Woods_Copenhagen was created by Martin Lyne and Jannick Lindberg, founders of one of the world’s most influential modelling agencies, Le Management— responsible for the careers of international top models and icons. In addition to the Scandi minimalist design, every product is formulated with a “less is more” approach befitting off-duty models and mere mortals alike.

Pure ingredients harvested from Nordic nature aim to keep the skin in its natural element, even as we carry out hectic lives in the city. A splash or dollop of Woods_Copenhagen will transport you to deep blue fjords, snow-covered mountains and lush, berry-strewn Nordic forests.

According to the founders, “the most powerful ingredients originate from raw nature itself.”

The simplicity of their product range actually makes a 5-step skincare routine seem like a possibility. Yes, I said it.

“Scandinavian design is distinguished by simplicity and minimalism. Clothes are comfortable and effortlessly chic; skin is clean and fresh. Our approach to beauty is holistic and we strive to find balance in all important aspects of health including diet, exercise and effective skincare. For us, less is definitely more – and a natural glow is more stunning than anything else. That’s why we are uncompromising when it comes to a product’s quality and performance: ingredients should be pure, natural and organic and, ultimately, they should work.”

Launched just last month, the fantastic product range is now available exclusively online (links to each product are included in my review). Scroll on for my review of their Intense Peel Mask, Vitamin Lifting Serum, Lip Repair, Vitamin Face Oil, Daily Mineral Gel, Daily Foaming Cleanser, Intense Hyaluronic Mask, Deep Cleansing Scrub and Nourishing Body Oil.

MY REVIEW

Intense Peel Mask

Woods says: A tightening and peeling facial gel-mask formulated with lactic, glycolic and salicylic acids to exfoliate and trigger the production of new cells.

Main ingredients: The collagen-boosting formula contains willow tree extract to calm and nourish. Meanwhile lactic, glycolic and salicylic acids effectively exfoliate, dissolve dead skin cells and promote cell regeneration.

Scent: Like a Nordic pine forest in the best possible way.

Application: Apply a thin layer to clean skin and leave 2–4 minutes. Rinse with warm water and use once a week.

My review: This Intense Peel Mask is just incredible— consider it the rescue remedy of the skincare world. After applying a thin layer to cleansed skin, there’s a slight prickly sensation which lasts a minute or so. I’m initially thinking should I rub this thing off, but decide to follow through. The product itself dries completely transparent— think Christian Bale a la American Psycho— and is very easy to remove with a flannel after the 4 minutes are up. The skin is left unbelievably soft, supple and rejuvenated. It’s my new hero product and definitely worth investing in. Shop here

Vitamin Lifting Serum

Woods says: A serum with a high concentration of vitamins and anti-aging properties for a dewier, more youthful skin. Skin is left soft and supple, cooled and energised.

Main ingredients: Hexapeptides peptides – chains of amino acids able to penetrate the top layer of the skin – for moisturising and increasing collagen production. And Aloe Vera for its soothing anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Scent: Very subtle natural scent.

Application: Apply every morning and massage into clean skin.

My review: After my first application of the Vitamin Lifting Serum, I instantly know it’s going to be one of my favourites in the range. Firstly, it’s extremely light and absorbs rapidly into the skin— we’re talking mere seconds. Secondly, the addition of Aloe Vera is genius for ensuring your skin remains soothed and supple. Often serums— such as The Ordinary ones— can leave the skin feeling taut with a slightly tacky texture. But after applying Wood’s Vitamin Lifting Serum, your skin still feels like your skin… only its better, more radiant self. It provides an instant pep up that lasts long after you’ve applied the product. Shop here

Lip Repair

Woods says: This intensive lip cream with fresh mint is quickly absorbed to leave lips soft and hydrated.

Main ingredients: Hyaluronic acid which helps hydrate and improve skin texture, leaving it radiant and smooth. And avocado oil which is rich in fatty acids, omega-3 and vitamins to help regenerate and rebuild the skin.

