Last Updated on April 4, 2026 by omgbart
Think skin-resurfacing acid blend and a cleanser that wakes up your face.
There are two Elemis formulas that most people with any interest in skincare already know. The Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, which built the brand's reputation and remains one of the most consistently recommended moisturizers in the prestige space. And the cleansing balm, which delivers a thorough cleanse alongside a genuinely calming herbal aromatherapy experience. Both are benchmarks in their respective categories. The Pro-Collagen Tri-Acid Peel and the Energising Marine Cleanser sit alongside them as more recent additions to the collection, and both are worth knowing about.
About Elemis
Elemis can feel like a lot to navigate at first. The range is extensive and the overlap between collections is not always obvious. The advantage of a brand with spa roots is that the products are designed to work together within defined protocols, which makes the Pro-Collagen collection a logical starting point. It covers the full spectrum of aging concerns: loss of firmness, uneven tone, rough texture, and dullness. If you are new to the brand, this is where to begin.
Pro-Collagen Energising Marine Cleanser
This is a foaming gel cleanser in a pump bottle, and it works best as the second step in a double cleanse or as a straightforward morning wash. It does not have the herbal aroma of the cleansing balm. The scent is closer to the Pro-Collagen Marine moisturizer, which has that distinctive spa character the brand is known for.
What’s in it?
It is more of a treatment wash than a basic makeup remover. It handles a tinted moisturizer well but I would not rely on it for waterproof makeup. The formula contains magnesium, zinc, and copper alongside Mediterranean algae, so I take my time with it rather than rushing through a 30-second cleanse. Lactic and sulfonic acids provide gentle daily exfoliation. Ferulic acid contributes antioxidant protection. At $62 a bottle it is a considered purchase, but the formula delivers a noticeably luxurious cleansing experience that justifies it.
Pro-Collagen Tri-Acid Peel
This is the most advanced exfoliating treatment in the Pro-Collagen range. Unlike the Dynamic Resurfacing Peel Pads, which can be used twice daily, or the Peptide Overnight Radiance Peel designed for nightly use, the Tri-Acid Peel is a rinse-off treatment intended for twice-weekly use at most. That frequency is worth respecting.
How Does It Work?
The formula is a liquigel built around an 8% concentration of three acids. Mandelic acid has a larger molecular structure than glycolic, which means it penetrates more slowly and delivers effective resurfacing with less irritation. Lactobionic acid is a polyhydroxy acid known to address fine lines, discoloration, and enlarged pores without the harshness of traditional AHAs. Asiatic acid, derived from the cica plant, brings antimicrobial and anti-glycation benefits alongside the exfoliation. Chlorella extract rounds out the formula with antioxidant protection and anti-inflammatory support.
The combination is genuinely well considered. On first use you may notice slight tingling and a brief flush after rinsing, both of which resolve quickly and are not cause for concern. My combination skin has never reacted to it. Three pumps per application has worked consistently well for me. It works in both AM and PM routines, though if you use it in the morning, do not skip your broad-spectrum SPF.
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