeling of skin confidence.Formulated With: Cosmetic Grade Alcohol + Powdered Pigment + GlycerinResults: Shake-It evens skin’s tone, refines the look of pores, and reduces excess surface oils for a soft, filtered effect and flawless matte finish.Explore our Blemish-Prone Skin Collection and bring home our Blemish-Prone Skin Trial Kit to set your complexion on the path to clearer-looking skin. * American Academy of Dermatology Association

As April showers give way to May flowers, we’re delighted to spotlight some of the flower power within our science-backed skincare formulas. From brightening to firming, skin comfort to moisturizing, these floral ingredients are as lovely as they are effective for your complexion. Madonna LilyKey Benefit: Radiance & evening skin toneWhat It Does: The luminous Madonna Lily helps restore balance, improving the look of skin pigmentation for a uniform tone that’s brighter and more radiant.Found in VTM Micro-Essence: Our restorative facial essence lotion is scientifically formulated to target dry, pigmented skin, soothing the complexion to reveal lasting radiance. Refreshing, weightless hydration melts into skin, refining pores and improving tone and texture over time. Skin is instantly energized, balanced, and deeply purified for an overall soft and supple complexion.Best for: All skin types. Hawthorn & Jasmine FlowerKey Benefit: FirmingWhat It Does: Our blend of Hawthorn and Jasmine Flower provides a lifting effect that gives skin a look of firmness while targeting fine lines and wrinkles.Found in Phormula 3-10 Eye Intensive: Our advanced rescue cream revives the eye contour, softening the look of fine lines and bags under eyes for a smooth, bright-eyed appearance. This eye cream is lightweight and fast-absorbing, yet richly nourishing. The skin around and under the eyes is delicate, but this intensive treatment strikes a balance—powerful, yet gentle, leaving skin renewed and radiant.Best for: Mature Skin, suitable for all skin types. Red SageKey Benefit: Skin comfort & barrier supportWhat It Does: Red Sage is a key component of our SensCalm³™ Complex. This flowering plant combines with Bisabolol and Ginger extracts to bring soothing relief to sensitive skin, replenishing skin’s barrier and diminishing blotchiness due to sensitivity for an overall calmed complexion.Found in our Sensitive Skin Collection: Our Soothing Relief Hydration Lotion, Serum, and Emulsion make up our 3-step ritual for sensitive skin. In each formula, our SensCalm³™ Complex with Red Sage relieves dry, distressed complexions, instantly calming sensitive skin for a comfortable, soft, and silky-smooth feel.Best for: Sensitive skin, suitable for all skin types. Roman ChamomileKey Benefit: Skin conditioning What It Does: Chamomile is known for its soothing properties. In skincare, Roman Chamomile is beloved for its moisturizing properties as a skin-conditioning agent.Found In Mattifying Gel Moisturizer: Formulated for all seasons and skin types, our Mattifying Gel Moisturizer saturates the skin with hydration, leaving the complexion with all-day, matte-finish moisture and a smooth, satin finish. Our clean formulation is enhanced with skin-quenching Squalane and our Hydrating Sugar Complex, delivering instant and long-lasting hydration in one.Best for: Oily/combo skin, suitable for all skin types. BakuchiolKey Benefit: ElasticityWhat It Does: A plant-derived alternative to retinol, antioxidant-rich Bakuchiol improves the feel of skin’s firmness and elasticity, smooths the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and improves skin tone and texture.Found in Firming Cream: Our plant-powered anti-aging moisturizer hydrates, smooths, and gives the skin a lifted look. Lightweight enough to wear all day, yet rich enough to restore moisture throughout the night, this day and night moisturizer is perfect for all skin types, all year round. This age-defying cream will help re-contour, re-firm, and re-plump skin’s look and feel.Best for: All skin types. In addition to this bouquet of beautiful benefits for the skin, there’s also evidence that stopping to smell the roses brings its own benefits for overall well-being. Florence Williams, bestselling author of The Nature Fix, says, “Smelling flowers in nature can be a quick reset for your mood.” Hear more from Williams on Season 3 of our Mind Your Skin Podcast in the episode “Stress & Nature.” In the spirit of pausing to smell the flowers—that is, slowing down and practicing mindfulness—we invite you to embrace this same idea whenever you practice your skincare ritual. Think of your daily routine as a moment that’s all yours. It’s a moment to focus on you, to enjoy the sensorial experience of caring for your skin, and to unwind. In this way, your skin not only reaps the benefits of ritual care, but your whole self as well.

Our Vitality Treatment Method (VTM) Collection is a powerful, multitasking trio that delivers a spa-grade array of skin benefits: hydrating, brightening, plumping, calming, clarifying, pore-refining, and more. Inspired by Dr. Laszlo’s Hungarian heritage and Budapest’s renowned thermal bath culture, these are clinically-proven treatments with results you can see and feel. Hungarian Bath CultureThe history of skincare in Hungary begins with the thermal bath. Budapest is referred to as the “City of Spas” for having more thermal springs than any other capital in the world. As a Hungarian and man of science, Dr. Erno Laszlo understood the benefits of minerals from the deep sea, which you’ll find today in our VTM Collection. Budapest lies on a geological fault line, allowing thermal waters to rise closer to the surface. Because the heat penetration from the sun is greater, mineral-rich, brittle rocks can be absorbed more effectively in the waters. While most baths feed from different springs, many contain similar therapeutic minerals such as calcium, hydrogen-carbonate, magnesium, sodium, sulfate-chloride, and metabolic acid. Each of these is known for unique healing properties. In Dr. Laszlo’s Budapest, these mineral-rich baths are a way of life—part of a regular self-care ritual to benefit body, mind, and skin. Upholding this tradition and legacy, the skincare treatments in our VTM Collection are inspired and powered by some of these therapeutic minerals. What Are Skincare Treatments? Skincare treatments are products designed to address specific complexion concerns. Many targeted facial treatments are found at spas, where a facial might address pore size, hydration, skin texture, age spots, wrinkles, or other unique needs. The beauty of VTM? Skin enjoys the results of a multi-benefit spa treatment at home, and it only takes three simple steps: cleansing, masking, and toning. Vitality Treatment Method 101Within the collection, you’ll find our VTM Cream-to-Foam Cleanser, VTM Micro-Essence, and famous Vitality Treatment Mask, each one rich in minerals. VTM Cream-to-Foam Cleanser and VTM Micro-Essence feature our Multi-Mineral Complex, inspired by the original Triple Mineral Complex in our Vitality Treatment Mask. Our VTM formulas are all activated through two phases, preserving these minerals and their potent nutrients until the moment the products meet the skin. The result: skin enjoys powerful, mineral-rich benefits for benefits both instant and long-lasting. Instant, Spa-Quality Results at HomeResults are delivered instantly and intensively, leaving skin looking refreshed, nourished, and glowing. Because of its varied and visible benefits for the complexion, our VTM Collection allows for a spa facial treatment experience at home to rescue your skin for the special moments in your life. A mindfulness moment also comes into play as VTM invites you to slow down and enjoy the journey to radiant skin. To indulge in such thorough treatments and enjoy dramatic, visible results any time, anywhere–when skin needs it most—is the ultimate luxury.Your VTM RitualThe VTM Ritual reveals healthier, more luminous-looking skin in just three steps. Step 1: Gently cleanse with VTM Cream-to-Foam Cleanser. Step 2: Reveal instant, visible results with Vitality Treatment Mask.Step 3: Restore and balance with VTM Micro-Essence. VTM Cream-to-Foam CleanserWhat It Is: VTM Cream-to-Foam Cleanser is our invigorating, refreshing cleanser that begins as a velvety cream and lathers into a luxurious foam to gently sweep away dirt and buildup.Ingredients: Our Gentle Cleansing Blend with Amino Acid surfactants ensures a mild formula suitable even for delicate, sensitive skin. Technology: The foam is driven by these Amino Acids that leave skin feeling soft, never