This Velvety Moisturizer Is the Secret to a Natural Summer Glow

When I try a new skin-care product, first impressions are everything. If it’s greasy, doesn’t absorb properly or gives me an adverse reaction, it’s on to the next. (Don’t worry, it doesn’t end up in the trash. I pass it along to a friend or family member to see if they feel the same way.) Joaquina Botánica Crema Esencial made a great first impression, feeling so velvety on my skin, and despite the texture being a little on the richer side, it absorbed really well with no greasy residue. Very quickly, my skin felt hydrated, smooth and nourished. Here’s what else makes this moisturizer a must-have, especially for the spring and summer seasons.

My Skin Type:

Combination. I’m drier in the cold-weather months and oilier in the warm-weather ones thanks to the high humidity on the East Coast. Occasionally when I try a new product or use a formula with a high concentration of acids, I experience a little sensitivity (mainly redness, but sometimes tingling).

The Benefits:

I especially love this anti-aging moisturizer for summertime because of its powerhouse antioxidant protection. The peptides and polyphenols in white porcelain cacao help shield the skin from blue light pollution, which can lead to oxidative stress. A trio of Colombian superfruits—vitamin A–rich cacay, and vitamin C–rich uchuva and guava—work together to strengthen the skin’s defense against damage from environmental aggressors like UV rays, pollution, etc. The addition of plumping amino acids replenishes the skin’s moisture barrier (the cream has a really nice cushiony effect), and bioactive gentian (a plant extract) helps smooth, firm and soften.

It’s great for those with dry and dehydrated skin, too, as it contains aloe vera and hyaluronic acid, which are both hydrating humectants that draw moisture to the skin. Then, emollients shea butter and squalane help lock in that moisture. There are dozens of beneficial ingredients in this formula, all of which are from natural origin.

Key Ingredients:

Porcelain cacao; Colombian superfruits cacay, uchuva and guava; squalane; hyaluronic acid; aloe vera; gentian; and amino acids

What It’s Free From:

All of Joaquina Botánica’s products are free from more than 2,700 ingredients, including DEA, gluten, mineral oil, parabens, PEGs, petroleum, phthalates, silicones, sulfate detergents, synthetic fragrances and dyes, TEA and urea. This cream is also free of essential oils.

How to Use It:

After cleansing (you can also apply it after using an essence if you use one), apply a pea-size amount to your face, neck and décolleté. Use both morning and night. I also like to apply it to the backs of my hands.

Price/Where to Buy:

$98, joaquinabotanica.com