Meet Our New Balancing Gel Hydrator: Cloudburst

The Story of Cloudburst

I believe in skincare that is multi-functional, adaptable, and that can’t be siloed into one specific category or step in a skincare routine because fundamentally we all have unique skin that is ever-evolving with ever-changing needs. That’s why I was inspired by K-beauty’s concept of the skincare “essence”. I love the everyday functionality of essences and knew how much an essence that worked with Earth Harbor’s product line and met all of our standards would bless skin, so that’s when I decided to start developing my own spin on one while also adapting it to all skin types and combining it with elements of an ultra-balancing skin prepper. With all of the mask-wearing and craziness of life that we are all experiencing these days, having Cloudburst Balancing Gel Hydrator as an all-in-one solution to prevent dehydration in a featherlight way and to prevent microbiome imbalance in a non-irritating way is a game-changer for skin.

With Oceans of Love,

Ali

 

Meet Cloudburst Balancing Gel Hydrator

She’s a burst of love that kickstarts hydration, preps your skin’s microbiome for the day ahead, and improves the absorption of products that come next! Cloudburst Balancing Gel Hydrator drenches skin in long-lasting moisture and clarifying botanicals as she quenches your skin’s thirst with an outpouring of glow-enhancing Marine Probiotics, plumping botanical Hyaluronic Acid Alternative, and a balancing Wildcrafted Herbal Complex. Your skin will be singing in the rain with this instantly absorbing gel-to-liquid essence that’s ultra-light on skin and leaves a natural finish! 

Created for all skin types as a daily essence, and is especially friendly for stressed skin. 

How to Use

Cloudburst can be used as a daily essence for all skin types, morning and night. Apply her after cleansing and prior to other treatments and moisturizers to improve their absorption.

• Suggested Skincare Ritual
• Cleanse
• Tone
• Essence
• Treatment
• Moisturizer
• SPF

For Oily to Blemish-Prone to Combo Skin: If you prefer, you may use Cloudburst as a matte moisturizer. Dispense 1-2 pumps and pat onto skin until absorbed. Follow with a richer Earth Harbor cream as needed.

Like the majority of Earth Harbor’s skincare gems, Cloudburst can be customized! Here’s how we suggest customizing her for your specific skin’s needs and goals: Mix with a few drops of any Earth Harbor treatment(s), especially ampoules, for targeted benefits. This will also make her more emollient and occlusive if you prefer!

All Ingredients Explained

Water (Aqua):

Water serves as the liquid base of this essence to act as a solvent and improve the formula’s texture and spreadability for delivering moisture.

Hamamelis virginiana Water:

One of the bases of our wildcrafted herbal complex, our witch hazel water is an alcohol-free distillation of witch hazel extract infused into non-ionized water that’s formulated to work for even extremely sensitive and/or dry skin. Skin benefits include relieving inflammation, tightening pores, and may also help reduce acne.

Cassia Angustifolia Seed Extract (Botanical Hyaluronic Acid):

Botanical Hyaluronic Acid is a plant-based alternative to hyaluronic acid that draws moisture in to add hydration to skin, softens skin, and improves overall skin complexion. 

Vegetable Glycerin:

A plant-derived, soy-free humectant that draws in moisture and keeps it in the skin.

Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) Leaf Juice:

One of the bases of our wildcrafted herbal complex, aloe vera leaf juice is a rich source of antioxidants, hydration, and vitamins that can help protect your skin and reduce redness.

Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) Seed Oil:

A non-comedogenic oil that is used in this formula to add an occlusive, emollient, and humectant element for locking in moisture and to help regulate sebum production.

Sea Kelp (Nereocystis leutkneana Lactobacillus) Ferment Filtrate:

Marine Probiotics, derived by the fermentation of Sea Kelp using lactobacillus, help manage stressed and sensitive skin. They maintain skin’s microbiome with their gentle phytic and lactic acids, while also moisturizing skin and providing high concentrations of vitamins and minerals. 

Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) Extract, Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) Extract, Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum) Extract, Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) Extract, Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) Leaf Extract, Basil (Ocimum basilicum) Flower Extract, Aloe (Aloe barbadensis) Flower Extract:

Wildcrafted extracts that contribute to the formula’s herbal complex which rebalances and clarifies skin through naturally occurring PHAs (polyhydroxy acids), gallic acid, salicin, and holistic nutrients — all of which also offer anti-aging benefits.

Goji Berry Extract (Lycium barbarum): 

Goji Berry Extract is rich in antioxidants that help skin retain moisture, give a youthful complexion, and fight harmful free radicals.

Neem Leaf (Melia azadirachta) Extract + Neem Flower (Melia azadirachta) Extract:

One of the botanicals that, when mixed with others, gives the formula a blue color. Neem Extract also is known for its anti-aging properties and may help protect the skin from effects of UV rays, pollution and other environmental factors.

