Editor’s Picks: New launches from Fresh, Refy, The Inkey List and more...

From Refy's foray into skincare to The Inkey List's ectoin-powered serum, and more, here are the top beauty launch picks of the week from TheIndustry.beauty team.

Lotus Refining Dream Toner, Fresh

The words Fresh and Dream Toner really appeal right now, don’t they? Nothing like feeling you’ve sloughed off the old year and are ready to head into 2025 with prepped clear skin.

This latest liquid toner launch from luxury skincare brand Fresh forms part of its Lotus skincare line and one swipe promises to exfoliate away skin-dulling cells, unclog pores and promote healthy cellular turnover, while respecting the skin barrier. It wields a gentle power, however, and is suitable for all skin types, including mine which is sensitive and prone to redness (as such I can find some exfoliating toners too much but not this).

The hero ingredient is the wonderful-sounding rainbow algae extract harvested from Brittany in Northern France. This algae is naturally opalescent, diffracting light in the depths of the sea, and it works similarly upon the skin. Other key ingredients include super lotus, which smoothes the appearance of lines and texture, succinic acid (said to be as effective as salicylic acid but without the harsh effects) to visibly decongest and tighten pores, and glycolic acid to exfoliate the skin. Available now at Space NK and Fresh for £36.

Lauretta Roberts, Co-founder, CEO and Editor-in-Chief.

Face Sculpt, Refy

It's rare for a skincare brand to find an untapped place in the market, but it's safe to say that Refy's newest category did just that. Adding to its string of success, the colour cosmetics brand is now trying its luck in the skincare market. Noticing a gap and responding to countless calls from its customers, Refy saw the opportunity to innovate skincare routines with effective products that simplify the process. In the spirit of keeping things simple, Refy has launched a moisturiser and cleanser.

But it's the moisturiser that stood out to me. This isn't your average formula or application. Face Sculpt (£38) offers a new patented ingredient designed to lift and sculpt the face - perfect for my perpetual pursuit of looking snatched.

Created to provide a base for makeup and define features, Face Sculpt features a built-in roller massager inspired by lymphatic drainage and massage techniques with five individual cooling balls that rotate independently from each other to create a long-lasting, sculpted effect. Inspired by its bestselling Glow and Sculpt Primer, Face Sculpt's unique packaging helps to depuff and define all with one simple swoop.

Now for the formula. The gel-cream hybrid allows the surface of the skin to absorb the product instantly. Meanwhile, it's clinically proven to improve your makeup wear through the use of super-ingredient glycerin, the nature of the unique formula leaves skin feeling dewy and refreshed, with no oily residue or pilling. Clinical trials saw 97% of users agree their skin looked and felt instantly firmer and 93% agreed it improved their makeup application.

Chloé Burney, Senior News & Features Writer.

Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum, The Inkey List

I'm all about hydration when it comes to skincare. So, when I first heard about The Inkey List's new Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum, I was keen to give it a go. Already on day two (not quite long enough to reap the benefits of "visibly bouncier and smoother skin in just seven days"), it has become a welcome addition to my morning routine.

Formulated for long-term healthy skin, the serum promises to instantly boost hydration up to 10 surface layers deep whilst simultaneously building a stronger skin barrier.

Ectoin, the product's hero ingredient, helps to defend against dehydration and fully optimise skin health from the inside out. Known for helping plants and organisms survive in extreme conditions like salt lakes and deserts, the ingredient is celebrated for its ability to defend against dehydration, reduce inflammation, and stabilise skin cells under environmental stress. Also featuring multi-molecular hyaluronic acid and a 1% barrier blend, the serum helps to visibly improve five signs of a compromised skin barrier - dryness, flakiness, dullness, redness, and slackness - enabling it to retain hydration more effectively.

The Ritual of Namaste, Rituals

It’s official: new year, new me. I’m sure I’m not the only one who needs a full-body reset this January. Yes, I could probably do with a new workout schedule, but why start there when Rituals is offering a chance to reset from the comfort of my own home? Already a fan of its home fragrances, I thought I’d give the brand’s new skincare range a go and my body is thanking me for it.

Rituals’ skincare range encompasses four lines: Glow, Hydrate, Ageless and Purify. All formulas contain over 93% natural origin ingredients – combining the best of nature with lab-made alternatives for properties that nature can’t provide.

First up on my list is The Ritual of Namaste Melting Cleansing Balm (£15.90) for a truly luxurious cleanse. Next up is The Ritual of Namaste Anti-Ageing Lightweight Moisturiser (£47.90). This fast-absorbing daily moisturiser reduces the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots.

Another promise I made to myself is that 2025 is the year of never forgetting to apply SPF, which is where The Ritual of Namaste SPF 50 Daily Advanced Moisturiser (£40) comes in. Who needs the gym when you can elevate your wellness routine from the comfort of your fully stocked bathroom?

Chloé Burney, Senior News & Features Writer.