Honest ARK Skincare brand review

It’s only fair that I share an honest ARK Skincare brand review, after I’ve had the opportunity to try 8 of its skincare heroes.

I love trying new skincare products. While I will repurchase holy grail items, I’m always interested in seeing how different formulae work on my skin. ARK Skincare has gifted me multiple items over the years and after gathering my thoughts, I wanted to share an overall review of this more high-end skincare brand.

The brand’s different ranges are based on age and skin concern. Whether you’re in your teens-20s, 30s-40s, or over-50s, there is a product to suit your skin’s needs. But does this targeted approach work or are drugstore skincare brands a better investment? Keep on reading for my honest review.

** This post contains some affiliate links. This means at no extra cost to you, I earn some commission if you purchase a product through my link. All thoughts are my own, though, as always. If you want to find out more, visit my affiliate disclosure page **

What is ARK Skincare?

ARK Skincare is a reasonably priced and cruelty-free British skincare brand that prides itself on providing highly effective and targeted results. Its products promise to tackle a variety of skincare concerns, such as dryness, dullness, breakouts and sensitivity.

ARK Skincare is an award-winning British skincare brand, which treats skin by age and skin concern using bioactive natural ingredients, combining antioxidants, lipids and vitamins.

ARK Skincare

There is a broad range of products available from ARK Skincare, depending on your age, skin concern and lifestyle. It’s a well-thought-out skincare brand with minimal but sophisticated packaging.

Which products have I tried from ARK Skincare?

I’ve tried the following 8 skincare products from ARK Skincare:

1. Hydrating Beauty Mist
2. Age Protect Skin Clear Cleanser 
3. Radiance Serum 
4. Hydration Injection Masque
5. Skin Protector SPF 30 Primer 
6. Age Protect Vitality Moisturiser
7. Advanced Action Plumping Lip Cream 
8. Triple Action Exfoliator 

Below, I’m going to be sharing my thoughts on each individual product for a more in-depth look at this cruelty-free skincare line.

1. Hydrating Beauty Mist

£25

Product claims

The Hydrating Beauty Mist promises to revitalise, hydrate, soothe and protect the skin. It can be used after cleansing or spritzed throughout the day to calm, cool and refresh the skin. Claiming to be suitable for sensitive skin, the spray is suitable for everyone but especially those wishing to add an extra layer of hydration to their skin, or those prone to feeling overheated or experiencing flushing. 

Key ingredients

Besides water, the top 5 ingredients listed in the INCI list are:

• Glycerin: known for its hydrating properties
• Polysorbate 20: cleansing agent
• Phenoxyethanol: widely used synthetic preservative
• Xylitylglucoside: works to improve skin’s moisture by preventing water loss
• Anhydroxylitol: humectant that helps skin absorb and retain moisture

See the full INCI list below:

Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, Phenoxyethanol, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Panthenol, Lactic Acid, Xylitol, Allantoin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Mentha Arvensis (Peppermint) Leaf Oil, Arginine, Mentha Aquatica Extract, Nymphaea Coerulea Flower Extract, Aspartic Acid, Phytic Acid, PCA, Lycium Barbarum (Gojiberry) Fruit Extract, Glycine, Alanine, Potassium Sorbate, Serine, Limonene, Valine, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Sorbic Acid, Histidine, Phenylalanine

My thoughts

This hydrating mist is gorgeous. I mostly use it after my first cleanse in the morning and it instantly invigorates, hydrates and refreshes the skin. As it’s been pretty warm in the UK recently, I’ve not been wearing heavy moisturisers, so this cooling spray has been a lifesaver.

I like that 3 of the top 5 ingredients in the spritz focus on hydration and retaining moisture. This is helpful if your skin is dehydrated or if you want to soothe the skin.

Compared to the La Roche-Posay Toleraine Ultra 8 Spray, the ARK Skincare Hydrating Beauty Mist isn’t as fine or as hydrating but feels more cooling and calming on the skin. I slightly prefer La Roche-Posay’s spritz and it’s also a bit cheaper. However, for adding extra hydration to the skin and refreshing it in an instant, the ARK Skincare spritz is a great choice.

Rating: 4.5 stars

The Hydrating Beauty Mist is energising and hydrating that’s perfect for use throughout the day. It’s not my favourite one, though.

