It's no secret that the skincare industry has been experiencing what could only be described as a botanical renaissance lately, and lotus flower–infused products fit right in. Over the past few years, we've been seeing a steady rise in skincare touting the benefits of lotus-flower infusions, from smoothing fine lines and wrinkles to leaving the complexion looking luminous and youthful in seconds. This time around, I'm diving into the world of lotus-flower skincare by tapping two skincare founders who spearheaded the launch of one of the most popular lotus skincare collections and have recently released a new addition.
Scroll on to learn more about the trendy ingredient and discover my top picks for the lotus-flower skincare that you'll want to clear space for in your beauty cabinet.
What Is Lotus Flower?
To completely grasp the potential for lotus flower to revamp our skincare, we must first look to its unique history and cultural ties. Lev Glazman, co-president and co-founder of Fresh, details just how impressive lotus flower has been throughout history. "The lotus plant has existed for over 138 million years, and it is such a unique plant. Its seeds are viable for centuries, and it's known as a 'livil fossil.' They also bloom in a very interesting way—rising through dark water to blossom into a beautiful flower on the surface," he says. After Glazman and Alina Roytberg, Fresh's co-president and co-founder, learned about the process and the longevity of lotus seeds, they set out to harness the power of the lotus and apply it to the preservation of the skin.
Sourcing the Lotus Flower
For Fresh's Lotus Youth Preserve line, the Super Lotus is extracted from the lotus plant. "[It] addresses first signs of aging by smoothing out fine lines and texture, helping to boost radiance and protecting from daily skin stressors," explains Roytberg. To create the brand's best-selling line of Super Lotus skincare, the sacred lotus (a type of lotus with a large petal that's commonly pink and white) is handpicked right from the water while it is in full bloom between mid-July and August.
Then what? According to Roytberg, the Super Lotus extract is obtained from the whole living lotus plant, and a scientist at an on-site mobile lab ensures the active molecules are still intact after being harvested. The living lotus plant—flower, stem, and leaves—is gently pressed to extract the juice within the hour of being cut. Off-site, Fresh uses what Roytberg describes as a "revolutionary youth-fractioning technique" to isolate the plant cell fractions, creating the concentrated ingredient. Any plant by-products from the juicing process are returned to the soil to promote ecological balance.
Adding Lotus to Your Skincare Routine
Incorporating lotus-infused products into your skincare lineup has never been easier. More and more beauty brands like Fresh are launching collections featuring the superstar ingredient. For your skin to get the most out of these products, it's important to be discerning about how and when they're used. "To see the best results, the key is consistency more so than incorporating it via one specific step in your routine," Glazman says. "At Fresh, we really have a product formulated with our Super Lotus ingredient for every step of your routine! It is about personal preference. If you like to use a serum instead of a toner, we have a Lotus Toner and a Lotus Serum to choose from," he explains.
Below, I've compiled a list of 18 different lotus-infused skincare products across eight major brands, including Fresh, SkinMedica, and Ranavat. Believe me—you won't want to skip out on this skincare ingredient trend while the market is full of so many amazing finds.
1. Fresh
Founded by in 1991 by Glazman and Roytberg, Fresh combines potent natural ingredients, ancient rituals, and modern science to create transformative skincare, lipcare, bodycare, and fragrance. The Lotus Youth Preserve collection was born out of an interest in the lotus seed's longevity and impact in its 138 million years of existence, and the lineup of Super Lotus–infused products are designed to be used together.
Fresh
Lotus Youth Preserve Refining Dream Toner
As the newest addition to the Lotus collection, this toner was created as a prep step to start a well-rounded Fresh skincare routine, according to Glazman. "It's such a great product for those who are concerned with dark spots, blackheads, and uneven skin tone and texture. It works to visibly fade dark spots and tighten pores. Although it's a powerful formula, it's gentle enough for those concerned about irritation from using exfoliating products," he says.
