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Product: Potenci Dermal Lifting Hydrating Milk
How Long Have I Used the Product? 3 Months
Potenci is a lightweight moisturizer formulated for adult acneic skin. Potenci helps the skin retain moisture and powerfully repairs signs of aging, scarring, and acne damage with a concentrated dermal rejuvenation complex that includes peptides and glycoproteins.
Potenci supports the skin by inhibiting multiple acne causing mechanisms, while helping replenish lipids in the skin barrier and restoring natural enzyme function in the skin.
*Disclosure: I did purchase this product. I only publish reviews of products that I love. The opinions in the post are completely my own. There are affiliate links below. Click here for more details.
About the Brand
MOSS stands for Modern Organic Sacred Skincare.
Moss has a vision of providing superior, non-toxic skincare using the power of plants through highly concentrated formulations. Moss sources exceptional quality ingredients, showcasing the power of beautiful and exotic botanicals while also utilizing the latest in dermatological technology. A balance of herbal extracts and skin-changing peptides, ceramides, and non-toxic, but effective preservation systems help your skin stay radiant and healthy.
Our mission is to deliver truly effective, luxurious skincare that doesn’t contain “fairy dust,” toxins or fillers of any kind. In formulating lingo, “fairy dusting” is adding an active ingredient at a low, ineffective percentage just to be able to use it in marketing claims.
Moss' specialty is to target both aging as well as acne in a single product using highly concentrated, luxury ingredients.
My Review
I got in touch with moss' founder, Celestyna last year because I wanted to learn more about her adult-acne-specific line. Moss was in the middle of relaunching, so I was not able to try out any products. I was very happy this spring when I saw that moss was ready to make a comeback.
Moss has now relaunched and rebranded, and Celestyna is slowly building up her line with all new products.
I told Celestyna I wanted to get off of benzoyl peroxide to treat my acne and try something else, so she sent me a package of sample products to try. I gave up benzoyl peroxide and started using moss exclusively.
I was sent the Revele Pore Emulsifying Oil Cleanser, Potenci Dermal Lifting Hydrating Milk, Illumina Radiance Exfoliating Treatment, and Aurum Luminosity Facial Oil.
All of the products are part of a system to treat acne, as well as aging. The Potenci Dermal Lifting Hydrating Milk is technically a moisturizer. It helps skin retain moisture and repairs skin damage caused by acne and aging. It works in conjunction with Illumina Radiance Exfoliating Treatment to inhibit acne formation.
I have been using Potenci for 3 months now. I started with a sample, and then bought the full size product. I am enjoying using it, and I am happy to say that the moss skincare line has dramatically reduced my acne (though it has not yet completely gotten rid of it yet).
My Experience Using Moss Skincare to treat Acne
April 8 2017 - I stopped using benzoyl peroxide. I went on a makeup buying splurge because I knew my acne was going to come back and I wanted to be able to cover it up.
April 25 2017 - My moss samples came in the mail and I started on the moss skincare regime. I used the Revele Cleanser 2x a day, Potenci 2x a day, and Illumina 1x at night, every 3 days.
May 2 2017
May 15 2017 - My skin is starting to look better. I can see that there are less clogged pores under the surface. I am still getting breakouts, but my skin looks healthy and plump.
May 19 2017 - I order full size products of Illumina and Potenci.
May 26 2017 - I am now using Illumina 1x every day rather than using it every few days. I want to see more of a change in my skin.
June 1 2017
June 1 2017 - I keep hoping my skin will get totally clear, but it hasn't. I know that the products are helping, I am getting less breakouts than I was without using any treatments, but my skin is still breaking out. I ask Celestyna if I can use Illumina 2x a day, like I was with the benzoyl peroxide. She tells me that as long as there is no irritation, I can go ahead and use it 2x a day.
June 2 2017 - I start using Illumina 2x a day.
June 13 2017 - My skin looks worse than it has in the last few months! It looks as bad as when I was using nothing. I have multiple large pimples on my face. I am distraught and almost ready to give up. Celestyna says to stay on the products for at least 3 months, so I push on. I figure that this might be skin purging, because of my increased use of the Illumina exfoliating treatment.
June 15 2017
My skin is breaking out like crazy!
June 29 2017 - My skin is looking better! It looks like it is clearing up. I was right about my skin going through a purge. Using Illumina twice a day brought up all of the congestion to the surface.