2. Age Protect Skin Clear Cleanser 

£25

Product claims

The Age Protect Skin Clear Cleanser claims to be an anti-spot solution that clears blemishes, smooths the complexion and helps to maintain moisture in the skin. It promises to balance oily and dry areas of the skin to leave it comfortable and clear.

The best skin clearing cleanser for use in your teens and 20s.

ARK Skincare

This cleanser also says that it will eradicate excess sebum and shine from the skin.

Key ingredients

Besides water, the top 5 ingredients listed in the INCI list are:

• Sodium lauroyl oat aminoacids: a gentle skin-softening and soothing ingredient that has cleansing properties
• Cocamidopropyl betaine: cleansing agent and lather booster
• Sodium chloride: binding agent
• Peg-150 pentaerythrityl tetrastearate: thickening agent
• Sodium cocoyl alaninate: I couldn’t find much research on this ingredient

See the full INCI list below:

Aqua (Water), Sodium Lauroyl Oat Aminoacids, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Peg-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, Sodium Cocoyl Alaninate, Polysorbate 20, Peach Kernel Oil Glycereth-8 Esters, Avocado Oil Glycereth-8 Esters, Acrylates Copolymer, Propylene Glycol, Peg-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Phenoxyethanol, Vitamin E Acetate, Xanthan Gum, Maltodextrin, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium Edta, Camellia Sinensis (White Tea) Leaf Extract, Ethylhexyl Glycerin, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Cymbopogon Martinii (Palmarosa) Oil, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, Nasturtium Officinale (Watercress) Extract, Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Extract, Vanilla Planifolia, Salvia Sclarea (Clary Sage) Leaf Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Oil, Myrocarpus Frondosus (Cabreuva) Wood Oil, Lavandula Hybrida (Lavandin) Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower, Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower Oil, Amyris Balsamifera (Amyris) Wood Oil, Acacia Dealbata, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate,  Linalool, Limonene, Geraniol

My thoughts

The Age Protect Skin Clear Cleanser is one of my favourite gel cleansers. It’s refreshing, lathers easily, never feels stripping and leaves my skin feeling fresh and clean. A little bit of product goes a long way, so despite this being pricier, it lasts for ages.

After using this gel cleanser, my skin feels softer and smoother too. I feel like it does a great job at balancing skin – it banishes excess oil and dirt but your skin still feels nourished after using it.

The product plays well with water too, so you can work the cleanser into a soap-free lather easily. This is always a joyous experience for me, so this cleanser ticks all the boxes.

Full review here

Rating: 5 stars

I’m so happy I got to try this cleanser as it’s one of my favourites. Gentle, cleansing and nourishing, what more could you want?

3. Radiance Serum 

£45

Product claims

Promising to combat hyperpigmentation and dullness, the ARK Skincare Radiance Serum claims to instantly make your skin radiant, glowy and dewy. ARK Skincare says this serum is aimed at anyone who wants to even out their skin tone, have more luminous skin or reduce hyperpigmentation.

Skin is immediately illuminated and left with an energised, youthful appearance.

ARK Skincare

Key ingredients

Besides water, the top 5 ingredients listed in the INCI list are:

• Butylene glycol: texture enhancer
• Almond oil PEG-8 esters: an emollient (softens and smoothes the skin)
• Ascorbyl glucoside: a stable form of vitamin C combined with glucose. It functions as an antioxidant to make skin look smoother, brighter, and younger
• Glycerin: hydrating
• Benzyl alcohol: preservative

See the full INCI list below:

Aqua (Water), Butylene Glycol, Almond Oil PEG-8 Esters, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Glycerin, Benzyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, 1-Methylhydantoin-2-Imide, Propylene Glycol, Palmaria Palmata (Red Algae) Extract, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Sodium Hydroxide, Allantoin, Disodium EDTA, Dehydroacetic Acid, Amaranthus Caudatus (Velvet Flower) Seed Extract, Parfum (Fragrance), Limonene, Geraniol, Linalool

My thoughts

The ARK Skincare Radiance Serum is probably the most lightweight and absorbent vitamin C serum that I’ve tried. It sinks into skin immediately and doesn’t feel sticky or heavy. Because of this, this serum plays very well with the rest of my skincare routine as it doesn’t pill.

On application, this serum will make your skin look glowier, dewier and healthier. Due to its lightweight consistency, I think this would be a great vitamin C serum for most skin types but particularly people with oilier skin.

The OSKIA Super-C Capsules are still my favourite vitamin C product, though. Those capsules give you a spell-binding glow and smell like delicious oranges. Sunday Riley CEO Glow is also one of my vitamin C staples but this is an oil instead of a serum. Despite having vitamin C products that I prefer, I’d still happily purchase the Radiance Serum in the future.

Full review here

Rating: 4.5 stars

A lovely, lightweight and glowy vitamin C serum.

4. Hydration Injection Masque

£35

Product claims

Claiming to be an ideal weekly pick-me-up for anyone with dry skin, the Hydration Injection Masque promises to be great for those with stressed or tired skin. The mask also says it will prevent future moisture loss, quench dry skin and restore vibrancy.

Key ingredients

Besides water, the top 5 ingredients listed in the INCI list are:

• Butylene glycol: texture enhancer
• Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP copolymer: has stabilising and thickening properties
• Betaine: a gentle hydrating ingredient
• Glycerin: hydrating
• Crambe abyssinica seed oil: an emollient with a silky and cushioning feel

See the full INCI list below:

Aqua (Water ), Butylene Glycol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate / VP Copolymer, Betaine, Glycerin, Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Tapioca Starch, Panthenol, Laureth-4, Benzyl Alcohol, Xylitylglucoside, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phenoxyethanol, Cyclodextrin, Anhydroxylitol, Parfum (Fragrance), Xylitol, Limonene, Disodium EDTA, Retinyl Palmitate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Geraniol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Linalool, Citral

My thoughts

I want to love this product but it just doesn’t do anything for me. After using the Hydration Injection Masque, my skin feels a bit more hydrated and softer but this feeling only lasts for about 20 minutes. Honestly, I don’t understand why this face mask is so expensive. I’ve used cheaper hydrating masks for a fraction of the price that impart more hydration and moisture than this one.

I also don’t like the texture of this product. It’s pretty thin and doesn’t actually feel that nourishing on the skin. When it’s a wash-off product, I prefer thicker and more nourishing textures as then the product seems to provide more long-lasting benefits.

Don’t get me wrong, this mask isn’t awful. It’s not broken me out or made my skin feel inflamed but I just don’t think it’s good.

Rating: 2.5 stars

This product is just meh.

5. Skin Protector SPF 30 Primer

 £36

Product claims

Enriched with SPF30, the Skin Protector SPF 30 Primer is designed to be a 3-in-1 sunscreen, primer and moisturiser. It promises to hydrate and protect the skin, while ensuring a smooth and luminous base for makeup application.

Make-up glides on effortlessly with an airbrush finish and lasts all day long. 

ARK Skincare

This primer is offers protection against UVA and UVB rays. ARK Skincare says this product is suitable for everyone, including those with sensitive skin.

Key ingredients

Besides water, the top 5 ingredients listed in the INCI list are:

• Octocrylene: globally approved sunscreen agent that protects skin from the UVB range of sunlight
• Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate: sunscreen agent used to protect skin primarily from the sun’s UVB rays
• Benzophenone-3: a sunscreen agent that protects skin primarily from the sun’s UVB rays and some UVA rays
• Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane: synthetic sunscreen ingredient that provides broad-spectrum sun protection by absorbing UVA rays
• Acacia decurrens/jojoba/sunflower seed cera/polyglyceryl-3 esters: has moisturising properties

See the full INCI list below:

Aqua (Water), Octocrylene, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Benzophenone-3, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Acacia Decurrens/Jojoba/Sunflower Seed Cera/Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Xylitylglucoside, Tapioca Starch, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Stearic Acid, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Ethylbisiminomethylguaiacol Manganese Chloride, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Phenoxyethanol, Anhydroxylitol, Polysilicone-11, Tocopheryl Acetate, Benzyl Alcohol, Xylitol, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Xanthan Gum, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Disodium Edta, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyacrylamide, Parfum (Fragrance), Limonene, Sodium Stearate, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Dehydroacetic Acid, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Geraniol, Linalool, Laureth-7, Citral

My thoughts

The ARK Skincare Skin Protector SPF 30 Primer is great. Although it’s not incredibly moisturising, it provides great sun protection and feels silky and smooth on the skin. Due to this, makeup sits well on top of this 3-in-1 primer for a smooth and even canvas.

