Review: Kew Organics’ Gentle & Effective Hydra Facial Is A Holy Grail For My Acne-Prone Skin

By Samantha Ann Francis on 27 May 2022

Senior Editor

Having clear skin at the ripe age of 33 wasn’t thanks to genetics, but rather, years of hard work learning about what sort of beauty routines and products worked for me.

That’s why I could resonate with Lily Kew, the founder of homegrown organic beauty brand Kew Organics, who had experienced acne and scars throughout adolescence and adulthood. Her journey towards better skin led her to enroll in beauty school at 29 before starting her own organic beauty brand at 43.

Photo from Samantha

I first encountered Kew Organics when I attended a media review of the brand’s Sugar K Organic Peel Bar a whopping five years ago. Unlike harsh chemical peels, the sugar peel was a blend of glycolic acid derived from sugar cane and organic citrus fruit acids, which had a potent but gentle exfoliating effect on the skin. Four sessions later, my old acne scars had faded slightly and though I was impressed, I didn’t think of coming back for more.

Three years ago, I re-encountered the brand when I went for an industry friend’s activewear brand launch, which generously gave out vouchers for one session of bespoke facial treatment at Kew Organics. I took the plunge and never looked back—and today, my skin’s the best it has been.

Photo from Kew Organics

The Hydra Facial is my holy grail for its ability to cleanse my skin of built-up gunk, leaving it with a healthy glow. A monthly treat for myself, the treatment is customised to my skin condition each time.

The two-hour-long session typically starts with a relaxing scented head massage, followed by either a single or double cleanse with one of Kew’s cleansers—my favourites being the Japanese Knotweed Coconut Hydra Cleanser and the Mandarin Acai Cleansing Lotion, which both smell amazing.

Photo from Kew Organics

If my skin texture feels a little rough, an extra step is added with an exfoliating scrub made of oats. Then, a hot towel is placed on my face to help open up my pores, preparing my skin for extraction. Using a mixture of extracting tools and hands, the skillful facialist swiftly and gently decongests my clogged pores, removing comedones, blackheads, and whiteheads.

Photo from Kew Organics

After which, she zaps my skin with an antibacterial device to keep acne at bay—there’s barely any sensation. By then, I would’ve usually fallen asleep. The final steps being the application of a rubber mask made from either lavender for calming properties or rose and chamomile for hydration. While the mask works its magic, the facialist usually gives me a shoulder massage as I drift off in bliss.

Photo from Kew Organics

Having gone for this facial on a monthly basis for the past three years, I’m happy to report that my combination skin is looking a lot less oily in the T-zone, while the size of my pores have been refined. Using their organic skincare products have helped too, knowing that my sensitive skin isn’t subjected to fragrances or parabens. These days, I even go foundation-free!

Their Clear Skin Treatment Essence and the Alfafa Fig Spot Solution Serum, in particular, have kept my skin trouble-free even during stressful days or the time of the month.