Your Amplifier and Essence Questions Answered

Is this just a super hyaluronic acid?

No! It is way more than that. Hyaluronic, although a nice ingredient as part of a highly efficacious formula, is in pretty much everything now, and is purely for hydration. We have hyaluronic in The Amplifier for its hydration properties, but it is in combination with other superior/novel ingredients that in the right concentrations and in the right final formula, do things far greater than the sum of its parts.

Should I take my Curél spray out of my routine and put this into it instead?

If you’re talking about the Curél Deep Moisture Spray, then this is a completely different product: it’s a ceramide-infused face and body moisturiser that hydrates and replenishes ceramides. If you want to keep this in your routine for moisture top-ups/barrier support then by all means continue, it’s a brilliant product, but The Amplifier does a different job. You can absolutely have both in your kit.

If you’re talking about the Curél Hydrating Water Essence and you enjoy using it then crack on —it helps hydrate the skin so it’s more permeable (so it’s a mild penetration enhancer) and is good for plumping and hydrating.

The Amplifier is a great stand-alone hydrator, but this is secondary to its main purpose — to maximise the efficacy of all your skincare actives: from retinoids to vitamin Cs, antioxidants, peptides, you name it. It literally amplifies the performance of everything you put on top of it.

How does this work alongside the Acids as they are in the same category?

They are in the same category but have totally different functions. The Amplifier is in the Tone category because as the definition of ‘toners’ has evolved industry-wide, it has come to represent any ‘wet step’ you do after cleansing. The Amplifier is completely different to the Skin Rocks Acids: it is a performance-enhancing essence, whereas the Acids are exfoliating toners. The Control Acid is a decongesting exfoliating toner for breakout-prone skin, and The Gentle Acid is a gentle exfoliating toner that leaves your skin looking smooth and radiant. They all follow cleansing and precede treatment steps, but that’s where the similarity ends.

Would this be the first thing I apply after cleansing?

Yes. After cleansing and after acid toning (if you do this) but before your treatment steps/the rest of your routine.

I’m confused about the order of application of products with this, what should the order be?

You would always apply The Amplifier after cleansing/after acid toning (if you do this), so just slot it into your AM or PM routines after cleansing/exfoliating and then follow with your usual routine/products. If you don’t use an acid/exfoliating toner, then just use it straight after cleansing.

Would this replace my regular toner, or could I use it alongside my current toner (non-acid)?

If you’re not seeing the results you want from your existing (non-exfoliating) toner/essence, then absolutely take things up a level by replacing it with The Amplifier. If you enjoy your current one then knock yourself out, or you could always use both - your current one plus The Amplifier to dial things right up and layer in all the extra benefits.

Does this not do the same thing as the COSRX Peptide Booster?

No. The COSRX Peptide Booster is a peptide-based hydrating essence. The Amplifier is a performance-enhancing essence as well as a hydrating essence and is clinically proven to amplify the effects of other skincare products. *

Is The Amplifier different to the essence from SKII?

Yes. SKII is a hydrating essence that addresses signs of ageing such as fine lines, texture and firmness. It is not specifically designed to boost the performance of actives applied on top of it.

After applying The Amplifier how long to wait before applying the rest of the routine?

No need to wait, you can crack on immediately.

Can I use The Amplifier before an LED Mask?

No. LED masks should be used on dry skin with no product, straight after cleansing. Always follow the instructions of your specific device.

Why do we not use The Amplifier before the acids?

Because you would wipe it all away when you use your acids!

It should be 1. Cleanser 2. Acid, 3. The Amplifier… then the rest of your routine.

Would you use The Amplifier before or after The Hyperpigmentation Serum?

It goes before everything post-cleanse/acid.

What are the ingredients in The Amplifier?

There are some incredible ingredients in this formula, including NovoRetin TM — a mastic tree resin derivative that enhances retinoid performance — guava leaf extract that boosts peptides, a plant-based fragment of human type-1 collagen and a super plum blend that defends against free radical damage. Have a look at The Amplifier product page on the Skin Rocks website — where you can deep dive into all the ingredients and what they do.