Scent: Fresh, cooling mint.

Application: Apply a thin layer during the day as needed. It can also be used as an overnight treatment.

My review: Aside from the chic packaging and tingly-minty-fresh flavour, the best feature of this lip cream is the matte finish— which gives that natural, “I just woke up like this” look. So, if you’re after a lip repair that leaves no tell-tale signs or greasy residue, this is the ideal lip product. It’s also a great lip primer— giving you a quick boost of hydration before applying matte lipstick (which can be notoriously drying for the smackers). Shop here

Vitamin Face Oil

Woods says: A lightweight oil that soothes and nourishes the skin. The unique molecular formula ensures it’s quickly absorbed into the skin’s layers for long-lasting hydration. It delivers nutrient-rich omega oils and vitamins to visibly lift and tighten the skin while increasing natural elasticity.

Main ingredients: Argan Oil which is rich in omega fatty acids and vitamin E that moisturise the skin. And Cloudberry Seed Oil— a potent Nordic berry packed with antioxidants.

Scent: Fresh notes of natural lemon, iris and rose and enriched with Arctic spring water sourced from northern Greenland.

Application: Apply to clean skin morning and evening.

My review: Oil based skincare can take a leap of faith. Trust me, I can relate. It feels counterintuitive to put additional oil on already oily or spot prone skin. However, this is one of the biggest misconceptions when it comes to natural skincare— when skin turns greasy it’s likely down to the fact that the skin is intrinsically dry and kicking into overdrive to remedy this. So, in most cases, using a balancing facial oil will help keep this in check.

Wood’s vitamin face oil is a great introduction to oil skincare products— the formula is extremely light and glides over the skin with ease, making it the perfect, hassle-free addition to your morning and nighttime skincare routine. Pair it with a spritz of their Niacinamid lifting mist to increase its speed of absorption. After 5 minutes my skin feels seriously soft, hydrated and “glowy”. The fresh scent is so sensational you’ll want to lick it. Shop here

Daily Mineral Gel

Woods says: A water-based, non-greasy gel moisturiser formulated to deliver instant, intense hydration. The addition of hyaluronic acid works as a magnet for moisture, helping to retain water balance and a healthy appearance. It also diminishes fine lines and wrinkles to leave skin plumped and smooth.

Main ingredients: Hyaluronic acid (as above). Blueberry Seed Oil which is a potent antioxidant. And also Sea Buckthorn— rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins and omegas 3, 6, 9 and 7— they help to repair sun damage and boost collagen production.

Scent: Fresh notes of natural lemon, iris and rose and enriched with Arctic spring water sourced from northern Greenland.

Application: Apply every morning and massage into clean skin.

My review: Don’t you just love a gel moisturiser? They give your skin the perfect amount of hydration without making it feel overly smothered or greasy. Suitable for all skin types, Wood’s Daily Mineral Gel is everything you look for in a gel moisturiser. The milky-coloured gel has an instant cooling effect on the skin and absorbs rapidly to leave your face plumped and hydrated. In this respect, it makes an ideal primer before applying your make-up while also protecting the skin from damage caused by environmental factors.

Again the scent is spectacular— it reminds me of the fresh, earthy smell of Cowshed products. Wood’s also offer a great traditional moisturiser (Daily Hydra Cream), but between the two… I think the gel pips it for me. You can’t go far wrong. Shop here

Daily Foaming Cleanser

Woods says: A mild, daily foaming cleanser formulated to cleanse the skin without stripping it of the natural oils that prevent it from feeling tight, dry and irritated. For all skin types, but particularly good for dry and sensitive skin.

Main ingredients: Natural cleansing actives. Cucumber water which is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C to replenish the skin— it also has a calming effect, helping to soothe irritation and reduce redness. And Aloe Vera packed with nutrients that help clean and clear the skin with its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Scent: A subtle whiff of cucumber and aloe vera.