stripped, after cleansing. Results: Skin is left clean, soft, and ready for the next steps in your VTM Ritual. Pro Tip: Cleansing at night is a must to rinse away the grime of the day. Cleansing in the morning also has its benefits—giving skin a fresh start and resetting your mood. Vitality Treatment MaskWhat It Is: Vitality Treatment Mask is our 15-minute spa rescue treatment, known as the Famous Pink Mask. This two-phase, multitasking treatment gives instant results after one use, making it the perfect mask for any special occasion, from weddings to interviews to date night. Ingredients: The Powder Phase of our active formula features a proprietary Triple Mineral Complex with ingredients sourced from the Dead Sea, which is full of the earth's most potent and skin-nourishing minerals. The Liquid Activator is enriched with ProVitamin B5, a powerful skin hydrator. Technology: The mask is activated by mixing the Powder Phase with the Liquid Activator, allowing powerful ingredients in the mask to come to life and go to work. When combined, the formula becomes an active treatment mask with a rubbery texture to be peeled off. Upon application, the mask creates a cooling endothermic reaction, temporarily lowering the temperature of skin by 7 degrees. Results: Vitality Treatment Mask is clinically proven to brighten, plump, smooth, calm, and improve skin clarity in just one use. Skin is left feeling healthier, bouncy, and more supple, with hydration levels instantly increased by 48%. With repeated use, skin will experience improvements in the appearance of pore size, a more balanced complexion, and overall more-refreshed, radiant-looking skin. Pro Tip: Apply the mask in a thick layer so it’s easier to peel. After 15 minutes, use a cotton round with VTM Micro-Essence to remove any residue. Do not rinse down the drain, rather peel into a tissue and toss. If desired, apply VTM Micro-Essence both before and after masking for the ultimate skin-hydrating experience. VTM Micro-EssenceWhat It Is: VTM Micro-Essence is our restorative facial essence lotion scientifically formulated to treat dry, dull, and damaged skin with weightless hydration.Ingredients: Madonna Lily brings brightening benefits for a more-uniform and radiant tone. Marine Extract derived from the coast of Brittany, France, reinforces skin’s moisture barrier to help reduce roughness and the appearance of pores. Meadowfoam and Raspberry Oil help prevent moisture loss and leave skin softened, smoothed, and plumped. Technology: Patented microfluidic technology enables thousands of encapsulated oil droplets (bubbles) to float in clear, aqueous gel. Each of these tiny jellified bubbles features a protective membrane which holds Meadowfoam and Raspberry Oil. With every application, the droplets burst, activating each ingredient and skincare benefit as they melt into the skin. The result is a unique sensation: the cooling hydration of a water splash (96% liquid phase) with the silky-soft nutrition of an oil serum (4% oil phase).Results: Skin is instantly energized, balanced, and deeply purified for an overall soft and supple complexion. Pores appear diminished and skin tone and texture is improved over time. In a clinical study, 94% reported skin felt instantly hydrated, and 91% agreed skin felt nourished and soothed after one use. Pro Tip: Layer VTM Micro-Essence with our VTM Mask. To do this, apply the essence, mask with VTM, then apply the essence once again for an extra burst of hydration, amplifying the results of the mask for a thoroughly refreshed, energized feel. This way, you can also end your VTM Ritual with a Hungarian Facial Massage. Discover and shop our entire Vitality Treatment Method Collection to turn your skincare ritual into a home-spa experience. If you’re loving VTM, let us know—share a photo and tag us on social @ernolaszlonyc. -- STEP 1: Pour the Liquid Activator into a bowl. STEP 2: Combine the Triple Mineral Complex and mix vigorously for 45–60 seconds, until mask thickens. STEP 3: Smooth a thick layer over face. STEP 4: Leave on for 15 minutes until mask is a rubbery texture. STEP 5: Push the ends in and peel downwards. RESULTS: Brighter, plumper, smoother skin.

If you experience skin sensitivity, you’re not alone. Research shows sensitive skin affects about 60% of the population. That’s a lot of people in need of calming relief. For this reason, our experts were compelled to tap into the latest in science to help those with sensitive skin concerns. The result is our new Sensitive Skin Collection, a three-step ritual dedicated to devotees and skincare novices alike looking to soothe signs of sensitivity.  What Causes Sensitive Skin? Sensitive skin can manifest in many ways, but with one common thread: a need to calm and soothe. Here are just some examples of skin sensitivity:• Naturally sensitive skin: Genetic; can be linked to inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis.• Environmentally sensitive skin: Skin is triggered by your environment, such as sun exposure, cigarette smoke, and air pollution. • Reactive skin: Skin experiences redness and irritation due to the ingredients found in skincare or makeup formulations. • Thin skin: As we age, our skin naturally becomes thinner; thinner skin is easier to irritate. Physical Signs of Sensitive Skin The most common outward signs of skin sensitivity are: • Redness• Dryness• Itchiness• Tight feeling• Breakouts Sensitive Skin vs. Sensitized Skin Sensitive skin means skin is naturally reactive to certain ingredients and stressors. The skin barrier can be weaker and naturally more-easily irritated. Sensitive skin is something you’re born with—but with the right products to care for your skin, your complexion can be soothed and sensitivity managed. Sensitized skin is a temporary reaction, often triggered by a certain chemical substance, environmental factor, or even the stress hormone cortisol. Constant exposure to the trigger causes sensitized skin to show similar signs to sensitive skin: redness, itchiness, and dryness. Sensitized skin is influenced by lifestyle, not genetics. Addressing Sensitive SkinIf your skin is sensitive, there are some things you can do to show your complexion extra care and attention. Begin by always reading labels. Opt for formulas made with gentle ingredients designed to address specific sensitive concerns. such as redness, dryness, and irritation. Choose products that are also fragrance-free, colorant-free, and cleanly formulated. Keep your skincare ritual simple and consistent. Our Sensitive Skin Collection Can HelpOur Sensitive Skin Collection is an advanced skin-soothing ritual, thoughtfully formulated and clinically proven to calm sensitive skin. This three-step ritual features science-backed technology and a highly-focused blend of advanced ingredients, each one thoughtfully chosen for being both gentle and effective. The hero ingredient is our SensCalm³™ Complex, a science-backed blend of Red Sage, Bisabolol, and Ginger. These three powerful extracts work synergistically to address key facets of skin sensitivity: Soothing signs of irritation Diminishing signs of redness Supporting barrier repair You’ll find our SensCalm³™ Complex in each product in our three-step ritual: Soothing Relief Hydration Lotion  This gentle cushioning lotion infuses sensitive skin with a comforting dose of calming hydration. It melts in quickly, leaving the complexion both instantly soothed and infused with lasting moisture. Formulated with: GlycerinHelps condition the skin and replenish hydrationSodium HyaluronateMoisturizing humectant attracts and holds water to the skinBeta GlucanDerived from yeast, helps protect skin’s moisture barrier   Soothing Relief Hydration Serum This advanced serum coats the complexion, replenishing vital hydration and strengthening the moisture barrier. Our Barridome Technology™ has a second-skin effect, keeping the complexion hydrated in the face of environmental stressors. Formulated with: Groundcherry ExtractHelps fortify skin’s moisture barrier by reducing TEWLSqualaneEnhances the integrity of the skin’s natural barrierAllantoinEffective in low concentrations, non-irritating, and soothing   Soothing Relief Hydration EmulsionThis lightweight, gentle moisturizing emulsion is formulated to soothe sensitivity and infuse skin with lasting hydration. Dry, distressed complexions are left instantly calmed with a comfortable, soft, and silky-smooth feeling. Formulated with: Beta GlucanDerived from yeast, helps protect skin’s moisture barrierSqualaneEnhances the integrity of the skin’s natural barrier   Shop our Sensitive Skin Collection here.

