In the crowded world of beauty and cosmetics, a few trends have emerged with striking clarity in the past half-decade. First, there’s an obsession with all natural, botanically inspired ingredients, and second, consumers also harbor an obsession with asian skin care– a sector of the industry that was quick to embrace the idea of layering products and the ever-popular sheet mask.
In an attempt to unify these twin obsessions, Patchology, a U.S.-based skincare company, has emerged as a popular choice among millennials, as many of the brand’s all-natural ingredients are sourced from Korea.
Two of Patchology’s products– the Restoring Night Eye Gels and Lip Service Gloss-to-Balm Treatment— caught our editors’ attention for their capacity to deliver Eastern-inspired ingredients that can be delivered at the pace of an American lifestyle– which is to say, quickly.
In an article written for American Spa, Kristin Vukovic explains:
“In April, the company launched a SmartMud No-Mess Mud Masque infused with the detoxifying benefits of volcanic mud, sourced from Jeju, a South Korean island. ‘Our innovation was to put mineral-rich volcanic mud right into a sheet mask, so the mud is easy to apply, comfortable to wear for 10 minutes, and virtually mess-free to remove,’” CEO Chris Hobson told Vukovic at the time.
“‘You get all the benefits of mud, but without the mess.’ Last spring, Patchology launched its FlashMasque sheet masks featuring HydraSurge5, which delivers hydration in five minutes versus 15– a perfect adaptation for the impatient American consumer. The innovative mask material virtually disappears when applied to the skin, and the shape and serum levels are customized for the U.S. market.”
Lip Service is a lip balm and treatment that nourishes, conditions, and protects lips’ delicate skin with a physical barrier and an antioxidant-rich barrier. Goji fruit extract (lycium barbarum) is a powerful anti-aging antioxidant that slows cellular degeneration. The gloss has a nice shine and fresh, almost minty tingle (so you know its working).
The Restoring Night Eye Gels— known as “flashpatches”– contain arnica extract, peptides, retinol, and evergreen bark extract to counteract dark circles and wrinkles– beautifying, synergistic ingredients that we love because they can be worn so many different ways: under the eyes during makeup application, over the eyes to counteract upper eyelid puff, over makeup for a mid-day refresh, or even skinny-side-in to target crows feet specifically. (They are the consummate multitasking treatment that can be worn for extended periods, when you have the time, for a deeper treatment.)
Patchology recommends each of these styles of wear with cute, sassy names: The Dollface; The Scarecrow; The Minotaur, etc.
It’s one of the many reasons we like the brand: Patchology is keyed into the trendy, millennial-friendly branding that is necessary to secure a following in the natural beauty world of 2018. The packaging is on point, as is the branding, but most of all, the ingredients are forged from plants that consumers already recognize for their health benefits. What’s not to love?
Can’t get enough beauty? Read our articles on the best all natural toners, moisturizers, and sunscreens.
