Finding good plant-based skincare products that show real evidence based results is scarce so we were very excited to get our hands on Wildsmith Skin, a nurturing skincare line backed by science. Utilising ingredients like English mulberry and cranberry, Wildsmith Skin is what we’d call a quintessential English brand.

It’s borne out of Heckfield Palace in Hampshire and inspired by the woodlands that surround the Heckfield Estate planted by progressive 19th Century Horticulturalist William Wildsmith.

The skin and body care line was developed for The Bothy spa – the first Wildsmith Spa at Heckfield Place but lucky for us we don’t have to go all the way to Hampshire to get our hands on Wildsmith Skin, it’s now available to purchase both online and at John Bell and Croyden.

The products focus on solving specific skincare concerns by combining plant-derived botanicals with bioactives in what Wildsmith Skin calls ‘Radical Botany’.

From protecting skin cells degradation against both internal and external aggressors to nurturing and protecting the skin barrier, Wildsmith Skin is perfect for those who prefer natural products backed by science-based results.

What we tried: Energising B5 Gel Cleanser, Time-Release Pre-Serum Drops, and 4D Protection Serum.

How we tested: Used for 8 weeks in both morning and evening skincare routines. Testing its effectiveness to remove skin impurities, hydrate, nourish and protect skin

Energising B5 Gel Cleanser

This everyday cleanser promises to remove all dirt and impurities while protecting skin against oxidative stress and other aggressors.

It is gel in texture and turns into foam when it comes in contact with water to help lift dirt from the skin.

It uses English mulberry which is rich in Vitamin C to brighten complexion and protect skin against toxins within and those the skin comes in contact with externally including sun damage.

The cleanser also contains Vitamin B5 to help restore the skin’s moisture levels while protecting the hydration barrier.

It’s perfect for waking up your skin after sleep even if you’re not fully awake. It leaves it soft and supple almost immediately after use thanks to the Vitamin B5 – you’ll have to eat copious amounts of avocado toasts to get the same effect.

But be careful not to overuse – a pump or two of the product may not seem sufficient when applied to the skin in the gel form. Simply add water and it’ll turn into plenty of foam that you can massage into your face and neck to lift all dirt, overnight products, and oils.

We found it to be very gentle on the skin and incredibly hydrating. Skin felt supple after use. It also has a very subtle fragrance which we suspect wouldn’t irritate those sensitive to scents – it’s very soothing to the senses.

Time – Release Pre-Serum Drops

This pre-serum drops uses a cocktail of AHAs including malic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, and citric acid from apples to resurface the skin, revealing a smoother skin texture, brighter and evenly toned complexion.

It also contains encapsulated Vitamin C that protects the skin from antioxidants and English Cranberry Enzymes which helps with the skin’s exfoliation process.

It’s runny in texture so only 4-5 drops to the face and neck are needed to exfoliate, brighten and hydrate your skin throughout the day as you go about your business.

4D Protection Serum

We weren’t sure what 4D protection will mean in a serum but the more we learned, the more we loved this serum. 

It contains four pollution filters – blue shield, two tier antioxidant complex, invisible shield, and peptides.

It’s also infused with a multi-molecular hyaluronic acid with four sized molecules that target multiple layers of the skin to keep it hydrated. 

And contains a sugar film which acts as a second skin layer to trap free radicals and hold pollution to prevent it from penetrating the skin.

This serum is multi-tasking and does it all. It protects the skin against pollution and oxidative stress by neutralising and engulfing free radicals to stop them in their tracks. 

It uses peptides to protect and repair by stimulating more collagen production. It reduces inflammation in the skin as well as fine lines and wrinkles. 

And all it takes is a couple of pumps to get the full protection it offers and it lasts all day. Through commuting in London pollution, UV rays from the sun and the blue light from the many devices we’re all addicted to; this serum does its job and skin remains plump, healthy and hydrated throughout the day. 

Verdict

We found the three products to be very gentle. With plant derivatives and pH levels between 4.5 – 5.5; it works with skin rather than introduce harsh ingredients that’ll disturb its balance.

We loved that the products are lightly fragranced and fragrance free in the case of the pre-serum drops. In a world where most beauty products are over fragranced, this is a welcomed relief.

The range is multi tasking; it seeks to restore skin and keep it healthy. So it works to protect and repair.

During the 8 week trial period, skin felt clean, hydrated, soft, plump, and bright. There was no need to layer with other products because the skin was healthy. All that was needed after the three products was a good moisturiser and SPF.  

Skincare routine was simplified as fewer products were needed and spent less time was spent on skincare.

The Wildsmith Skin range proved to be multi-tasking and effective in keeping skin in optimal health, not to mention it streamlined skincare routine saving money and time. It gets a thumbs up for ticking all the boxes.

Recommended skincare routine for best results

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1. Cleanse or double cleanse with Active Repair Nourishing Cleansing Balm and Energising B5 Gel Cleanser
2. Follow with Time-Release Pre-Serum drops, specifically created to leave the skin texture smoother and complexion brighter.
3. Apply Super Eye Serum, formulated to support the skin’s natural collagen and elastin production.
4. Treat with either:
   a. Copper Peptide Serum – to tackle loss of firmness and volume for firmer and smoother skin.
   b. Active Repair Platinum Booster – clinically proven to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles
5. Finish with Active Repair Copper Peptide Cream – A daily moisturiser to visibly improve skin firmness and structure.
6. Protect with 4D Protection Serum – A four-dimensional serum to effectively shield the skin from environmental aggressions and internal stresses, including pollution, oxidative stress, internal inflammation and blue light.