July 7 2016 - It is hard to tell from the picture, but I have less active pimples. Most of the marks are post-acne redness.
July 7 2017 - My skin is looking pretty good. It has not totally cleared, but it looks 95% better. I still get a few pimples, but I don't mind that, it is better than it was. I am hoping that over the next month, my red marks from previous breakouts will fade and I will continue to have minimal breakouts.
Moss Skincare really does work!
Scent and Texture
The texture of this moisturizer is creamy and light. I use it both in the am and pm, after applying the Illumina Radiance Exfoliating Treatment.
The scent is lightly floral, with ylang ylang and palmarosa essential oils. I find it to be a pleasing scent that is not too strong. Once I have applied it, I no longer smell it.
Application
Moss purposely makes their products slightly runny, so that they do not get over-applied. The products are very concentrated with active ingredients, so you don't need much for them to work. I use 1 pump on my skin, 2 times a day.
Potenci is applied both morning and night, after cleansing and serum application. It is compatible with other moisturizers and serums, and will not cause pilling.
Ingredients
Helichrysum Arenarium (Helichrysum) Hydrosol*, Plukenetia Volubilis (Sacha Inchi) Seed Oil*, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil*, Tetrapeptide-21, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Ceramide Complex (Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum), Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Serenoa Repens (Saw Palmetto) Berry Extract*, Hydnocarpus Wightiana (Chaulmoogra) Seed Oil*, Black Cumin (Nigella Sativa) Seed Supercritical Extract*, Non-allergenic Preservative (Methylpropanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenylpropanol)°, Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline, Beta Vulgaris (Beet) Sugar Extract, Glycerin*, N-Acetyl Glucosamine, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract*†, Rhizoma Coptidis (Coptis) Extract*, Palmitoyl Dipeptide-5 Diaminobutyloyl Hydroxythreonine, Palmitoyl Dipeptide-6 Diaminohydroxybutyrate, Emulsifier (Sorbitan Laurate, Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate, Dilauryl Citrate), Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Sterols, Dehydroxanthan Gum, Organic Sugar Cane Alcohol*, Butylene Glycol, Curcuma Xanthorrhiza (Javanese Ginger) Root Supercritical Extract*, Leptospermum Scoparium (Manuka) Leaf Oil*, Copaifera Officinalis (Copaiba Balsam) Oil*, Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang Extra) Flower Oil*, Cymbopogon Martini (Palmarosa) Oil*
*Organic/Wildcrafted Botanicals (73%) ˚EWG score of 1, hypoallergenic †De-caffeinated
Beneficial Ingredients:
Black Cumin Seed (Nigella Sativa)
Moss uses an incredibly pure and potent supercritical extract. Black cumin seed rebalances linoleic acid deficiency, inhibits inflammation causing mediators in the skin, and kills both type 1 and type 2 p.acnes bacteria.
Sacha Inchi Oil
Helps repair sun-damaged skin and contains ample linoleic acid for balancing oily complexions. Sacha Inchi oil is considered the highest plant-based source of Omega-3 on the planet.
Copaiba Balsam
The highest known natural source of caryophyllene, a phytochemical found in plants which has extensively been documented as having powerful anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, antifungal properties.
Saw Palmetto Extract
Contains betasisterols that have been shown to reduce the hormonal activity in the skin responsible for hormonal acne.
N-Acetyl Glucosamine
A “skin identical ingredient”, meaning it’s found in our own skin. Can increase collagen production, moisture content, and elasticity of the skin. Helps to normalize the exfoliation of the stratum corneum, and increase the speed of wound healing.
Peptide Complex
Significantly stimulates Laminin V, Collagen type IV, VII and XVII and Intergrin, improving the structure of the dermal-epidermal junction. Skin tone, compactness, elasticity, firmness, and smoothness all improve with continued use.
Psuedoalteromonas Antarctica
Contains a particular glycoprotein that helps the skin retain water, preventing dehydration. Also increases collagen type I and IV, as well as elastin, resulting in a restructured skin and a reduction in wrinkles.
Beet Sugar Extract
Acts to maintain intracellular hydration, helping to prevent damage from environmental stressors such as UV radiation and oxidation. Unlike traditional humectants, it hydrates from within, making it a suitable choice for any climate or environment.
Ceramide Complex
A crucial component of a healthy skin barrier, ceramides help the skin stay hydrated and in optimal health.
