As a beauty writer with a wealth of years under my belt, I've delved into just about every skincare category out there. From cleansing gels to chemical SPFs and everything in between, I've built up a robust routine with products that whisper to my skin's unique needs. But the one skincare category I've never fully gotten on board with is essences. Hear me out, I'm well aware the world of K-beauty should have influenced every part of my regimen (and for the most part, it has), but adding another watery layer atop of my temperamental skin never quite felt necessary. That was until I was introduced to no-nonsense brand Skin Rocks' newest innovation, The Amplifier, £70.
Hot off the heals of its sell-out success The Hyperpigmentation Serum, Skin Rocks is gearing up for its next big thing. But essences aren't a new phenomenon. An already established Korean skincare staple, essences are a lightweight and hydrating water-based solution packed with a concentrated dose of actives that target specific concerns, and they sit somewhere between your toner and serum. While they are loved for helping achieve an ever coveted glass skin glow, they do more than brighten, hydrate, and refine. Essences have a lower molecular weight than other products like moisturisers and can therefore penetrate the skin at a deeper level, allowing actives to work their magic.
What is Skin Rocks' The Amplifier?
That key benefit is where Skin Rocks' The Amplifier comes into play. Sitting within the 'Tone' category of the brand's offerings, The Amplifier has been declared its 'most innovative' product yet, according to Skin Rocks' website. Working much like creatine does in any serious fitness routine, The Amplifier is an essence that enhances the performance of your entire skincare line-up, helping to boost ingredient performance and ready the skin for optimal active absorption, all while hydrating. I know what you're thinking: how can it bolster the power of my skincare routine specifically, when everyone's is so different? The Amplifier is primed to support the efficacy of various popular ingredient-based products from retinoids to antioxidant, peptides and hyaluronic acid, making it an all-encompassing formula ready to slot into all skin routines for mega results.
Straight-talking brand founder, Caroline Hirons, explains, 'Developed to deepen the delivery and intensify the performance of your entire skincare routine, The Amplifier is your ultimate skincare must-have. As always, we’ve got the results to prove it: this product is clinically proven to amplify skincare, so get ready to supercharge your entire routine.' She's not lying. The brand's formula-first, results-driven ethos is evidenced by The Amplifier's clinical results. Based on an independent clinical study of 76 participants using the product daily for eight weeks, respondents reported a 20% decrease in the appearance of pores and an increase in skin elasticity by up to 95%.
The results are down to a fine tuned formula. Novoretin, derived from a natural resin from the mastic tree, is included to prevent the degradation of retinoid acid and enhance the performance of vitamin A. Algae extract supports hyaluronic acid by encouraging the skin's own hyaluronic acid synthesis. Bio-optimised guava bolsters the performance of peptides by targeting complementary pathways that signal better cellular functions which can lead to better collagen production. Speaking of, plant-based collagen fragment is also included in the mix to enhance vitamin C efficacy.
My honest review of Skin Rocks' The Amplifier
Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'While I haven't fully ventured into the world of essences, the ones I have slathered over my skin previously are ultra-light, watery, and are very quick to run through my fingers. A massive point of difference between those and The Amplifier is texture. Skin Rocks' iteration, while still somewhat runny albeit a slower runner, is a touch thicker in consistency and more slippery in texture. That in itself already makes you feel like it's doing more for your skin. Once glided over, it leaves skin smooth and soothed with a healthy-looking sheen, so consider the claims around hydration and moisturisation to be 100% true. There is a slight tackiness as the product dries down but I use this as an indicator to mark when it's time to apply my next product: serum. Does it enhance the power of my existing skincare? Time will tell, but what I do know is that my skin looks more radiant, refined and balanced since introducing this clever product into the mix.'
Shop: Skin Rocks The Amplifier
This performance enhancing essence promises to bolster the power of your skincare products by helping to boost ingredient performance and readying the skin for optimal active absorption, all while hydrating. The product has been formulated to enhance the function of vitamin A and its derivatives (retinoids), vitamin C and its derivatives, antioxidants, peptides, and hyaluronic acid.
Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'While I haven't fully ventured into the world of essences, the ones I have slathered over my skin previously are ultra-light, watery, and are very quick to run through my fingers. A massive point of difference between those and The Amplifier is texture. Skin Rocks' iteration, while still somewhat runny albeit a slower runner, is a touch thicker in consistency and more slippery in texture. That in itself already makes you feel like it's doing more for your skin. Once glided over, it leaves skin smooth and soothed with a healthy-looking sheen, so consider the claims around hydration and moisturisation to be 100% true. There is a slight tackiness as the product dries down but I use this as an indicator to know when it's time to apply my next product: serum. Does it enhance the power of my existing skincare? I'm not entirely sure, but what I do know is that my skin looks more radiant, refined and balanced since introducing this clever product into the mix.'
Pros
- Can be slotted into any skincare routine
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Large, heavy bottle not ideal for travel
Sameeha Shaikh is Grazia's beauty writer, covering all categories to bring you insights on the latest trends, industry news and the products you need to know about, viral or not (most probably viral).