Red Seaweed (Corallina officinalis) Extract:

Red Seaweed Extract is a renewing moisturizer that delivers collagen-promoting elements like copper, zinc, and magnesium as well as free radical-neutralizing carotenoids to skin. It is also one of the botanicals that, when mixed with others, gives the formula a blue color.

Ivy Gourd (Coccinia indica) Fruit Extract:

A tropical vine with antioxidant and astringent properties that, when mixed with other key botanicals, contributes to the formula’s blue color.

Eggplant (Solanum melongena) Fruit Extract:

One of the botanicals that, when mixed with others, contributes to the formula’s blue color. Eggplant Extract also helps tone skin.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Root Extract:

Turmeric has natural antiseptic and antibacterial properties that fight breakouts and even decrease UV damage. It removes redness and irritation while giving skin a healthy glow.

Hydroxyethyl Ethylcellulose:

A plant-based emulsifier that is derived from cellulose, the main constituent of plant cell walls and plant fibers.

Seaweed Carrageenan:

An extract from a red seaweed commonly known as Irish Moss, it is used in our formula as a thickener and gelling agent.

Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) Extract:

A plant-based preservative used to keep fungus and other nasties away from our formula while also providing anti-inflammatory properties that soothe skin.

Potassium Sorbate:

An alternative to parabens, potassium sorbate is a naturally-occuring preservative found in fruits that is used to extend shelf-life by preventing the growth of bacteria, fungi, and molds. 

Ethylhexylglycerin:

We use this coconut-derived preservative as a clean alternative to parabens to help keep harmful microbes away.

Cloudburst FAQs

What is an ‘essence’ and why is it important?

A facial essence works as a special primer for your skin that helps your treatments and moisturizers be more effective while also including a lot of extra benefits for your skin. Essences have similar benefits to a toner and serum, and with a lower molecular weight, they work to penetrate the skin much deeper than your typical moisturizer or even other treatments. Essences combine important elements of a skincare ritual into one step because they hydrate and re-balance the skin while also using highly concentrated active ingredients, enabling a deeper penetration into your skin barrier. This extra hydration and prepping of your skin’s microbiome allows your skin to absorb all the goodness of the products you use next.

If you feel like you’ve tried every skincare product out there, but are still not accomplishing your skin goals (whether it be helping clear acne all the way to helping with extreme dryness), then Cloudburst is the very likely solution to pathing the way to your skin goals. We can’t wait for you to experience the power of a purely botanically-based, sea-active essence!

Can this replace a moisturizer? Can this replace a toner? Can this replace a serum?

Although essences can be essentially considered a moisturizer + toner + serum all-in-one, we generally wouldn’t recommend replacing all of these with Cloudburst because you’ll probably find that each of these still have a special, useful place in your skincare ritual! You’ll want to experiment with what your skin needs at the moment (or what time allows) to determine if you want to replace any of these other steps with Cloudburst, but what you’ll probably find is that you’ll want to keep them around and enhance them with Cloudburst instead!

The metaphor: Cloudburst is like an open floorplan in a house that makes everything feel connected and opened for use, but you still need the specific functionalities that the kitchen, dining room, and living room offer.

What are some recommended skincare cocktails using Cloudburst?

Not only are the following cocktails perfect for combining skincare steps, but they also help your unique skin have a customized cocktail using Cloudburst to fit your exact skin’s needs, goals, and lifestyle:

Cloudburst Balancing Gel Hydrator + Tidal Rose Crystal Hydration Mist

= for a pH balancing, calming, and toning dream

How to: Add a pump or two of Cloudburst with a few spritzes of Tidal Rose Crystal Hydration Mist then mix together and apply by patting into your skin. 

Cloudburst Balancing Gel Hydrator + any Earth Harbor Ampoule 

= a hyper-targeted approach to delivering concentrated actives while adding a more moisturizing element to your cocktail. This may just be our favorite combo! (We especially love Marina Biome Brightening Ampoule or Nebula Adaptogen Clarity Ampoule with Cloudburst.) 

How to: Add a pump or two of Cloudburst with 2-5 drops of your Earth Harbor ampoule then mix together and apply by massaging upwardly into your skin until absorbed.

Cloudburst Balancing Gel Hydrator + any Earth Harbor Serum 

= a microbiome-pleasing delivery system for all of your water-based actives in one place that also gives Cloudburst a more emollient feeling while adding a jelly-like feel to your serums! (We especially love Celestine Hydra-Plumping Peptide Serum or Samphire Sea-Retinol Digital Serum with Cloudburst)

How to: Add a pump or two of Cloudburst with 2-6 drops of your Earth Harbor serum then mix together and apply to your skin in upward patting motions until absorbed.

 

Is this product good for maskne?

