Face the Glow: Aesop’s Lucent Duo Puts Skin in the Spotlight
After six years of lab coats, late nights, and likely many skin-deep debates, Aesop has dropped a power player into its skincare arsenal: the Lucent Facial Refiner. This gently exfoliating mask doesn’t just polish your skin—it rewrites the script on what a face mask can deliver. And yes, it’s made to be paired with the brand’s cult-favourite Lucent Facial Concentrate. Think of it as your skin’s new double act: one exfoliates, the other illuminates, and together they bring your face into full focus.
This isn’t your average “scrub and hope for the best” scenario. The Refiner is Aesop’s first formula to blend beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) with polyhydroxy acid (PHA), creating a kind of exfoliation with finesse—where science meets ritual. With essential oils and vitamins layered in, it’s more than a mask; it’s skincare designed to feel like self-respect.
“From the outset we knew that we wanted to explore the use of a gentle exfoliant like PHA—which is the first time we have used this kind of ingredient—yet in the context of our distinctly sensorial approach to skin care which balances both pleasure and performance. The formulation had to offer the customer not just exfoliation, but replenishment; not just a supportive range of vitamins, but essential oils that elevate the experience of caring for the skin,” explains Samy Hamada, Aesop’s Director of R&D.
The Refiner: A Mask with Manners
Retailing at RM375.00, the Lucent Facial Refiner is made to be used twice a week, offering a dual-action formula that walks the line between polish and nourishment. The heavy-lifters? Salicylic Acid (your classic BHA) and Gluconolactone (a PHA known for its gentle yet effective exfoliation). Together, they do the gritty work of buffing away dead skin without turning your face into a battlefield.
But this isn’t just about subtraction. The formula replenishes with Provitamin B5, Vitamin E, and Vitamin F—hydrating, softening, and restoring. Think of it as exfoliation with empathy. If your skin leans dry or looks tired, this formula doesn’t just fix—it replenishes.
And then there’s the scent: a warm, resinous, floral blend thanks to Frankincense, Sandalwood, and Rose Petal oils. Leave it on for 15 minutes, and you’re not just masking—you’re claiming a mood. Preferably while queueing up an Aesop-curated playlist or paging through poetry.
The Concentrate: A Serum That Speaks Fluently in Hydration
Now for the serum that started it all—Lucent Facial Concentrate (100ml, RM800.00 / 60ml, RM530.00). Featherlight and potent, it blends Vitamin C with Niacinamide to brighten and even out your skin tone. Designed for daily use, it’s perfect for anyone who wants results without the weight of traditional creams. Hydrating, brightening, and layerable, this serum is basically a wardrobe essential—for your face.
Use it solo, or dial things up by pairing it with the Refiner. Start with the mask, rinse off, swipe on toner, then go in with half a teaspoon of the Concentrate. Need more moisture? Feel free to top it off with a heavier cream. This routine doesn’t just deliver radiance—it builds it over time, helping to visibly reduce signs of hyperpigmentation and fatigue.
Glow State Activated
Together, the Lucent Facial Refiner and Lucent Facial Concentrate offer a refined, high-performing ritual. It’s skincare that fits into your life without demanding perfection—just intention. Whether your skin needs a reset, a glow-up, or just a little more love, this is the duo that brings the light.
Aesop’s Lucent Facial Refiner and Lucent Facial Concentrate are available at Aesop signature stores and online at malaysia.aesop.com.
