Kate Somerville Review - The Dermatology Review

Kate Somerville Review

Skin Care Reviews

09.28.18AD DISCLOSURE

Kate Somerville has been nicknamed the “guru of glow.” The skincare maven is known for her celebrity clients such as Jessica Alba, Drew Barrymore and Megan Markle. While Somerville has a clinic in Los Angeles, you don’t have to be a California based celeb to get some of that glow for yourself. Somerville also created a comprehensive skincare collection that includes everything from serums to moisturizers and sun protection. Here’s a closer look at Kate Somerville, the brand’s products and is it worth a try?

What are the Best Skin Care Products of 2020?

Who Is Kate Somerville?

Somerville grew up on a farm in California, and says that she battled a whole host of skin issues, including eczema, as a child. One day her mother added goat milk to her bath and Somerville says that her skin felt soothed. The goat milk experience spurred her to take a deeper dive into solving her skin issues and she studied esthetics in college. As she wrote on her website, “From a young age, I knew what it felt like to be uncomfortable in my own skin.” After college, she opened a clinic inside a cosmetic surgeon’s office before launching her own space in Los Angeles. Kate Somerville Skin Health Experts Clinic debuted in 2004 and it was a one-stop-shop for facials as well as dermatological treatments, all in a beautiful home-like setting.

Somerville quickly built a devoted clientele and subsequently launched a skincare collection which is meant to be like a treatment in a bottle. Today the Kate Somerville brand includes moisturizers, serums, masks and sun protection, and it is a firm favorite among celebrities and beauty editors.

What Is the Kate Somerville Skincare Philosophy?

Kate Somerville products are meant to be bottled versions of her clinic’s treatments. Somerville boils down the basics of an effective skincare routine to exfoliation, hydration and moisturizing. Her products are meant to visibly transforming skin, and Somerville has called achieving good skin “a life changing experience,” especially for anyone who has suffered with skin issues for years. Somerville is also a big proponent of goat milk.

What Does Kate Somerville Sell?

Kate Somerville sells a comprehensive collection of skincare products. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best sellers and key products.

Kate Somerville Moisturizers
Kate Somerville Oil Free Moisturizer – Designed for oil prone skin, this daily moisturizer is lightweight and absorbs quickly into the skin. The formula is spiked with algae to help tighten the look of the skin.

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Glow – This cream pulls double duty as a moisturizer and a gentle exfoliator. It leaves skin hydrated while alpha hydroxy and lactic acids work to gently dissolve dead skin cells.

Kate Somerville Nourish Daily Antioxidant Moisturizer – The key ingredient in this daily moisturizer is retinyl palmitate, which encourages cell turnover and helps soften the look of fine lines.

Kate Somerville Serums & Toners
Kate Somerville Wrinkle Warrior 2-in-1 Plumping Moisturizer + Serum – This combination moisturizer and serum is packed with hyaluronic acid, a moisture magnet, as well as Sichuan pepper to target wrinkles.

Kate Somerville D-Scar Scar Diminishing Serum – Powered by peptides and botanical extracts, this scar fading serum glides on with a rollerball applicator.

Kate Somerville Exfoliators & Masks
Kate Somerville Liquid ExfoliKate – A blend of 10% AHA (alpha hydroxy acids) and fruit enzymes work to exfoliate skin by gently dissolving dead skin cells. The solution should be applied at bed time.

Kate Somerville DermalQuench Liquid Lift + Retinol – The key ingredient in this treatment is retinol, which encourages cell turnover and helps skin look firmer and smoother.

Kate Somerville EradiKate Foam Mask – Most masks are made from creams, gels or clay but this one is foam based. It is formulated to clear up blemishes and unclog pores.

Kate Somerville Acne
Kate Somerville EradiKate – This acne spot treatment is formulated to help dry out blemishes, and the solution is powered by sulphur and zinc oxide.

EradiKate Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment – Salicylic acid helps to unclog pores and prevent acne, and it’s the key ingredient in this lightweight, overnight solution.

What is Kate Somerville Exfolikate?

Exfolikate is arguably Kate Somerville’s most famous product, and it’s been dubbed “the two minute Hollywood facial.” A cult favorite for more than 10 years, the facial scrub is a combination physical and chemical exfoliator. The bright green scrub is powered by lactic acid (a chemical exfoliator) as well as papaya and pumpkin enzymes, silica (a physical exfoliator), and salicylic acids. It is designed to leave skin smooth, soft and polished thanks to aloe vera, honey and vitamins A, C and E. When the product debuted on QVC in 2007, it sold out in minutes.