If we had to choose one skincare gem to both prevent and help with maskne it’s definitely Cloudburst Balancing Gel Hydrator! Maskne is caused by so many factors for different people from contact dermatitis to bacterial buildup to skin irritation and more— and Cloudburst's multi-functional formula addresses all of the typical maskne-causing reasons through helping skin by hydrating, balancing, clarifying, skin barrier protection, and improving skin’s microbiome.

BONUS!

Want to know our triumvirate of maskne heroes!? 1) Cloudburst Hydrator for featherlight yet intense hydration that simultaneously balances skin’s microbiome. 2) Followed by Nebula Ampoule as a hyper-concentrated adaptogenic clarifying treatment. 3) Finishing with Mermaid Milk Moisturizer for lightweight, long-lasting moisturization with the added benefit of providing a layer of protection between your delicate skin and your mask.

Can I use Tidal Rose Crystal Hydration Mist if I use Cloudburst Balancing Gel Hydrator ? If so, how should I?

Yes, Tidal Rose Crystal Hydration Mist is a toner and Cloudburst Balancing Gel Hydrator is an essence. Both offer different yet synergistic skin benefits. (See the first two questions in this FAQ section for more info on both of those topics.) When layering your skincare, we suggest using Tidal Rose Mist first followed by Cloudburst Hydrator. You may also choose to spray a few spritzes of Tidal Rose Mist into a pump or two of Cloudburst Hydrator if you want to make a toning essence cocktail!

How is Cloudburst Balancing Gel Hydrator different than Celestine Hydra-Plumping Peptide Serum?

Cloudburst Balancing Gel Hydrator is an essence and Celestine Hydra-Plumping Peptide Serum is a serum. Both offer different yet synergistic skin benefits and both have different actives in their formulas that function in different ways (did we use different enough in that sentence!?).

Cloudburst focuses on balancing and prepping skin while adding hydration to skin, while Celestine Serum focuses on adding long-lasting, moisture-retaining + youth-preserving botanical actives to skin that then need to be layered with a moisturizer to lock them in. (And yes, we recommend using Celestine Serum and Cloudburst in your ritual for the ultimate hydrating + balancing duo with a barely-there feeling.)

When layering your skincare, we suggest using Cloudburst followed by Celestine Serum You may also choose to add a few drops of Celestine Serum into a pump or two of Cloudburst Hydrator if you want to make a 2-in-1 skincare cocktail! 

 

Should I use Cloudburst Balancing Gel Hydrator as a moisturizer or Mermaid Milk Nutrient Glow Moisturizer?

Cloudburst Balancing Gel Hydrator is a hydrating essence and Mermaid Milk Nutrient Glow Moisturizer is a moisturizing cream. Both offer different yet synergistic skin benefits. (See the first two questions in this FAQ section for more info on both of those topics.) Cloudburst is an ultra-lightweight gel that has hydrating properties with a barely-there feeling. Mermaid Milk Moisturizer is a lightweight cream moisturizer that offers moisture that is locked in with her breathable occlusive properties. Both balance and hydrate skin without causing congested skin, but Cloudburst's hydrating formula takes balancing and prepping skin’s microbiome to a new level by also helping to clarify skin, while Mermaid Milk Moisturizer focuses on moisturizing skin in a way that maintains balance and locks in precious moisture. If you are someone that shies away from most moisturizers because they feel too heavy for your skin type, then Cloudburst is a safe bet for you and may offer a great alternative for a typical moisturizer.

Mermaid Milk Moisturizer is designed as a daily moisturizer for all skin types that even oily and combination skin love. Cloudburst is designed to be a daily essence for all skin types that stressed and sensitive skin especially love. All skin types can benefit from layering Cloudburst underneath Mermaid Milk Moisturizer depending on the skin’s present moisture needs.

This product has Witch Hazel in it. Is this ok for my sensitive skin?

Yes! In fact, we use her with much affection because of the source of our witch hazel as well as our formula that holistically supports witch hazel’s positive functions. The witch hazel we use is non-gmo distilled witch hazel water that contains no alcohol and is friendly to even the most sensitive skin types. We wouldn’t include her any other way! Furthermore, Cloudburst’s entire formula works in a way that only brings out witch hazel’s desirable skin benefits and negates any potentially undesirable ones such as dryness and irritation (all you have to do is check out Cloudburst's functions and other ingredients to see that!). There’s a big difference between formulas that rely on witch hazel for their main functionality rather than a complimentary one, too. And although it looks like witch hazel is towards the top of Cloudburst's ingredient’s list, you’ll want to note that it is actually just a tiny amount of witch hazel extract that is mixed in with water, so the amount of witch hazel actually makes up significantly less of the formula than the majority of Cloudburst's other ingredients but because we abide strictly to FDA standards, we list witch hazel at the top of the ingredient deck since the water she is distilled into makes up a larger percentage that the other ingredients listed. And this same witch hazel-infused water is what the rest of our beautiful wildcrafted herbal complex is also infused into! We worked long and hard on this formula and only included proven actives in a way that works effectively for all skin types. Enjoy!