At times, with skincare, there are more questions than answers and the aptly named new, must-have brand Q+A Skin is here to provide those answers.
If you’ve not yet heard of Q+A, it’s a UK brand developed by Ellipsis Brands which is a family-run company launched in 2012. Q+A hit the market in 2019 on a mission to simplify skincare.
Over the coming weeks and months, we’re going to be shining a light on brands that represent and align with what we stand for at mamabella– brands that offer great products at low prices; brands which champion inclusivity and diversity; clean, sustainable and ethical beauty brands, and brands that are challenging the beauty industry hierarchy.
This week, our focus is on Q+A Skin but you can read all of our Brand Spotlights here.
“When our founder, Freddy, decided to develop a new skincare brand in 2017/2018, he felt that many products available in the market focused on using over complicated formulations, language and marketing to sell their products. As a consumer, this was overwhelming,” Q+A told mamabella.
“We conducted a survey of 1,000 people and discovered most did not even know what their skin type was. From this moment we felt something had to change in how brands marketed and developed their ranges.
“We wanted to be focused and transparent with our customers; a brand that was easy to understand, offered great results, but most importantly focused on naturals. Essentially the idea was to try to harmonise all that we felt was important in a skincare range, at an affordable price.”
The majority of its products are cruelty-free and vegan-friendly – we can’t say they all are because its moisturiser emulsions contain beeswax – and its ingredient partners are ECOCERT and COSMOS certified. of its moisturiser emulsions contain beeswax.
What’s more, Q+A believes in the power of naturals and 98% of its skincare range is natural.
“We work closely with British suppliers of certified raw materials for all of our carrier and essential oils. These are all responsibly sourced and don’t put unnecessary stress on natural habitats and environments. The natural technology (or active ingredients) we source from laboratories who specialise in innovative science with a strong emphasis on find new and unique ways to use natural ingredients.”
If its ethos wasn’t enough to explain why we’re big fans of Q+A, the brand also says no to silicone and its serums use a unique water-based suspension system.
The packaging is simple and clean, which says it all because Q+A wants to make your skincare as clean as possible, and it doesn’t cost the earth. The price range is very similar to Typology, The Ordinary and The Inkey List but Q+A believes it offers something a little different.
“The Inkey List, The Ordinary and Typology are great brands that share our passion for simple skincare led by new and innovative, single-ingredients. However, we think what makes us unique is our passion for natural formulations and our dedication to using powerful natural ingredients whenever possible! We’re also passionate about educating our consumer on the benefits of these natural ingredients.”
Beyond its simple, affordable, natural range, Q+A also has a Skin type quiz which took us less than two minutes to get a personalise skincare routine.
Results for its Niacinamide Daily Toner have been incredible (see the picture below) and the brand regularly gets four and five-star reviews from customers.
Damzel In This Dress All items below can be bought individually but used together will give you the best results.
Below we’ve selected our favourite products in the range, as well as the top three bundles from their collection of six. In addition to being able to buy them direct from Q&A Skin, you can also get the range from Holland & Barrett, Feelunique and Pretty Little Thing
£8 | Buy from Q+A
Why we love it: This brilliant, highly rated Q+A product is designed to calm redness and inflammation while minimising the appearance of pores. As you saw above, the results of using this toner are noticeably visible within weeks. It contains niacinamide, which is vitamin B3, to help regulate sebum, calm breakouts and de-clog pores.
If you suffer from uneven skin tone this should be your daily essential use. It’s suited for all skin types, and it isn’t as drying as you’d expect. It’s also anti-ageing and hydrating because it contains hyaluronic acid. The calming side comes from aloe vera which contains vitamins and minerals.
See our science of moisturiser article or our What is hyaluronic acid guide? for more info.
Buy now from Q+A
£6.50 | Buy from Q+A
Why we love it:This is our best pick for anti-ageing and keeping skin plump, hydrated and soft.
Hyaluronic acid is a staple for all skin types and this serum will leave your skin plump and hydrated along with its anti-ageing properties, which makes it a firm favourite for mature skin.
This Q+A serum also contains biosaccharide gum to reduce the appearance of fine lines, and betaine, which is found in sugar beet and is a sustainable ingredient that is great for the environment and even better for your skin.
It helps to balance moisture levels and prevents products from feeling sticky, which some hyaluronic acid products have a habit of doing.
Buy now from Q+A
£12 | Buy from Q+A
Why we love it: Collagen decreases 1% every year, on average, from around the age of 25, and it’s this loss of collagen that can cause sagging skin and wrinkles.
This little beauty from Q+A is great for suppleness and putting some of this elasticity back into your skin. Collagen can be found in seaweed, which is a natural alternative to collagen protein.
This one of the main ingredients in this moisturiser along with magnesium PCA, which is an anti-fatigue ingredient, and shea butter to nourish your skin with its high concentration of natural fatty acids.
Buy now from Q+A
Q&A Skin also offers skincare bundles in case you don’t know which individual product works best, or if you want a collection of products to tackle a certain skincare concern. These are our top three bundles (there are six in total), plus you save 10% with each bundle compared to buying the items separately.
£21.60 | Buy from Q+A
Why we love it: The Q+A’s Daily Essentials Bundle gives you three simple steps to your best skin yet. This bundle includes:
Ginger Root Moisturiser
This daily moisturising formula is packed with natural actives including ginger root and organic aloe vera. It has a non-sticky formula, making it the perfect everyday moisturiser that will leave your skin feeling nourished and ready for the day ahead.
Peppermint Daily Cleanser
Q+A Peppermint Daily Cleanser provides a gentle cleanse that won’t upset the natural oil balance of your skin.
Niacinamide Daily Toner
The niacinamide found in Q+A’s Daily Toner is an essential vitamin that our body can’t produce. It helps to calm redness and inflammation whilst minimising the appearance of pores.
Buy now from Q+A
£24.75 | Buy from Q+A
Why we love it: Banish fine lines and dark circles with Q+A’s Rapid Rejuvenator Bundle, packed full of anti-ageing technology. This bundle includes:
Peptide Facial Serum
Q+A Peptide Facial Serum contains anti-age technologies to help combat signs of ageing, all in a unique water-based serum that is absorbed quickly.
Caffeine Eye Serum
The active ingredients in Q+A Caffeine Eye Serum work together to help reduce the appearance of ageing around the eyes, by toning the delicate skin and brightening dark circles. Perfect for mature skin.
5-HTP Face and Neck Cream
The 5-HTP found in Q+A’s Face and Neck Cream comes from Griffonia seeds, designed to improve skin suppleness and elasticity whilst supporting the production of collagen. This leaves your skin feeling fresh and revitalised.
Buy now from Q+A
£22.00 | Buy from Q+A
Q+A Why we love it: If you have sensitive skin we recommend Q+A’s Natural Necessities Bundle, featuring three 100% natural products. This bundle includes:
Superfood Facial Oil
Rich in vitamins A, C, E & F, and full of antioxidants and essential fatty acids, Q+A Super Food Facial Oil enhances your complexion.
Liquorice Lip Oil
A lip oil that does more than just moisturise. Q+A Liquorice Lip Oil has natural plumping properties to make lips appear fuller and boost hydration levels. It’s 100% natural, too.
Squalane Facial Oil
Our 100% natural Squalane Facial Oil is derived from olive oil, designed to intensely moisturise your skin and improve its suppleness. It will leave your skin feeling velvety soft to touch.
