Consumer Study Results
93%
experienced more hydration
93%
said it absorbed quickly into the skin
89%
noticed smoother-feeling skin
87%
saw brighter, more radiant skin
Results based on a 4-week independent consumer use study, 45 participants
Frequently asked questions
How do you know if you have Oily Skin?
What skin types is Pretty Smooth best for?
Primarily combination, oily, and acne-prone skin, especially if it's also dehydrated (the "oily but thirsty" type—shiny yet tight/dull). It's ideal for shine-prone, pore-congested, or reactive skin in humid, variable climates.
How does Pretty Smooth help with oily skin without making it worse?
It breaks the dehydration-oil rebound cycle: Oily skin often overproduces sebum when dehydrated to protect itself. Multi-level humectants + Aloe Ferox quench water loss deeply, while Niacinamide and Buchu regulate sebum, mattify shine, and refine pores for balanced, less greasy results.
What's the difference between oily, dry, and dehydrated skin—and how does this product fit?
- Oily: Excess sebum (genetic/type); shiny, enlarged pores, acne-prone.
- Dry: Low sebum (type); tight, flaky, rough.
- Dehydrated: Low water (condition, affects any type); tight/dull, fine lines prominent, can trigger excess oil.
PRETTY SMOOTH targets oily + dehydrated or combo skin perfectly—hydrating deeply to reduce rebound oil while controlling shine.
How does the Codium Tomentosum Extract (Seaweed) work?
This certified organic marine algae (often called Seaweed Extract) is mineral-rich and fermented to stimulate your skin's microbiome to naturally produce Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) in personalised amounts. Vitamin B5 soothes, heals, boosts moisture retention, supports barrier repair, enhances firmness/elasticity, and provides antioxidant protection—offering adaptive revitalization and defense against environmental stress.
Why use Aloe Ferox instead of regular Aloe Vera?
Aloe Ferox (a South African native) is more potent: nearly double the amino acids for cell regeneration, significantly higher aloin (antioxidant/anti-inflammatory), richer polysaccharides for deeper hydration/penetration, and stronger soothing/healing for redness, irritation, barrier repair, and blemish-prone skin. It's superior for calming reactive or post-acne skin compared to milder Aloe Vera.
What makes Buchu special in this formula?
Buchu is an indigenous Cape Floristic Region hero with natural antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps fight acne-causing bacteria, reduce irritation/redness, clarify pores, and support clearer skin—rare in mainstream products, adding targeted antimicrobial clarity without harshness.
Is it non-comedogenic and safe for acne-prone skin?
Yes—fully non-comedogenic (won't clog pores). Gentle exfoliation from Willow Bark, pore-refining Niacinamide, and clarifying Buchu help prevent breakouts while soothing inflammation. Probiotic elements (Lactobacillus Ferment) support microbiome balance for calmer, less reactive skin.
How does the texture feel, and how quickly does it absorb?
It's a true gel-cream: lightweight, water-based, semi-translucent, with a silky, cooling sensation from high water content. Absorbs quickly (fast sink-in, no greasy residue), leaving a matte-comfortable, plump finish—perfect under makeup/SPF or in humid weather.
Can I use it in the morning and at night?
Yes! It can be used daily in the AM or PM.
It is also lightweight enough for layering. The recommended steps in your skincare routine are to:
- Cleanse
- Treatment serums
- Apply PRETTY SMOOTH Oil-Balance Gel-Cream
- SPF (AM)
PRETTY SMOOTH essentially acts as a standalone hydrator, or it can be applied over other actives.
Is it suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes, it is highly suitable for sensitive skin.
As it contains gentle, soothing actives (Aloe Ferox, Buchu), it is pH-balanced, and has no harsh alcohols/irritants.
Patch test if very reactive, but it's formulated for calm, barrier-focused care.
Can I use it under makeup?
Absolutely. Its lightweight, fast-absorbing texture makes it ideal under SPF and makeup without pilling or shine.
Is my skin purging or breaking out from a new product?
1. What is skin purging?
Skin purging is a temporary breakout triggered by active ingredients that speed up skin cell turnover (e.g., retinoids, exfoliating acids, Vitamin C). This process brings clogged pores to the surface faster before the skin clears.
2. Purging vs. Breakouts
Purging: Occurs in usual breakout areas, consists of small uniform pimples, and lasts 4–6 weeks.
Breakout/Reaction: Appears in new areas, lasts beyond 6 weeks, and may include painful cysts, irritation, or rashes.
3. What causes skin purging?
Ingredients that accelerate cell turnover include:
✔ Retinoids (RetinAL, Retinol, Tretinoin)
✔ Exfoliating Acids (AHAs like Glycolic Acid, BHAs like Salicylic Acid)
✔ Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)
✔ Benzoyl Peroxide, Azelaic Acid, Enzymes
4. What causes breakouts?
- Hormonal fluctuations: (e.g., menstruation, pregnancy)
- Stress & diet: (dairy, high-glycaemic foods)
- Clogged pores: (heavy products, comedogenic ingredients)
- Bacteria & environmental factors: (humidity, pollution)
5. Should you stop using a product if you’re purging?
No—purging means the product is working! Stay consistent but avoid adding new actives to prevent irritation.
6. How to minimise purging
- Introduce actives gradually: start once a week (evening), then increase to 2–3 times per week if no irritation after two weeks.
- Use gentle, hydrating skincare alongside actives.
- Avoid over-exfoliation and harsh scrubs.
- Stay consistent—purging is temporary!
7. Can non-active ingredients cause purging?
No—only cell-turnover ingredients trigger purging. If a product without actives is causing breakouts, it’s likely irritation or clogged pores.
8. What if it’s a breakout, not purging?
- Stop using the product and observe changes.
- Check for comedogenic ingredients.
- Patch test before full use.