What Ingredients are in Kate Somerville Products?

Kate Somerville products are formulated with a mix of commonly used skincare ingredients, such as retinol, hyaluronic acid and AHAs and BHAs as well as botanicals and goat milk. The Cold Cream contains white honey to helps soothe the complexion along with jasmine, rose and daisy to soften the skin. The Dermal Quench Warrior, which targets wrinkles, contains three different sizes of hyaluronic acid along with Sichuan pepper, and polyglutamic acid to boost moisture. The Goat Milk Moisturizing Cleanser soothes the skin with milk proteins, along with jojoba and avocado oils.

Where is Kate Somerville Sold?

Kate Somerville products are sold at her LA clinic, online at her website as well as Sephora, Ulta, Nordstrom and QVC.

How Much are Kate Somerville Products?

Kate Somerville products are on the pricier side, in line with department store brands. ExfoilKate is $85, and the Oil Free Moisturizer is $65. The Acne Clearing Lotion is $42, while the Dermal Quench Liquid Lift + Retinol retails for $98. Some of the lower priced products include the Goat Milk Moisturizing Cleanser for $38, and the EradiKate Acne Spot Treatment for $26.

Is Kate Somerville tested on Animals?

Kate Somerville was officially recognized as cruelty-free by PETA in 2018.

Does Kate Somerville Work?

Deciding if a beauty product “works” is never black and white. One person’s miracle product may do nothing for you, or cause a breakout. A little experimentation is always needed, as well as a dive into reviews.

Kate Somerville products have a strong customer and celebrity fan base, as well as industry recognition. In late 2019, Somerville will be recognized with an Outstanding Achievement in Skincare by the Daytime Beauty Awards. The EradiKate Acne Treatment was named one of the best beauty buys of 2018 by New Beauty magazine, and the Exfolikate Cleanser scooped up a 2017 Editor’s Pick nod from TotalBeauty.com. The EradiKate Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment is a 2019 Glamour Beauty Award winner. “When I think of Kate Somerville, I know I’m going to get products that really help with blemishes. This one is different because you use it all over your skin, instead of as a spot treatment, so you soothe any current issues or redness and actually help prevent breakouts from happening down the road, wrote Marianna Hewitt.

The Eradikate exfoliator, gets strong customer reviews, with a 4.5 star on Nordstrom, a 4.8-star on Ulta and a 4.4-star rating on Sephora from more than 2,000 reviews. Sephora’s customer feedback ranges from “I have never written a review for a product but I could not resist myself from telling everyone the amazing results I have had using ExfoliKate” and “I tried a sample of this product and my skin felt exceptionally smooth and soft.” Some reviewers complained about the price ($85 for a two ounce tube) and some users had a bad reaction.

The Goat Milk Moisturizing Cleansers gets 4.4 stars from Sephora, 4.7 stars on Ulta and 5 stars on Nordstrom. Customers who love it cite that it’s effective and soothing to their skin. “I was looking for a daily, gentle cleanser that would be non-drying for my skin. This feels so luxurious and it’s definitely hydrating. It’s a keeper!” and “This cleaner is so gentle and smooth. My face looks and feels radiant after I wash, even before I moisturize.” Some users critiqued the price point, as well as the scent.

What Are Some Alternatives to the Kate Somerville?

Kate Somerville may not be the right choice for everyone. It may not react well with your skin, or perhaps the price point isn’t right. If you’re looking for a well-rounded skincare line, there are a few other brands to consider.

Formulyst’s philosophy is long-term and effective skincare. The brand wants to help its customers achieve their best looking skin, rather than covering it up with makeup. The comprehensive line of products focuses on everything from wrinkles to dark spots and dry skin. Formulyst Clarifying AHA Cleanser is designed to give a skin a gentle but effective cleanse. The formula contains alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) derived from citrus and botanical extracts. These acids work by dissolving dead skin cells and drawing out impurities from the pores to reveal smooth, refreshed skin.

If you want smoother looking skin, skip the harsh exfoliators which can do more harm than good. Formulyst Retexturing and Perfecting Serum is powered by gentle but effective alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) which works to dissolve dead skin cells. Packed with plant based acids, it whisks away old skin cells, leaving behind fresher, smoother looking skin. The serum also works to on unevenness and blotchiness. Want to get rid of a blemish? Don’t pop it- dry it. Apply a dab of Formulyst’s Blemish Clearing Complex. It contains a whole cocktail of bacteria fighting, pimple drying products including zinc oxide, salicylic acid, and camphor. It also helps to unclog pores.