Product Info
Price and Size:
- Travel Size (9ml) : $54 USD
- Full Size (30 ml) : $145 USD
Who is This Product For?
Formulated for acne-prone skin. Safe for both sensitive and pregnant skins.
How Well Does it Work?
This moisturizer keeps skin hydrated and protected from damage. It is lightweight and does not cause breakouts. It helps repair damage from acne, and reduce the signs of aging.
How Does The Product Compare to Similar Products?
Potenci is formulated specifically for adult acne. Untill now, I have never been able to find a moisturizer that works for my skin. Most of the moisturizers available (even ones for oily skin) will clog my pores.
There are lots of great moisturizers out there that work for a variety of skin types. Brands like to create moisturizers that will work for lots of people, rather than specific moisturizers for specific skin types. Moss formulates to target one, very specific skin type.
How Long Will it Last? What is the Shelf Life?
The full size product should last you at least a couple of months. I have been using my full size product for one month now and still have over half a bottle left. I would assume the shelf life is 1 year, as with most products.
Final Thoughts
I love this line of products. I was scared to take the plunge and get off of benzoyl peroxide, but I had to try something else. I wanted to see if something totally natural could help my skin.
I am happy that I decided to give moss a try. My skin is looking great, and I know the products are working. It did take a long time to really see results, so I had to be patient. Benzoyl peroxide only takes 2 weeks for me to see a change, so this was a much longer wait time. It was worth it in the end. I feel good about what I am putting on my skin.
Pros:
- Specifically formulated for adult acne.
- Repairs skin damage, hyper-pigmentation and scarring.
- Lightweight moisturizer.
- Super potent and concentrated active ingredients.
- 100% non-toxic.
- Hand-crafted.
- Packaged in dark glass with a pump to keep the product fresh.
Cons:
- Takes a few months of consistent use to see significant results.
Where to Buy
Moss Skincare is available at the following locations:
- Moss Skincare
- Canada - The Green Jungle Beauty Shop
- UK - Alyaka
Please leave any questions you may have in the comments below 🙂 If you liked, this product review, share it with your friends.
Rebecca says
Hi,
I’m happy you’re finally off the Benzoyl Peroxide. I heard that if you’re on it for a long time you will always go through a nasty purge period (I gave it up years ago, but it never really helped my skin much anyway). You were brave to stick with it despite the breakouts – I’m not sure I would have been! I have tried the new moss stuff too and while they were even better than the old Moss products, I am trying out a ‘caveman’ type routine this year for a time to give my sensitive skin a rest.
Rebecca.
Andrea says
Hi Rebecca! Nice to “see” you again 🙂 It is been hard going through the breakout period! I have been wearing makeup everyday, so that I don’t feel so self-conscious 😀 There are days I just want to give up and go back on BP, but I have committed to giving my skin time to heal.
Aria says
Hi Andrea,
I am 19 years old and I deal with acne. It’s not extremely bad , but it’s noticeable and won’t go away no matter what I do. Would you recommend this product and the other moss stuff. The only thing I have used ever that has shown improvement in my skin was the Mahalo Vitality Elixir. I just need a the right moisturizer and right cleanser and perhaps try a different serum. Can you help?
Andrea says
Hi Aria, I am glad you found us and I would love to help! Moss is so great, and I am sure it will help your skin. I have talked to Celestyna (the owner of Moss) about teen acne before, because I had wondered what she would recommend. Moss is created for adult acne, and has ingredients that help with aging, so teens don’t really need to use her products quite yet. Celestyna told me that her advice for teen acne would be to use an oil cleanser (one that is high in linoliec acid), a leave-on salicylic acid treatment (preferably derived from willow bark), and a moisturizer using aloe vera gel mixed with a high linoliec acid oil. This is a very simple and affordable routine! You could give Moss’ cleanser a try, I really enjoyed using it.
Mahalo’s Vitality Elixir is great! I love that stuff. The Vitality Elixir could be your moisturizer, you could mix a bit of aloe vera with the elixir in the palm of your hand and use it on your face, this would give your skin some hydric-moisture as well as lipid-moisture.
Check out our Organic Acne Skin Care page, where I talk about a skincare routine based on the advice Celestyna gave me, and I give product recommendations.
I recently ran out of Moss and was awaiting my next shipment, so I had to use something else. I bought a leave-on salicylic acid treatment from the drugstore and it worked at keeping my acne away while I waited for my Moss products to arrive.
I hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions 🙂