From city pollution to stressed skin barriers, modern life places relentless demands on our complexion. Forest Spa Finland takes a refreshingly pared-back, Nordic approach, and after testing the brand’s core products, the results speak for themselves.
There is something quietly reassuring about skincare that does not try to do everything at once. In a market crowded with 12-step routines and increasingly aggressive actives, Forest Spa Finland offers an alternative philosophy rooted in simplicity, balance, and resilience. Inspired by Nordic nature and designed to support the skin rather than overwhelm it, the brand’s range feels particularly relevant for those living in busy, polluted cities, where skin is constantly negotiating stress, dehydration, and environmental exposure.
After incorporating several of Forest Spa Finland’s hero products into my routine, what stood out most was not instant drama or overnight transformation, but something arguably more valuable: skin that felt calmer, more stable, and better equipped to handle daily life. Below is a breakdown of the products I tested and how they performed as part of a cohesive routine.
The cleansers
Cleansing is often treated as a one-size-fits-all step, but Forest Spa Finland’s decision to offer two distinct cleansers is both practical and intelligent. Skin has different needs depending on the time of day, environment, and what it has been exposed to, and this approach reflects that reality.
Nordic Dream Rejuvenating Cleanser
Evening cleansing needs to work harder. Makeup residue, SPF, skincare layers and environmental debris all sit on the skin by the end of the day, particularly if you live in a city like London. Daily exposure to pollution requires a cleanser that feels substantial without being stripping.
The Nordic Dream Rejuvenating Cleanser has a creamier, richer texture, making it especially well-suited to evening use. It feels comforting on the skin, lifting away the day without leaving that tight, over-cleansed sensation. For anyone who wears makeup or multiple layers of SPF, this cleanser works effectively as a single, thorough cleanse without the need for excessive scrubbing.
Nordic Light Revitalising Cleanser
In contrast, the Nordic Light Revitalising Cleanser feels more appropriate for mornings or second cleanses. Lighter in texture, it refreshes the skin without overwhelming it – ideal for waking the complexion up or gently cleansing when the skin is already relatively clean.
Used together, the two cleansers create a balanced system: one to reset the skin at night, and one to refresh and prepare it during the day. It is a thoughtful pairing that reflects how real people actually live.
Nordic Adaptogen Serum
For many skincare enthusiasts, the serum is the most important step- and rightly so. This is where active support, protection and optimisation should happen, and the Nordic Adaptogen Serum delivers on that expectation without feeling heavy-handed.
What makes this serum stand out is its supportive rather than aggressive approach. Instead of forcing rapid change, it works to help the skin function better over time. The formula feels nourishing yet lightweight, absorbing well into the skin without leaving residue.
That said, this is not a rush-job product. Allowing a short pause between serum and moisturiser noticeably improves how well it settles, particularly if your skin tends to dehydrate or flush easily. Once absorbed, the skin feels smoother, more resilient, and better primed for the next step.
As part of a consistent routine, the serum functions as a true treatment layer.
Nordic Light Protective Moisturiser SPF20
Finding a moisturiser that balances comfort, protection, and daily wearability can be surprisingly difficult – particularly if you experience dryness, redness, or occasional flaking. The Nordic Light Protective Moisturiser SPF20 manages to tick all three boxes.
The texture is immediately appealing: rich and creamy, but not occlusive. On application, it softens the skin instantly, smoothing over dry patches and reducing visible redness without feeling greasy or heavy. For skin that reacts to dehydration, this moisturiser offers genuine relief.
The inclusion of SPF20 makes it particularly useful as a daytime staple, removing the need for a separate sunscreen step on lower-exposure days. Worn under makeup or alone, it sits well on the skin and maintains hydration throughout the day.
This is a moisturiser that feels genuinely supportive; not corrective, not reactive, just consistently reliable.
The verdict
Forest Spa Finland’s strength lies in its restraint. These products do not promise instant miracles or dramatic resurfacing. Instead, they focus on long-term skin health, barrier support, and calm consistency- qualities that are increasingly rare in modern skincare.
For those living in urban environments, dealing with pollution, stress, and fluctuating skin conditions, this range offers a grounded, intelligent routine that adapts to real life. Used together, the cleansers, serum, and moisturiser form a cohesive system that supports the skin at every stage of the day.
