Not a new brand, but a relatively unknown brand for the western half of the globe. Hailing from Japan, Curel is a highly researched dermatologist brand based on ceramides, an ingredient I love! Think Cerave, La Roch Posay, Avene type products but Japanese! 

Friendly price tags, simple to understand skin-loving SKU’s, fragrance-free and did I say ceramides? 

The Curél team have done over 30 years of Ceramide research. Why the focus on ceramides? Because Curel is a range for dry, sensitive skin, and often people with this skin type lack enough natural ceramides in their skin. 

The top layer of skin is our skin barrier that helps keep everything harmful out, as well as helping retain hydration. If the skin barrier is not functioning optimally, skin can feel tight, dry, itchy and also be more susceptible to other skin conditions. 

Ceramides play a crucial role in barrier function. They are natural lipids (aka fats) that come in and form a structure with other lipids in the skin, building a more substantial skin barrier. This structure helps trapmoisture in,  and keep germs and potential external irritants out.

I recently tried the Curél Trial Kit Enrich and enjoyed every item. The whole ethos of the brand, and Japanese skincare as a whole, is beautiful; considering skincare a form of self-love as opposed to vanity. Be kind to your skin with gentle products, and take time to do your skincare routine. 

Based on a double cleansing and double moisturising method. Here at theBEAUTYtalk you should be familiar with double cleansing from last week’s topic, if you missed it, have a read after here. 

Let me take you through the products I tried:

First up is the Makeup Cleansing Gel, a unique formula like nonother. It’s a thick silky gel you apply at night on dry skin, it melts into almost an oil-like feel; truly breaking down your makeup. When you rinse it off, turns into a milk.

The second cleanse is controversially a Foaming Facial Wash. I say controversial as typically foams are avoided with sensitive skin, as they can be very drying. But don’t fear this foam, it’s Curél were talking about, the masters of dry skin. This foam did not dry my skin at all and left me with a pleasantly clean feeling.

After the double cleanse we move onto double moisturing. First in step is the Moisture Facial Lotion Enrich. The idea of lotion is newer for the west, lotions/essences are not to be confused with traditional western toners. A lotion is added to the palm and patted directly into your skin. It helps balance pH levels, hydrating and smoothing the skin, preparing it  for the next products. Completely different to the old drying astringent toners you put on a cotton pad!.

Lastly is the Intensive Moisture Facial Cream. The word intensive made me think of a heavy thick cream sitting on top of the skin. I was pleasantly surprised when it turned out to be a lovely light texture that absorbs immediately with giving deep hydration, it’s full of ceramides and fragrance-free just like the whole range. 

Hope you enjoyed that look into Curél, they have numerous other products such as facial milk, eye essence and sun protection, plus more. I’m yet to try, but I’m sure they are just as beautiful and science based. I always feel confident recommending Curél to anyone coming to me asking for recommendations with dry or irritated skin. If you try some of the range out yourself let me know what you think!