Marilyn Monroe’s would-be 95th birthday is today, June 1st. In honor of her status as a beloved American icon – not to mention the role she played in our own history – we’re remembering Marilyn with fun facts, rare photos, and her finest thoughts on fascinating topics. “Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.” – Marilyn Monroe Marilyn Is in Our DNA As one of Dr. Erno Laszlo’s most famous celebrity clients, Marilyn Monroe was an early adopter, shaping our future as the heritage brand we are today. Dr. Laszlo even created the Phormula 3-8 balm specifically for Marilyn, to heal an appendectomy scar on her stomach. We’ve reintroduced it in the modern era as Phormula 3-9; now it’s used by hundreds of individuals to rescue their skin from inflammation and stress. Marilyn’s Makeup Box In this picture of her makeup box from Allure, it’s thrilling to spot the Erno Laszlo items – not one but two of our iconic jars! Allure identifies the one on the far left as our Active Phelityl Intensive Cream, describing it as Marilyn's favorite moisturizer. With it's super-hydrating formula and luxurious texture, you might call her indulgence in our cream proto-self-care! “Someone said to me, ‘If fifty percent of the experts in Hollywood said you had no talent and should give up, what would you do?' My answer was then and still is, 'If a hundred percent told me that, all one hundred percent would be wrong.” – Marilyn Monroe Marilyn’s Beauty Tricks Marilyn was also ahead of her time by protecting her porcelain skin and embracing the dewy look. She is known to have said, “Despite its great vogue in California, I don’t think suntanned skin is any more attractive … or any healthier, for that matter. I’m personally opposed to a deep tan because I like to feel blonde all over.” But she didn’t just skip the tan to get her on-camera glow; she had a little trick up her sleeve, too – and its name was Vaseline! Layers of Vaseline applied under her makeup ensured she would always be radiant and camera-ready. New York Forever Although she was born in LA and spent lots of time in California, Marilyn was a devoted fan of New York City even before she moved there. In fact, she had even planned to retire in Brooklyn. She loved so much about the Big Apple, from the great shopping and tasty food to the incredible art galleries and plentiful parks. During her time in New York, she lived in: a suite at the Ambassador Hotel; at the Lexington Hotel during her short-lived marriage to Joe DiMaggio; and a penthouse in Sutton Place on Manhattan's East Side when she was married to Arthur Miller. Marilyn the Bookworm Marilyn loved to read. In this photo, she is reading The Poetry and Prose of Heinrich Heine. Some other books that have been spotted on her shelves include Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison, The Fall by Albert Camus, On the Road by Jack Kerouac, Tortilla Flat by John Steinbeck, and Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert – see more in this Huffington Post gallery. Champagne Dreams Another iconic Marilyn story we love is the rumored champagne bath. She was a huge fan of the bubbly drink; her biographer George Barris allegedly stated that she drank champagne “as if it were oxygen.” If the rumors are true, she also once bathed in it – somewhere in the neighborhood of 350 bottles were required to fill the tub! Her Exercise Routine In 1952, Marilyn described her workout routine to a LIFE interviewer: every morning, after brushing her teeth and washing her face, she worked out for ten minutes using small weights. She coined this her “bust-firming routine” – sun salutations of a different era! “Beauty and femininity are ageless and can't be contrived, and glamour, although the manufacturers won't like this, cannot be manufactured. Not real glamour; it's based on femininity.” – Marilyn Monroe On what would have been her 95th birthday, Marilyn Monroe is still inspiring countless individuals. She continues to inspire – literally, as the real skin that our Phormula 3-9 was specially made to treat – and empower, with the message of her self-confidence and the beauty she radiated inside and out.   Photo 1, courtesy of Antique Trader:  Photo by John Kobal Foundation/Getty Images Photo 2, courtesy of Vogue: A portrait of actress Marilyn Monroe (1926 - 1962) surrounded by reporters and fans outside Grauman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood, California, circa 1953. Photo by M. Garrett/Murray Garrett/Getty Images Photo 3, courtesy of Vogue: Marilyn Monroe takes the subway in Grand Central Station on March 24, 1955 in New York City, New York. Photo by Ed Feingersh/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images. Photo 4, courtesy of Vogue: American actress Marilyn Monroe (1926 - 1962) relaxes on a sofa bed, circa 1951. The book she is reading is 'The Poetry and Prose of Heinrich Heine'. Photo by Archive Photos/Getty Images. Photo 5, courtesy of Vogue: Marilyn Monroe (1926 - 1962) arriving at the premiere of the film 'There's No Business like Show Business', circa 1954. Photo by M. Garrett/Murray Garrett/Getty Images Header photo, courtesy of The Guardian: Photo by Bettmann/CORBIS

In building a legacy centered on skin wellness and the promise delivering desired results, it all comes down to perfecting our formulas. Within our science-backed skincare, you’ll always find expertly-chosen ingredients that have proven their value time and again. Here is an overview of some of our favorites and how they work hard for your skin. Bakuchiol A natural alternative to retinol, Bakuchiol promotes skin firmness and elasticity, visibly softening the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Primary Benefit: Firming and improved elasticity Recommended For: Skin looking for a lift Found In: Firming Cream Charcoal Charcoal absorbs toxins and oils, helping to unclog pores and purify the skin. Primary Benefit: Detoxifying and deeply cleansing Recommended For: Oily, congested, acne-prone skin Found In:Sea Mud Deep Cleansing Bar, Detox Cleansing Oil, Refreshing Double Cleanser Green Algae Rich in chlorophyll, minerals, and nutrients, Green Algae is an antioxidant and detoxifying agent that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. Primary Benefit: Moisturizing Recommended For: Dry skin Found In: Multi-Task Serum Eye Mask, Multi-Task Eye Gel Dead Sea Mud Dead Sea Mud is sourced from the Jordan Rift Valley, the lowest point on the face of the earth. As the fine mud grains gently soften and slough away dead skin, this nutrient-rich mud infuses the complexion with a dense cocktail of essential minerals. Shop our Detoxifying Products to experience these Dead Sea Mud skin benefits.  Primary Benefit: Deeply cleansing and exfoliating Recommended For: All skin types Found In: Sea Mud Deep Cleansing Bar Irish Sea Moss Sea Moss, also known as Irish Moss, is a great source of rich vitamins and minerals that help moisturize and condition the skin. Primary Benefit: Hydrating and soothing Recommended For: Dry, sensitive skin Found In: Multi-Task Serum Eye Mask, Pore Cleanse Clay Mask, Timeless Skin Serum Phelityl Complex Dr. Laszlo’s innovative EFA (essential fatty acid) technology remains an advanced way to deliver moisture to the skin. Our Phelityl Complex replenishes EFAs to support skin that’s hydrated and healthy. Primary Benefit: Restorative and hydrating Recommended For: Dry, sensitive skin Found In:Phelityl Cleansing Bar, Phelityl Night Cream, Active Phelityl Intensive Cream Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) A multi-functional vitamin, Niacinamide improves skin’s moisture levels and tone, illuminates dullness, and helps strengthen skin’s moisture barrier for a complexion that looks and feels bright and healthy. The benefits of Niacinamide are endless!  