Customer Review: "The results are noticeable very quickly! I feel like my skin felt more refreshed and looked more even after cleansing and adding it to my routine. I love Fresh's moisturizer and serum from this line, so was eager to try the toner. My skin feels tighter yet still hydrated and I love how this product smells!"
Product Details: 5-ounce bottle
Fresh
Lotus AHA Resurfacing Gentle Serum
The next product I love from Fresh's line of lotus flower–infused offerings is this resurfacing night serum. Infused with prickly pear–flower extract, AHAs (glycolic and citric acids), and Super Lotus, the gentle serum visibly evens texture to create a smooth, radiant complexion. The glycolic and citric acids exfoliate the skin's surface, and the prickly pear extract supports skin renewal.
Customer Review: "This product from Fresh is absolutely amazing! The application is so easy and wonderful. Upon application, the serum is cool and refreshing. After using it for a week, I started noticing brightness in my face. I looked less dull and more refreshed! I will continue using this serum for a youthful glow!"
Product Details: 1-ounce pump bottle
Fresh
Lotus Youth Preserve Eye Cream
As someone with naturally dark under-eyes, I'm always on the hunt for an eye cream that not only lightens their appearance but also prevents the darkness from reappearing. This lightweight eye cream worked wonders for brightening, de-puffing, and smoothing the fine lines under my eyes thanks to a blend of ethically sourced Super Lotus, horse chestnut extract, and polyglutamic acid to lock in moisture.
Customer Review: "I received complimentary from Fresh Beauty. This is one of the very best eye cream I've ever used, love how hydrating and smoothing it is for my under eyes. The formula is lite weight and and absorbs into the delicate skin under my eyes leaving it looking fresh and wide awake."
Product Details: 1-ounce jar
Fresh
Lotus Youth Preserve Moisturizer
There are many things I love about this moisturizer, but I'll just name a few to keep you reading. The Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Moisturizer is extremely lightweight and feels like there's nothing on your skin when there's really an antioxidant moisturizer working to smooth texture and fine lines while also pumping up hydration levels in the skin. I'm already a huge fan of the benefits of Super Lotus and vitamin E, but because of this product, I've also fallen in love with the smoothing properties of star fruit extract.
Customer Review: "The only moisturizer you need! It smooths, illuminates the skin non-greasy, smells so clean. There is truly nothing bad to say about this product. A little goes a long way. If you are looking for smooth, radiant skin, find a way to incorporate this product into your routine."
Product Details: 2-ounce jar
Fresh
Lotus Youth Preserve Rescue Mask
Looking for a quick and easy way to restore your complexion to its most radiant and healthiest state in as little as five minutes? This face mask gently removes dead skin cells to refine and brighten your skin with a formula featuring a restorative blend of Super Lotus, okra-fruit extract, kombu seaweed, red algae, lotus seeds, and polyglutamic acid to retain hydration long after you've used the mask.
Customer Review: "I have been using this product for years now and can seriously say it is a life saver! I have sensitive skin and this exfoliate is so effective. I'm six months pregnant and have been struggling with the dry skin issue and this fixed it with one use!!"
Product Details: 3-ounce jar
2. SkinMedica
Since its launch in 1999, SkinMedica has been a leader in professional-grade skincare by pioneering the patented process of extracting stabilized and concentrated growth factors for use in topical skincare. The brand also has an in-house laboratory that makes working with clinical researchers possible, as all of its skincare innovation relies on research.
SkinMedica
Even & Correct Advanced Brightening Treatment
Another brightening treatment I always have within reach is SkinMedica's Even & Correct Advanced Brightening Treatment to correct uneven tone, hyperpigmentation, and dark spots while preventing discoloration from forming. It combines tranexamic acid, niacinamide, and vitis-flower stem cell extract (aka grapevine) with ultra-concentrated lotus-seed extract. Plus, it's gentle enough for daily use.
Customer Review: "I have suffered from hyperpigmentation for years and nothing really helps. My dermatologist recommended this a few months ago. I've been using this 2x a day and I can definitely see the difference in my skin. My complexion is brighter and my skin generally just looks better. I recommend this to anyone trying to address discoloration."
