Selenus reimagines natural, traditional remedies and formulates them into safe, functional and affordable skincare. Featuring Artemisia Princeps, the ingredient of choice for many with acne and sensitive skin, our B.Cult(ure) Community were the first in Singapore to try out this newly launched brand. Read on for their thoughts.
Skincare is definitely moving towards cleaner and simpler formulations with the use of more natural and traditional ingredients that soothe, heal and protect the skin. One such brand is Selenus which uses a traditional ingredient, Artemisia Princeps, otherwise known as Mugwort.
A herb that grows in the northern hemisphere, including Korea, Mugwort possesses a multitude of healing benefits and has been traditionally used in Korean Hanbang medicine for centuries. Selenus features Mugwort powder and extracts and a range of proven natural ingredients that can deliver deep hydration and a healing effect after every use.
A vegan-friendly and cruelty-free brand, the Selenus Artemisia Calming Us skincare line consists of a Cleansing Foam, Toner, Ampoule and Repair Balm Cream (or lighter Water Cream). We asked some members of our B.Cult(ure) Community for their reviews on the kit and here’s what they had to say!
Lily Khin, @lily.khin
I have really sensitive skin, so most of the time I don’t venture too far from my tried and tested products. However, I’ve really been loving the Artemisia range from Selenus – it’s really helped calm and restore my skin in the month or so that I’ve been using it.
Selenus is a vegan, cruelty free brand that reimagines traditional remedies, formulating them into effective, affordable skincare. The star ingredient in this Artemisia line is #Mugwort, which is soothing and anti-inflammatory, making it perfect for my easily irritated skin!
If I had to choose a favourite in this range, I would pick the Ampoule. It’s super lightweight and absorbs into the skin effortlessly. Incredibly soothing, yet gives you a healthy glow. Love it! I used it all through my trip in India and even got my mum to try it – we both approve! And I love the toner too.
Rachel Lui, @skynbyrach
I love mugwort especially for my acne prone skin as it helps to calm the skin, and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Mugwort is also great for sensitive acne prone and dry skin types which essentially ticks all my boxes!
The Artemisia Calming Us Cleansing Foam didn’t irritate my sensitive skin and does a good job at cleansing however, I did find it slightly drying for my already dry skin. I think this cleanser would be amazing for those with oily and acne prone skin!!!
One of my favourites out of the line is the Toner which is very lightweight yet delivers hydration! I apply a few layers of this in my night routine and my skin drinks this up. It’s also fragrance free which is a plus and my skin always feels more refreshed and hydrated after using it!
I find the Ampoule to be really helpful with my acne spots whenever I breakout and it helps the spot to calm down, heal and subside faster! But my favourite of the lot has to be the Repair Balm which has a really unique texture! In the bottle it’s almost pudding-like but once scooped out and spread onto the skin, it instantly turns to become more lightweight and spreads really nicely on the skin! I use this in my night routine and I really enjoy using it! Formulated more for dry, sensitive and acne prone folks like me, it’s hydrating enough that my skin is not dry and it does not break me out!
Overall, I really enjoy this entire line from Selenus and I am looking forward to seeing what other products they come out with in the future!
Michelle Ng, @icefrostdiary
When you mention Mugwort, my eyes will sparkle. Mugwort is a soothing and calming ingredient for sensitive skin users. Selenus has launched a Mugwort line that I got to incorporate into my skincare routine. The Artemisia Calming Us Cleansing Foam foams and lather really well and did a good job cleansing but it may have been a little too drying for my dry skin.
This cleanser would be really good and suitable for those with oily skin. The Toner has a watery texture that sinks fast into my skin. It delivers good hydration for my dry skin. For the Ampoule, it feels light and non-sticky when applied and I love that it is non-fragrant which would not irritate my sensitive skin. The Repair Balm has a thick, whipped buttery texture and it is fragrance free too. It glides on nicely and provides good hydration.
Ryan Sim, @ryanraroar
Skincare has to be two things (for me at least): Efficacy and affordability. Both of which I can find in Selenus Artemisia Calming Us line and the Repair Balm is such a treat especially!
In the video, I am sharing the texture of the products and right off the bat I can tell you that the ampoule and repair balm are pretty nice! The repair balm has a nice, yogurt-like feel to it and it just feels and performs like a sleeping mask in my opinion. My neck LOVES this stuff.
The Artemisia plant is indeed amazing at relieving inflammation.
Nicole Lee, @minicole
I would start my morning with the Artemisia Calming Us Cleansing Foam - I love that it is 100% unscented and foams up nicely. My skin always feels moisturised and bouncier after a wash! The Toner is brimming with antioxidants like Vitamin E and it SHOWS: my skin genuinely feels brighter after each usage. Pro-tip: store your Selenus Calming Us Toner in the fridge for an extra element of iciness!
The Artemisia Calming Us Ampoule - I love how fast it absorbs! I would put 4 drops and use my roller to soothe it in. It moisturises and guards my skin well throughout 8 hours of working in an air conditioned room so I do feel it working!
Lastly, the Repair Balm, I must be honest: I do not like the texture, but I love the effectiveness. Each application absorbs so quickly into my skin and I immediately feel a sheen of moisturization after. Each application can last pretty long too! I'm getting used to the texture of this! And I love that it's unscented so I can apply a thin layer before I head for my workouts without being peeved by any stickiness.
