Last week, we broke down two power players, lactic acid and hyaluronic acid, and how they work to exfoliate and hydrate like pros. But hydration is only half the equation. What your skin really needs is a barrier that can hold it.
So what kind of ingredients can help your skin do that best?
💧 Glycerin
Hydration’s most humble hero.
This underrated ingredient works like a moisture magnet, pulling water into the skin and holding it there. It's the kind of ingredient that does the work behind the glow: quietly, consistently, and without any fuss.
Think of glycerin as your skin’s hydration anchor. It grabs water from the air and keeps it where you want it: in your skin, not floating away.
🌿 Squalane
A skin-identical oil that mimics your natural sebum, squalane restores softness without ever clogging pores. It helps your skin lock in hydration, smooth texture, and rebuild what stress, weather, and time break down.
If your skin has ever felt dry and oily at the same time, it’s probably crying out for this kind of balance.
🧬 Barrier-Loving Lipids (Not Just Ceramides)
While traditional ceramides get all the attention, we prefer a wider lens: bio-aligned lipids like those found in jojoba, grapeseed, and other smart oils.
They may not be textbook ceramides, but they act like them, supporting skin structure, sealing in moisture, and signaling repair.
Every ETHYST® formula is rooted in this principle: hydration first, protection second, balance always.
And that's where this week’s ritual comes in.
🧴 Step 1: Clarity Cleanse
A gentle, creamy, lactic acid and oat-amino-based cleanser that calms while it cleanses.
With barrier-loving safflower oil, glycerin, and oat extracts this formula gently sweeps away buildup while restoring moisture and soothing stressed skin.
Think of it as a reset for your skin without the tight, stripped feeling.
💧 Step 2: Daily Ritual Moisturizer
Lightweight, nourishing, and deeply replenishing, this everyday moisturizer layers in glycerin, squalane, jojoba, and hyaluronic acid to deliver hydration that actually stays.
With skin-loving emollients like shea butter and caprylic/capric triglycerides, plus calming aloe, this formula balances moisture without heaviness making it ideal for daily wear under makeup or SPF.
Glycerin draws water in. Jojoba and squalane help seal it in. Hyaluronic acid keeps skin plump.
The result: comfort, bounce, and barrier support in one silky layer.
✨ Step 3: Holy Grail Facial Oil
A featherlight, antioxidant-rich facial oil designed to seal in moisture and restore glow without overwhelming your skin.
This blend features:
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Jojoba oil – Skin-mimicking and non-comedogenic, it balances oil production while softening and nourishing
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Hemp seed oil – Rich in omega-3 and 6, it calms inflammation and supports barrier repair
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Grapeseed oil – Lightweight, fast-absorbing, and rich in polyphenols for tone and texture support
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Tocopheryl acetate (Vitamin E) – A stabilized antioxidant that protects against oxidative stress
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Egyptian rose petals – Infused for their soothing and beautifying properties, because glow should also feel like ritual
This oil was made to lock in hydration, calm stressed skin, and leave you with that dewy, “lit from within” look... no greasy finish, no filler oils.
Your skin drinks it in. Your glow locks it down.
This trio isn’t just skincare, it’s barrier rehab.
🎁 This Week Only: A Free Crystal Face Roller with Your Ritual Set
Elevate your ETHYST® Starter Set with a bonus ritual tool: a crystal face roller, free with purchase this week only.
No code needed. Just add the Starter Set to your cart (either as a one time order or new subscription) and we’ll take care of the rest.
Because glow deserves grounding and skincare is better when it feels sacred.
→ Get the Ritual + Roller - use code BARRIERBOOST (ends 7/3/25 at 11:59 pm EST)