Product Details: 2-ounce pump bottle
SkinMedica
Even & Correct Brightening Treatment Pads
SkinMedica is a gold mine for hyperpigmentation-fighting products, and the Even & Correct Brightening Treatment Pads are one of my favorite ways to target dark spots. Formulated with 9% LTN Complex (tranexamic acid, niacinamide, and lotus-sprout extract) to address skin discoloration and 10% glycolic acid to support skin renewal, these alcohol-free pads are safe and effective on all skin types and tones.
Customer Review: "Fast brightening and smoothing effect. Works quickly and gently overnight. My skin looked brighter and smoother after the first use with no irritation or redness. I also used on my neck and chest with no irritation or dryness. Pads are well saturated with liquid."
Product Details: 60 brightening treatment pads
3. Ranavat
Built on Indian Ayurvedic principles (the concept that everything is made of three types of energy related to the basic biology of the body), Ranavat is an innovative beauty brand founded by South Asian scientist turned entrepreneur Michelle Ranavat in 2017. Since then, the brand has gone on to launch adaptogenic beauty essentials with botanical-based formulas.
Ranavat
Lotus Cleansing Balm
Cleansing balms like this one by Ranavat are the reason why I never skip double cleansing. Its Lotus Cleansing Balm melts away makeup, SPF, and pollution, leaving the skin restored. When activated with water, the balm transforms into a milky cleanser that purifies the skin using a blend of lotus-seed extract, softening shea and mango butters, and nurturing oils to soothe the skin barrier.
Customer Review: "Another beautiful Ranavat product! The balm is super easy to use, melts right in and washes off easily. Great for removing makeup and SPF and overall cleansing! Especially recommend if you have dry or sensitive skin but I've found that it suits my oily skin well too."
Product Details: 3-ounce jar
Ranavat
Refining Lotus Gel Créme
On days when my skin looks dull, I swear by the Refining Lotus Gel Créme to immediately bring on the glow. This cream is powered by skin-loving ingredients like barrier-boosting squalene, soothing licorice root, moisturizing glycerin, and brightening ashwagandha backed by purifying lotus saffron. It improves the look of pores, blemishes, and textural imbalances. I especially love how lightweight its formula is since it layers well with other skincare.
Customer Review: "I've only been using this the last couple of days and I love it. I have super dry skin that even feels tight if I don't use some form of moisturizer. I used one drop/pump of this and it covered my whole face. It smells great (natural scent rather than a sickly perfume or flowery scent), and my skin feels silky soft. I used it on my neck as well. I love the ingredients. I recently became a big fan of anything Ayurvedic."
Product Details: 2-ounce pump bottle
4. The Pure Lotus
Founded on South Korea's Jeju Island (one of The New Seven Wonders of the World as of 2021), K-Beauty brand The Pure Lotus uses natural substances extracted from the white lotus flower to promote the skin’s own self-purification system. The Pure Lotus products are manufactured in CGMP-certified facilities and have received cosmetic certification from Jeju Island as well as Europe.
The Pure Lotus
Essence With Lotus Leaf
Of all the skincare essences I've had the opportunity to try, The Pure Lotus's Essence With Lotus Leaf is an easy favorite. It helps me create a dewy glow I'm obsessed with, using 70% white lotus from South Korea's Jeju Island to hydrate the skin while balancing oil and water levels. It also prevents early signs of aging and combats damage from environmental aggressors.
Customer Review: "This essence lotion is very hydrating. I didn't even realize it was also considered a lotion and essence. After using it on my face it looks smooth. Almost as if I was wearing foundation which I don't use. The spots on my face has been clearing up with this essence."
Product Details: 4.2-ounce pump bottle
The Pure Lotus
Jeju Botanical pH Balancing Cleanser
Looking for a pH-balancing cleanser to add to your skincare lineup? You'll want to give this The Pure Lotus find a try. Formulated with the brand's Jeju Botanical Complex Extract, this sulfate-free cleanser features potent brightening and cleansing properties to sweep away dirt, grime, and makeup from the skin. Days into using this product, I noticed how soft and hydrated my skin felt.
