Last Updated on July 27, 2026 by Eve Dawes
This Emma Lewisham review is honest about where I’m at: this brand is new to me. I’m just starting out with both the Emma Lewisham Vitale Elixir and their Sunceuticals SPF 50 Mineral Face Cream, so consider this my first impressions rather than a long term verdict. That’s coming next. I don’t do Botox, so I’m always testing topical alternatives, and I wanted to properly cover Emma Lewisham skincare as a whole, since the brand’s approach goes well beyond one hero product. I’m also including their Skin Reset Serum in this review, since it’s one of the products that first put the brand on the map. And living in the desert, I’ve become genuinely picky about sunscreen, which is where their SPF 50 Mineral Face Cream comes in, one of the more impressive Australian sunscreen brands I’ve tested, even though Emma Lewisham itself is based in New Zealand. I’ll be updating this review with real before and after results after 4 weeks of use.
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Emma Lewisham Supernatural Vitale Elixir: A Real Alternative to Injections?
This is the reason I wanted to write this review. Emma Lewisham Vitale Elixir is positioned as a topical alternative to anti-wrinkle injections, and in independent in vitro testing, it’s shown to reduce the frequency of muscle contractions that contribute to fine lines and wrinkles within 24 hours, alongside an instant filling effect and support for firmer, smoothed skin structure. It also uses a proprietary Neuropeptide Relaxant Complex and a peptide encapsulated in 24 carat gold particles to help it work more effectively. As someone who doesn’t do Botox, this is the closest thing I’ve found to actually delivering on that kind of promise.
Besides the filling and relaxing effect, it absorbs really easily and doesn’t pill under makeup. It’s one of those skincare products that instantly makes your skin feel silky smooth and hydrated. Before and after photos coming…
Emma Lewisham Skin Reset Serum
Alongside the Vitale Elixir, the Skin Reset Serum is one of the products that built this brand’s reputation in the first place. The Reset Serum is formulated to even skin tone and brighten, using ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, and it’s a good entry point if you want to try Emma Lewisham skin care without committing to the full Vitale Elixir price point first. I haven’t personally tried this as I opted for the Elixir as I thought that would be better for my skin as anti-aging is more of a priority to me than brightening (I’m in my mid forties).
Emma Lewisham SPF 50: One of the Best Australian Sunscreen Brands
This was love at first use! Living in the desert means SPF isn’t optional for me, it’s survival, and this sunscreen impressed me from my first application. It uses 20% zinc oxide for broad spectrum mineral UVA and UVB protection. It’s also dermatologically tested, TGA certified, meaning it’s passed Australia’s notably strict sunscreen testing standards, among the toughest in the world, and was named a winner of the Oprah Daily Sun O-Award.
Beyond sun protection, it also supports collagen production, which as a 46 year old I appreciate, and helps skin hold onto moisture longer term. Plus it contains a biopeptide that mimics the effects of retinoic acid to help reinforce the skin barrier over time.
However, my favorite part is how it makes my skin look! It has a golden beige color which means no white cast, and it left my skin with a beautiful bronzed glow without being shimmery. It also doesn’t pill under makeup, win-win!
How to use Emma Lewisham skincare
The skincare collection is pretty streamlined which I appreciate and it makes finding the right products for you easy rather than a lengthy mission. You can filter by skin type or skin concern, and ff you’re still not sure where to start or which ones are going to work the best for you, The Essentials is a great place to start as it contains 7 travel size versions of their best sellers so you can try them all before committing to the full size versions.
I’m a big believer in using a whole skincare system rather than mixing brands as often they’re designed to work synergistically. Emma Lewisham skincare is a 4 step system, so you’ll want to choose a cleanser, treatment, moisturizer and SPF.
Emma Lewisham Skincare Fundamental Routine
Morning & Evening Ritual:
- Step 1: Massage your face with cleanser and/or exfoliate. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
- Step 2: Massage 1-2 pumps of the treatment serum or oil that addresses your specific skin concerns, whether that’s acne, aging, dark spots, etc (mine’s fine lines and wrinkles) over your face and neck.
- Step 3: Gently apply 1 pump of Skin Reset Eye Crème to your eye area.
- Step 4: Massage 1 pump of moisturizer onto your face, neck and décolletage in the morning and evening.
- Step 5 Morning only: Apply Mineral SPF 50 liberally to face and neck 20 minutes before sun exposure.
Where Is Emma Lewisham Made?
Emma Lewisham is a New Zealand founded and based skincare brand, though their SPF is specifically TGA certified in Australia, which is part of why it stands up so well among Australian sunscreen brands despite the brand’s New Zealand roots.
Is Emma Lewisham Worth It?
So far, so good, though I want to be clear this is still early days. The Vitale Elixir feels genuinely credible as a topical option for anyone avoiding injections, and the SPF 50 has already earned a spot in my desert skincare routine thanks to the strict Australian testing standards it’s held to and the gorgeous finish it gives. I’ll be sharing real before and after results after 4 weeks of consistent use, so check back for the full verdict once I’ve got more to show for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Emma Lewisham is a science led, sustainability focused skincare brand from New Zealand, known for formulations backed by independent testing rather than just natural marketing claims
It’s not a direct replacement for injections, but independent in vitro testing shows it reduces the muscle contractions behind fine lines within 24 hours, along with an instant filling effect, making it a credible topical option for anyone avoiding Botox.
Yes, their SPF 50 is TGA certified, meaning it meets Australia’s strict sunscreen testing standards, while also supporting collagen production and skin barrier health beyond just sun protection.
It’s formulated to even skin tone and brighten using ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, and is one of the products that first built the brand’s reputation.
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