Algenist is an award-winning beauty brand that developed anti-aging skincare products based on the benefits of algae, one of the most nutrient-rich plants in the world. The alguronic acid in algae allows them to survive in some of the earth’s harshest environments. And it does wonders for our skin.
I discovered Algenist several years ago when I was thumbing through Vogue, I think, while I was having my hair colored at Vidal Sassoon. Their ad had a coupon for a free sample at Sephora. I visited the Sephora in Boston after my appointment and picked up my sample. I was hooked.
About a month ago, I received two new products that Algenist refers to as their Detox & Protect Duo, both of which contain their signature ingredient alguronic acid:
- Algenist Alive Prebiotic Balancing Mask
- Algenist Alive Prebiotic Balancing Moisturizer SPF 15
Like your gut, your skin has a microbiome composed of microbes, bacteria and fungi including zillions of different versions of each. Our own skin microbiomes are different depending on who we are (age and gender) and where we live (environment). The skin’s microbiome protects us by crowding out the pathogens and preventing infection.
Algenist Alive Prebiotic skincare products helps to balance the organisms on skin with prebiotic organisms from algae, probiotics and with alguronic acid. (FYI, prebiotics are the “food” that probiotics live on.) Balancing the skin’s ecosystem results in more even skin tone, the glowing skin that we all love, protection from UV radiation, and plumped hydrated skin.
So that’s the important stuff. Now for the silly stuff. I was instantly smitten by the packaging of the Algenist Alive Prebiotic Duo. Peachy-pink and mint green are my favorite color combination! I just love the look of these two products. But there’s is definitely more to them than pretty packaging.
Algenist Alive Prebiotic Balancing Mask
I love masks that come in a jar or tube. I am pretty much done with sheet masks, to be honest. And I love masks that do their thing in a short period of time. I’m impatient and busy!
Algenist Alive Prebiotic Balancing Mask is a rich mint green thick, fragrance-free cream. When is comes in contact with my skin, it turns from green to peach. In fact, you can see the color change where my fingers touched the cream in the jar. From now on, I’ll take the time to use a scoop!
It’s easy to use. Apply a medium layer of the mask onto cleansed skin, wait 3-5 minutes, and rinse with lukewarm water. The mask doesn’t get tight and uncomfortable but stays creamy. My skin feels clean, hydrated and has a nice glow. The mask also helps protect skin from environmental pollution and other aging factors. It can be used 2-3 times a week. And since it’s so quick and easy to use, I am doing it! I’m a big fan!
I took a look at the reviews from other users, and they reported smaller pores, more even skin tone and fewer blemishes. Just an fyi, since those aren’t my skin issues.
The mask info and the website don’t say what skin type the mask was developed for. When I hear words like “detox” and “balance”, I usually think combination and oily skin. The masks contains kaolin and bentonite, clay ingredients that are great for absorbing oil and impurities Since I have dry skin, I was initially a bit concerned, but the mask works perfectly for me and is non-drying. No concerns at all. I guess we can all use a little probiotic balance!
Algenist Alive Prebiotic Balancing Mask contains 1.7 fl. oz./50 ml. A little goes a long way. Purchased on its own, it’s priced at $38. Algenist is sold at Sephora and on the Algenist website.
Ingredients: Glycerin, Water (Aqua, Eau), Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Propanediol, Kaolin, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Bentonite, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Maltooligosyl Glucoside, Myristic Acid, Lactic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Parachlorella Beijerinckii Exopolysaccharides, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Alteromonas Ferment Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Flower/Leaf Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate, Butylene Glycol, Coco-Glucoside, Lauryl Glucoside, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Lauric Acid, Palmitic Acid, Cellulose Gum, Sucrose, Sodium Chloride, Mica, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Manganese Violet (CI 77742), Chromium Hydroxide Green (CI 77289).
Algenist Alive Prebiotic Balancing Moisturizer SPF 15
Algenist Alive Prebiotic Balancing Moisturizer SPF 15 does similar things as the mask: it balances the skin’s ecosystem. In addition, it’s an excellent hydrator. It also contains mineral sunscreen.
