20250121

FOCUS ON SOS SERUM


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Today we're talking SOS Skincare, which I originally tried a few years back when I think they only made a sunscreen and a serum. Fast-forward to 2025 and the collection has expanded out to other low-cost, fragrance-free, skin-friendly formulas, so let's review them!

First up, let's talk about the SOS Cleanse* | £16 (50ml). This is for dry and / or sensitive skin or for damaged skin barriers; if you have oily skin or prefer a foaming cleanser, then you're probably not the target market! It's very simple; a kind of creamy gel which I would personally use as morning cleanse or as a second cleanse after removing makeup and sunscreen from my skin (this isn't the type of formula I really find would work for both). It's interesting because reviewing the INCI list, I wasn't really seeing anything that I thought would act as a surfactant. I then plugged it into INCI Decoder, seeing as I'm not the ultimate authority on such things, and that didn't flag anything either. I don't think that's necessarily an issue, but this is why I'd disagree with the brand that this can remove makeup (and I also say this based on my own experience with the formula!) However, as a very gentle wash that rinses off easily without leaving behind a residue; this works. Possibly the moisturising grape seed oil in this formula helps to pick up some impurities, as well as softening the skin. There's also glycerin in here, which is an effective humectant, drawing hydration into the skin and creating the water-based feel within the formula. It's simple, it's not setting the world on fire but the gentle, moisturising feel and minimal ingredient list is likely to work for even extremely fussy skin.

Next, we have the original product I tried out from this brand: the SOS SPF 50 Sunscreen* | £17.99 (50ml). It's not particularly well signposted but this is actually a hybrid sunscreen formulated with both chemical and mineral filters. If you're not familiar with these sunscreen categories, the short version is: mineral sunscreens include filters such as zinc and titanium dioxide which can have a chalky, heavy look and feel on the skin, but are gentler for sensitives skin, whereas chemical formulas have historically been more potentially-irritating but less conspicuous and more cosmetically-elegant. As time as gone on, newer filters in both categories have become lighter and more traceless on the skin and chemical sunscreens have become gentler. Combining these two categories can really deliver the best of both worlds. This is formulated with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide (which can also have anti-inflammatory benefits), an ingredient that's often used as a sunscreen booster and a couple of more traditional chemical sunscreen filters (including Avobenzone). I was a bit iffy about the Avobenzone, as it's in the 'old school chemical filter' category, which is more likely to irritate sensitive skin, however I really don't find that this overall formula irritates my sensitive eyes at all (perhaps it's there is a fairly small quantity) so I wouldn't necessarily let that put you off trying this product. It has a really light gel-lotion texture that glides on, doesn't leave my skin looking shiny (though it is hydrating with hyaluronic acid and glycerin), doesn't leave any sort of cast and doesn't pill up under makeup. If you find straight mineral formula leave a cast, are too drying or just aren't pleasant to apply then you are the perfect candidate for a hybrid formula and this is a great, simple and cosmetically-elegant option!

Finally, we have a new formula to me: the SOS Night Cream* | £17.99 (50ml). There's nothing in this product that makes it unsuitable for daytime use, but it's designed to work alongside the skin's natural regeneration processes that take place overnight. As you may know, we lose a lot of water through our skin barriers overnight, which cold weather and having the central heating on can exacerbate, so this formula is aimed at restoring the skin's moisture levels. It's formulated with lots of emollients, which is a type of skin moisturising ingredient that helps the skin to feel soft and smooth. There are also humectants to draw hydration into the skin, including an ingredient derived from seaweed, hyaluronic acid, glycerin and a form of yeast extract to hydrate and condition the skin. We also have Vitamin E, which is an antioxidant (meaning it protects the skin from free radical damage and prevents cell damage and premature ageing) but it's also fat-soluble so can be nice and moisturising for the skin too. This is a great night cream option if your skin just doesn't enjoy rich, thick or heavy creams but you still want to help that overnight replenishing process. This has a lotion texture that feels substantial enough, whilst also melting down nicely as I massage it into my skin. It's not shiny, it feels very light and it still leaves my skin soft, plump and hydrated by morning. If you have oily skin that can still be prone to dehydration and sensitivity; this could be perfect for you. Additionally, it doesn't contain shea butter, a common nourishing ingredient used in night creams that can cause some people to break out; if you're one of them then this could be perfect for you too. 


Have you tried anything from SOS Serum?



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