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Stark Skincare

EQUINOX Calm + Smooth Deep Hydration Serum

EQUINOX Calm + Smooth Deep Hydration Serum

Soothing Hyaluronic Acid alternative serum for dewy, plump skin.

Regular price $56.00
Regular price Sale price $56.00
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free shipping: orders over $125. $10 flat rate for orders under $125.

  • Made in Canada

Key Functions: Hydrating, Soothing, Repairing, and Plumping.

Best for: All skin types, Aging, Combination, Dry, Mature, Normal, Oily, Problem, Sensitive, Transitional Seasons, Cold / Dry Weather, and Hot / Humid Weather

Some Key Ingredients: Panthenol, Sea Kelp Bioferment, and Green tea extract

30 ml

Product Description

Our hydration serum for all skin types. Soothes, smooths and calms skin while delivering deep hydration. 

  • Delivers deep hydration with a skin-friendly pH of 5
  • Contains dual Helichrysum extracts for powerful soothing benefits
  • Provides immediate and sustained moisture with multiple humectants
  • Versatile enough for use around eyes and lips

Equinox, (formerly known as Everlasting,) is a botanical gel serum formulated to deliver comprehensive hydration while addressing multiple skin concerns. This lightweight, fast-absorbing formula is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive complexions.

Helichrysum-rich formula for skin resilience

The serum features Helichrysum as a central botanical element, incorporating both Helichrysum italicum flower water and Helichrysum stoechas extract to maximize soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits. This dual Helichrysum approach works alongside Alpine-sourced Edelweiss extract, which helps reinforce barrier function while providing protection against environmental factors.

Deep Hydration Strategy

Equinox employs a multi-layered hydration strategy combining botanical waters from chamomile and rose with effective humectants including Sodium PCA, glycerin, and trehalose. This approach ensures immediate moisture delivery and sustained hydration. The addition of panthenol (vitamin B5) and allantoin enhances the formula's soothing capabilities while supporting cellular renewal. Green tea leaf extract and spirulina provide antioxidant benefits and support skin resilience.

The serum's blue gel texture melts effortlessly into the skin, providing an immediate cooling sensation that feels refreshing for irritated skin. Equinox delivers immediately noticeable results, addressing fine lines, reducing redness, and creating a smooth, hydrated canvas for subsequent products or makeup. The versatile formula can be used around the delicate eye and lip areas, simplifying multi-step routines.

Ingredients INCI

Ingredients INCI:

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Helichrysum Italicum Flower Water, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower Water, Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Water, Sodium PCA, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Helichrysum Stoechas Extract, Propanediol, Lactobacillus/Nereocystis Luetkeana Ferment Filtrate, Hydrocotyl (Centella Asiatica) Extract, Glycerin, Leontopodium Apinum (Edelweiss) Extract, Hydrolyzed Oats, Panthenol (B5), Allantoin,  Spirulina Platensis Extract, Trehalose, Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum, Sodium Levulinate, Sodium Anisate

Shipping:

  • Ships from Ottawa, Canada on Monday and/or Wednesday and/or Friday.
  • Shipping fees: $10 flat-rate shipping in North America.
  • Free Shipping: In Canada & USA for orders over $125.
  • Ships completely tariff-free to the USA (no surprise fees!)
  • International: No surface shipping. Please choose a tracked method if available. Customs & Duties depend on your country.
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Using this Serum

Experience it

EQUINOX is a distinctive blue gel texture that feels instantly cooling and refreshing as it glides over the skin, delivering an immediate surge of hydration that absorbs within seconds. The natural scent profile is a harmonious blend of fresh grassy notes with delicate floral undertones. Upon absorption, the skin feels noticeably plumper with a dewy finish that looks naturally radiant, creating the perfect canvas for makeup or an ideal hydration layer under facial oils.

How to Use it

Apply EQUINOX to freshly cleansed, slightly damp skin both morning and evening, dispensing one to two pumps onto fingertips and pressing gently into the face, neck, and décolletage. For morning use, layer EQUINOX beneath your moisturizer and sunscreen to create a protective hydration barrier, or mix a pump with your foundation for added dewiness. In your evening routine, EQUINOX serves as the perfect companion to active treatments—apply before retinol products to buffer potential irritation, or use after acid exfoliants to calm and rehydrate skin; for an intensive overnight treatment, apply EQUINOX followed by facial oil to create a moisture-locking sleep mask.