Customer Review: "Reduced breakouts and my skin is calmer and less red. Pores looks cleaner and smaller too. There's a light floral fragrance, but I like it. Haven't had any issues with it so far and have been using it for almost one month now."
Product Details: 5-ounce pump bottle
The Pure Lotus
Lotus Leaf & Aloe Calming Serum
Ideal for warm weather, which is when the skin becomes more vulnerable to sun damage, this calming lotus leaf– and aloe-infused serum will keep the skin cool and hydrated while brightening your complexion. The aloe vera works to calm tired and irritated skin, while the shea butter locks in moisture and creates soft, supple skin with its essential fatty acids.
Customer Review: "This serum is great for your skin! It leaves the face soft and completely reduces the redness. I have sensitive skin and my face did not have a reaction to the ingredients used. Overall great serum and I will get again!"
Product Details: 2.4-ounce tube
The Pure Lotus
Lotus Leaf & Camellia Mist
If you know me, then you know that I swear by a good mist that can refresh the skin. This travel-friendly and non-aerosol facial mist is a go-to because it combines lotus-leaf extract with antioxidant-rich camellia-oil extract that's hydrating, soothing, anti-aging, and brightening. It's definitely one of my favorite ways to spoil my skin when I'm on long-haul flights overseas, as I always need an extra boost of moisture to combat dryness.
Customer Review: "So hydrating and refreshing! I bought this on a whim because it looked good/reviews were great. I have tried many facial mists over the years but this one is so light and refreshing on my skin, I am absolutely sold! I use it multiple times a day as a part of skincare routine."
Product Details: 3-ounce pump bottle
The Pure Lotus
Lotus Leaf Sleeping Pack
If you've never tried a sleeping mask, take this as your sign to pick this one up and give it a try overnight. The lotus-leaf extract in this one helps relieve stressed and irritated skin while you sleep, revealing bright, hydrated skin when you wake up. After using this, I noticed how much more smoothly my base makeup applied with the smooth, even surface this mask created as a canvas. I'm also completely in love with the light floral scent it leaves behind!
Customer Review: "I love Pure Lotus products! This one smells amazing but it’s not overpowering. When I wake up in the morning, my face looks well rested and my overall complexion is evened out. It makes my skin feel soft in the morning, it’s not super heavy or greasy at all—it's hard to find a night/sleeping mask that isn't, so this was a pleasant surprise."
Product Details: 3-ounce tube
Discover More Lotus-Infused Skincare Saviors
Clarins
Lotus Balancing & Hydrating Face Treatment Oil
Customer Review: "This treatment oil is amazing, its texture is light and perfect, its fragrance reminds me of a mixture between a spa facial treatment and flowers, its truly beautiful, and last but certainly not least the way it makes my skin look and feel is just indescribable, Clarins is my go to for skin, as i am now at an age where its important to give your skin the best possible care, this oil treatment does the job for me."
Arcona
Overnight Cellular Repair Complex
Customer Review: "This is the best night time moisturizer/treatment. It has a thicker texture when you pump it out, but it instantly soaks into my skin without any oiliness or heaviness. I alternate this with the Gentle Solution Facial Exfoliating Serum, and my skin is very smooth, clear and radiant every morning. I even use this under my eyes."
Rovectin
Clean Lotus Sheet Mask
Customer Review: "I love the new reformulation of this sheet mask! It has a lovely serum-y texture and is super hydrating. The texture of the mask itself is heavenly. It is so soft and smooth it makes me look forward to putting this on. There's also a lot of essence left in the pouch so you can reapply or save it for the next day!"
Pai Skincare
Century Flower Barrier Defence Mist
Customer Review: "This is the best facial mist I've tried. The spray is very light and delicate, smells amazing and is the perfect layer of hydration before applying a facial oil."
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