Resolute Facial Concentrate
Resolute Facial Concentrate marks an evolution in Aesop skin care, being the brand’s first formulation with a Retinoid, developed over the past decade with meticulous research into the right ingredients—blended with purpose for performance and pleasure. At the core of the formulation is Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR): a sophisticated, skin-supportive Retinoid as potent as Retinol. After years of searching for a suitable alternative to the traditional Vitamin A derivative, HPR was finally chosen for its remarkable compatibility with the skin, which greatly reduces risks of irritation while upholding efficacy. Combined with barrier-reinforcing Squalane and Cedar Atlas, the unprecedented ingredient forms the basis of a new oil-serum that expedites surface renewal, strengthens the skin and helps refine its appearance.
For renewed, replenished, resilient skin
Retinoids may be one of the most revered ingredients in skin care, but their notorious potential to irritate the skin poses a significant challenge for product formulators—however, time, tenacity and unorthodox thinking yielded a blend suitable even for those on the more sensitive end of the scale. ‘While others have sought to intensify the effects of Vitamin A derivatives in products, our approach aimed to harness their benefits while maintaining optimal efficacy, tolerability and sensorial pleasure’, says Samy Hamada, Aesop’s Director of R&D. ‘The ideal Retinoid, in our view, is one that works in concert with the skin and supports its evolving needs, avoiding disruptions to its delicate balance.’
As the skin’s rate of renewal slows down with age, Resolute Facial Concentrate calls on Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR) to sustain the rhythm of this important natural process. Studies have found HPR to be as efficacious as commonly used forms of Vitamin A such as Retinol, while ensuring minimal risks of irritation—a characteristic that makes it suitable for a wide range of skin types, including sensitive. Over time, this sophisticated Retinoid contributes to stronger, softer, more even skin.
To reinforce the skin’s barrier and promote balance, Resolute Facial Concentrate is enhanced with a generous dose of Squalane, a renowned emollient, and replenishing vitamins—creating a sumptuous oil-serum texture, readily absorbed by the skin. A suite of essential oils and other botanical extracts rounds out the sensorial formulation, among them Sea Fennel, which works in concert with the Retinoid to support skin renewal, and Cedar Atlas, known for its comforting properties and grounding, woody aroma.
An effortless addition to nighttime regimens
In the evening, three to five drops of Resolute Facial Concentrate are best massaged into freshly cleansed and toned skin, before following with a preferred hydrator. For those new to retinoids, a gradual introduction is recommended to give the skin time to acclimatise and build up tolerance. This can be accomplished by applying Resolute Facial Concentrate every third night and slowly increasing frequency of use to every other night, nightly and, eventually, twice a day once the skin feels comfortable. Whether used at dusk or dawn, the oil-serum should always be complemented by a high-factor sunscreen, as any formulation containing Vitamin A can heighten the skin’s sensitivity to UV rays, leaving it more susceptible to photodamage.
Strengthening the skin through time
Through the years, the skin can lose the ability to maintain its equilibrium, calling for regimens that address its evolving needs with hydrating, nourishing and supportive ingredients. While some may claim to be able to ‘turn back the clock’ and ‘iron out wrinkles’—a feat that cannot come from a jar—Aesop approaches this natural process with the sobriety, reverence and nuance it deserves.
In this vein, Resolute Facial Concentrate is formulated to smooth and strengthen—maintaining the skin’s optimum condition as time passes. Bringing together the best that science and nature can offer, it cares for the skin as it undergoes inevitable biological evolutions, from a slower renewal rate to a potentially weaker barrier function due to a natural decrease in moisture-holding lipids.
A new chapter for Aesop skin care
The creation of Resolute Facial Concentrate forms part of a wider expansion and evolution of Aesop skin care. Building upon over thirty-five years of considered combinations of laboratory-made and botanical ingredients, this next stage sees the brand lean further into its central tenets of efficacy, sensorial gratification and life-long skin support.
In youth we learn, in age we understand.’ Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach
