A Must-Have Wonder Product? Episilk Hyalogic Facial Serum

Hyaluronic Acid is a skincare ingredient that's been gaining in popularity, particularly due to the amount of dedicated serums and moisturisers promising everything from wrinkle-filling, to a decrease in skin inflammation. The skin holds over 50% of the body's Hyaluronic Acid (which isn't actually an acid but a type of polysaccharide), yet the substance is present in every cell in the body. It plays an important role elsewhere too, including lubricating the joints and forming the basis of connective tissue in areas such as the heart. In the skin the molecule is involved in tissue repair, but it is most well known for its ability to hold moisture (which plumps and smooths the skin's texture); it's able to chemically attract and retain up to 1000 times its own weight in water. As we age, the amount of Hyaluronic Acid in our skin naturally decreases, which can cause the complexion to look sallow and fine lines to appear - which is why these serums have been described as being able to provide an 'instant facelift' with their lifting and filling effects on older skins. With seven of their Episilk facial products available in the UK, the skincare brand Hyalogic definitely believe in the benefits of Hyaluronic Acid: but are all formulas suitable for all skin types? I tried out the Episilk Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum and Facial Mist with Hyaluronic Acid to find out.




The Episilk range from Hyalogic contains Hyaluronic Acid (HA) with one of the highest molecular weights on the market, produced by a process of fermentation that makes it completely vegan. The Hyaluronic Acid naturally present in our skin is also high molecular weight, which is able to hold more water and also penetrate deeper into the layers of the skin. This is one of the main ways in which the Episilk products differ from others on the market, along with the fact that they use an incredibly small amount of other ingredients and no 'fillers' in their formulas. Where some serums have up to 20 ingredients, the Episilk Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum contains just two, which means that the acid isn't subject to degradation from other ingredients and also allows a higher concentration of active ingredient for your money.

It is recommended to apply HA serums twice daily after cleansing, as they produce the best results when used either on a dampened face or mixed with half their amount in water to activate them and allow for easy spreading. Applying a moisturiser on top of the serum isn’t actually mandatory for their use, but it will allow the moisture to be drawn deeper into the skin and will be held more effectively.

The Episilk Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum, presented in a 30ml glass bottle, contains just two ingredients - de-ionized water and HA. This is a concentrated and thick transparent serum, and I actually found just one pump to be a bit too much for my skin - the silky gel didn't sink in as fast as I would like and I really had to work it into the skin with my fingers rather than just smooth it on. Even after working in, when I applied my normal gel moisturiser over the top I found it sometimes pilled underneath, which gave me the impression that that the serum wasn't absorbing as readily as it should. It made my moisturiser feel slightly thicker under my fingers as I applied it, which I imagine would be really helpful for drier skins (but I think the reason it seems to sit on the surface for me is because my skin is overall quite oily and it has trouble dealing with such a rich formula.)

Having relatively young skin I wasn't expecting to notice much of a plumping effect, but I did notice that drier areas (such as the corners of my mouth and creases around my nose) were definitely much improved in texture, while my skin appeared considerably smoother. Because of its concentration of HA, this serum should last a long time; this is reflected in the price (£60.24) which I find a bit inhibitory. This is definitely an investment for any type of skincare product, and I think both skin type and age should be kept in mind when considering this product against similar less expensive high alternatives.

Despite being the cheaper of the two (£20.04 for 58ml,) the Hyalogic Episilk Facial Mist is the product I've found myself reaching for much more often than the serum. This spray contains Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, along with the water and HA, which adds antimicrobial as well as skin conditioning effects to the formula. The mist is very light and refreshing; it has the same texture as water and absorbs much more easily than the serum. I apply the moisturiser when the mist is still damp and it gives a similar sensation of making the gel feel thicker, but without any of the pilling that I had experienced with the previous product.

I think because the facial mist is lighter in texture it is more suited to my skin type. Although healing blemishes need a dab or two of thicker moisturiser, drier areas of my face are well moisturised and my skin is given a boost that leaves it feeling soft and smooth, without being over-hydrated. As well as prior to my moisturiser, I've also been enjoying using this product as a finishing spray after applying powder; although it doesn't make my make up last longer throughout the day it works well to take away the 'powdery' look, and is more effective at keeping dry areas and blemishes hydrated under my foundation than any of my other finishing sprays.

The Hyalogic Episilk Facial Mist won Better Nutrition Magazine's Best of Natural Beauty Award for 2013 and, although it may not be concentrated enough for drier skins, it provides just enough hydration to my oily combination skin without overwhelming it. It has definitely become a firm favourite in my skincare routine.


The Hyalogic Episilk Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum and Hyalogic Episilk Facial Mist are available online in the UK from Healthy and Essential.

Written by Kirsty Paterson
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