The best Emma Lewisham skincare products according to long-time users

Best for: Cleansing and soothing dry or irritated skin

The rich, creamy texture of the Supernatural Crème Cleanser feels more like skincare than a traditional cleanser, like you’re applying a liquid moisturiser. It contains a modified form of hyaluronic acid to hydrate while cleansing, leaving my skin feeling incredibly smooth to the touch.

I typically use this cleanser in the morning, and only at night if I’m not wearing heavy layers of makeup; in that case, I prefer the Illuminating Oil Cleanser. You can also double cleanse, starting with the oil cleanser.

While the instructions say to use 2 to 3 pumps, I find 1 is enough, and the bottle lasts me a long time. It’s particularly lovely to reach for in winter when my skin barrier needs repairing or is prone to redness, particularly around my nose.

My favourite part about this cleanser? The subtle, sweet scent is a lovely touch, making my morning routine that little bit more luxurious.

Best for: Gently removing makeup and daily buildup without stripping the skin

This evening cleanser contains a blend of nourishing, omega-rich botanicals and fatty acids to soothe and hydrate the skin while melting away makeup and grime. My skin feels refreshed and is soft to the touch, all without leaving a greasy residue (a non-negotiable for my combination skin).

Instructions recommend massaging 1 to 2 pumps onto dry skin before adding water to emulsify, then rinsing. However, I do need an extra pump to fully remove liquid eyeliner. It’s pleasantly delicate on my under-eye area, and doesn’t leave a too-tight or squeaky-clean feel.

My colleague Mel says that the oil cleanser “does a beautiful job of removing my makeup without stripping my skin. While other oil cleansers that I’ve used have left an oily residue, this leaves my skin feeling hydrated. This is a bit more pricey than other oil cleansers, but a little goes a long way, and this has lasted me for months”.

If you double cleanse, this oil cleanser works well as the first step, followed by a cream or water-based cleanser such as the Supernatural Creme Cleanser. However, if you prefer a foaming texture, this likely won’t be your first choice of cleanser.

Best for: Sloughing away dullness and uneven texture for glowy results

I’ve sworn off overly abrasive scrubs now that I’m in my mid-30s, opting for gentler chemical exfoliants that are kinder to the skin and prevent micro-tears.

This gentle exfoliant ticks these boxes, formulated with AHA from Lactic Acid, BHA from Willow Bark, and biodegradable Jojoba Wax Beads to slough away dead skin cells and clogged pores. My skin instantly feels velvet-like after use and primed for its serum.

I use it a couple of times a week, as over-exfoliating can compromise your skin barrier.

One of our team members says this is the product that single-handedly made her look forward to washing her face, which is about as strong a recommendation as you’ll get.

Emma Lewisham herself recommends using the Illuminating Exfoliant as a mask for deeper results: apply to dry skin, leave for 5-10 minutes, then massage with water and rinse off.

Best for: An all-rounder serum for radiant, healthier-looking skin

Not only is this my all-time favourite Emma Lewisham skincare product, but it’s also the brand’s most iconic. As the first product ever launched, it helped establish Emma Lewisham’s reputation for natural skincare that delivers visible results. The formula targets dullness, uneven tone, and dehydration, with key ingredients including vitamin C and niacinamide to help reduce and fade hormonal, UV-induced, and inflammatory pigmentation.

If I only have time for one product in the morning, this is it. It absorbs quickly, leaving my skin feeling silky and smooth. I do notice a difference when I use heavier or stickier serums that sit on the skin for longer, as the sensation isn’t as comfortable. The proof is in the compliments I get with consistent use; people often assume I’m wearing makeup or comment on how bright and clear my post-partum skin looks.

My colleague and Commercial Editor Sarah agrees with me, explaining it’s her favourite Emma Lewisham product to wear under sunscreen and makeup. “It gives skin a healthy, rested look without feeling heavy or sticky.”

Another colleague, Deputy Editor and travel writer Shelley, is a devoted user too. “I swear it makes my skin look brighter, and I love the fragrance and silky texture.”