In my opinion, using a dedicated moisturiser, a dedicated sunscreen and a dedicated primer are ultimately going to give you the best results. However, this multi-tasking hero would be great for when you’re on the go as it’s faster than applying 3 separate skincare products.

I think ARK Skincare has done a great job with this product as it feels almost undetectable on the skin once applied. And nobody likes their SPF or primer to feel heavy or sticky. I see myself using this product mostly as a dedicated primer as it makes for a really luminous and healthy-looking canvas to apply makeup on top of.

Rating: 4.5 stars

This product is awesome. I’m only not giving it 5 stars as I still like to use a dedicated moisturiser, SPF and primer individually more than using it as a 3-in-1 item. But it is a great product.

6. Age Protect Vitality Moisturiser

£35

Product claims

The ARK Skincare Age Protect Vitality Moisturiser claims to offer the perfect balance of hydration for younger skin. Rich in antioxidants, the moisturiser promises to protect against pollution and environmental damage. ARK Skincare also says it will leave your skin, clear, radiant and vibrant.

Key ingredients

Besides water, the top 5 ingredients listed in the INCI list are:

• Butylene glycol: texture enhancer
• Glycerin: hydrating
• Cetyl alcohol: an emollient and thickener
• Caprylic/capric triglyceride: an excellent emollient and skin-replenishing ingredient
• Peach kernel oil: an emollient

See the full INCI list below:

Aqua (Water), Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Prunus Persica (Peach) Kernel Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Fruit Oil, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cetearyl Olivate, Creatine, Propylene Glycol, Sorbitan Olivate, Panthenol, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Phenoxyethanol, Polymethylsesquioxane, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E Acetate), Dimethicone, Stearic Acid, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Sodium Carbomer, Isohexadecane, Ceteareth-25, Camellia Sinensis (White Tea) Leaf Extract, Bht, Disodium Edta, Cetearyl Methicone, Steareth-2, Peg-40 Stearate, Chrysanthellum Indicum Extract, Alteromonas Ferment Extract, Citric Acid, Steareth-21, Vanilla Planifolia, Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus) Oil, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Oil, Cedrus Atlantica (Cedarwood) Bark Oil, Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower Oil, Parfum (Pure Essential Oils), Acacia Dealbata, Sodium Hydroxide, Linalool, Limonene, Geraniol

My thoughts

This moisturiser is pretty thick and rich but is wonderfully nourishing. A little bit of product goes a long way – seriously, you only need a tiny amount – for your skin to feel protected and moisturised. Think about the size of a 5p coin.

Although not the most lightweight and absorbent moisturiser I’ve tried, it does sink into the skin after a couple of minutes. It’s not greasy but it’s a bit heavier than some moisturisers out there, so I do think this would be more suitable for winter use when your skin needs extra nourishment.

I find it interesting that this moisturiser is marketed to teens and people in their 20s. Typically, teenagers have oily skin. Obviously, plenty still might have combination, normal or dry skin, but younger people tend to have oilier skin overall. I feel this moisturiser would be too rich for oily skin as it’s got a pretty rich formula. I got on really well with it but I don’t feel like it would’ve been suitable for me when I was 16.

Overall, it’s a lovely moisturiser but it’s not my favourite.

Rating: 4 stars

A good moisturiser, just nothing ground-breaking.

7. Advanced Action Plumping Lip Cream 

£32

Product claims

The Advanced Action Plumping Lip Cream claims to hydrate and repair dry and cracked lips as well as plump and smooth the surrounding skin area. It can be used as an intensive overnight lip treatment or as a moisturising lip cream throughout the day.

This plumping lip cream smoothes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth.

ARK Skincare

This lip cream also promises to protect against moisture loss and be an “everyday essential” that protects lips in extreme weather conditions.

Key ingredients

Besides water, the top 5 ingredients listed in the INCI list are:

• Glycerin: has hydrating properties
• Caprylic/capric triglyceride: an excellent emollient and skin-replenishing ingredient
• Polybutene: works as a binding, glossing, and thickening agent 
• Ethylhexyl palmitate: an emollient and texture enhancer
• Glyceryl stearate SE: an emollient and thickening agent

See the full INCI list below:

Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polybutene, Ethylhexyl, Palmitate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Macadamia Seed Oil, Allantoin, Tribehenin, Sorbitan Isostearate, Disodium EDTA, Dehydroacetic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe vera) Leaf Extract, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide

My thoughts

The Advanced Action Plumping Lip Cream is the only ARK Skincare product that I genuinely dislike. Despite its bold claims, I find that this lip cream does absolutely nothing for me. It’s not absorbent at all and rather leaves a sticky and slippery residue all over your lips. The product just sits on top of my lips, rather than sinking in and deeply hydrating them.

