Philosophy – hope in a jar high performance moisturiser. I had high hopes but was left disappointed.

I ran out of my favourite moisturiser a while ago, and decided to use one of the miniatures from a free-gift-with-purchase – Philosophy’s hope in a jar high performance moisturiser. It’s quite a substantial pot at 15ml, so plenty to really test its performance. The hope in a jar collection is a highly moisturising range of face and eye creams with a product for every skin type – could be promising.

The blurb tells me it has a gentle exfoliating action using lactic acid (a gentle AHA), provides protection from free radicals with beta-glucan and is an all round hydrating moisturiser suitable for even sensitive skins.

It’s a thick moisturiser so only a little is needed, unless skin is feeling particularly thirsty and in need of hydration. There’s quite a synthetic smell to it when you first put it on, which I initially found a little bit off putting, but you soon get used to it. It glides on easily and creates quite a smooth surface, almost the same finish as a primer.

On first use: Skin feels supple after use, with no tightness – a good indication for me that I won’t be left with dry skin patches. Pores appear refined.

After one month’s use: I found my sensitive skin reacting to the formulation, with an average 2 to 5 blemishes on my face at any one time. It’s normal for skin to experience a breakout on changing a product, so I persevere to see if skin settles soon.

After two months’ use: I am nearing the end of my pot, and am unlikely to buy it again. I think the constant / daily exfoliating action of the lactic acid is too much for my sensitive skin, even though it is a gentle AHA. I already exfoliate on a regular basis with my triple acid brightening peel, so don’t need any more exfoliation in my opinion. My skin isn’t dry, which is great, but the bumps under my skin are not something I am happy about.

Now that the pot is finished: I’ve come to the conclusion that this Philosophy moisturiser is not for me. They are great for exfoliation products, which I will continue to use, but this moisturiser just doesn’t make my skin look or feel healthy. I had such high hopes 🙁

Have any of you used this moisturiser? How have you found it?