I adore the tube packaging. It is so handy for travel or for every day use.
The fragrance-free cream is relatively thick, but it doesn’t feel heavy on my skin. Although it has mineral sunscreen – zinc oxide, it doesn’t leave a white cast on my face. My only wish is that it was a higher SPF like at least 30 rather than 15. Because of SPF 15, I tend to wear it when I am in the house, sitting in front of my computer screen (blue light protection) or when I won’t be outdoors in the sun for hours at a time. Other than that, I’m a fan.
The tube of Algenist Alive Prebiotic Balancing Moisturizer SPF 15 contains 1.7 fl. oz./50 ml and is priced at $40.
Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 13.65% Sunscreen.
Inactive Ingredients: Water (Aqua, Eau), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Coco-Caprylate, Glycerin, Glyceryl Behenate, Coco-Glucoside, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Parachlorella Beijerinckii Exopolysaccharides, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Alteromonas Ferment Extract, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Pod Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Sprout Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Xanthan Gum, Butylene Glycol, Isostearic Acid, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Algin, Calcium Alginate, Propanediol, Maltodextrin, Lactic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Chloride.
Right now, Algenist is offering the Detox & Protect Duo on their website for $60, a savings of $18 when you purchase the two products together. Good deal!
These sound fantastic! I just wish that the moisturizer had a higher SPF.
me too! My only little complaint.
Always love it when stuff has SPF in it. Glad you found something that works!
Yes, me too and thanks!
For a while I believed my acne coach who told me that algae triggered acne, but now I’m not so sure. Still testing it!
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The balancing mask sounds perfect for my combo skin.
I think the Algenist Alive Prebiotic Balancing Mask is perfect for combo skin!
I’m looking for a new moisturizer, but I need more than 15 SPF.
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Yes, SPF 15 isn’t enough for us light gals for summer. I usually wear this one indoors when I’m sitting in front of my computer for hours or for days when I’m not outdoors for hours.
I’ve used a lot of Algenist over the years and always loved the brand. I’d love to start reviewing the brand again and the mask especially sounds like a great way to start.
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I love when masks stay creamy and don’t get tight. I’m always scared when they tighten up. 🙂
Usually tightening clay masks are too drying for my already dry skin. The Algenist Alive Prebiotic Mask was so gentle!
Algenist always comes up with great skincare products! Love the packaging!
I was instantly sold on this duo the minute I saw the packaging!
The mask is intriguing! I tend to stay away from masks that claim detox and purifying but this sounds like a decent one!
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I usually avoid “detox” masks as well since I’m sure my skin is even drier than yours, but this one is actually lightly hydrating. And it leaves my face feeling so smooth. The color change is just fun frosting on the cake!
My face needed some serious love and I’ve had good luck with Algenist in the past so I need to stop by Sephora!
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I love peachy pink and mint green combination too. I’m so picky with skincare products because I break out easily.
If your skin misbehaves with new skincare products, better to stay with what works
It’s been a hot minute since I used something from Algenist. That mask looks so pretty, actually, with those colours – normally masks look so meh. I think the kaolin clay and the turmeric in the ingredients are why some users are reporting that their breakouts have cleared.
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Yes, kaolin is a well known drying ingredient for blemishes. It’s a particularly nice duo for combo or oily skin, but gentle and hydrating enough for my dry skin.
That mask has the most unusual texture and I love how it transforms between pastel green and pink!
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I can always count on you to introduce me to new to me brands! This sounds like a quality brand! Great review!
Thank you xo!
I completely agree with you on the sheet mask thing – these types of masks are my favorite! I’ll look in to these two.
Sound nice, a lil higher would be nice but thats better than nothing!
I love that these are unscented!!! Skincare products I prefer this way! I’ve never heard of prebiotics for the skin so this is certainly an interesting concept. I’ll be sure to check them out.
Turns out that prebiotics are “food” for probiotics, so probiotics can do their thing!
SPF 15 is NEVER enough for me either. I prefer SPF 50 if I have the option. I won’t use less than 30
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