People Always Ask Me If Elemis Products Are Worth the Hype—These 17 Definitely Are
Elemis creates some of the best skincare on the market, but these products are in a different league.
I have tried a lot of skincare products over the years. As a beauty editor, I am lucky enough to be sent some of the most popular cleansers, toners and moisturisers on the market, and I am always on the lookout for the latest products to recommend to the Who What Wear readers.
From the best luxury buys to the affordable skincare products that I couldn't be without, I've covered pretty much every brand you can think of, but there's one brand that I get asked about time and time again. If you're wondering which one I'm talking about, it's none other than Elemis.
Elemis products are loved by beauty experts and editors alike thanks to the effective formulas and luxury packaging. However, it goes without saying that the products don't come cheap. With the popular cleansing balm setting you back almost £50, I totally understand why people want to know if Elemis is actually worth splurging on.
Well, that's where I come in. As someone who has tried their fair share of Elemis products, I know which ones are worth it (and which ones aren't). Below, you'll find my edit of the best Elemis products that I would repurchase time and again.
The Best Elemis Products, as Per a Beauty Editor
- Best Cleanser: Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, £52
- Best Moisturiser: Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, £98
- Best Facial Oil: Superfood Facial Oil, £57
- Best SPF: Pro-Collagen Skin Protection Fluid SPF50, £55
- Best Eye Cream: Pro-Collagen Advanced Eye Treatment, £52
1. Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
I had to start with a classic. This balm sells every 10 seconds! I don't know anyone who hasn't fallen in love with this cleansing balm. It removes makeup in no time and leaves your skin feeling silky-soft. It contains lots of essential oils, so you won't feel as if you are stripping the skin, and the spa-like scent will have you feeling relaxed in no time. I have a full-sized and a travel-sized version of this because I can't be without it. To note, if you have really sensitive skin, I would recommend trying the fragrance-free version instead.
Who What Wear UK's deputy editor, Maxine Eggenberger, agrees—this cleanser can't be bettered. "Whenever I'm lured away to try another buzzy or new cleanser, I always end up coming back to this one. Yes, it's perfumed, but I still find it gentle enough on my skin. It takes makeup off without a hitch—even waterproof mascara—whilst the balm-to-oil consistency feels luxurious and nourishing. It's like having a mini facial every time I use it."
Pros
- Removes any traces of makeup easily.
- Long-lasting—a little product goes a long way.
Cons
- More expensive than other products.
- Scent might not be suitable for very sensitive skin.
2. Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
I want to start by saying that this moisturiser doesn't come cheap. As a beauty editor, I truly believe that you don't have to spend a fortune in order to get your hands on an effective formula, so you definitely don't need this in your skincare routine. That being said, if you want to treat yourself, I couldn't recommend this moisturiser enough. It's beloved—a consumer buys one every 18 seconds. The formula features marine algae padina pavonica to hydrate and rose to soothe, and trust me when I say that your complexion will look (and feel) amazing afterwards. Think plump and glowy.
Pros
- Incredibly hydrating.
- Leaves you with a glowy complexion.
- Lasts a long time, so you shouldn't need to replenish frequently.
Cons
- It's more expensive than other moisturisers.
3. Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads
Something I was a little scared to try from the brand was the Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads. Anything "resurfacing" immediately makes my skin feel red and irritated. However, after using them myself, I quickly learned that there was no reason to worry. The gentle pads feature lactic acid and a probiotic ferment complex to speed up your skin's natural cell turnover by lifting away dead skin cells and exfoliating the skin. If your complexion is in need of a little boost, I recommend giving these a go. That being said, if you have really sensitive skin, it might be best to skip this step in your routine.
Pros
- Very gentle.
- Leaves skin feeling soft and smooth.
Cons
- May not be suitable for those with really sensitive skin or those with damage or scarring.
4. Pro-Collagen Energising Marine Cleanser
Looking for a new cleanser? Let me introduce you to the Elemis Pro-Collagen Energising Marine Cleanser. Not only does the gel formula feel super refreshing on the skin, but it lifts away makeup without stripping your complexion. One customer said, "My favourite face cleanser; it's the only scented product I regularly use that doesn't irritate my sensitive skin."
Pros
- Fresh gel consistency.
- Removes makeup without stripping the skin.
Cons
- The pump lets a lot of product out in one go.
5. Superfood Facial Oil
There's nothing I love more than a nourishing facial oil. I know this can be a bit of a love/hate product depending on your skin type, but as someone with dry skin that is crying out for some moisture, I lather on an oil formula pretty much every night. Another customer says, "I use it in the last step of my evening routine and wake up to healthy, glowing skin in the morning," which is another way someone with oilier skin could use the product. With nine superfood oils, this formula will leave your skin plump and glowy, but definitely not greasy.
Pros
- Nourishing without being greasy.
Cons
- Although an oil can be great for oily skin, you might find this to be a little too heavy.
6. Superfood Glow Priming Moisturiser
This is one of those products that always earns me compliments. The priming moisturiser is perfect for those of you who like a dewy, radiant makeup look, and I like to think of it as my secret weapon when my skin is looking a little lacklustre. The hydrating formula blends in like a dream, with illuminating micro minerals that add a subtle glow. The best bit? It can also double up as a highlighter. One customer swears by the product and said, "I love the glow it gives my face and just enough coverage to not feel naked."
Pros
- Illuminates the skin.
- Versatile—can be used as a primer, base or highlighter.
Cons
- More expensive than other primers on the market.
- A small bottle.
7. Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm
I know I've already spoken about the cleansing balm, but I couldn't forget about this rose version either. This formula features English rose oleo extract to soothe and nourish the skin. Every time I use it, I feel as if I've had a luxury facial. One customer had a similar feeling, saying, "I love the glow and nourished complexion this gives every use. Leaves skin luminous and moisturised."
Pros
- Soothing and hydrating.
- Lovely not-too-powerful rose scent.
Cons
- Sensitive skin might prefer the fragrance-free version.
8. Pro-Collagen Renewal Serum
Another product that I love as part of the Pro-Collagen range is the Renewal Serum. Described as an alternative to retinol, it helps to plump and hydrate the skin and is gentle enough for daily use. Of course, it probably won't be as effective as an actual retinol, but if you want to give an alternative a go, then this is a great option. It may take a while to see the results, but it definitely works.
Pros
- Leaves skin plump and hydrated after just a few uses.
- Suitable for sensitive skin.
Cons
- Won't have the same effect as retinol as it features milder ingredients, such as a blend of Padina Pavonica and Red Microalga, for a more skin-friendly formula.
9. Pro-Collagen Skin Protection Fluid SPF50
Newish from the brand, this Skin Protection Fluid SPF 50 has quickly become a summer staple for me. The facial sunscreen practically melts into the skin and leaves a hydrated, radiant finish. It even works wonders for people with sensitive skin, as one customer said: "I have sensitive skin but need a high SPF also. This product is fantastic. It’s not greasy and doesn’t make my eyes sting or water."
Who What Wear UK beauty editor Eleanor Vousden won't leave her house without it on, either. "I've tried a lot of SPFs, but Elemis' is up there as one of the most luxurious options. It has the most beautiful hydrating and silky texture that feels more akin to a luxe moisturiser than a heavy SPF. It feels nourishing on the skin, but never greasy, and there's zero white cast here. Instead, it sinks in quickly to an invisible finish, leaving skin looking plumped without being too rich on oilier areas—it's the perfect base for makeup.
Whilst it's more on the expensive side for an SPF, I do think it's a worthy investment. Skin experts always say the best SPF you can wear is the one you want to wear every day (you won't be inclined to wear an SPF every day if you hate it, after all!) and this is one that I always reach for."
Pros
- Sinks into the skin and adds a subtle glow.
- Provides a non-greasy base for makeup.
- Clean upon application—no casting.
- Long-lasting—the bottle looks small but the product goes far.
Cons
- More expensive that other SPFs on the market.
10. Pro-Collagen Naked Cleansing Balm
As mentioned above, Elemis also does a "naked" version of the popular cleansing balm, which is ideal for sensitive skin thanks to the unscented formula. If you've been wanting to use the original cleansing balm but are worried it might irritate your skin, then this might be the one for you.
Pros
- Fragrance-free formula.
Cons
- Doesn't feel as luxurious as the scented version.
11: Pro-Collagen Advanced Eye Treatment
I've always believed that a targeted treatment can work wonders, especially when it comes to eye creams. The Pro-Collagen Advanced Eye Treatment is a lightweight serum that focuses on smoothing fine lines and delivering intense hydration without feeling heavy. Its formula includes padina pavonica (a powerful algae extract) to firm and plump the delicate skin around the eyes. One reviewer said, "I noticed my under-eyes looked more rested, like I'd actually had eight hours of sleep."
