L&rsquo;Officiel speaks to Samy Hamada, head of R&amp;D for Aesop, to talk about the new and improved anti-pollution addition to your skincare routine.&nbsp;

The well-loved Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Serum gets intensified in this potent formula made for those who love the lightweight texture but need an extra boost of hydration sans the greasiness. L&rsquo;Officiel spoke to Samy Hamada, head of R&amp;D and Compliance for the cruelty-free skin and fragrance brand, to find out how the Intense differs from the original Serum, who&rsquo;s it for, what&rsquo;s in it, and how can one make the most of this powerful yet gentle formula.

How does the Intense Serum differ from the Antioxidant Serum?
&nbsp;
Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Intense Serum offers enhanced anti-oxidant efficacy with the introduction of a lightweight breathable film that acts as an environmental barrier. In reconsidering the original serum, we have elevated its purpose and relevance.
With the launch of Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Intense Serum we have a formidable progression of the original serum. We re-evaluated the benefits offered by the original formula and determined what advances could be made. With increased awareness of the influence of our environment and how this may impact skin health, we identified an opportunity to build in additional layers of efficacy to support and complement the product&rsquo;s anti-oxidant benefits.

What Ingredients in the Intense Serum are the most hard working in this formula?
Our approach is to consider the formulation in its entirety, carefully considering the matrix in which each ingredient resides. Ingredient solubility, product and ingredient pH, texture: all of these factors are carefully scrutinised. Yet creating exceptional products is an art as much as a science, and it takes a seasoned formulator's experiential knowledge to put all of these pieces together, and deliver ingredients in such a way that they offer meaningful, tangible benefits for the skin.
Within Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Intense Serum proven humectants, film-forming ingredients, anti-oxidants and skin-supportive, nourishing vitamins work in concert to confer hydration and barrier-supportive properties.
Panthenol (Provitamin B5), Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Biosaccharide Gum-1 and Bisabolol&mdash;also well known for its soothing properties&mdash;deliver exceptional moisture-binding, hydrating efficacy. Niacinamide also confers barrier-supportive properties, while Bisabolol works to nourish and calm the skin. The careful combination of these ingredients results in a serum that offers much greater levels of sustained hydration than would perhaps be expected based on its light serum texture. A suite of anti-oxidants is delivered by way of Grape Seed, Green Tea and Parsley Seed extracts, alongside nourishing Tocopherol (Vitamin E), which work together to fortify the skin, supporting and nurturing it.
Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Intense Serum does not merely confer anti-oxidant-rich hydration: it also imparts a light, non-occlusive film to help minimise deposition of skin-aggravating airborne particulates and facilitate their removal. Extracts of Caesalpinia Spinosa (Tara Gum) and Kappaphycus Alvarezi (Red Algae) work in concert to confer this breathable but nonetheless efficacious film, imperceptibly safeguarding the skin.

Aside from using it as a serum step, what other ways can the user incorporate the serum into their existing regimen?
&nbsp;
Primarily, serums at Aesop are different from serums offered by other brands, as they are designed as daily-use moisturisers that offer additional benefits for a range of skin types and concerns. We encourage customers to use our products in the manner that delivers the best results for their skin. There is flexibility in terms of how Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Intense Serum can be used&mdash;whether as a standalone hydrator, layered or blended&mdash;but special consideration must be given to the order of application to ensure the product&rsquo;s characteristic film is not disrupted.&nbsp;
The product can be used on its own by applying a quarter of a pipette to freshly cleansed and toned skin. Alternatively, layer over a preferred hydrating cream, lotion, oil or gel once the previous product has fully absorbed. Allow the skin&rsquo;s surface to become touch-dry before applying sunscreen. Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Intense Serum can also be blended with an Aesop facial oil to boost emollience and tailor hydration levels, however we recommend blending with no more than three drops of oil. Using a higher ratio of oil when blending may impact the efficacy of the breathable film.