Primary Benefit: Brightens and evens skin stone Recommended For: Dull, uneven skin Found In:Multi-Task Serum Eye Mask, White Marble Radiance Emulsion Squalane A proven emollient, Squalane delivers hydration, supports skin’s moisture barrier, and helps to smooth the complexion. Primary Benefit: Nourishing and smoothing Recommended For: All skin types Found In:Hydra-Therapy Gel Cream, Firming Cream, Pore Cleanse Clay Mask Spirulina Maxima Spirulina Maxima, a blue-green algae rich in iron, amino acids, and essential minerals, works to restore skin and support overall skin wellness. Primary Benefit: Firming and improved elasticity Recommended For: Skin looking for a lift Found In: Firmarine Moisturizer SPF30, Firmarine Lifting Serum, Firmarine Eye Serum Sea Water Sea Water helps draw out toxins for a renewed, healthier, younger-looking complexion. Primary Benefit: Detoxifies skin, targeting blemishes and inflammation Recommended For: Congested complexions and irritated skin Found In:Detox Cleansing Oil, Firmarine Lifting Serum, Firmarine Moisturizer SPF30 Vitamin E   A powerful antioxidant, Vitamin E is a favorite in our formulas for its ability to protect skin from environmental damage. By fending off free radicals and delivering hydrating benefits, Vitamin E helps to intensely moisturize and restore the complexion. Vitamin E skin care products are versatile and great for all skin types. Primary Benefit: Protection and hydration Recommended For: All skin types Found In: Hydra-Therapy Phelityl Cleansing Oil, Antioxidant Complex for Eyes, VTM Micro-Essence.

The History of Phormula 3 In the 1950s, Dr. Erno Laszlo created his original Phormula 3. It was a bespoke repair and rescue treatment, tailored to his client’s needs and formulated in small batches. Phormula 3 helped lay the foundation for Dr. Laszlo’s legacy of bringing medical skin wellness to the masses.  Now, with nearly 100 years of innovation to our name, Erno Laszlo is pleased to launch Phormula 3-10, inspired by the science of Epigenetics.  The Emerging Science of Epigenetics  Epigenetics is the study of changes in gene expression and activity. Chemical compounds and proteins that attach to our DNA can direct them to express or silence—turning them on or off.  Epigenetics research examines how our behaviors and environment can cause these changes and affect the way our genes work. Without these proteins turned on, skin can experience signs of premature aging, including wrinkles and loss of firmness.  Phormula 3-10 taps into the science of Epigenetics to help keep skin looking its best.  Phormula 3-10 Phormula 3-10 is Erno Laszlo’s most advanced restorative skin treatment. The collection features our proprietary skin wellness complex, Epigene-6, to support rejuvenation. Epigene-6 encapsulates extracts of Apple, Ginger, and Vitamin B3 to address the six key signs of aging: skin firmness, elasticity, hydration, tone, texture, and depth of lines. Apple Extract: Rich in antioxidants, minerals, sugars, acids and vitamins A and E to promote healthy skin. Ginger Extract: One of nature’s most transformative antioxidants to nourish skin and encourage vitality. Vitamin B3: An essential vitamin to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles and addresses discoloration. Phormula 3-10 brings a full ritual of breakthrough skincare: Eye Intensive, Essence Lotion, Serum Concentrate, and Skin Repair.  Primary Benefit: Anti-aging repair  Recommended For: Mature skin that is already showing signs of aging  Best For: Dry Skin, Mature Skin, Normal Skin, and Combination Skin Learn more about the collection and shop now. As a pioneer in doctor-led skincare, Erno Laszlo is, and always has been, about innovation and efficacy. Dr. Laszlo was a man of many firsts—the first to formulate pH-balancing care, the first to offer “no-makeup makeup,” and the first to suggest custom rituals catered to the individual.  For nearly a century, our luxury line of skincare has delivered science-backed, results-driven formulas that nourish bright skin and celebrate bold personalities. 

The Science of Epigenetics  The next generation of Erno Laszlo’s pioneering rescue treatments, Phormula 3-10, provides scientifically-advanced repair technology for extraordinary results. The formula is rooted in the science of Epigenetics, one of the buzziest fields in life sciences today. Epigenetics is a phenomenon with wide-ranging, powerful effects on many aspects of biology, and enormous potential in human medicine. What is Epigenetics? Epigenetics has become a buzzword in the beauty-industry in the past few years. As a science, Epigenetics is the study of changes in gene expression and activity. Gene expression is the process by which instructions in our DNA are converted to functional proteins—for example, collagen.  Chemical compounds and proteins that attach to our DNA can direct them to express or silence—turning them on or off. Epigenetics research examines how our behaviors and environment can cause these changes and affect the way our genes work. How does Epigenetics affect the skin?  As we age, the genes in our skin responsible for collagen production become less active. But they can also become less active due to external factors, like sun exposure and air pollution. Epigenetics research estimates that environmental factors are responsible for a significant part of genetic expression—that is, turning our genes on and off.  Imagine how this can decrease the production of important proteins, like collagen, which are key factors in our skin’s structural support. Without these proteins, skin can experience signs of premature aging, including wrinkles and loss of firmness. It’s little wonder that the beauty industry is now exploring ways to use the science of Epigenetics. Epigenetics in Skincare Skincare rooted in Epigenetics is based on the concept that certain ingredients can affect gene behavior and counteract undesirable increases or decreases in gene activity by switching certain genes on or off (although turning genes up or down, like a dimmer light switch, might be the better analogy). When genes are active and turned on, their functions are expressed (i.e. visible) on the outside. The Epigenetics technology in our Phormula 3-10 ritual seeks to promote skin health by combatting undesirable gene expression, helping repair and restore the skin. Phormula 3-10: Inspired by Epigenetics Inspired by the science of Epigenetics, we infused our Phormlua 3-10 ritual with our proprietary Epigene-6 complex.  Epigene-6 supports rejuvenation, encapsulating extracts of Apple, Ginger, and Vitamin B3 to address the six key signs of aging: skin firmness, elasticity, hydration, tone, texture, and depth of lines. Apple is rich in antioxidants, minerals, sugars, and essential vitamins. Ginger, long-revered in Ayurvedic and Chinese herbal traditions, lends transformative antioxidants to nourish the skin and renew vitality. Vitamin B3 helps reduce the look of wrinkles, discoloration, and uneven texture. Together, this formula taps into the science of Epigenetics to keep skin looking its best.  Primary Benefit: Anti-aging repair  Recommended For: Mature skin that is already showing signs of aging  Best For: Dry Skin, Mature Skin, Normal Skin, and Combination Skin Learn more about Phormula 3-10 Collection and shop now.