If you like the simplicity of a skincare kit, consider Advanced Dermatology. This no nonsense brand offers a pared down approach to skincare. The packaging is simple and streamlined, and the products bring skincare back to the basics. The kit contains just six essential items including a daily cleanser; serum; anti-wrinkle firming treatment; night cream; day cream and an eye cream. In other words, everything you need to achieve your best possible looking skin.

THE BEST SKIN CARE LINES 2020

1

Formulyst

The philosophy of Formulyst is long-term and effective skincare, rather than covering up any imperfections. The comprehensive line of products tackles everything from wrinkles to dark spots and dry skin. While some brands rely on unnecessary fillers and scents, Formulyst focuses on ingredients that help create results, such as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Many of the Formulyst’s products harness the power of plant and citrus extracts as well as gold-standard workhorses such as retinol. Read More
2

Advanced Dermatology

The Advanced Dermatology skin care regimen addresses the most pressing aging concerns. It can be used by men and women in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond. This award-winning system can help diminish wrinkle appearance, reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation, fade away redness, even out skin tone and improve the appearance of eye bags and dark circles. Some of the standout products in this line include the Super Youth Serum, Complete Age Defense and Anti-Wrinkle Firming Night Treatment. Read More

Kate Somerville Dermalquench Liquid Lift Review

The Kate Somerville DermalQuench Liquid Lift was designed to deliver a trio of potent anti-aging ingredients to the skin in order to create a healthier and more youthful looking appearance overall. What makes this product unique is their specially designed delivery system. This system infuses the skin with three different ingredients within the HydraFill Complex. This includes PFC Oxygen Carriers, hyaluronic acid and rare botanical extracts. These pairings allow the skin to become more nourished, hydrated and plump, diminishing the most common signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. According to the brand, using clinical instruments, skin showed a 130% increase in skin hydration and moisture immediately after application. Additionally, after 2 weeks, 83% of women included in clinical testing reported that their fine lines and wrinkles appeared less noticeable and their skin overall looked smoother and soften with consistent use as part of their everyday routine.
INGREDIENTS

Kate Somerville Uncomplikated SPF 50 Review

For many of us, sunscreen is a one-and-done deal. But unfortunately, more and more research has surfaced in recent years to support the idea that in order to adequate prevent sun damage, we need to reapply our sunscreen every couple hours. For those of us who wear makeup, that can often seem like a sticky, smearing, uncomfortable mess. But that shouldn’t be a reason to put off protecting your skin, especially when new and innovative products are paving the way for easy-to-reapply sunscreens. Products like the Kate Somerville UncompliKated SPF 50 feature a completely mess free spray formula which you can easily mist onto the face. What’s even better is that this specific formula has been meticulously designed to not only blend well with the makeup you’re already wearing, but to actually make it look even better as well. This product delivers a soft focus effect to the skin, while also reducing shine, making this a great option for those of you who like to minimize the appearance of excess oil or shininess throughout the day.
INGREDIENTS

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment Review

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment is an exfoliating scrub that is said to polish skin to reveal a smooth, healthy-looking, glowing complexion. One of the key ingredients in this scrub in lactic acid, a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). AHAs exfoliate the skin by targeting corneocytes (dead skin cells that make up the stratum corneum) in a process called corneocyte desquamation. By enhancing their breakdown and increasing the separation of skin cells, the rate of cell turnover is increased, leading to smoother, more radiant skin. This scrub also physically exfoliates the skin with silica, which also helps to slough off dead skin cells while removing makeup, excess oil, dirt, and other impurities that may have accumulated during the day.

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment features enzymes from papaya, pineapple, and pumpkin to further enhance skin exfoliation. This scrub also contains a high concentration of soybean oil, which functions as an emollient and replenishes the skin’s natural barrier function. One drawback with Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment is the amount of sensitizing ingredients it contains, such as denatured alcohol and many fragrance ingredients. Denatured alcohol is well known to cause skin dryness, irritation, and even disruption of the skin barrier, especially when used in high concentrations. The fragrance ingredients in this scrub, like cinnamal, bergamot fruit oil, eugenol, limonene, linalool, lavender oil, and more, have the potential to cause allergic reactions and skin irritation.