If you’re only buying one serum from Emma Lewisham, make it this one. It’s one of the easiest products in the range to incorporate into your skincare routine.

Best for: Anti-ageing, including targeting fine lines and loss of firmness

Admittedly, this is where things get confusing, particularly if your bathroom shelf is already stacked with Emma Lewisham’s purple bottles. What is an “elixir”, and do you actually need one?

Essentially, the Supernatural Vitale Elixir is an advanced anti-ageing serum that targets fine lines and loss of firmness. It’s been described as “Botox in a bottle”, based on the brand’s independent in-vitro testing, where the formula’s ingredients reportedly relaxed muscles associated with wrinkle formation by up to 96% after 48 hours.

It contains a proprietary peptide complex to help reduce the appearance of expression lines, along with a degradation-resistant hyaluronic acid to deliver a plumped, hydrated look. There are also plant-derived peptides for long-term support of collagen and elastin production.

This is the first serum my friend (and long-time Emma Lewisham skincare user) Alisha applies after cleansing. She says “It’s doing wonders to smooth and hydrate my skin. I’m so thrilled to find a product that feels luxurious and actually does what it says.”

I haven’t used this product long enough to give my verdict, but for sustained results, it requires consistent use for at least 6 to 8 weeks.

Some reviewers note that if you’re after a more subtle, less ‘done’ look with your Botox or Dysport, pare back the units and use this instead.

Layering tip: Apply the Supernatural Vitale Elixir after cleansing (and after the Supernatural Blemish Serum if you’re also targeting acne), but before the Skin Reset Serum.

Best for: Clearing acne and blemishes with microbiome-focused ingredients

I haven’t tried this serum as I’m too in love with Skin Reset and am hesitant about potential skin purging. However, one of my best friends (and skincare buff) Eibhlin, is on her second pottle. After 12 weeks of consistent use, she says her skin became noticeably clearer, and, unusually for a blemish-focused serum, she found it hydrating rather than drying.

Eibhlin explains that the serum is a dual-chamber setup, with one chamber containing probiotics and the other containing an activating cream. You use one pump from each side and mix together in your hand before application.

Importantly, don’t stop using the serum once you’re happy with the results; continue using it to prevent future breakups. You also don’t need to use this on your entire face. It works beautifully as a targeted treatment on breakout-prone areas such as the chin and jawline.

Aside from acne, my colleague Nicola used it last year to even out neck pigmentation caused by hormonal changes. “I saw a visible difference after using the serum for a month. I applied it at night, and woke up with skin that felt and looked so soft and refreshed. It was pleasantly but not overly scented, which I like. The packaging is nice, but there was a bit of waste because I couldn’t pump the last dregs out of the bottle. However, it was worth the price to even out my skin tone, and I didn’t feel like I had to cover up with makeup.”

Layering tip: After cleansing, apply this as your first serum. Then layer on the Supernatural Vitale Elixir, followed by the Skin Reset Serum.

Best for: Reviving tired, dehydrated eyes and smoothing fine lines

Do you really need an eye cream? For someone prone to under-eye bags and dark patches from being up all night with a toddler, my answer is a resounding yes. I’m also concerned about fine lines, but I’m not using retinol due to irritation, so this eye cream is a safer solution.

I apply the cream using inward motions to avoid tugging on my delicate eye area. It absorbs quickly, my skin feels soft and hydrated, and you don’t need to wait long before applying other creams. It also sits nicely under concealer – another essential of mine for awake-looking eyes.

The pump packaging is a bonus, as you don’t need to scoop out the product with your fingers or use too much at once.

Best for: A hydrating moisturiser with a subtle, luminous finish

Think of this as the all-rounder moisturiser in the Emma Lewisham range. It delivers hydration without feeling heavy and layers beautifully beneath sunscreen and foundation – allow it to absorb for a minute or two for a smoother finish.

What I love most about this cream is its subtle shimmer, thanks to the addition of mica. To enhance this glow, I layer it under an illuminating CC cream. You can even apply it on your neck and décolletage for extra dazzle.