When it comes to reviving dull, tired-looking eyes, skincare enthusiasts often focus on refreshing only the skin beneath the eyes. Our fan-favorite Multi-Task Serum Eye Mask often comes to the under-eye rescue, hydrating to soothe puffy eyes, smooth lines, and brighten dark circles under the eyes. But why should the skin below the eye enjoy all the TLC? Science shows that the delicate skin above the eye is equally worthy of nourishing care and revitalizing results. That’s why we’re thrilled to welcome a new favorite to our multitasking eye care collection: Multi-Task Full Circle Eye Serum Mask. This innovative, one-size-fits-all hydrating eye patch wraps around the entirety of the eye for 360 degrees of care. Why the Upper Eyelid? The skin on the upper eyelid is prone to the same problems as the skin below. Because this skin is so thin and delicate, it ages more quickly than other areas of the face. Over time, the upper eye area loses elasticity and firmness. How Aggressors Affect the Upper Lid Natural environmental aggressors such as sun exposure and pollution can wreak havoc on the eye area. Our own actions also play a big part. Makeup application, eye rubbing or tugging, and dehydration all contribute to eyelid dryness, sagging, and wrinkles. What is Crepey Skin? When skin loses elasticity and resilience, it causes little winkles that resemble crepe paper. The best thing we can do to prevent and improve the appearance of crepey skin is to keep the under-eyes and upper eyelids hydrated with creams, serums, and masks. Creping skin typically begins in a person's late-30s and is affected by the environmental factors, pulling, and tugging mentioned above. The Solution: A New Eye Mask Backed by ScienceIt has always been crucial to extend care to the upper eyelid, but serums and creams used to be the only way to do so. With our innovative Full Circle design, we’re changing the game for eye masking. Targeting both the upper and lower lid at once, our Multi-Task Full Circle Eye Serum Mask instantly infuses skin with intensive, target benefits to help alleviate the signs of time. Skin is left refreshed, conditioned, and luminous for eyes that look and feel more awake.Our science-backed formula features powerhouse ingredients that hydrate, brighten, and smooth the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines under the eyes: Hydrating Sugar Complex: Delivers short and long-term hydration, enhancing skin’s natural moisture barrier while improving skin smoothness and comfort. Niacinamide: Also known as Vitamin B3; hydrates and combats skin dullness for a more even-toned looking complexion.HexaPeptide Complex: Made up of chains of amino acids is shown to condition the skin.Should You Go Full Circle? Our Multi-Task Full Circle Eye Serum Mask is an advanced treatment designed to seamlessly support your skincare ritual. Like the original Multi-Task Serum Eye Mask, the Full Circle hydrogel patches are clear and stay put, so you can mask discreetly while moving around for true multitasking. This eye mask gently hugs the entirety of your eye and is optimal for every eye shape. If you’re looking to expand the benefits of eye masking or notice signs of creping or puffiness on the upper eyelid, this is the mask for you. Wherever you are in your skincare journey, our Multi-Task Full Circle Eye Serum Mask is a chance to achieve greater confidence in your skin by learning how to love your eyes from every angle.

Dry, oily, combination. Skincare enthusiasts know their skin type and choose their skincare products accordingly. But what about digging even deeper into your skin-type? For example, while some complexions are dry, others extra dry. Dry Skin vs. Extra Dry Skin vs. Dehydrated SkinDry, extra dry, and dehydrated skin are defined by exceptionally low moisture levels in the skin and a lack of oil production to help keep skin hydrated. The difference between these can be determined by looking at certain visible, physical indicators. Dry skin appears dull and feels dehydrated with mild tightness and discomfort. Extra dry skin appears rough, dull, flaky, peeling, and feels extremely tight and noticeably uncomfortable. If you’re wondering whether your skin is dry or extra dry, learn more here.While each of these can occur naturally, external aggressors have an impact. Environmental factors such as extreme heat or cold or low humidity, aging skin that produces fewer oils, and harsh cleansers—all of these can further dry out skin. Dehydrated skin isn’t genetically influenced, rather it results from internal and external factors, such as inadequate water intake, a damaged moisture barrier, or the climate. Those with dry and extra dry skin may experience some similarities to sensitive skin. However, sensitive skin is marked by more redness and a stinging sensation when using certain more-aggressive products. Learn more about sensitive skin here. Improving Extra Dry SkinWhile dehydrated skin may be helped by drinking more water, extra dry skin requires advanced care and a thoughtful ritual. Skincare formulas should replenish lost moisture and fortify skin’s moisture barrier to lock in that restored hydration. Look for ingredients rich in EFAs, hyaluronic acid, hydrating oils, ceramides, and moisture-restoring vitamins. Our Extra Dry Skin Therapies Can HelpPeople with extra dry skin seek skincare products that replenish and lock in moisture and restore a feeling of skin comfort. Formulated to do exactly that, our Extra Dry Collection is science-backed and clinically proven to increase skin moisture. These extra dry skin remedies deliver precisely what skin needs. Phelityl Cream for Extra Dry Skin Powered by our Phelityl Complex, Phelityl Cream is our rich-textured day-to-night cream. It absorbs quickly and delivers essential fatty acids to help nourish dry skin and replenish the vital moisture and nutrients that daily life depletes. With a mattified, non-greasy, velvety-soft finish, skin’s protective barrier is left supported, moisture is preserved, and hydration levels are balanced.Key IngredientsPhelityl Complex: Dr. Laszlo’s innovative Phelityl Complex remains an advanced way to restore hydration to dry skin. Rich in EFAs, our Phelityl Complex supports the skin with antioxidants, protects skin from moisture loss, and delivers balanced hydration. Botanic Oil Blend: Combining Babassu, Coconut, Soybean, Vegetable, and Linseed Oils, our Botanic Oil Blend is rich in EFAs that promote moisture protection.Ceramides: Helps skin appear firm and supple.Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are a crucial component of skin’s lipid barrier, helping to fortify skin’s surface and maintain moisture levels and elasticity. The body naturally produces EFAs, but skin begins to make insufficient amounts as we age, resulting in a loss of moisture and firmness. Phelityl Cream Extra Dry replenishes these depleted EFAs. Skin Supplement Essence for Extra Dry SkinSkin Supplement Essence is our silky facial toner that revives dry skin and replenishes moisture, coating the complexion in energizing hydration and restoring a comfortable feel. Key IngredientsProVitamin B5: A known humectant, ProVitamin B5 helps restore and maintain skin’s natural moisture levels. It both soothes dry skin and stimulates a refreshed, revived look and feel.Allantoin: Soothing Allantoin brings gentle moisturizing benefits to help rehydrate thirsty skin.Hyaluronic Acid & Sodium PCA: These proven moisturizing humectants attract and hold water to the skin, helping to keep the complexion looking and feeling fresh. If you’re unsure of your skin type, get started with our Skin Type Guide.Shop the Extra Dry Skin Ritual here.