INGREDIENTS

Kate Somerville Nourish Daily Moisturizer Review

Kate Somerville is arguable one of the most popular LA-based estheticians to date. Her practice, as well as her well-formulated line of products, have made her a mainstay in the skincare and beauty industry. If you’re looking to try out Kate Somerville’s formulations, but don’t know where to start, you may want to check out the Kate Somerville Nourish Daily Moisturizer. This fan favorite is an easy, effortless staple in your routine that is packed with beneficial ingredients. The bulk of actives in this formula include an array of botanical extracts, which have been included for their rich antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are often an overlooked ingredient in skincare, but they’re actually vital for maintaining healthy, youthful looking skin. Antioxidants protect your skin against environmental aggressors, including pollution, UV rays and free radicals. Unfortunately, all of these factors negatively contribute to premature aging and skin damage, so it’s important to use antioxidants frequently in an everyday product like the Kate Somerville Nourish Daily Moisturizer, in order to prevent as much damage as possible.
INGREDIENTS

Kate Somerville Exfolikate Cleanser Review

There are a few products out there that have become so popular that they have gained cult status around the world. One of these such products is the Kate Somerville Exfolikate Cleanser. This product has been designed to serve as an exfoliating cleanser, that effectively removes impurities while also refining and smoothing the surface of the skin. But while an exfoliating cleanser would typically be harsh and drying, the Exfolikate Cleanser was specifically designed to condition the skin without overstripping. This formula contains a variety of exfoliating ingredients including glycolic and lactic acids as well as pineapple and papaya enzymes. Lactic and glycolic acids are both considered Alpha Hydroxy Acids. This category of acids exfoliates the top layer of skin and helps to smooth out skin texture. Fruit enzymes work similarly, although even more gently to exfoliate without irritating. In addition to these ingredients, Exfolikate Cleanser also contains glycerin, stearic acid and aloe vera to soothe and deeply hydrate the skin. The result is smooth, fresh skin feels plump and hydrated, even after cleansing.
INGREDIENTS

Kate Somerville Quench Hydrating Serum Review

The Kate Somerville Quench Hydrating Serum is a lightweight, moisturizing serum designed for all skin types, especially those who need extra hydration plus anti-aging benefits. This serum contains sodium hyaluronate, the salt form of hyaluronic acid, which is an exceptional ingredient for adding hydration to the skin. It draws in moisture from the environment and can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Another way the Kate Somerville Quench Hydrating Serum helps to hydrate the skin is by delivering ceramides and sphingolipids, which are both essential lipids of the skin barrier. Cleansing, stress, and environmental aggressors can deplete this barrier, leading to moisture loss. By replenishing the barrier with these essential lipids, the Kate Somerville Quench Hydrating Serum locks moisture into the skin.

Lastly, the Kate Somerville Quench Hydrating Serum contains several potent antioxidants, including sodium ascorbate (vitamin C), tocopherol (vitamin E), and retinol (vitamin A). Antioxidants protect the skin from free radicals, the unstable molecules that contribute to the formation of premature wrinkles and fine lines on the skin. Additionally, vitamin C is known to brighten the complexion and even out skin tone, while retinol is scientifically proven to promote a more youthful appearance by boosting the skin renewal process.
INGREDIENTS

Kate Somerville +Retinol Review

Known for creating effective skincare solutions for over 25 years, Kate Somerville has been responsible for several cult favorite products. Several of these have come from her +Retinol range including the original Kate Somerville +Retinol Eye Cream. Today, we’re taking a look at this well-known range to see exactly what makes Kate Somerville formulas so unique. So without further adieu, let’s get started!

Who is the Kate Somerville +Retinol Range For?

The Kate Somerville +Retinol range is suitable for all skin types, but the products within this range have been designed to target specific skincare concerns. The +Retinol range mostly targets signs of aging including dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles, crows feet and uneven skin tone.
  • Kate, Atlanta, GA Original review: Oct 08, 2016. Reply

    I’ve used from the most expensive to the grocery store brands, looking for the right skin care line. Kate Somerville is it.

    Exfolikate, Dermalquench w/Retinol, Goat milk moisturizer, Mega-C…. all have made a HUGE change in my skins tone and look. Highly recommend.

  • Kate Somerville Fan Original review: Nov 28, 2013. Reply

    I have been using kate somerville skincare for four weeks. I was first given a trial of exfolikate and liked it so I ended up buying many skincare products. This is my favorite exfoliator. Gentle but it gets rid of all the dead skin. The other one I like is kate somerville cytocell dermal energizing treatment, goat milk cream, kate somerville eradikate, kate somerville melrose, kate somerville dermalquench and kate somerville deep tissue repair. I do not work for Kate Somerville and are not affiliated with them in anyway.

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