Best for: A rich, soothing face cream for dry skin, boosting collagen, and overnight repair

This is the moisturiser I use when my skin needs some TLC. It’s a night moisturiser, but I sometimes use it during the day if my skin is particularly dry. It absorbs well, and is packed with barrier-supporting ingredients, peptides and bakuchiol for supple, nourished skin.

Regular use of the cream supports long-term hydration, skin renewal, and collagen production. I use it more frequently in winter, and for an extra hit of dewy goodness, after application, I finish with a drop of the Supernatural Face Oil.

The Supernatural Face Crème Riche also has the seal of approval from my friend Alisha. “I’ve tried numerous luxury night creams and this one is by far the best. It has a lovely scent and my skin feels hydrated and plump long after using. My secret tip is to also use it on the neck and décolletage for an all over glow”,

Best for: A natural retinol alternative for hydrated, smoothed skin

Few products feel as luxurious as this face oil. Just a few drops pressed over moisturiser help lock in hydration and leave the skin with a healthy glow.

A blend of nutrient-rich botanical oils works to lock in moisture and support dry areas. The formulation is also designed to stimulate processes similar to those of retinol, aiding collagen production and helping smooth the appearance of skin over time.

Woman’s Day Beauty Editor Anna considers the Supernatural Face Oil “the perfect natural alternative to retinol (the gold standard of fine line reduction), while also working to firm, smooth, and boost the skin barrier without irritation.”

She goes on to explain, “As a beauty editor, I want to make sure that when purchasing skincare, whether it’s a cheap and cheerful pharmacy find or a luxe formula, the ingredients list stacks up. This one delivers in spades, and the clinical testing results stand strong, too. It’s super easy to apply and incorporate into your routine. I press a few drops onto my skin in the evening. The convenient 30ml bottle with a handy dropper is also easy to toss into my carry-on for travel. I raved about it so much my mum gave it a try, and now she’s obsessed too.”

There is more than one fan of the Supernatural Face Oil in our office. My colleague Sarah reaches for it whenever her skin feels dehydrated after travel. However, she notes that if you dislike richer, more textured skincare, it may feel a step too far.

If I’m short on time, I use the Supernatural Face Oil after cleansing in the evening – it provides an adequate level of hydration and nourishment on its own. When I layer it over the Supernatural Face Crème Riche, I use just a small amount; it feels a little greasy at first before absorbing, but it works for my combination skin.

Best for: An overnight facial in a jar for tired or depleted skin

I look forward to using this heavenly mask a few nights a week, or whenever my skin feels dry or looks dull (or I’ve spent too much time in the sun), in place of the Supernatural Face Oil. I love the smell; it’s very calming and helps me relax before bed.

It’s not a traditional skincare mask in the sense that you leave it on and wash it off, nor is it messy, sticky, or time-consuming to apply. You simply apply it, leave it on overnight, and let it soak into your skin. When I wake up, I love that my skin feels plump and replenished, no matter how tired I feel.

User tip: Emma recommends using the Supernatural Sleeping Mask on the nights she exfoliates for deeply restorative results.

Best for: A satin-finish mineral sunscreen that doesn’t leave a white cast

The most important thing you need to know about this sunscreen is that, unlike its previous reformulation, it doesn’t leave a white cast on my brown, olive-toned skin.

While some mineral sunscreens can feel dense or heavy, the SPF 50 Mineral Face Crème has a noticeably lighter texture. It’s also more of an SPF meets skincare fusion, with ingredients like niacinamide for brightening, saccharide isomerate for long-lasting hydration, and a peptide for a smoothed, fresh complexion.

This is my colleague Sarah’s favourite SPF. She says, “As someone with sensitive, extremely temperamental skin, it’s been hard to find a sunscreen that doesn’t break me out or play well under makeup. It’s also a lovely consistency. Slightly thicker than a chemical sunscreen thanks to the 20% zinc oxide formulation, it’s super hydrating, leaves a satin-like finish and feels like a protective final step in my skincare regimen. And the glow! On mornings when I get ready at 4.30am before teaching pilates, it is truly my skincare saviour. However, the packaging can be a little niggly, you have to bang it a few times on the bathroom counter to get the last few uses out. But I’ve tried other, cheaper mineral formulations, and none have even come close. It’s a Holy Grail product for me.”