Why You Need it

Our gel serum works at multiple skin levels to actually improve barrier function while providing immediate relief to stressed complexions. The versatile formula serves as both a preventative and corrective treatment—defending against environmental aggressors while simultaneously repairing existing damage—making it essential for any skincare regimen regardless of skin concern.

Boreal Plants for skin strength 🖤 Clinically Proven Actives 🖤 Cruelty- Free 🖤 small batch freshness 🖤 Vegan formulas 🖤 no synthetic fragrance 🖤 No synthetic colours 🖤 in-house formulas 🖤 Boreal Plants for skin strength 🖤 Clinically Proven Actives 🖤 Cruelty- Free 🖤 small batch freshness 🖤 Vegan formulas 🖤 no synthetic fragrance 🖤 No synthetic colours 🖤 in-house formulas 🖤

Key Ingredients in EQUINOX Calm + Smooth Deep Hydration Serum

Edelweiss (Leontopodium Alpinum) Extract

This alpine plant survives extreme UV, wind, and cold by producing powerful protective compounds, and your skin benefits from the same chemistry. Rich in leontopodic acids with antioxidant activity that rivals vitamin C. A quiet powerhouse.

Sodium PCA

Your skin naturally produces sodium PCA as part of its moisture-retention system. Supplementing it topically draws water into the outer layers of skin and holds it there, keeping things plump and comfortable all day.

Panthenol (vitamin B5)

Panthenol penetrates into skin and converts to pantothenic acid, which your cells use to produce energy and repair themselves. Attracts and holds moisture, reduces redness, and strengthens the skin barrier. One of those ingredients that quietly makes everything better.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a hydrating serum do?

A hydrating serum delivers concentrated moisture to the deeper layers of skin using humectants — ingredients that draw water in and hold it there. Unlike a moisturizer, which sits on the surface, a serum absorbs quickly and works at a cellular level. Equinox uses Sodium PCA, glycerin, trehalose, and panthenol (B5) to deliver immediate plumpness and sustained hydration throughout the day.

How do you use a hydrating serum?

Apply to freshly cleansed, slightly damp skin before heavier products like facial oils or moisturizers. Press — don't rub — into face, neck, and décolletage. Equinox works morning and evening. In the morning, follow with a daytime serum and SPF. At night, layer a facial oil, cream or serum on top to seal in the hydration. It can also be applied around the eyes and lips.

How often should you apply a hydrating serum?

Twice daily — morning and evening — is ideal for most skin types. Hydrating serums work best when applied consistently to damp skin so the humectants have water to draw from. Equinox is gentle enough for twice-daily use on even sensitive or reactive skin, and its formula actually improves barrier function with repeated use rather than creating dependency.

What's the difference between a hydrating serum and hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is one humectant; a hydrating serum is a complete formula. Equinox skips HA entirely and uses Sodium PCA, glycerin, panthenol, and hydrolyzed oats (and three more humectants!) instead — ingredients that hydrate without the tightness or sensitivity some people experience from hyaluronic acid. It's a particularly good option for those whose skin doesn't respond well to HA-based serums.

What comes first — serum or moisturizer?

Serum always goes before moisturizer. The rule of thumb is thinnest to thickest — water-based serums absorb first, then oils or creams seal everything in. Apply Equinox to damp skin right after cleansing, then layer your facial oil or moisturizer on top. In the morning, sunscreen goes on last.

As Seen In

  • 5 stars: 118 (98%)
  • 4 stars: 3 (2%)
  • 3 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 1 star: 0 (0%)
A
Amy
A lovely blue treat

I ordered a trial/sample size so I could make sure my dry, somewhat acne prone skin would accept this serum. I can say that my dryness did improve, however the sample of Solstice balm I also ordered, recommended to pair with it was a bit too much for me (if I were in an Alberta or Ontario winter I think I could have handled it better! I’m back in BC so I may have over done it with the amount of Solstice balm I used) That being said, I do like the serum very much! (and I just need to dial back the amount of Solstice, and maybe spot treat, no harsh words for Solstice here!)
The scent is natural and not overpowering and does not linger. It sinks in quite nicely when my face was slightly damp (as recommended) and I have to say a blue serum is just fun. I would recommend Equinox to anyone with sensitive dry skin. I find it difficult to find products for dry acne prone skin, it’s mostly for oily acne prone so I’m glad I tried Equinox. This serum’s light almost watery texture doesn’t dry me out like a hyaluronic acid type one does. Thank you Jess for making yet another scrumptious treat for my skin!

