Almost a decade ago, David and Justin Letschert set out on a lofty journey to create the world’s most hydrating skin-care product.
We’re not talking about the cult-classic Bio-Oil that launched in 1987—the Letschert brothers are co-owners of the brand and head up its research department—it needed to beat that.
But how do you top the do-everything oil that’s become a household name, a celebrity favorite and drugstore mainstay? According to the Letscherts, it’s obvious: Rethink the way we’re approaching dry skin.
“At the moment, dry skin is being treated with creams and lotions and butters—those are all 70 to 80 percent water,” says Justin. But there’s one main problem with that formula: “Water cannot moisturize your skin, because skin is built to repel water.”
What will help moisturize, according to the scientists? Oil, naturally.
“But not just oil, a gel-oil,” adds David, who explains a gel oil does a much better job at locking in moisture than oil on its own. After nine years of “oil-based research” and a commitment to quality, they had done it—the Dry Skin Gel ($20) was born.
In true Bio-Oil fashion, the Gel is made up of 87 percent oil (the highest concentration possible, the team explains) and only 3 percent water, along with the same humectants and emollients found in the cult-classic Oil. (It also boasts the same familiar, comforting scent.)
As you can imagine with such an oil-dense product, the Gel is formulated for “dry and very dry skin,” David explains. “It’s a very intense moisturizer,” he reminds us, adding that only those with intensely dry skin would really benefit from a daily application. However, commonly dry areas like the elbows, knees and hands are fair game, as is any area that needs a heavy dose of moisture.
The Dry Skin Gel is available in three sizes—1.7 ounces goes for $7; 3.4 ounces retails for $12; and the 6.7 jar is $20—on Amazon and Walmart and will launch at Target and Ulta in September.
