I Tried the Sofie Pavitt Face Omega Rich Moisturiz…

When you have acne-prone skin, you’re basically playing a constant game of risk assessment. Will this trendy new foundation break me out? What about this cookie? Or my date night sushi? Or every celeb’s favorite sunscreen? Usually, you just accept there are certain things you’ll never be able to use—or use knowing you may get a pimple—and it feels like you’re always sacrificing something in the name of clear skin.

For me, that means usually feeling like a dry, crusty husk, albeit one without pimples. Even before my second round of Accutane I was on the drier side of combo, but the medication has left me firmly in the dry camp, especially in the current frigid weather. However, most rich creams still clog my pores, so I’ve been sticking to gel-based moisturizers and accepting my less-than-dewy fate.

Until now, that is. If there’s anyone that could make the La Mer of acne products, it would be Sofie Pavitt, celebrity esthetician and NYC’s go-to “acne whisperer.” On February 19, Sofie Pavitt Face drops the Omega Rich Moisturizer, and it’s answering all my prayers. Ahead, all the details, plus my honest review.

The Inspiration

Each and every product in Pavitt’s line—which focuses on simple solutions for problematic skin—is inspired by her work with her clients at her Chinatown studio. “I always struggled to recommend a rich, hydrating cream to my clients that wouldn’t break them out, so we decided to formulate our own,” she tells Byrdie. “Each product is born in the studio, and we like to formulate products that we can’t already find in the market. The Omega Rich Moisturizer is deeply hydrating with a rich glossy finish—but its non-comedogenic and it won’t break you out.”

Pavitt also wants to spread the message that acne-prone people need a product like this just as much as other skin types. “It’s a huge misconception that 1, acne prone people are always super oily (in fact it’s usually the opposite, [they’re] dry and sensitive) and 2, that you don’t need to moisturize acne prone skin. You absolutely have to. It can help protect and nourish your barrier while your acne treatments are getting to work in other products.”

The Formula

Pavitt set out to create a rich, luxurious cream with an glossy sheen and zero breakout-causing ingredients. “The cream had to be non-comedogenic, which is easy enough to avoid the pore cloggers, but the texture was non-negotiable,” she explains. “It had to feel like a high end, luxe rich cream that all my clients love to use but would always be sad when it would cause pimples and break outs. That’s what was tricky, and we reformulated a number of times to get the texture perfect.”

As the name suggests, the star of the show here are the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which help deeply hydrate, smooth texture, and balance oil production, all without clogging the pores. The formula also includes argan oil to sooth inflammation, jojoba oil for hydration, squalene to smooth texture, and sunflower oil for even more moisture. Omega Rich Moisturizer is non-comedogenic, derm tested, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and vegan.

As for the texture, it’s safe to say Pavitt met her goal—the whipped formula provides tons of glow. “The finish is AMAZING,” she says of the final product. “I love that glossy, dewy, hydrated look and its perfect under makeup, as well as the ultimate night cream. It’s a hug for your skin. I know it’s going to be a hit because everyone that tested it has texted me to ask for more!”

My Review

I am not exaggerating when I say this is hands-down the best moisturizer I’ve ever tried—it was love at first swipe. The texture is like a whipped pudding that feels lush and comforting, but not heavy. It sinks right in, instantly moisturizing and soothing, and leaves the prettiest glossy finish behind. It’s glowy but never greasy, and my skin stays dewy and bouncy all day. Sofie is right, it really is like a hug for your skin. It’s a perfect night cream, but it’s also a great base for makeup, and gets me tons of compliments on my skin. Most importantly, I have been using it for a few weeks now and it has not caused a single pimple or clog (what you see on my chin is lingering period acne that happens no matter what). Now I don’t have to sacrifice anything—glossy, pimple-free skin, here I come.