To add to the SPF cream’s commendations, in May this year the Sunceutical SPF 50 Mineral Face Crème was awarded Best SPF for Dry Skin in the Oprah Daily Sun O-wards 2026.The expert dermatologist judging panel noted: “Perfect for anyone who wants to add a moisturizing boost to their morning lineup, this SPF 50 cream not only hydrates skin but also leaves an extra-radiant finish, thanks to light-reflecting mineral pigments. Bonus: The jar’s airless pump dispenses just the right amount without having to scoop or squeeze.”

Best for: A glowy SPF serum perfect for low-maintenance, no makeup days

This mineral SPF serum is the perfect balance of sun protection and radiance. The lightweight formula leaves a luminous finish that works beautifully on bare skin, too.

However, it’s equally as gorgeous under makeup. My tip? If you’re going for a glam evening look, apply the SPF 50 Mineral Glow Serum after your regular serums and moisturiser for extra radiance.

Best for: Instant, all-over bronzing for a sun-kissed glow

Slather this nourishing bronzing oil all over for a golden shimmer, courtesy of ethically sourced mica.

A little goes a very long way, so apply sparingly – it requires patience and effort to buff out. Otherwise, the deep bronze tint can look intense, and the texture sticky. For this reason, I avoid using it on my face and instead apply it sparingly to my neck, décolletage, arms, and legs.

I generally save the Illuminating Oil for nights out, pairing it with an off-the-shoulder top or dress to show off the glow. It can transfer onto fabric, so if you haven’t quite nailed your application, I recommend wearing darker colours that can be easily washed afterwards.

Best for: A luxury body SPF

Make applying SPF feel a little more luxurious with this SPF body cream. Like the Sunceutical SPF 50 Mineral Face Crème, it contains saccharide isomerate for hydration, along with antioxidant-rich ingredients to soothe the skin.

With an SPF 50 rating, it’s well-suited to New Zealand’s high UV levels, which increase the risk of skin damage and melanoma.

User tip: Don’t forget to apply SPF to your hands, chest and neck. These areas are often overlooked and are typically the first to show signs of cumulative sun damage.

Best for: Travel-sized skincare for a complete routine

Curious about Emma Lewisham skincare but unsure where to begin? The Essentials gift set is the perfect introduction to key products for your day and night routines. It includes seven adorable travel minis:

• Illuminating Oil Cleanser
• Illuminating Exfoliant
• Skin Reset Face Serum
• Skin Reset Eye Crème
• Supernatural Day Crème
• Supernatural Face Crème Riche
• Supernatural Face Oil

I always take The Emma Lewisham Essentials on my summer holiday. It’s a cost-effective way to luxuriate in my full skincare routine without overpacking.

My colleague Shelley echoes this sentiment: “I love using the EL luxury minis when I’m travelling. I refill them and have been using them for ages”.

Best for: Brightening and evening skin tone in three simple steps

Not everyone wants a multistep skincare routine, which is why this Emma Lewisham gift set includes three of the brand’s most sought-after products that cover your core steps (cleanse, treat, and moisturise).

It features the following travel-sized products focusing on brightening and evening skin tone:

• Illuminating Oil Cleanser
• Skin Reset Serum
• Supernatural Face Crème Riche

Best for: A thoughtful skincare gift set for an expectant or new mother

Skip the blankets, bibs and baby grows. This pregnancy-safe skincare set is a thoughtful curation for an expectant or breastfeeding mother, or a treat for yourself.

While the entire Emma Lewisham range is suitable for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, a principle that inspired the brand’s formulations from the beginning, this gift set brings together three products designed to support skin through a period of major hormonal change.

Inside, you’ll find the Illuminating Exfoliant to help smooth and brighten dull skin, the Skin Reset Serum to target uneven tone and hormonal pigmentation, and the Supernatural Face Oil, which contains bakuchiol, a gentler, plant-derived retinol alternative.