Dr. Erno Laszlo has been credited with many skincare discoveries that remain both revolutionary and relevant decades later. One such discovery is Dr. Laszlo’s use of Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) in topical creams.  What are Essential Fatty Acids and why does skin need them?EFAs are a crucial component of the lipid barrier that protects skin’s surface. This barrier helps maintain skin hydration, promote elasticity, and prevent moisture loss. While the body naturally produces EFAs that play a key role in skin function and appearance, we start to make insufficient amounts of EFAs as we age, leading to a noticeable lack of moisture and firmness.  When this happens, we have to look to external sources to replenish skin’s nourishing EFAs. We can find them in vitamins high in Omega-3 and Omega-6, as well as topical creams. Dr. Laszlo’s own Phelityl Complex, found in our many Phelityl creams, remains an innovative, proprietary way of supporting skin’s protective barrier with Essential Fatty Acids.  What is the Phelityl Complex?Dr. Laszlo professed that Essential Fatty Acids were manufactured by skin itself, and without EFAs, skin would diminish in moisture, glow, and vitality. His solution: creating the Phelityl Complex to help restore skin’s fatty acid shield. Our Phelityl Complex is a blend of EFAs and replenishing ingredients that help fortify skin’s protective barrier to lock in moisture and keep skin soft, supple, and plump.  Find Your Phelityl MoisturizerWhile you’ll find our Phelityl Complex in many of our advanced moisturizers for dry skin, each formula has been enhanced with a thoughtful, science-backed blend of ingredients designed to fit the needs of various complexions and climates. Discover the Phelityl favorite that’s best suited to your skin: Active Phelityl Intensive CreamSkin Type: Dry Skin.Season or Climate: Winter or climates that are cold and dry. This extremely thick, balm-like texture leaves skin with a protective shield against environmental stressors like cold weather and wind. Also recommended as a quick hydrating treatment to target areas in need of extra moisture. How It Works: This all-purpose 24-hour cream intensively protects skin's natural moisture around the clock, even in extreme weather conditions.Formulated with Phelityl Complex + Safflower Seed Oil + Lanolin: While our Phelityl Complex restores balance via EFAs, skin-mimicking Safflower Seed Oil allows skin to easily absorb moisture. Lanolin helps form a shield for the skin against environmental stressors like cold weather and wind.      Phelityl Cream Extra DrySkin Type: Dry Skin or Extra Dry Skin.Season or Climate: Winter or cold, dry climates. How It Works: This rich-textured day-to-night cream absorbs quickly and delivers EFAs to help nourish dry skin, replenishing the vital moisture and nutrients that daily life depletes. With a mattified, non-greasy, velvety-soft finish, skin’s protective barrier is left supported, moisture is preserved, and hydration levels are balanced.Formulated withPhelityl Complex + Botanic Oil Blend + Ceramides: Supporting our Phelityl Complex is our EFA-rich Botanic Oil Blend, combining Babassu, Coconut, Soybean, and Linseed Oils. Together, these oils rich in EFAs help promote moisture protection, while Cerimides help skin appear firm and supple.   Phelityl Night CreamSkin Type: Dry Skin, Combination Skin, or Normal Skin.Season or Climate: Recommended year-round to restore skin’s moisture overnight. How It Works: This rich-textured, non-greasy, mattifying moisturizer is formulated to saturate the skin with balanced hydration and protect skin’s moisture barrier, resulting in shine-free moisture and a velvety-soft finish. Formulated with Phelityl Complex + Emollients: Alongside our Phelityl Complex, this cult classic nighttime formula is enriched with moisturizing Emollients, helping to nourish and replenish the skin for a re-hydrated look and feel by morning.      Phelityl EmulsionSkin Type: Oily Skin, Combination Skin or Normal Skin.Season or Climate: Spring, fall, or climates with high humidity. How It Works: This lightweight, almost-fluid moisturizer effortlessly delivers nourishment while fortifying skin’s barrier, leaving the complexion healthy, hydrated, and supple with a refreshed tone and glow. Formulated with Phelityl Complex + Red Ginseng + Vitamin E: The EFAs in this formula play a key role in enhancing the structural integrity of skin’s barrier. Along with our Phelityl Complex, Red Ginseng has been shown to have antioxidant and soothing activity, while vitamin E is known to protect skin from damage caused by free radicals.   Phelityl Day Lotion SPF 15Skin Type: Oily Skin or Combination Skin, but suited to any skin type.Season or Climate: Recommended year-round to provide sun protection from UV damage. No matter the season or climate, SPF is essential to protecting skin’s health and appearance. How It Works: This weightless, daily SPF moisturizer with broad-spectrum UV protection works to soften and soothe the skin while shielding against the sun’s harmful rays. Layer Phelityl Day Lotion over any moisturizer for complete care. Formulated with Phelityl Complex + Chaulmoogra Oil + Ginseng Root: Supporting our Phelityl Complex, Chaulmoogra Oil soothes dry, damaged skin and strengthens the renewal process. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, Ginseng Root helps bring balance to skin’s oil production and moisture levels.     If you’re unsure of your skin type, get started with our Skin Type Guide, or take our Skin Concern Quiz to find the ideal ritual for your skin’s unique needs.

One of Dr. Laszlo’s earliest innovations, his signature PhelitylTM Complex, centered on balancing skin’s pH to promote a healthy complexion. Dr. Laszlo said that Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) were manufactured by skin itself, and without EFAs, skin would become unbalanced and diminish in moisture, glow, and vitality. EFAs are a crucial component of the lipid barrier that protects skin’s surface. This barrier helps maintain skin hydration, promote elasticity, and prevent moisture loss.While the body naturally produces EFAs that play a key role in skin function and appearance, we start to make insufficient amounts of EFAs as we age, leading to a noticeable lack of moisture and firmness. Skin’s pH levels can also become unbalanced. What does balanced or unbalanced pH mean for skin health, and what can we do about it? Skin pH 101 pH measures the acidity of skin’s surface, and pH levels are affected by everything from lifestyle choices to environmental factors. Dr. Laszlo tapped into the science of skin to create his original Phelityl™ Complex, an innovative way of balancing skin’s pH. Today, our Phelityl™ Complex uses nourishing EFAs to balance the complexion for a healthy look and feel. Everyone has a unique skin pH, but healthy skin is typically slightly acidic with a pH level of 4.5 to 5.5 on a scale of 0 to 14. A pH level of 7 is neutral, and any number below is acidic and above is alkaline. An acidic pH relates to skin's acid mantle, the thin outermost layer of skin made up of natural oils and amino acids. This acid mantle helps protect skin and preserve moisture, meaning that promoting an slightly-acidic pH supports optimal skin barrier protection. What causes pH imbalance in skin?Skin’s pH is affected by environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and the stress of everyday life. For example, warm weather increases sweat and sebum production, resulting in a lower pH that can contribute to breakouts. Water exposure also affects skin’s pH balance. Since tap water is naturally non-acidic, cleansing with it can disrupt skin’s pH. That’s why, after washing your face, it’s essential to support skin with products formulated to bring your complexion back into balance. Aging and pH balanceWhile we can control certain environmental factors like sun exposure by wearing SPF (we recommend Firmarine SPF 30 to protect while targeting signs of aging), we can’t control everything that affects skin’s pH. For example, our complexions naturally change as we age. If skin shows increasing signs of redness, irritation, and blemishes, pH levels may be too low. If skin begins to suffer from dryness and sensitivity, pH levels may be too high. So what can we do about it? Cleansers to hydrate & balance skin’s pHUse a gentle cleanser that doesn’t strip skin of its natural oils. We recommend these hydrating cleansers: VTM Cream-to-Foam Cleanser: This mild, gentle cleanser is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Formulated with our amino acid-based Gentle Cleansing Blend, this luxurious cleanser washes away surface debris without stripping or drying, leaving skin feeling moisturized after cleansing.   