I’m surprised Nimue came out with an enzyme exfoliant.
Why? Nimue is a cosmeceuticals brand. In theory, cosmeceuticals contain higher concentrations of active ingredients, like retinol and glycolic acid.
That’s what I expected. A 15% glycolic acid exfoliant or something similar. Instead, they opted for enzymes, the most unreliable exfoliating family on the skincare block.
Was it a good choice? I’ve put Nimue Exfoliating Enzyme to the test to find out:
What’s In Nimue Exfoliating Enzyme?
ENZYMES TO EXFOLIATE SKIN
Nimue Exfoliating Enzymes uses two exfoliating enzymes: papaya and pineapple. They work similarly to chemical exfoliants, like glycolic acid – but with a twist.
They break down the proteins (keratin) those dull and rough outer layers of your skin stuck on your face. Once they’re off, your skin is brighter and smoother.
The catch? Enzymes aren’t the most stable of ingredients. It’s very tricky to create a formula that works – and keeps working for months afterwards.
One more thing: enzyme exfoliants are gentler than other types of exfoliants, but they can still irritate very sensitive skin.
Related: The Complete Guide To Enzyme Exfoliants: Should You Use Them?
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Texture
Lightweight.
Fragrance
It’s fragrance-free.
How To Use It
Put this exfoliant on, wait 2 minutes, and then reactivate it by massaging skin with wet fingertips for 3-5 minutes. Finally, you rinse well with water saturated gauze.
Performance & Personal Opinion
Nimue Exfoliating Enzyme is not for the lazy. You have to apply it to clean skin, leave it on for 2 minutes, and activate it by massaging the skin with wet fingertips for 3-5 minutes. Then, wait 2 more minutes before rinsing it off.
That’s way too much work for me. Especially when I can just put a glycolic acid based exfoliant on at night and forget all about it till the next morning, when I wake up with smoother and glowier skin.
But, maybe you want to try an enzyme based exfoliant, so let me tell you all about this one. I use it at night, and the next morning, my skin is smoother and brighter. In other words, it works just as well as any other exfoliant.
But, while I was massaging it, my skin was starting to become warm. Was it irritated? I massaged it for a bit less than the instructions recommend, and my skin was perfectly fine. No redness or bad reaction. Phew!
Still, this is something to keep in mind if you have sensitive skin.
Related: 3 Ways To Exfoliate Sensitive Skin (Without Irritating It)
Who Is This For?
Anyone with sensitive skin who can’t use chemical exfoliants.
Who Is This NOT For?
If your skin can take chemical exfoliants (think glycolic or salicylic), stick to them.
Packaging
A small bottle with a pump applicator. It’s sleek and practical.
Does Nimue Exfoliating Enzyme Live Up To Its Claims?
| CLAIM | TRUE? |
|---|---|
| An enzymatic exfoliator that gently removes dead skin cells and promotes cell renewal. | True. |
| Apply to clean, dry skin and leave on for 2 minutes. Activate the product by massaging the skin with wet fingertips for 3-5 minutes. Leave on the skin for an additional 2 minutes. Rinse well. Follow with Nimue moisturiser. Use 2-3 times per week. | It’s the best way to use it indeed. But you can follow up with any moisturiser. |
Price & Availability
£30.00 (refill £24,00) at selected salons.
Do You Need It?
I’m not a big fan of exfoliating enzymes. But if you have sensitive skin that can’t tolerate other forms of exfoliation, this is worth a try.
[penci_review]
Dupes & Alternatives
- Radical Skincare Express Delivery Enzyme Peel (£33.75)
- Tracie Martyn Colorless Enzyme Exfoliant (£75.00)
Ingredients
Aqua, PEG-6, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Polyquaternium-10, Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract, Carica Papaya (Papaw) Fruit Extract, Ethoxydiglycol, Phenoxyethanol, Polysorbate 80, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Citric Acid, Limonene.
