Every year, we put hundreds of beauty products to the test and it's not often that we get multiple winning products from one brand, especially since they were tested by many different judges. However, Singaporean brand ést.lab came out on top with three wins — Best Gentle Exfoliator, Best Anti-Blemish Treatment and Best Facial Sunscreen for the LumiWhite Exfoliating Scrub, PurClear Anti-Acne Serum and SunShield SPF 50 respectively.
What makes ést.lab unique?
For one, ést.lab is a Singaporean brand, which means that they have Singaporeans' skin in mind, formulating products that are suitable not just for our skin type, but with textures that stay comfortable in our hot and humid weather. The brand's ethos is deeply rooted in science — combining the expertise of both local and international research facilities to create products that are safe and efficacious.
They've also partnered with A*STAR to develop SkAI™ (Skin Analytics and Ingredients) Matrix, a proprietary framework that helps scientists measure the safety, efficacy, compatibility, and marketability of the formulas they've developed. The data contained within SkAI™ helps analyse the formulas before samples are created for clinical trials to confirm levels of efficacy which are then approved for manufacturing.
Best Anti-Blemish Treatment: PurClear Anti-Acne Serum, $152, ést.lab
It's about time
With the PurClear Anti-Acne Serum, you can have the clear skin you've always dreamed of, even if you experience skin sensitivity. At the center of this powerful, yet gentle formula are two time-release ingredients — skin-refining salicylic acid cleans out clogged pores without the usual stinging or irritation associated with formulas that release their active ingredients all at once, and the proprietary Water Shuttle Technology which keeps skin continually hydrated for up to 12 hours, abating dry flakes that usually form around pimples as they heal.
Targets pimples and enlarged pores
Joining this effective formula are two more active ingredients —tea tree leaf oil and alpine willowherb extract—that focus on reducing sebum production, redness as well as preventing P.acnes bacteria from causing inflammation. With pimples, it's usually a culmination of factors like excess sebum and clogged pores that make up the perfect conditions for them to manifest—this lightweight serum helps to continually alleviate elements that deter the formation of pimples. The results? Clearer, smoother skin with pores that appear smaller.
Best Gentle Exfoliator: LumiWhite Exfoliating Scrub, $78, ést.lab
Cleanse and exfoliate gently
Gentle doesn't always mean weak and this definitely runs true with the LumiWhite Exfoliating Scrub. It helps to remove accumulated dead skin and dirt, and de-clogs pores without feeling harsh or dry on skin, thanks to a double dose of jojoba beads—an extremely mild yet effective exfoliant that's also biodegradable and environmentally-friendly. Vitamin C, niacinamide, fucogel and panthenol work together to help minimise the appearance of enlarged pores while brightening the complexion without ever making it feel taut or dry.
Use this scrub twice weekly to slough away dull surface skin—which can form a barrier that prevents skincare products from absorbing—so skin can reap the benefits of skincare products that follow in your routine.
Best Facial Sunscreen: SunShield SPF50, $96 ést.lab
Part broad-spectrum sunscreen, part skincare, part makeup, SunShield is packed with active ingredients that promise to inhibit melanin production, soothe inflammation and even protect against blue light damage. On top of these benefits, SunShield comes in a lightweight, easy-to-apply texture that doesn't leave a white cast.
All-round protection
Placing an emphasis on protecting modern women's skin against blue light (HEV)—a lightwave that's believed to cause premature skin ageing, as well as pigmentation on skin—SunShield helps form a veil to prevent hours spent in front of electronic devices from damaging skin.
Water-resistant, tinted and perfect under makeup
A sunscreen can check all the boxes in terms of formula and efficacy, but would fail at its job if you hate applying it. Sun protection has come a long way since its first iteration of an often goopy mess that feels greasy and heavy on skin.
Unlike sunscreens that leave a white cast when applied, SunShield is perfect under makeup or worn alone. It has a colour-adaptive technology to match any skin tone and mask slight imperfections like redness and dullness — perfect for days where you want to go makeup-free. SunShield works perfectly as a makeup base and is also water-resistant so you can count on it, rain or shine.
Available for purchase online and at all Estetica outlets. For more information, visit estlab.shop.