S
Stefanie

This definitely hydrates my skin. It feels absolutely so soft and amazing. It sinks right in and leaves this soft luxurious feel. I will be a customer for life as this does not react with my skin! I'm so happy I finally found a product that works!!

A
Amanda T.
Love it

I have been using Equinox for the past two weeks. I've been using it at night only (with City) as my skin is on the oily side and I don't need the extra hydration during the summer months. I can see myself using it during the Alberta winters though, both for the day and the night. Equinox + City seem to be the perfect amount of moisture for my face. I don't know if it's these two products specifically, or just the whole combination of Stark goodies I just started using, but my skin hasn't looked this good in many years. My skin tone looks more even, I've had zero blemishes, and I have a lovely glow.

L
Lindsay B.
A refreshing treat for the skin

I love everything about this product! The colour, the smell, the texture... and of course the feeling on my skin. It's super hydrating and refreshing.

A
Athena F.
Equinox is a repeat purchase item for me

Equinox is a repeat purchase item for me. I love the hydration it provides and its elegant and soothing texture. I even use it on my lips! It slots easily into every routine no matter what other products I'm using. One of my musts!

P
Paula M.
First time buying it since it became a serum

First time buying it since it became a serum (used to be a spray). I do love a spray but I'm enjoying this hydrating texture.

A
Anonymous
Equinox not only smells soothing, it feels

Equinox not only smells soothing, it feels soothing. It keeps my mature, sensitive skin calm and hydrated.

d
danielle s.
Within a few days we both saw a difference, the

Within a few days we both saw a difference, the dryness had diminished significantly.

t
t p.
Amazing product

Amazing product. Cools and hydrates on contact. Perfect all alone with sunscreen in summer or under the aurora balm for extra hydration in winter.

J
Joanne
Blue Magic In A Bottle!

Fun blue stuff in a bottle that feels cooling and absorbs well, no stickiness at all. I really like the fact that I can use it around my eyes and on my lips. It's wonderful!!

J
Josephine
Unusual and lovely!

This stuff is really interesting, and I'm genuinely glad I bought it. Its stand-out property, for me, is that I can use it on days when my face needs something but is also saying "No, go away, don't touch me, I want to be naked!" It is wonderfully inoffensive and nongreasy. The one star off is simply because I don't find it as hydrating as the description seems to imply, or as others have experienced. From the "gel" description, I expected something with very slightly more body. This could be just a how-my-individual-face-acts thing, and the aforementioned inoffensive nongreasiness makes a fine trade-off. Note for my fellow COVID-aware folks: This is the thing you can put on when you need some skincare but still need an adhesive mask/Readimask to stick to your face.

S
Samantha
Very soothing

I have super reactive and sensitive skin and this was 100% safe for me. Very soothing and comforting for daily use! When I experiment with different products and end with a reaction this always saves me. Obsessed!

A
April W.
CALMING & Absorbs FAST!

I love how a little of this serum calms my redness. It also absorbs quickly and is a perfect fist step for morning and night. I have contact dermatitis, rosacea, and ingrown chin hairs on a regular basis and this serum helps my skin calm down.

J
Jessi
Saving my face

My sensitive dehydrated skin and skin barrier hate hylauronic acid, finding something soothing and truly hydrating in the modern market always seemed nearly impossible. But this serum has become my saviour. It’s light, refreshing and instantly (and long term) soothing. Exactly what I’ve dreamed of

B
Barb H.
Amazing Product

Equinox has quickly become one of my favourite products from Stark. It is soothing and hydrating and I never want to be without it now! Combined with Midnight, it is saving my skin this winter. Highly recommend!

M
Marcela Z.
I loved it!

I loved it! The smell is insanely good and my skin feels amazing

K
Kayla T.
Love! New committed customer :)

I recently placed my first Stark order, including the lovely Equinox. After a couple weeks of use it's safe to say I'll be reordering again and again. Equinox does what it says it will: calms and smooths my cold-air irritated skin, and it offers a beautiful scent/visual experience to boot; it's been the perfect companion as Toronto moves into winter weather. I use it morning and night directly after my moisturizing oil, and it instantly locks that moisture in and makes my skin feel bouncy and smooth! From my teen acne days, I have muscle memory to "not touch my face," but this serum makes me want to sneak feels all day!

