As someone who writes (and thinks) about skincare daily, it’s rare that a new product (let alone an entire range) genuinely stops me in my tracks. Even rarer? When I try it and immediately feel like it’s something of a game-changer.
That was until TWYG entered the chat. The New Zealand-born brand has quietly launched with a tight edit of four products—a facial serum, facial oil, overnight repair mask and hydration cream—all powered by one hero ingredient: the native tōtara tree.
Naturally, I was initially drawn in by the packaging, which is bright, sculptural and quite frankly stunning. And, as any beauty editor will admit, a shelfie-worthy skincare lineup is always a win. But beyond aesthetics, it was the brand’s use of bioactive totarol that really piqued my interest—the key ingredient woven throughout the entire range.
If that term doesn’t ring a bell, you’re not alone. But here’s the short version: it’s a potent antioxidant known for helping to neutralise free radicals (read: one of the main culprits behind premature skin ageing).
With relatively normal skin and a few subtle signs of ageing, I was curious to see how the range would slot into my routine. Spoiler: I’m thoroughly impressed.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been using the serum and moisturiser morning and night alongside my usual lineup. While it’s still early days in terms of long-term results, the immediate payoff has been enough to win me over.
The short version is that these formulas have earned a permanent place in my routine, and a relatively high spot on my recommendation list for friends and family. Want the full breakdown? Keep scrolling.
Our Review
Serum
Revive & Brighten Antioxidant Facial Serum
A lightweight, antioxidant-rich serum powered by bioactive totarol and Kakadu plum, designed to slot seamlessly into your everyday routine.
I genuinely loved using this serum. The lightweight texture sinks straight in without any fuss or irritation, making it an easy addition to both my morning and evening routine.
After a few weeks of consistent use, I found my skin still looked fresh and well-rested—even during particularly busy weeks when I had overbooked my social calendar.
What really sold me is the combination of vitamin C and bakuchiol. Typically, I’d separate the two across my AM and PM routines, but having them together made things feel far more streamlined—one step, twice a day, no overthinking required.
It’s also lightly scented, which I personally enjoyed. It actually reminded me of some of my favourite Sulwhasoo formulas, however this scent is subtle enough that it isn’t off-putting.
All in all, it slotted seamlessly into my routine, and quickly became one of those products I reached for without thinking.
What we like
- Lightweight
- Sinks into skin easily
- Combines both vitamin C and bakuchiol
What to consider
- Packaging not convenient for travel
“What really sold me is the combination of vitamin C and bakuchiol. Typically, I’d separate the two across my AM and PM routines, but having them together made things feel far more streamlined”
– Maddy Wilson
Moisturiser
Formulated with bioactive totarol, niacinamide, squalane and hyaluronic acid, this cream covers all bases when it comes to hydration and barrier support.
If you lean towards a richer moisturiser, this one will be right up your alley. It has that thicker, more indulgent texture that feels especially welcome as the weather starts to cool.
Formulated with fatty acids, squalane and hyaluronic acid, it’s the kind of cream that holds its own throughout the day and night. While I’d say it’s best suited to dry or very dry skin, I still found it worked well for my more normal/combination skin type—though if you’re on the oilier side, it may feel a touch too heavy.
I used it both morning and night, and it layered perfectly under my regular sunscreen and makeup during the day (which not all serums and moisturisers do!). That said, I can see myself reserving this more exclusively for evening use once we hit the warmer weather, when I tend to reach for something a little lighter.
Like the serum, the scent is soft and understated, and the formula melts into the skin without sitting on top of it. Overall, it’s a moisturiser I’ll be keeping on rotation as we head into the cooler months.
What we like
- Rich and incredibly hydrating
- Works well with sunscreen and makeup
- Refillable
What to consider
- Not ideal for oily skin types
- Packaging can be bulky
“I used it both morning and night, and it layered perfectly under my regular sunscreen and makeup during the day.”
– Maddy Wilson
At the heart of every TWYG formula is bioactive totarol—a potent antioxidant sustainably sourced from the native tōtara tree. It underpins the entire range, with a focus on supporting and maintaining overall skin health.
The range is designed to suit a wide variety of skin types. For those who can’t tolerate retinol, TWYG uses bakuchiol as an alternative—though it’s always best to check in with your skincare professional before introducing any new actives.
Currently, the Restorative Hydration Cream is the only refillable product in the lineup. Refill pods are available to purchase separately for $110.
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