Editor's Pick: A Nighttime Serum with Quinoa Extract

It’s never too long before our favorite superfoods—think: matcha, turmeric, and acai—make their way into our skin care products. That’s why it was only a matter of time before quinoa—the buzzy, protein-packed seed—followed suit and joined the squad of “it” ingredients in the beauty industry. If you’ve never used it in your skin care routine, now’s as good a time as any to start. Quinoa husk contains saponins and polyphenols, and L’Oréal researchers have proven exfoliating properties of the quinoa husk extract. So when Kiehl’s sent over a sample of their nightly leave-on serum with sustainably-sourced quinoa husk extract, well let’s just say, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to use it on my skin. And boy am I glad I didn’t.

From the brand’s Dermatologist Solutions range, the Nightly Refining Micro-Peel Concentrate is my skin’s new best friend. The serum works to accelerate the nighttime cell turnover process and refine the feel of rough texture to reveal radiant, refreshed, and younger-looking skin. It’s formulated with quinoa husk extract that’s sourced without chemical alteration and with minimal environmental impact in Bolivia to help release dull surface skin. Each bottle—dermatologist tested for safety and efficacy and suitable for sensitive skin—contains a concentrated extract of 2,000 quinoa husks. After consistent use, my skin looked and felt smoother and my skin tone looked more even. The scent, unlike some other peels, is not overbearing and the formula is lightweight.

To use, place the glass dropper from inside the package into the bottle. Cleanse your skin thoroughly and apply treatment every night before your moisturizer, avoiding the immediate eye area. Follow up with your nightly moisturizer. Word of caution: The formula contains an alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA) that may increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. It’s recommended to use sunscreen and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterwards to avoid the possibility of sunburn.

Kiehl’s Nightly Refining Micro-Peel Concentrate, $54