Phelityl™ Cleansing Bar: This nourishing treatment bar is packed with EFAs to help maintain skin hydration. Safflower Seed Oil infuses skin with essential moisture, while Macadamia Esters serve to hydrate, boost radiance, and leave skin with a silky-smooth feel. This cleansing bar works best when paired with the cleansing oil of your choice, as part of Dr. Laszlo’s signature Double Cleanse Method. Best for normal to dry skin, suitable for all skin types. Toners & essences to prep skin & restore balanced pH Traditional toners and essences are designed to restore balance after cleansing. This skincare step helps remove residue and lower skin’s pH following an alkaline cleanser. Toners and essences ensure the complexion is left not only balanced and hydrated, but primed to receive the remaining steps in your ritual. We recommend: Hydraphel Skin Supplement: This silky, hydrating essence works to revive dull or dry complexions, beginning the process of skin renewal. Skin-restoring nutrients and powerful hydrators work together to soothe dry skin and balance pH. Light Controlling Toner: Our clarifying facial toner sweeps away excess surface oils while lightly exfoliating and binding hydration to the skin for a fresh-faced complexion. Skin is left with matte-finish moisture, perfectly conditioned and prepared for the rest of your ritual. This facial toner is a favorite among oily/combo skin types. Phelityl™ moisturizers to replenish & protect skin’s pH balanceDr. Laszlo’s solution to balancing skin’s pH was to create the PhelitylTM Complex, a signature science-backed blend to help restore skin’s fatty acid shield. Our PhelitylTM Complex combines EFAs and replenishing ingredients that help fortify skin’s protective barrier to lock in moisture and keep skin soft, supple, and plump. We recommend these Phelityl™ favorites: Phelityl™ Day Lotion SPF 15: This weightless, daily moisturizer brings broad-spectrum UV protection alongside nourishing actives to both protect skin from harmful rays and soften the complexion. By replenishing EFAs with our Phelityl™ Complex, skin is left hydrated and balanced. Suitable for all skin types. Phelityl™ Night Cream: Our best-selling, award-winning, rich and luxurious overnight cream delivers moisture to the skin by replenishing EFAs with our Phelityl™ Complex. By morning, skin wakes up re-hydrated with a soft, supple tone and refreshed glow. Best for dry skin, suitable for all skin types. Read more about our Phelityl™ Complex and achieving skin health with EFAs.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to skincare, and different skin types require different approaches. However, there are a few universal ingredients that provide amazing benefits to all skin types. Maintaining healthy skin involves following good skincare habits and incorporating the right ingredients into your daily skincare routine. What you put on your skin can be just as important as what you eat, which is why the secret to healthy-looking skin lies in the ingredients you use. To ensure you're giving yourself the best chance at achieving healthy skin, here are 5 key ingredients you should look for when shopping and choosing your skincare products to get the most out of your skincare routine. 1. Ceramides Ceramides are lipids that form a protective barrier on the skin. They bind skin cells in the epidermis, trapping moisture and warding off allergens and external aggressors from entering the dermal layer to maintain its structural integrity. This makes ceramides essential for maintaining healthy and functioning skin. Ceramides retain moisture, prevent water loss, regulate oil production, and protect skin from environmental stressors. This helps reduce the look of redness, soothe irritation, boost hydration and moisture, clarify, and improve the texture and tone of the skin. Ceramides naturally occur in the epidermis, but as we age, their production decreases. This is why it's important to include ceramides in your skincare routine to preserve and restore skin's natural protective barrier, boost hydration, and help keep skin looking plump and healthy. There are nine different ceramides found in the skin. Based on clinical data, ceramides 1, 3, and 6-II have been proven to be the most effective, which is why they are commonly used in skincare products. To get the best results from your skincare, look for products that contain ceramides 1, 3, and 6-II. Extra Dry Phelityl Cream, which contains Ceramide NP, also known as ceramide 3, is the perfect choice if you're looking to nourish dry skin and replenish vital moisture and nutrients while fortifying skin's protective barrier. 2. Hyaluronic AcidHyaluronic acid is a humectant found in the human body that draws moisture from the environment and binds it into the skin. This delivers maximum hydration and moisture to your skin cells, helping keep skin hydrated, moisturized, and plumped throughout the day by maintaining optimal water levels.This humectant has been called the "Molecule of Youth" because it has high water absorption capabilities (up to 1000 times its weight in water!). Because of this, Hyaluronic Acid is incredibly effective at retaining moisture, making it great for all skin types.Hyaluronic Acid not only helps hydrate and moisturize the skin, it also helps soothe signs of redness. It’s a popular ingredient for anti-aging as well because it reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging by replenishing skin cells with lost moisture.Hyaluronic acid is naturally produced in the human body, but as we age, it decreases due to the complex process and the metabolic power of cells needed to create it. As a result, our skin loses its hydration, volume, and plumpness with time.Including hyaluronic acid in your skincare routine is a skin-changer because it's an all-star ingredient when it comes to hydration. To get the best results, look for products containing sodium hyaluronate — a derivative of hyaluronic acid — which has a smaller molecular size and greater penetration power, allowing it to penetrate deeper into the skin for maximum hydration. Skin Supplement Essence is perfect for those with extra dry skin that needs an instant boost of hydration to restore a comfortable feel. This essence’s unique formula helps replenish moisture, leaving the complexion feeling moisture-rich, refreshed, and energized. 3. NiacinamideNiacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a key role in keeping our skin healthy and looking its best. It's one of the most effective ingredients for targeting multiple skin concerns. This water-soluble vitamin stimulates ceramide production to strengthen the skin's protective barrier, preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL), boosting hydration, and reducing sebum production to help tighten large pores and minimize breakouts, making it an effective ingredient for acne-prone skin. Furthermore, it has antioxidant properties that protect your skin from environmental stressors. Niacinamide increases the production of NAD+, a molecule that helps cells proliferate and allows your body to absorb and neutralize free radicals — potentially dangerous molecules that can damage skin cells — to combat and reduce signs of premature aging. If that wasn’t enough to convince you to include niacinamide in your skincare routine, this powerful ingredient, also known for reducing hyperpigmentation and discoloration, works by inhibiting melanosomes from transferring pigment from melanocytes to keratinocytes. This helps to even out skin tone and prevent dark spots, making it an effective ingredient for those looking to correct and brighten dull or uneven skin. Niacinamide has also been proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by boosting elastin and collagen production to firm and plump the skin, making it look smoother, brighter, and more youthful. Your body doesn't produce niacinamide naturally, so to get the skin benefits of this ingredient, you'll need to look for it in external sources such as skincare products. Phormula 3-10 Skin Repair is a great option that contains a high concentration of niacinamide, helping to support and strengthen the lipid barrier, boost hydration levels, and combat the look of dullness. 