Application: Apply every morning and evening to damp skin and massage gently. Rinse well.

My review: There’s some stiff competition in the cleanser department right now— especially when it comes to run-of-the-mill drugstore options. A splash of micellar water or squirt of La Roche-Posay Cleansing Cream will do me nicely. So I find myself wondering is it really worth shelling out the extra money? I’m still torn… This is an excellent cleanser for sensitive skin and does exactly what it claims—cleans the skin without stripping it of all its god-given moisture. Likewise, the addition of aloe vera leaves the skin feeling super soft, which you don’t get with a simple micellar water. It’s worth factoring into the cost that a little goes a long way. Shop here

Intense Hyaluronic Mask

Woods says: An intensive moisturising facial mask replenishes the layers of the skin for a smoother, more radiant appearance. It boosts the skin with long-lasting and intense hydration.

Main ingredients: Sea buckthorn oil, hyaluronic acid and glycerine.

Scent: Fresh notes of natural lemon, iris and rose and enriched with Arctic spring water sourced from northern Greenland.

Application: Apply a thin layer to clean skin— allow to dry for 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Use 2–3 times per week.

My review: This intense hyaluronic mask is the antidote to dehydrated, weatherworn skin. After a mere ten minutes, the skin feels so hydrated and deeply nourished. This is babyface skin in a tube.

It gives a slight cooling, tingly sensation upon application which is great if you’re after a pamper session. I recommend using a small dollop to start with and topping up as required— it’s hard to judge how thick the layer is because of its transparent colour. It glides on incredibly easily, and takes only a few swipes with a wet flannel to remove so there’s no abrasive scrubbing required. Shop here

Deep Cleansing Scrub

Woods says: A detoxifying and exfoliating scrub with glycolic acid and natural volcanic rhyolite to deep cleanse the skin. It actively removes impurities and unclogs pores without stripping the skin of its natural oils.

Main ingredients: Rhyolite volcanic stone which is a natural, non-polluting alternative to microbeads— it lifts away dead skin cells and removes impurities. Glycolic acid to reduce the appearance of fine lines, enlarged pores and hyperpigmentation. And blueberry seed oil to stimulate the production of collagen that helps to keep skin young.

Application: Massage gently onto clean, damp skin.

My review: Anyone who can remember the St. Ives Apricot Scrub will exercise extreme caution when it comes to exfoliators. But rest assured this deep cleansing scrub is a far cry from that dreaded, gritty paste which, at best, left you feeling like you’d just had concrete rubbed on your visage. I’m instantly won over by Wood’s gentle scrub. Even if you have sensitive skin, this will be a winner due to the fact that it contains tiny micrograins of volcanic rock which really only tickle rather than abrasively scratch. It leaves my skin feeling refreshed, smooth, insanely clean and, most importantly, with no irritation. Shop here

Nourishing Body Oil

Woods says: An all-natural, intensive hydrator. It’s instantly absorbed to leave skin silky-smooth and glowing.

Main ingredients: Blueberry seed oil to plump the skin. Wheat germ oil with vitamin E to soften and moisturise the skin. Cloudberry seed oil packed with antioxidants that help protect skin against the damaging effects of free radicals.

Scent: No scent

Application: Apply to damp skin morning and evening.

My review: This is an instant fix for scaly elbows, parched pins or other dry skin areas in the cold winter months. Your skin is guaranteed to drink this up. Due to the lack of fragrance, this Nourishing Body Oil will be great for daily use and won’t overpower your perfume. If you’re after a high-shine body oil, this probably isn’t for you as once the product has soaked in, it leaves almost no trace— which is ideal if you hate greasy residue. Shop here

If you want to give some of the products a try… my personal recommendation would be to firstly get your hands on the Intense Peel Mask, Vitamin Lifting Serum, Deep Cleansing Scrub and Daily Mineral Gel.