ESK, the Australian cosmeceutical brand formed by Dr. Ginni Mansberg and Daniel Rubinstein, has partnered with actress Selma Blair for the development of a new skincare product. This collaboration has resulted in the launch of Ultimate A Gold, an advanced iteration of the brand’s popular Ultimate A product. Designed to address melasma and pigmentation issues, this new formulation includes retinol, niacinamide, lactic and glycolic acids, alongside 4-n-butylresorcinol. Ultimate A Gold is set to debut on ESK’s website at a retail price of $100.
Blair, who has personally struggled with skin inflammation due to undiagnosed multiple sclerosis, discovered ESK through her aesthetician. She credits the brand’s calming cleanser with significantly reducing her skin inflammation and rosacea. Despite her initial skepticism about the product’s high levels of active ingredients, she found them tolerable and particularly beneficial for her skin’s needs. Blair was particularly drawn to the combination of niacinamide and butylresorcinol, a testament to the careful formulation by Dr. Ginni Mansberg, which avoids potential inflammation.
The development of Ultimate A Gold was an iterative process, as Rubinstein and his team gradually refined the product over the years. Initially, the formulation combined retinol and niacinamide, later incorporating glycolic acid and hydroxyacids to enhance stability and efficacy. This ongoing development reflects ESK’s commitment to producing evidence-based skincare solutions. Since its inception, the brand has collaborated with dermatologists and cosmetic physicians in Australia, aiming to simplify skincare with effective, well-tolerated products.
According to Rubinstein, Ultimate A Gold distinguishes itself by being gentle on the skin while effectively restoring barrier function—a feature not always expected of products containing such potent active ingredients. This aligns with the brand’s mission to address the needs of aging skin and hyperpigmentation, conditions often challenging to treat with tolerable solutions.
While Blair has not disclosed plans for future collaborations, she expressed satisfaction with her current skincare regimen and enthusiasm for discovering new skincare needs as they arise.