C
Chey
I love this formula so much

I love this formula so much. It's ultra calming, healing and smells so great. The perfect hydrating and soothing serum. I've been using it to do facials for clients and they also love the hydration effect as well as the scent.

A
Amy B.
48 looking like 38!

I've been using Stark for years now and I get compliments on my skin all the time. I'll be 48 soon and people are always shocked when I tell them my age and it's because I take care of myself and invest in amazing products like this.

E
Emi C.
Beautiful Texture, Beautiful Results

I originally planned to repurchase the MIDNIGHT Resiliency Boost Oil Serum, which I absolutely loved, but the new EQUINOX Calm + Smooth Hydration Serum popped up on my Facebook feed and immediately caught my eye. The only thing I wished from the Midnight serum was for it to be slightly less oily, although it never bothered me and it worked wonderfully on my dry skin. EQUINOX sounded like the perfect balance of hydration and lightweight texture, and I also could not resist the beautiful blue color in the photos. I was especially excited to see Helichrysum in the formula.

Since there was an early Black Friday sale, I ordered two. I trust Jess’s products and felt confident I would not regret it. I have been using EQUINOX for several days now and I truly love it. It is still beautifully moisturizing with just the right amount of oil, and my skin feels amazing right after I apply it.

I also ordered the Aurora balm and the Astral eye serum, and within just a few days my skin improved so much. This morning, my foundation went on so smoothly with no creasing and no dry patches. I was honestly so happy to see how well my skin held the makeup.

I had been wandering from product to product ever since my first Stark Skincare order a few years ago, but I found myself returning again. Now I think I am finally ready to end my skincare wandering for good.

S
Sherry K.
Calming and balancing

My skin tends to be oily and dry in different areas. Equinox balances both areas and calms my skin. I ran out and tried other serums, but my skin was unhappy. So happy that I received Equinox in my mailbox this morning! I used it right away!

L
Laura S.
Hydrates mature sensitive skin

Equinox is a hydrating treat for my mature sensitive skin. I love all my Stark products. This is my favorite because it feels and smells so refreshing .

K
Kaley K.
This is a must for

This is a must for me in the winter. It keeps my skin moisturized and protected from the elements.

W
Winnie S.
My skin sighed

I haven’t tried the Equinox since Jess reformulated the Everlasting, and I was a fool not to. Picked this up to try in the last sale and when I put it on after cleansing, my skin drank it up immediately and I swear I could hear a sigh of relief. I have combo skin, and this plus a moisturizer is what I use every night. It feels nourishing and just eliminated the tight feeling on my skin that a moisturizer alone wasn’t able to fix. Kinda mad at myself for not buying two!

L
Laura S.
Absolute favorite

This is my absolute favorite Stark product.The scent is soothing and lifts my mood first thing in the morning. I have mature, sensitive acne prone skin. Equinox keeps it hydrated and smooth..no breakouts. I highly recommend Equinox.

L
Lindsay B.
Add this to your daily self-care routine. You won't regret it!

I love everything about this gel! The colour, the subtle scent, the feel on my skin. It's an absolute dream for my evening skincare routine. :)

L
Lauren K.
Equinox/Everlasting just keeps getting better!

I have been such a stick in the mud and slow to try every new iteration of everlasting/equinox and every time I kick myself because the new version is so good and I was missing out! Equinox does not disapoint! the texture has a bit more of a smoother glide but the scent is still the familiar calming scent I've grown fond of. This serum feels perfect for all seasons and I could not be happier!

S
Sarah M.
Great product

I love this, though mine is not a gel, it’s definitely a liquid. Super calming and cooling

L
Lydia B.
OMG! This and City :ok_hand::skin-tone-3:

So I’ve always heard Jess talk about combining Equinox and City but I never remembered to pick it up when placing my orders. Well, I remembered this time and OMG! These are made for each other! I love everything about this product; color, scent, texture, ingredients, cooling effect, how it pairs with other products … I can’t believe I went so long without this!

Boreal-Plant Powered.

Handmade in Canada in small, fresh batches.

Resilient, Glowing Skin for Every Season.

Potent Formulas for All Skin Types.

Boreal-Plant Powered.

Handmade in Canada in small, fresh batches.

Resilient, Glowing Skin for Every Season.

Potent Formulas for All Skin Types.

Creating Resilient Skin Since 2011