If you are new, please introduce yourself. My name is Samantha, I am Marie Claire Beauty Editor, and rash, redness, and booze are 1 of my main character traits. I can't say I'm excited about my chronically irritated complexion, but it makes me test a product uniquely designed for sensitive skin I always say: If it doesn't irritate me, it won't irritate anyone.

Tata Harper, the founder of her eponymous, editor's favorite skincare label, knows my catchphrase well. I told her that some of the brand's products were too strong for my complexion, so she gave me an exclusive first look at her new Superkind Calming Créme. Tata Harper is giving MC readers a chance to shop it a day early while it officially launches tomorrow, May 14.

"Superkind is all about being super powerful yet super gentle. It's a delicate balance that guarantees remarkable results without compromising skin comfort," Harper tells me. According to the founders, this jar neutralizes hyperactivity, reduces redness and keeps my face "cocoon, calm and collected."It was also accepted by the National Eczema Association.

I refuse to be misled by marketing jargon until I test the product myself. After trying this cream before anyone else, it won my sensitive skin stamp of approval more than 10 times. Ahead, I'm breaking down exactly what makes this moisturizer so effective on soothing skin - and offering my (make-free) before and after photos to prove it.

I became a little freaked out when I saw that the calming cream contained plants. They are hit or miss in my complexion. While everyone's skin is different, the plant-derived ingredients contained in this particular product were non-irritating for my skin. "We have meticulously sourced and formulated plants that are not only effective but gentle enough to be used on sensitive skin," Harper says. "We understand that not all plants are made the same way, so we give preference to ingredients that have been proven to be effective and well tolerated for sensitive skin."

In addition to essential oils, Superkind Carmining Creme contains the following hardworking ingredients:

The claim claims that it "helps to stop the chronic inflammation cycle.""If you have sensitive skin, you know it's almost impossible. A good few days will most often be followed by flares. But Tata Harper credits Tahitian golden microalgae for this skin witchcraft. I took my skepticism to Dr. To my surprise, Houshmand confirmed that this ingredient actually proved a pharmacological effect.

"Bioactive compounds from microalgae have been proven to overcome inflammatory skin diseases, given their tremendous structural diversity and bioavailability," she shares.

This pretty purple plant has long been a staple in Australian Aboriginal communities. Only recently research has proven the viability of skincare. "This component has been shown to contain a compound called polygodial, and has been studied to have the ability to relieve irritation and reduce skin sensitivity and reactivity, which may help with redness," explains Dr. Houshmand. "It is considered an antioxidant with several anti-inflammatory properties that help free radicals.

This soothing complex contains redness-reducing ingredients like sea kelp and mineral water. It also provides deep hydration to create a strong microbiome. If the microbiome is checked, the likelihood of stimulation is low.

It was a rough month for my skin. My 4 month started with a nice bout of perioral dermatitis. For unclean (you're lucky), it's a nasty little rash that surrounds the chin-mouth-nose area with inflamed bumps. To put it into remission, oral antibiotics, a sulfur facial cleanser, and two prescription creams were needed. The key to keeping it at bay is to stick to a simple, fragrance-free, non-irritating skin care. So much fun.

Adding something new is a risky business. But I trust Tata's Superkind line. Because Biobarial Serum is one of my favorites, it was exactly the MC's 2023 Sensitive Skin Award winner. I was surprisingly calm about putting a new product on my face and expected my skin to share feelings.

In terms of first impressions:

On the first day of the test, I skim a dime-sized amount of product, warmed it between my fingers and then massaged it into my skin. It felt almost like a silk seal. It is thick, which is my preference, but certainly not for those who prefer light and airy texture. The cream has a silky texture, like silicone - without silicone. It will not burn or pills. There is no tingling or visible irritation. In fact, by the time I finished styling my hair, the redness had calmed down. On all accounts, my first application was successful.

But as a girl with sensitive skin, I know that doesn't always mean I'm not at home. Flares can occur overnight — sometimes as late as the 48-hour or 2-week mark. But those calendar days came and went without the slightest reaction. On the contrary, my face felt balanced. The burning sensation that I sometimes experienced after washing my face was not found anywhere. My rosacea was relegated to the most gentle state. Most importantly, my perioral dermatitis remained in remission.

I'm afraid to jinx it, but that Tahitian Golden microalgae could just be magical.