Why This Brand Is One Of My *Most* Recommended As A Dermal Therapist
Jo is a former Adore Beauty staffer and qualified dermal therapist with over decade of experience in the beauty industry.
She co-hosted our award-winning podcast Beauty IQ Uncensored for 4 years, interviewing names like Caroline Hirons, Katie Jane Hughes and Chris Appleton to name a few.
In case we haven’t been acquainted yet, I’m a dermal therapist (and former Adore Beauty staffer) who now spends her days consulting clients on the best skincare products to target their concerns.
I don’t just select recommendations from 2 or 3 brands, because I don’t actually ‘stock’ any skincare that I’m obliged to sell. In fact, there are over 50 skincare brands I’m well-versed in and select from when I’m tailoring routines for my clients.
That context is important, because when I repeatedly recommend a certain brand or product, it’s not only because I personally love it, it’s because I’ve seen results time and time again on my own clients’ skin.
This is where Osmosis Skincare enters the chat – this is a brand I’ve been singing the praises of for years.
So let me take you on a love story featuring three of my all-time favourite Osmosis products: Rescue, Calm, and Stemfactor.
As well as some other Osmosis skincare reviews from different AB staffers with varying skin types and concerns.
1. Osmosis Rescue Serum – An Inflamed Skin’s Knight In Shining Armour.
Ask anyone – I’m the president of the Osmosis Skincare Rescue Epidermal Repair Serum 30ml fan club. Not only have I recommended this serum to countless clients, I’ve raved about it on podcasts and written articles about it, too.
Rescue is packed with Trioxolane, an oxygenated compound that helps repair and strengthen the skin barrier. It has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, helps repair compromised skin, reduces redness and sensitivity, and tackles everything from acne to rosacea.
If you’ve got that reactive skin that throws a tantrum every time you introduce a new product, Rescue is like a soothing lullaby for it.
One of the reasons I swear by this serum is its ability to settle even the angriest of skins down. If you have any kind of skin barrier dysfunction, this is the product to reach for, but (and it’s a big but), the pricepoint will make you clutch your pearls. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
2. Osmosis Calm Gentle Retinal – Because Vitamin A Doesn’t Need To Be Feared.
This is, without a doubt, the retinal I recommend most for clients with inflamed breakouts (including hormonal acne), and previous sensitivities to vitamin A. So much so, that I actually adjust the pricing of all other products in clients’ routines so they can afford to add this one.
What sets Osmosis Skincare Calm Gentle Retinal Serum 30ml apart from other retinoids is its use of liposomal delivery, which ensures effective ingredient penetration without the irritation that often comes with vitamin A serums. This means you get all the cellular renewal benefits minus the inflammation.
Alongside .0375% retinal, it contains peptides, fatty acids, as well as anti-inflammatory and hydrating ingredients like niacinamide, making it a true multitasker. There’s also the option to graduate up to Correct, which has a higher percentage of retinal.
3. Osmosis Stemfactor – The Fountain of Youth in a Bottle.
The Osmosis Skincare StemFactor Growth Factor Serum is the it girl.
It’s packed with growth factors which signal cells to perform important functions like collagen production, wound healing, and cellular regeneration. Stemfactor uses over 600 growth factors and peptides, which means it’s working overtime to rejuvenate and support the skin. If you’re looking for a way to future-proof your skin, this is it.
Stemfactor is a serum I recommend mostly to clients over 40 who are looking to spend big bucks to get results, and are wanting to target concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, skin laxity, texture and general damage.
I also often add it to routines to further enhance the results clients are achieving from professional treatments in-clinic.
It layers beautifully under other serums, making it easy to incorporate into any routine, and it nicely complements the usage of vitamin A like the retinal I gushed about above.
More AB Staffer Osmosis Reviews:
Sarah, Category Assistant - Skincare & Wellness.
"I added the Stemfactor Growth Factor Serum and the Osmosis Skincare Cleanse Gentle Cleanser as my morning cleanser to my routine, and I've noticed a huge improvement in the redness, smoothness, and dark circles around my eyes—especially after coming back from the harsh winter in the US, which left my skin incredibly dry and barrier impaired. And as usual, the Rescue Serum delivered when calming my super-dry skin!
I was also given a personalised wedding skincare routine by my skin therapist in the lead-up to my wedding, which included the Osmosis Skincare Rescue Epidermal Repair Serum so I really love the brand for the results it delivers."
Sadaf, Senior Beauty Editor.
"I have actually never tried Osmosis skin products before, but had often heard Jo talking about and recommending the brand so I knew it must be good. Because Joanna Fleming recs = gospel.
Then I heard a few other skin experts mentioning it too and how they use it in-clinic and thought, is this a really high-performing skincare brand that's kind of slept on?
Turns out—yes.
My skin concerns are: ageing or age management and wanting to brighten the complexion, so based on that this is what my Osmosis skincare routine and road-test looked like:
- Week 1: Rescue Serum + Osmosis Skincare Hydrate Plumping Moisturizer every night.
- Week 2: Start incorporating Osmosis Skincare Correct Preventative Retinal Serum (it has 9 collagen stimulators and 7 antioxidants!!!!) + Osmosis Skincare Hydrate Plumping Moisturizer.
- Week 3: Use Rescue for three nights as well as the retinal, last two nights, only use the Correct retinal serum + Osmosis Skincare Hydrate Plumping Moisturizer.
I think I noticed the most change after incorporating the retinal but did notice after week 2 my face was looking slightly more bouncy, and I'd hate to use the word “younger” because I'm so proud and grateful to be ageing, but let's just say it felt like my collagen bank was topping up.
Fast forward to a few days ago, and I woke up with a glow so healthy, that even after I applied my makeup, it felt like my luminous skin was still shining through.
Last night, I posted this image on my Instagram and was subsequently flooded with DMs:
The price point makes me wince a tiny but honestly, the way my complexion has transformed makes it totally worth the investment. I'll be repurchasing the Correct retinal without a doubt.
While the plumping cream felt like a luxurious treat for my skin and definitely delivered on its promise of giving my face that well-plumped look, along with the Osmosis Rescue Serum, I feel like my skin could probably survive without them for now.
Jo Fleming, you've got us all hooked—how are we going to break this news to our bank accounts? Ah well who cares; my glowy, fresh face is worth IT."
So, Should You Try Osmosis?
Look, if we all had the budget for Osmosis, I’d say hell yes, but in a cost of living crisis, I have to address the elephant in the room – this brand ain’t cheap. Is it worth it? In my opinion, yes. Should you skip your mortgage repayment or rent for the week to afford it? No, it’s just skincare at the end of the day.
However, Osmosis is science-backed, results-driven, and (most importantly) kind to your skin barrier. Plus, there’s something refreshing about a skincare brand that isn’t just about harsh exfoliants and having the highest concentration of actives. Osmosis is all about long-term skin health, and that’s a philosophy I can get behind.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a date with my Rescue serum.
Want more skincare recs from experts? We've got you covered:
