This is a sponsored review which contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own and honest.
ELMT (pronounced “element”) is a somewhat new addition to the Wishtrend family of brands. Typically, Wishtrend items work well for my skin, so I am excited about every new launch they announce. I have already reviewed (and used up) ELMT Skin Illuminating Solution (read here) and ELMT Skin Activating Solution (read here). I’m currently using ELMT Gentle Exfoliating Solution and ELMT Advanced Calming Solution as a power duo. Both are available on Wishtrend (discount code LUCY15).
ELMT Gentle Exfoliating Solution is formulated with AHA and vitamin C to dissolve the proteins that bind dead cells together and provide gentle exfoliation, as the name implies. In addition to the exfoliating components, it contains 49.02% blueberry and raspberry extracts to reduce irritation.
The formula is so balanced and gentle that it can be used daily, in the morning or at night, right after cleansing. I apply it with my bare hands in the evenings, but a cotton pad is also an option.
ELMT Advanced Calming Solution is a hydrating, healing, and soothing product with 59% Centella Asiatica Extract and polysaccharides. It can be used right after cleansing (apply with either palms or cotton pads), or layered after the Exfoliating Solution. The brand advertises it as fulfilling the functions of both toner and serum, but I mostly use it as a toner or essence, adding thicker serums afterwards.
Centella asiatica is a very popular skin soothing ingredient in Asian skincare, however when applied to irritated skin it can apparently cause a little more irritation in addition to the benefits. ELMT Advanced Calming Solution takes care of that side effect by including polysaccharides, which reduce the potential for irritation.
All ELMT solutions have light, watery textures and are easy to apply. There is no scent as far as my nose detects, no sticky or greasy feeling. The bottles are glass, which is definitely my favorite packaging type, because it adds an element of luxury to my routines.
My impressions
I have combination skin with some oily and some dry areas. It’s not particularly sensitive, however any redness is very noticeable since I’m so fair. I do get occasional breakouts as well.
When it comes to exfoliation, my favorite approach is “slow and steady” - I prefer gentle formulas used frequently vs very intense once-in-a-while treatments.
Over the last several weeks, I’ve been applying the Exfoliating Solution almost every night (I started slowly to gauge the reaction, but increased the frequency quickly), followed by the Advanced Calming Solution. I love how watery the formulas are - my skin drinks them right up, and anything else layers beautifully on top. I’m noticing a slow but steady improvement in the look of pores (especially on the t-zone), and an overall healthy, glowing complexion with reduced redness and discoloration.
My one small criticism for the entire ELMT line is the packaging. I both love the aesthetic of matching green bottles and find them confusing, because the products are hard to differentiate at a glance. I either have to read the labels every time, or keep my bottles in the boxes (what I’m doing with this duo) since the tops are differently colored. I wish ELMT would make either the labels or the lids slightly different so the bottles were easier to tell apart when sitting all together on my bathroom counter. It’s a small thing and definitely not a deal breaker.
Due to the thin texture and a generous bottle size, each solution lasts me for months. In fact, these are lovely to address body skin concerns as well, since you can cover a large area with a relatively small amount of the solution. I used the Skin Illuminating Solution (with niacinamide) to help fade post inflammatory hyperpigmentation on my legs, left behind by ingrown hairs. And it definitely helped. Now I put a bit of the Exfoliating Solution on those zones to help prevent future ingrowns.
I finished my first two bottles of ELMT solutions already, and have 3 unopened as backups. As a reviewer, I often donate unneeded products to friends and rarely get the same item more than once, but I’m keeping all of these. They have become a wonderful, easy-to-incorporate part of my routine, including for the body, and I plan to use them all.
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ELMT Gentle Exfoliating Solution ingredients: Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract, Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Trehalose, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Panthenol, Allantoin
ELMT Advanced Calming Solution ingredients: Centella Asiatica Leaf Water, Water, Centella Asiatica Leaf/ Stem Extract, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Propanediol, Pullulan, Trehalose, Panthenol, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Allantoin, Pentylene Glycol, Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Centella Asiatica Root Extract