Caroline Hirons launches new Skin Rocks acid toners – and we were among the first to try them

The first of two new toners from Skin Rocks, this one is aptly named the gentle acid because, well, it’s exactly that. Formulated with a blend of lactic and mandelic acid (which both belong to the alpha hydroxy acid family) alongside gluconolactone (a polyhydroxy acid) to help with exfoliation and improved skin texture, it’s a great entry point for anybody new to acids. This is the one we’ve been using the most.

The instructions say to use it once a day, three times per week, and while we did stick to that at the beginning, we found we could apply it more often without unwanted irritation. That said, we would always recommend following the on-pack instructions at first.

Since using it, we’ve noticed great results. Firstly, we loved that it sloughs away dead skin cells and imparts a natural-looking glow without causing dryness. We’re also partial to the bright yellow bottle and enjoyed that it stood out on our dressing table among a sea of fairly plain packaging. Overall, this is a great entry-level acid that we think just about anybody would benefit from incorporating into their routine.

The second of two new acids, this one is formulated specifically for acne-prone, congested and oily skin types. With a blend of two per cent salicylic acid and niacinamide, this toner works to help unclog pores and regulate oiliness as well as working to help reduce redness and support the skin barrier.

While we didn’t use this one quite as often as the gentle acid, we did notice it helped to leave skin looking clearer and feeling smoother quite quickly, especially when our dreaded hormonal breakouts decided to hit. Unlike with other beta-hydroxy acid toners, we’ve tried in the past, we didn’t notice much – if any – dryness, and it didn’t irritate our skin, either. Just like the gentle toner, we loved the colour of the bottle.

One thing worth noting is that while we had both toners to try, there’s no need for you to invest in both. As per the packaging, the control acid should only be used by those with blemish-prone, oily skin, or those who suffer from hormonal breakouts. As Hirons herself says, there’s no need to use it if your skin isn’t oily and you don’t tend to have breakouts.

This cream cleanser comes in two variants: fragrance-free and scented. For reference, we have been using the fragrance-free option, but it’s down to personal preference. Despite launching little more than a year ago, this cleanser has already won awards, and we can see why.

Incredibly gentle and great for all skin types, this product works to cleanse the skin, leaving it feeling fresh, balanced and hydrated. The creamy formula feels luxurious and nourishing to use, and we found that it did not strip our skin or leave it feeling dry or tight.

While we used it in the morning and as a second cleanse in the evening, Hirons says it can be used to remove light make-up, too. We also like that it’s formulated with a blend of ingredients that help support the delicate skin barrier, and our only minor complaint is the bottle isn’t very big, so we’re manifesting a jumbo-sized tube at some point in the future.

While oils aren’t always our favourite skincare products, we did actually quite enjoy occasionally incorporating this into our evening routine. The main issue we usually have with oils is that they can often be too greasy, however, we were pleasantly surprised to discover this one is nice and lightweight, with a great consistency and an excellent texture.

Not too thick, not too runny, it massaged into skin well and absorbed quickly, without leaving too much of a residue. It left skin looking plump and nourished, and, if we can get into the habit of using it regularly, it’s bound to work wonders when it comes to reinforcing the skin’s barrier.

Formulated with jojoba and macadamia oil to condition and support skin; sunflower oil to soothe; and squalane to hydrate, it would be good to keep on hand if your skin is sensitive, easily irritated or just in need of a little bit of TLC.

Ideal for the retinoid curious, this entry-level vitamin A serum is great for anyone who either wants to start using it but doesn’t know where to begin, or for those with sensitive skin. Formulated with 0.2 per cent hydroxypinacolone retinoate (HPR – a relatively new, gentle but effective form of vitamin A), it also combines bakuchiol and soybean extract to help boost efficacy.

It’s no secret retinoids can cause unwanted dryness but, by slowly incorporating this serum into your routine (start using it every second or third night and slowly build up usage), you can avoid that.

Over time, it will help reduce the appearance of fine lines, dullness, breakouts and uneven skin tone. While we can’t yet vouch for the long-term benefits, we have no doubt, if used regularly, it will work as promised. In the short term, we found that the serum itself was lightweight and hydrating, it didn’t cause irritation and it was very much a pleasure to use.

Retinoid 2 has all the same positive attributes as retinoid 1: it’s lightweight, absorbs quickly and easily into the skin and is generally a joy to use. However, this one is a stronger formula that’s best saved for those who are already on their retinoid journey and are looking to add a stronger product to their routine. Hirons describes it as a “maintain retinoid”, so, if you’re a vitamin A newbie, this one isn’t for you.

Combining 0.5 per cent HPR with 0.05 per cent retinal, there’s no denying this is a powerhouse serum that will deliver results, with continued use. The brand suggests using this twice a week until your skin is fully acclimatised, and we would advise that – if you’re using it to maintain results previously achieved through using vitamin A – there’s no need to use it more often.

While we did experience a little bit of dryness using this product, that was likely more down to the fact our skin wasn’t quite ready to move onto retinoid 2, rather than because of the product itself.

The first moisturiser in the Skin Rocks range, this really is a suits-all product that promises to boost hydration and condition skin. The light-as-air, whipped formula is satisfying to use, and it absorbs beautifully into the skin. We found it worked well under make-up on those days when our skin just needs a little bit of extra love.

The formula is made up of pro-vitamin D3, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, squalane and a blend of antioxidant-rich superfruits that help protect skin. It’s great to layer either before or after retinoids if you feel like your skin needs a bit of extra moisture, too. The only small downfall is we wish it was a little bit cheaper.

It’s safe to say this is not only one of our favourite products in the Skin Rocks range, it’s one of our favourite moisturisers full stop. Rich and nourishing but not at all greasy, it sinks into skin like a dream and it keeps our skin healthy, happy and hydrated. In fact, we love it so much that we’re already halfway through our second pot.

Combining a blend of ceramides and oils that work in tandem to protect and reinforce the skin barrier while reducing sensitivity and improving skin’s ability to retain water, this moisturiser really does do it all. It’s also a great one to incorporate into your routine if your skin is feeling a little dry or sensitive following the use of retinoids, or if it just needs a little bit of extra moisture following a harsh winter.