A quiet hum has grown into a loud buzz about bakuchiol, which is nature’s alternative to vitamin A. (And much gentler-on-skin.) This botanical wonder ingredient comes from the babchi plant, used in Ayurvedic medicine, and has been shown in clinical trials to stimulate collagen production, which in turn reduces fine lines and wrinkles, soothes inflammation and shields the skin with antioxidant compounds.

We’ve been using this natural Balance Me serum day and night from the moment it landed on our desks a few weeks before launch – and after a couple of days were completely seduced by clarity of skin, radiance and general loveliness of applying it.

The serum is medium-rich, not liquid like many – and not an oil, like other products masquerading as serums. We still like to layer a moisturiser over the top (SPF at this time of year), because we have downright greedy skins. (Ooops. Writing this, we discover we were meant to be using one pump of serum – and it does go a long way, but, um, we MIGHT have been using more than that. Although our skin isn’t objecting. On which note, unlike retinol, this is even good for sensitive skins – like ours.)

As ever the scent is a factor, here: frankincense and lavender, rose geranium, May chang (a.k.a. litsea cubeba) and palo santo wood. Grounding and downright gorgeous, basically.

Alongside the bakuchiol, Balance Me have incorporated a plant called Terminalia Cherbula, another Ayurvedic antioxidant, along with radiance-boosting Amazonian cacay oil, which means it offers blue light protection.

The bottle and pump can be taken apart and all but the pump itself can be recycled. And one last plus? It’s very reasonably-priced compared to many ‘wonder serums’. And our bank balances – as well as our skins – thank Balance Me, for that.

£32 for 30ml – buy here

Prize Draws