If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and thought, “Hmm… my skin feels a little less like a trampoline and a little more like a marshmallow,” you’re not alone. Somewhere between our mid-20s and early 30s, collagen – the protein responsible for plump, bouncy, glowy skin – quietly starts to pack its bags. From there, it’s a slow but steady decline that shows up as fine lines, dullness, and that “why do I look tired even after eight hours of sleep?” effect.
But here’s the good news: collagen-boosting skincare has come a very long way. And one New Zealand brand is pushing that evolution forward in a way that deserves a moment in your beauty routine.
Enter essano’s newly refreshed Collagen Boost range – a complete system powered by biomimetic vegan collagen, peptides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. It’s not just a glow-up in packaging; the entire collection has been reformulated, clinically tested, and elevated with two cutting-edge new innovations. The result? A seriously effective, professional-grade skincare lineup with a surprisingly accessible price tag.
After putting the entire system to the test, here’s how each product performed – and which ones truly earned a permanent spot on my shelf.
The Clean Slate: Gentle Oil Cleanser
Let’s start with the surprise favourite. This oil cleanser is silky, not greasy, and dissolves makeup and SPF like a dream. It rinses clean without that tight, “I’ve just washed my face with dish soap” feeling. My skin felt cushioned and calm – exactly what you want from step one.
Verdict: A quiet overachiever. Perfect for dry or sensitive skin, and genuinely lovely to use.
The Workhorse: Firming Serum
If you’re going to invest in one Collagen Boost product, make it this. Light, fast-absorbing, and packed with peptides and biomimetic collagen, it’s the engine room of the range. After a week, my skin looked fresher; after two, noticeably firmer around the cheek area.
Verdict: The hero of the collection. Does the heavy lifting without feeling heavy.
The Everyday Essential: Plumping Daily Moisturiser
One word: glide. This moisturiser goes on like a soft, cooling cloud. Hyaluronic acid plumps instantly, while niacinamide quietly works in the background to improve tone and texture. It also plays beautifully under makeup – no pilling, no fuss.
Verdict: A universally appealing day cream. Hydrating, breathable, and makeup-friendly.
The Under-Eye Pick-Me-Up: Firming Eye Cream
A gentle but effective formula for fine lines, early-morning puffiness, and that “I shouldn’t have stayed up scrolling until midnight” shadowiness. It absorbs quickly and gives that subtle tightening effect without tingling.
Verdict: A solid everyday eye cream that makes you look like you got more sleep than you actually did.
The Nighttime Repair Crew: Restorative Night Cream
This is where the hydration dial gets turned up. Rich without being suffocating, it delivers that moisture-replenishing, skin-smoothing finish you want before bed. I woke up with skin that felt dewy rather than oily – a big tick.
Verdict: A winter (and air-con season) essential. Nourishing, repairing, and wonderfully luxe-feeling.
The Game-Changer: Retinol Facial Oil (New)
Retinol can be… intimidating. But this oil makes it feel gentle, approachable and almost pampering. The nourishing oil base cushions the retinol so you get results without the redness or sting. Over time, it softens fine lines and boosts clarity.
Verdict: Ideal for retinol beginners or anyone with reactive skin. One of the standout additions.
The Instant Gratification Hit: Blurring Wrinkle Filler (New)
This is your “I need to look alive in the next five minutes” product. It softens the look of expression lines on contact – smile lines, crows’ feet, forehead creases – and creates a smoother canvas for makeup.
Verdict: A clever, quick-fix product with long-term benefits. Great for events, photos, or no-makeup days.
Final Thoughts: Does It Live Up to the Hype?
In short: yes.
The new essano Collagen Boost range feels like the sweet spot between science-backed skincare and everyday accessibility. The upgraded formulas are elegant, effective and genuinely enjoyable to use. My skin felt plumper, more elastic and more hydrated overall – exactly what collagen-focused skincare should deliver.
If you’re after a firming, hydrating routine that won’t break the bank, this is one of the most impressive collagen systems available in New Zealand right now.
Essano is available at Chemist Warehouse, Woolworths supermarkets and online
A Note on Essano’s Philosophy
Essano, born in Australasia, has built its reputation on clean, honest formulas powered by ingredients that actually do something. Every product is independently tested, backed by real data, and formulated with clinically active, correctly dosed ingredients – never filler, never fluff.
Transparency also sits at the heart of the brand. Essano openly shares what goes into their products, why it’s there, and where it comes from. And because they own their own factory, they maintain full control from concept to finished product – a rarity in the beauty industry, and a reassuring one.
Essano is science-backed skincare made with integrity, which makes the new Collagen Boost range all the more impressive.