Pros
- A little goes a long way.
- Layers beautifully under makeup.
Cons
- The serum texture might feel too light for those who prefer a rich eye cream.
12. Pro-Collagen Future Restore Serum
One of the brand's newer launches, this serum is not to be overlooked. It's innovative and gives great results. It has been proven to significantly improve skin firmness by up to 46% in just four days. That's some statistic! It's designed to target the effect of collagen decline on the skin—something which happens to all of us as we get older. It firms, smooths and boosts luminosity, and who doesn't want that?
Pros
- It contains ingredients to specifically benefit the skin's microbiome, to optimise your skin's own resilience and functions.
Cons
- This has a high price tag for a serum, but it does work.
13. Superfood Glow Cleansing Butter
The texture of this is divine. The buttery-gel texture not only melts away makeup and daily pollutants, but it also contains exfoliating pumpkin enzymes and AHAs to brighten and smooth skin texture. There's also mango butter and chia seed oil to nourish, condition and moisturise the skin. One customer says, "I have been using this product for the last year, and my skin has never felt/looked so bright and smooth! A little goes a long way; my absolute go-to cleansing balm."
Pros
- It's a two-in-one product, as it also doubles as a deep cleansing and conditioning mask.
Cons
- It's fragrance-free, which is preferred by some, but Elemis is known for beautiful scents, so this might steer you towards one of the brand's other cleansing balms.
14. Dynamic Resurfacing Super-C Serum
This powerful serum contains a highly stable form of vitamin C, as well as a host of other powerful ingredients, making it a solid choice to help protect your skin from environmental damage, reduce hyperpigmentation, promote collagen synthesis and cell renewal and refine skin texture. Elemis-patented Tri-Enzyme Technology gently exfoliates while hydrating and supporting skin renewal, whilst the red clover extract purifies and rebalances the skin, and seven organic Alpine plant extracts tackle uneven pigmentation and dark spots. With all these benefits, you're getting a lot for your money.
Pros
- A potent skincare combination that has many benefits.
Cons
- The price is high but ingredients impressive.
15. Pro-Collagen Tri-Acid Peel
This is a great product for giving instant results and is one of the most effective I've tried. It contains a trio of AHA and PHA acids (lactic, mandelic and asiatic), which, when combined, offer the best overall skin resurfacing and tone-evening benefits whilst being fairly gentle on the skin compared to some other acids. An instant glow boost!
Pros
- Quick results.
- Impressive formula combination.
Cons
- It does sting and tingle. If you have very sensitive skin, seek advice at your local Elemis counter before trying.
16. Pro-Collagen Rose Essence-in-Lotion
I didn’t expect to get so attached to a lotion-essence hybrid, but Elemis really got this one right. It has that rare texture that feels instantly comforting without being heavy, almost like a drink of water for the skin, but silkier. The first time I used it, I kept touching my face because my skin felt so soft and cushioned afterwards. I highly recommend it for those with dry skin, or if you find that your face tends to "eat" your foundation by lunchtime.
Pros
- Hydrating for dry skin.
- Soothing for sensitive skin.
- Leaves skin feeling plump.
Cons
- It's on the more expensive side.
17. Pro-Collagen Toning Mist
I'll level with you: I've never been a huge fan of face mists, but this totally changed my mind. Perfect for dry skin, it's infused with padina pavonica algae, which helps keep skin soft and hydrated post-cleanse. It's also ideal if you've got noticeable pores, as it works to reduce their appearance. Finally, for good measure, marine biotech ferment helps to balance sebum production, whilst gluconolactone encourages skin cell turnover without disrupting your skin barrier. It really is a multi-tasking hero that has elevated my routine.
Pros
- Multi-tasking.
- Great for combination skin.
- Great for reducing pore appearance.
Cons
- Not the best for acne prone skin types.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

Grace Lindsay is the deputy beauty editor at Who What Wear UK. At the age of 18 she decided to train as a makeup artist before going on to study english and media at Goldsmiths University. It was during that time that she explored her love for journalism by interning at a small beauty start-up based in Shoreditch. Since then, she has worked at a number of publications including Marie Claire and Hello!, where her love for all things beauty continued to grow.
As Who What Wear UK's deputy beauty editor, she covers everything from the latest hair trends to the stand-out makeup products of the season.
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