We hear &ldquo;anti-oxidant&rdquo; and &ldquo;anti-pollution&rdquo; very often as new skincare innovations these days. Could you explain to us how does pollution damage the skin and how does the Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Intense Serum protect the skin and &nbsp;skin barrier from effects of pollution?
&nbsp;
The skin is our interface with the external environment, and as such our skin is subject to daily onslaught from environmental aggressors. For all the beauty, life and vigour of the city, never is this truer than for those living in urban environments. One of the most important considerations for urban dwellers is to be mindful of the effects of your environment. In urban settings skin is vulnerable to a range of environmental factors and the stresses&mdash;of all kinds&mdash;of city living, can heighten its susceptibility to oxidative stress.&nbsp;
Airborne gases and particulates&mdash;such as dust, pollen and other particulates, the detritus of urban landscapes&mdash;all have potential to contribute to increased production of reactive oxygen species, leading to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress has potential to compromise the lipid 'mortar' of the stratum corneum, adversely affecting the barrier properties of the skin. This can lead to skin dehydration&mdash;as water loss increases&mdash;as well as a greater propensity for reactivity, sensitivity and aggravation.
Of note is the effect of particulates, which have potential to aggravate the skin&mdash;known consequences of which include hyperpigmentation, reactivity, dull or patchy appearance and loss of skin suppleness, resilience. These are the typical ways in which our skin shows its discontentment, alerting us to the need to impart measures of anti-oxidant enriched hydration, to fortify and nourish it. Meaningful inputs of anti-oxidants are included in Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Intense Serum to help fortify skin and counter the detrimental effect of oxidative stress. A considered combination of Grape Seed, Green Tea and Parsley Seed extracts, supported by nourishing Tocopherol (Vitamin E), work to bolster and nurture the skin.&nbsp;
With an understanding of the influence the environment has on our skin we saw an opportunity to build in additional layers of efficacy to support and complement these key anti-oxidant benefits: benefits that are a central part of the Parsley Seed Skin Care range. Through careful use of film-forming ingredients in Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Intense Serum&mdash;to create a light, non-occlusive and flexible film&mdash;we can also help to minimise the &lsquo;landing&rsquo; of airborne particles and particulates which can aggravate skin. This film has the added benefit of facilitating the swift removal of these particles during cleansing at the end of the day. We recommend Parsley Seed Facial Cleansing Oil or Parsley Seed Facial Cleanser, formulations designed for use in polluted urban environments, to lift impurities and thoroughly refresh the skin. Lastly, the product provides sustained hydration and nourishment to support the inherent barrier properties of the skin, and to confer greater resilience in urban environments.

What was the process like for the creation of this formula?
&nbsp;&nbsp;
Aesop&rsquo;s Parsley Seed Skin Care range is the result of extensive research and development into the most effective way to deliver anti-oxidants to the skin. Research detailing the significant anti-oxidant properties of Parsley Seed essential oil&mdash;an extract of Carum Petroselinum&mdash;inspired us to explore ways to incorporate this potent ingredient in our skin care formulations.
From the outset we knew that this product was going to form part of our Parsley Seed Skin Care range, and we therefore had a remarkable palette of ingredients to work with. Our initial research focussed on creating a stable serum base, with sustained hydrating efficacy and appropriate sensory properties&mdash;such as a lightweight texture, fast absorbing skin feel and refined finish. Chief among the challenges we faced during development was the fine balance between the need to include sufficient levels of film-forming ingredients&mdash;to help prevent &lsquo;landing&rsquo; of airborne particles&mdash;without compromising texture or skin-feel.&nbsp;
Countless minute adjustments were made in the ratios of ingredients until we arrived at the final formulation, that will now find its life&mdash;and audience&mdash;in the Aesop range. A formulation offering enhanced anti-oxidant efficacy with the introduction of a lightweight breathable film that acts as an environmental barrier.&nbsp; In reconsidering the original serum, we have elevated its purpose and relevance marking a significant innovation in our product offering.&nbsp;

Who did you have in mind when you conceptualized this product?
&nbsp;
Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Intense Serum will appeal to existing customers of the Parsley Seed Skin Care range and urban dwellers seeking a daily hydrator with additional fortifying benefits. As a standalone hydrator, it is particularly suited to those residing in hot, humid environs who favour a lightweight texture, and for those with sensitive skin who similarly prefer a serum over richer, heavier creams.
 Are there any ingredients or other skincare products one must avoid while using this?
&nbsp;&nbsp;
Not at all. Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Intense Serum suits most skin types&mdash;particularly normal, combination and sensitive skin. There is also great flexibility in terms of how the product can be used&mdash;whether as a standalone hydrator, or layered or blended.&nbsp;

Any precautions or a best time to apply the product?
&nbsp;
As already mentioned, we encourage customers to use our products in the way that delivers the best results for their skin, and at the time of day that works for their needs. While there is an element of flexibility in how the serum can be used, considerate attention should be given to the order of these products to ensure there is no disruption to the product&rsquo;s characteristic film.
To use the product on its own, apply a quarter of a pipette to freshly cleansed and toned skin. Should you wish to layer with a preferred hydrating cream, lotion, oil or gel, only do so after the serum has fully absorbed, and ensure the skin&rsquo;s surface is touch-dry before applying sunscreen. Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Intense Serum can also be blended with an Aesop facial oil to boost emollience and tailor hydration levels, however we recommend blending with no more than three drops of oil to ensure the blending of these two products does not impact the efficacy of the breathable film.
Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Intense Serum lends itself to both day-time and night-time usage. We recommend applying at the time of day that works for you and your needs.&nbsp;
During the day, the serum&rsquo;s breathable film provides an effective environmental barrier and is flexible enough to cope with the rigours of a day&rsquo;s wear. Nor does it need to be reapplied during the day&mdash;application in the morning should last until the evening on a typical working day.
At night-time, the serum&rsquo;s sustained hydrating benefits come into play. The hours we spend resting are a valuable opportunity to deliver anti-oxidants to skin. We&rsquo;re less likely to touch our face, or to sweat heavily&mdash;things that, during the day, can lift product from the skin. This uninterrupted contact time with an anti-oxidant enriched formulation serves to increase and optimise the hydrating and fortifying benefits, allowing ample time for ingredients to take effect, delivering the best possible results for the skin. We suggest blending with Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Facial Treatment to increase emollience and impart a nourishing boost.&nbsp;

Aesop Intensifies The Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Serum

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