Pharrell finally dropped the routine
Following years of speculation over whether Pharrell’s permanent youth is down to him being a vampire or that he’s simply ageing in reverse, Pharrell is finally ready to let us in on his skincare routine.
The musician and entrepreneur has launched his own skincare brand, Humanrace, to let you sip from his Fountain of Youth. Does that look like the skin of a 47-year-old man to you?
If there is one effective way to stop men washing their face with 4-in-1, shampoo-conditioner-body-wash-cleanser hybrids, it’s to stick a hot man on the packaging, an age-old trope of women’s marketing, now coming for men’s skincare and wellness. On top of great efficacy, it’s the reason Darren Kennedy Kennedy and Co’s brand is so beloved, the reason David Beckham’s House 99 brand makes men actually wear eye cream, the reason David Gandy is on the Wellman vitamin box. Hot man + grooming products = men who finally think, “maybe I don’t just need to wash my face with body wash called things like ‘Sports Power’ and ‘Ice War.'”
Humanrace is not just for men though, it’s a unisex skincare range. “Humanrace doesn’t differentiate by race or gender,” states the brand’s Instagram page. “We’re creating for humans; we are all born in the same skin.”
The range is simple and easy; it’s a three-step, three-minute facial, broken down into three products that were developed with Pharrell’s dermatologist, Dr. Elena Jones. Humanrace is also a vegan brand that’s fragrance-free, contains over 50% post-consumer recycled landfill plastic and comes in refillable packaging to help cut down single-use plastic consumption.
Let’s take a closer look at the collection.
Rice Powder Cleanser
First up is Rice Powder Cleanser, a gentle powder cleanser that you add water to to create a foam, made with rice particles, fruit AHAs and snow mushroom. “It starts with the Rice Powder Cleanser. We want everyone to get that alchemical sensation of watching something go from a powder in your hands, to adding water, and then the chemistry happens… the Rice Powder Cleanser turns into foam. Like magic, you feel that sensation on your skin,” says Pharrell.
Lotus Enzyme Exfoliator
Next step in the routine is the Lotus Enzyme Exfoliator, an exfoliator that combines 8% glycolic, 2% AHAs, enzymatic, and rice particles to leave you with Pharrell’s dewy glow (the brand’s Instagram calls him ‘CEO of exfoliation’). “If you’ve ever heard me talk about my routine, the thing that sticks out more than anything else is the exfoliator,” says Pharrell. “Because getting rid of dead layers of skin is what really makes all the difference in the world.”
Humidifying Cream
And finally, we have a modern take on moisturiser; the Humidifying Cream, containing snow mushroom and hyaluronic acid to keep you hydrated and smooth all day. “Our Humidifying Cream is categorized as a moisturizer, but really it gives you the effect of being in a humid climate without being hot,” says Pharrell. “And it seals in moisture in a way that is not out there. Some people want to be dewy, and that’s cool, but this is humidifying.”
Having launched on November 25, the whole range is already sold out. The good news is, Humanrace is shipping to Ireland, so we will be able to get our hands on it when it’s back in stock. Alright Gwen Stefani, your turn to prove you’re not a vampire next.
Shop Humanrace here.
Photography by Humanrace.
Read more: Shopping Fix: the serum-infused mascara and eyebrow gel for longer, fuller brows and lashes
Read more: The (virtual) IMAGE Business of Beauty Awards 2020: And the winners are…
Read more: Princess Diana’s trending flush blush heralds the end of chiselled cheeks