It’s annoying because as it isn’t absorbent as soon as you have a drink, that lip product is going to come right off. Then you’re left with nothing. No comfort, no hydration and no protection.

I’ve used this lip cream both at night and in the daytime and there are no results. I dislike the texture immensely and find it pretty pointless. It’s also incredibly expensive for a lip cream. However, I believe I’m the only person who feels this way as it seems to get loads of rave reviews!

Rating: 1 star

I think this product is bad.

8. Triple Action Exfoliator 

£35

Product claims

Combining three types of exfoliant action – physical, fruit acid and enzymatic – the Triple Action Exfoliator promises to gently remove dead skin cells, revealing a brighter and more luminous complexion. It also claims to give your skin a flawless, polished texture and fade pigmentation.

Key ingredients

Besides water, the top 5 ingredients listed in the INCI list are:

• Ethylhexyl palmitate: an emollient and texture enhancer
• Glycerin: hydrating
• Bambusa arundinacea stem powder: helps absorb excess sebum
• Glyceryl behenate: an emollient
• Acacia decurrens/jojoba/sunflower seed cera/polyglyceryl-3 esters: has moisturising properties

See the full INCI list below:

Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Glycerin, Bambusa Arundinacea Stem Powder, Glyceryl Behenate, Acacia Decurrens/Jojoba/Sunflower Seed Cera/Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Olive Oil Peg-7 Esters, Peg-100 Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Sodium Stearate, Parfum (Fragrance), Limonene, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Geraniol, Aqua (Water), Linalool, Vaccinium Myrtillus (Bilberry) Fruit Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Glucose, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Subtilisin, Citral, Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract

My thoughts

Unlike ARK Skincare’s lip cream that I mentioned before, I feel the Triple Action Exfoliator does a lot for my skin. After using this exfoliant, my skin feels immediately softer and smoother.

I definitely feel like this is a gentle exfoliator overall, however, I do think it leans more towards being like a physical exfoliant than a chemical one. For this reason, I wouldn’t use this product more than once or twice a week to ensure it’s not too abrasive on your skin.

Since using this exfoliant, the overall look and texture of my skin have improved. It appears and feels more even and radiant. It’s also very satisfying to use as it’s almost paste-like, so massaging it into the skin is fun.

See my full review here

Rating: 5 stars

I love this exfoliator and feel it meets its claims.

Overall ARK Skincare brand review

I think ARK Skincare is a good brand overall. While I don’t love all of the products, the ones I like are great.

The pricing of some products doesn’t make sense to me, though. For example, I don’t know why the lip cream is almost the same price as the exfoliator when the latter does a far better job on the skin and contains more actives. Nonetheless, I do feel like ARK Skincare is still reasonably priced and accessible overall.

I love that ARK Skincare offers a lot of vegan products and is a cruelty-free brand. Its approach to formulating lines based on your age and skin concerns is also great. If you’re just starting out with skincare and feel a bit overwhelmed with all of the products and ingredients out there, I feel like ARK Skincare breaks down its products in an easy-to-understand format.

The brand also does a great job of using people of different ages and skin tones on its websites for photography shots and I truly appreciate this diverse and inclusive approach.

I’m grateful to have tried ARK Skincare products and would happily purchase quite a few of the products with my own money.

Overall brand rating: 4 stars

Favourite product?

It would have to be the Age Protect Skin Clear Cleanser as it’s refreshing and very enjoyable to use. The Triple Action Exfoliator is a very close second. I thoroughly recommend that you try both of these products!

Where to buy ARK Skincare

ARK Skincare is available from the brand’s own website.

Have you ever tried ARK Skincare before?

Sarah Sarsby is the owner of A Woman's Confidence. With over 5 years' experience of writing in the fields of beauty and lifestyle, Sarah is passionate about all things content, makeup, skincare, wellness, and lifestyle. She has oily skin, is obsessed with lip gloss, and loves cookie dough.