4. SqualaneThis non-greasy, non-comedogenic, and non-irritating ingredient has a small molecular size which allows it to absorb quickly into the skin for immediate moisture, making it an ideal ingredient for all skin types, even the most sensitive.Squalane is an antioxidant, making it great at protecting the skin from harsh environmental stressors, soothing signs of redness, balancing excess oil production, and fighting acne.Since squalane is a natural compound originating from our body's own scalene, it's considered an important lipid produced by skin cells. It makes up a substantial portion of our skin's natural sebum — accounting for somewhere between 14 and 16% — to lock in hydration and moisture while restoring and protecting your skin's barrier from dehydration and environmental damage. But with age, our body's natural production of squalane begins to decrease, resulting in drier and duller-looking skin. Introducing squalane into your skincare routine with a moisturizer such as Mattifying Gel Moisturizer is a simple way to replenish and restore the skin's natural barrier, resulting in softer, smoother, and healthier-looking skin. 5. Lactic AcidLactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from milk that works to exfoliate by gently breaking the bonds that hold dead skin cells to the surface of the skin, revealing smoother, brighter, and healthier-looking skin. This AHA helps exfoliate clogged pores to renew the appearance of skin, while its moisturizing properties boost hydration to help reduce oil production and keep skin feeling soft and supple. Lactic Acid has been found to effectively reduce hyperpigmentation by speeding up the shedding and resurfacing of skin cells that have developed an accumulation of extra pigment, thus diminishing any discoloration or dark spots. Lactic acid is also known to be a powerful anti-aging ingredient. It encourages skin cell turnover and the production of elastin and collagen — proteins responsible for giving your skin its structure — which in turn reduces acne scars, rough texture, fine lines and wrinkles all to reveal porcelain skin. Brightening Dual-Phase Peel is an innovative two-step treatment to get your skin looking brighter, smoother, and younger. The first step uses Polylactic Acid to mechanically exfoliate your skin, buffing away dead cells and revealing a brighter complexion. The second step, the Lactic Acid liquid activator, gives a secondary exfoliation to help eliminate any remaining dirt or debris from skin's surface. It is important to note that everyone's skin is unique, so before using any new skincare product, pay attention to how your skin reacts and adjust the frequency of use accordingly. When it comes to skincare, it's always best to start slow and introduce new products slowly so as not to disrupt your skin's balance.Keeping these 5 key ingredients in mind when shopping and choosing skincare products is a great way to get started with creating a daily routine that will help you achieve your very best skin. Written by Suyud Issa, a licensed aesthetician, who’s in love with the skin and its complexity. Her blog, All Skin Care Talk, focuses on providing the best skin care content to improve one's skin.

The golden rule of SPF in skincare is to apply sunscreen daily, regardless of cloud cover or time spent outdoors. While we know the sun looks and feels brighter on blue-sky days and beach vacations, invisible UV rays are always present in the atmosphere, piercing clouds, windows, and doing damage to our skin. Working SPF into your daily skincare ritual is a best practice that benefits skin in both the short and long term.   What does SPF Stand For?SPF stands for “Sun Protection Factor.” The number that follows “SPF'' is determined by a calculation of protection and sun rays—it does not refer to the number of minutes the sun protection lasts. Rather, the number tells you how long the sun’s UVB radiation would take to redden your skin, versus the amount of time without using any sunscreen. This means that SPF 30 has twice the UVB protection offered by SPF 15. However, this is reliant on applying the appropriate amount of sunscreen to your skin in an even manner and recommended frequency for optimal protection. What does Broad Spectrum mean?Broad-Spectrum protection is important as it defends skin from both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are associated with skin aging and are present year-round, shining through clouds and windows, penetrating skin and damaging cells. UVB rays are associated with sunburn and are mostly present during peak hours and at high altitudes. Broad-Spectrum protection works to shield skin from both of these harmful rays. Mineral vs. Chemical SunscreensThere are two types of sunscreen: mineral and chemical. Mineral sunscreen is also known as physical sunscreen. These sit on skin’s surface, creating a physical barrier to shield skin from UV rays. A chemical sunscreen will soak into the top layer of skin and absorb UV rays, effectively neutralizing their negative effects. Both are suitable for a range of skin types. Chemical sunscreen filters need to be applied 30 minutes before going outdoors to let the ingredients fully bind to the skin. Chemical filters include: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Oxybenzone, Octisalate, Octinoxate, Octocrylene, Omosalate Physical sunscreens take effect immediately. They can be applied right before sun exposure to protect skin from UVA and UVB rays. With Zinc Oxide physical sunscreens, they can be nano or non-nano. This is a reference to the size of the particles used in the sunscreen. Nano-zinc particles will absorb and scatter UV light while slightly larger Non-nano particles won’t penetrate your skin, making it a safer and effective option.Physical filters include: Zinc Oxide and/or Titanium Dioxide   Applying SPF: Best PracticesWhen protecting skin with SPF, apply about a nickel-sized amount or half-teaspoon per application. Use the two finger method to ensure skin receives the maximum protection as labeled on your sunscreen. This would be equivalent to “two fingers” of SPF, from the base of the index and middle fingers to the tips. This is the recommended amount for your face and neck. Apply liberally to your face and neck 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply at least every 2 hours. Use a water resistant sunscreen if swimming or sweating.SPF Rumors DebunkedVitamin D: Sunscreen does not prevent vitamin D from absorbing into the skin. Wearing sunscreen everyday doesn’t mean you will get a Vitamin D deficiency.SPF 100: If you use SPF 100, that doesn’t mean 100% protection. While SPF 100 is not common nor necessary, it only protects 99% of sun rays, while an SPF 50 protects 98% of rays. You can never achieve complete protection from the sun, even when using the appropriate amounts of sunscreen. Makeup Mixology: Sunscreen and foundation don’t mix. When you mix SPF with makeup, you dilute the protection and lower the efficacy. Instead, complete your skincare ritual and apply SPF after your moisturizer or use a 2-in-1 moisturizer with SPF like Firmarine Moisturizer SPF 30. Allow the SPF to dry completely before layering makeup.Go Beyond SPF Our Sun Protection collection features a suite of moisturizing sunscreens that go beyond SPF, delivering broad-spectrum protection alongside targeted skincare benefits to support overall skin wellness and radiance. If you aren’t sure which SPF is right for you, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends using SPF 15 for indoor days with occasional exposure to rays and SPF 30 or higher for a day outdoors. Our SPF products deliver the recommended protection while providing additional benefits to suit your skin’s unique needs. In this collection: UV Defense Masque SPF 30Mineral Sunscreen • UVA + UVB ProtectionOur sheer, weightless sunscreen shields skin from the effects of UV rays and blue light while helping to strengthen the moisture barrier and smooth the look of aging skin.Suitable for: All skin types, best for sensitive skin Firmarine Moisturizer SPF 30Chemical Sunscreen • UVA + UVB ProtectionOur everyday rich, protective cream is formulated with mineral-drenched seawater and marine botanicals to improve skin’s firmness and elasticity. Suitable for: All skin types Phelityl Day Lotion SPF 15Chemical Sunscreen • UVA + UVB ProtectionOur lightweight, daily moisturizer is filled with essential vitamins to hydrate, soften, and soothe the skin while delivering broad-spectrum protection.Suitable for: All skin types Discover more and shop our Beyond SPF Collection.