New skin care brands appear every day. As an editor, my inbox is often flooded with pitch after pitch from popular brands touting formulas containing the latest and greatest ingredients. Apparently, I’m always one step away from firm, elastic, radiant skin. But in the vast and ever-expanding universe of beauty purchases, some brands stand the test of relevance and efficacy. My all time favorite? Be proficient in skin care.
Like many, this venerable brand caught my eye when it hit Target shelves in spring 2019. the road. But can you find a non-toxic eye cream and cleanser for under $25? I—and Millennial/Gen Z women everywhere—are so excited. Clearly, this brand deserves the hype. We’ve been acquiring Versed ever since.
Versed Skin Care Review: Moisturizing Trio
Now, Versed is dropping its biggest launch yet. The Hydration Trio highlights a highly effective cleanser, serum, and eye gel, all for under $15. To learn more about the intent behind the range and the active ingredients in each product, I spoke with Versed CEO Kerry Sullivan. Be sure to scroll to the end where I share my honest review. You won’t believe the before and after.
Read more: Two editors tried Versed’s most popular skin-care products — here’s what they really thought
Chris Sullivan
Kerry Sullivan is the CEO of Los Angeles-based skin care brand Versed. She previously served as chief marketing officer for Dollar Shave Club and held various senior executive positions at Johnson & Johnson for approximately 17 years, including serving as vice president of marketing and general manager of Neutrogena. Kerry earned an MBA from the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley, and a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University.
Many dermatologists support a streamlined, minimalist skin care routine. How do these three products fit into people’s current daily lives?
Versed is all about surrounding and perfecting the basics. “Versed MO is designed to simplify skin care so you can tackle your biggest skin concerns,” says Sullivan. While we love an hour-long skincare self-care routine, time doesn’t always allow for it. In this case, it’s important to rely on results-focused products like the Hydration Trio to ensure your skin is hydrated.
But why should we pay special attention to hydration? Sullivan is quick to point out that no matter how someone’s skin changes and evolves, hydration is a constant. “It’s more than just a lightweight moisturizer; it’s an essential part of our skincare. We’re going all-in on hydration with these three products. Soothing cleanser? Check it out. Intense serum? Check it out. Lightweight Refreshing eye gel? Check out.
When it comes to hydration-based daily care, Sullivan emphasizes a “more is more” approach and recommends using all three products simultaneously. To complete your daily morning skin care routine, apply moisturizer and SPF.
Other brands put hydration (rather than hydration) front and center in their product lines. what is the difference? Does each of these focus areas lend itself to an optimal skin care routine?
Sullivan defines the difference, stating “Hydrating ingredients draw moisture to the skin, while moisturizing ingredients lock in moisture that’s already in the skin.” However, while not interchangeable, hydrating ingredients can have moisturizing properties and vice versa. Of course.
If your skin is dehydrated, use a product like Water Rush when using these products [Intensive Hydrating Serum] Products that focus on hydration will help replenish moisture loss that causes dull or tight skin.
While hydration is front and center of the range, this trio pairs perfectly with Versed’s other hydrating products. Sullivan recommends one of her favorite skin-soaking moisturizers, which “locks in moisture” to keep skin healthy and supple.
In addition to featuring clean ingredients and effective formulas, Versed is also known for its commitment to accessible pricing. How are you able to set such a competitive, compelling price point without sacrificing quality?
With a career spanning more than 25 years in the skin care field, Sullivan has a unique understanding of formulation. As a result, she says proudly, “Versed’s product is as good as ours at three times the cost.”
She cited several factors for this. The first was a massive push through Target, which launched the brand within six months of its founding and is still around today. Second is Versed’s commitment to stocking components and spending on customized packaging. Sullivan noted that the latter would not bring ultimate benefit to consumers. Ultimately, Versed’s focus is formula-first—compared to other brands that sell expensive ingredients for no extra return.
In a time when inflation is straining our beauty budgets, it’s impressive to see a brand like Versed offering consumers high-quality, non-toxic products for under $25. Can the same be said for your go-to beauty brand?
Obviously, my before and after photos above illustrate the hydrating, hydrating magic behind these three products. Next, check out my full review. Spoiler: I’ll be restocking soon──what can I say? The glow is truly addictive.
Soft Launch Gentle Moisturizing Cleanser
my comment: I’ve always been picky about cleansers. There’s nothing I hate more than the feeling of a cleanser stripping my skin, leaving it dry and tight. What’s more, I also cleanse twice at night, starting with an oil cleanser (my favorite is Nusa Holistick) to remove the top layer of my makeup. Afterwards, before applying my serum, I need a cleanser that brightens and moisturizes my skin. Thanks to Soft Launch’s hyaluronic acid, my skin becomes visibly plumper and smoother after use. It’s neat and tidy without it too clean Feeling – IYKYK.
emphasize: A low-foaming cleanser that gently and effectively cleanses skin without drying it out.
Main ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, provitamin B5, green tea extract and aloe vera leaf juice
Water Rush Hydrating Eye Gel
my comment: I’ve long been skeptical of eye creams. Why would I spend over $50 on something that does little but moisturize my under eye area? (Even after using some of the most expensive creams, dark eye bags persist.) Well, it’s all for naught, because just $12.99 will brighten and moisturize this delicate area and prevent any wrinkles sign. I love this product, it feels like a cream/water based gel hybrid. It’s not too thick while still hydrating the skin (key to softening fine lines). I apply a small dot around my eyes morning and night. While I’m too cautious to use too much of the more expensive creams, I won’t hesitate to pick up a new tube on my next Target run.
emphasize: This travel-friendly, hydrating under-eye treatment combines the lightweight texture of a water-based gel with the intense hydration of a cream. The best part? It goes perfectly with makeup and has zero creases.
Main ingredients: Five types of hyaluronic acid, provitamin B5, green tea extract and aloe vera leaf juice
Water Rush Intense Hydrating Serum
my comment: I’m a total serum junkie. (All the money I saved by refusing to buy expensive eye creams was spent on luxurious serums.) But Versed once again has my beauty budget in mind, delivering formulas that work. While the Water Rush Intense Moisturizing Serum is the most expensive of the three moisturizers, it infuses the skin with a combination of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds (I’m currently obsessed with aloe vera leaf juice for this very reason) . The result is hydration that penetrates deeply into the skin, strengthening the skin barrier and maintaining hydration. These people often show the first signs of aging and may also benefit from plenty of hydration.
emphasize: A lightweight, non-sticky hydrating serum (in a travel-friendly airless pump) that’s perfect as the last step before your favorite moisturizer.
Main ingredients: Provitamin B5, Green Tea Extract and Aloe Vera Leaf Juice
