First discovered in the 2019 Natural Beauty Month Event at the Beautyheaven HQ, this review blog post (like many others) have been sitting in my draft box forever! Since finishing the first sample box, I have purchased the same sampling box and this anti-blemish set has became a staple in my beauty cupboard.
Claims
"Your natural alternative to Benzoyl Peroxide! This blemish busting range will get to work after just 30 minutes to fight the causes of breakouts. Featuring proven native ingredients to leave skin healthy and clear."
Key ingredients
Eucalyptus oil
Traditionally used for its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, also thought to promote wound-healing. Backed by some credible in vitro studies.
Tea tree oil
Similar to eucalyptus oil, tea treat oil has been used for its antimicrobial properties. It is widely backed by in vitro studies.
Willowherb extract
Known for its skin-calming properties & contains antioxidants.
Overall experience
My skin type is largely "normal" (I much prefer the word "balanced" but anyway...), although it is prone to congestion. Lack of sleep? bumpy skin. Hormonal changes? bumpy skin. Not drinking enough water? bumpy skin. I always need some sort of specific treatments for blemishes just in case. Before discovering the Sukin Blemish Control range, the products I was using were pretty strong - Clinique Anti Blemish Solution (literally dries them up) and Dermalogica Daily Resurfacer (literally buffs them off). They work but they are just, strong.
So I was very surprised when I found out that Sukin's Blemish Control range was able to reduce the size and duration of my blemishes. I used them as soon as a bump appears, and more often than not the bump would disappear in a few days and would not develop into a big fat pimple. I have only had a handful of big pimples since I discovered this range, and on all occasions I wasn't quick enough to act.
So as to the claim that they "will get to work after just 30 minutes to fight the causes of breakouts" I am not so sure if I can agree with that. For me, it all depends on the stage of the breakout. They certainly seem to help at the early stages, but not when the breakout is too far gone.
This range has certainly made me rethink whether something needs to be astringent to be effective.
Clearing Facial Wash
The facial wash is a gel and it is lightly foaming, rinses quite clean but most importantly does not leave skin dried or dehydrated. I use this all over my face with a Foreo, because it is too difficult to localise to just congested areas.
Pore Perfecting Toner
The pore perfecting toner is refreshing yet it does not tingle skin. I soak a cotton pad and press it against congested areas after cleansing. When I have time I leave that soaked cotton pad on for a few minutes before moving onto the next step.
Spot Banishing Gel
This spot gel together with the toner really seem to help clear my blemish, or at least, reduce blemish size and duration. It has a gel-cream consistency that feels like a moisturiser. There is no burning or even tingling sensation when it is applied on skin. Only a tiny bit is needed each time so the 15mL tube lasts forever (confession - I'm still using my first tube but I should really discard it because it has been way more than 6M after it was first opened!)
Oil Free Moisturiser
Probably my least favourite product in the range. I like that it is oil free, but similar to other Sukin moisturisers I find it difficult to be massaged in and fully absorbed. I think this is something to do with the moisturiser base that Sukin chooses. That said, I use it on my congested areas as required instead of my regular moisturiser and no complaints to its efficacy.
The first sample kit was given to me at a members only event at Beautyheaven HQ. I have since repurchased the products independently. I have no obligation to publish this detailed follow up review. My opinion is honest.
About me
Makeup artist and hair stylist based in Sydney. Founder of the well-known award-winning bridal specialist team Faces Makeup & Hair. Beauty junkie with an obsession for skincare.