First Impressions: EQQUALBERRY Is the Colourful K-Beauty Brand That’s Just Landed at Boots.
As someone who is always keen to discover the latest beauty launches, I have to admit that some products grab my attention before I’ve even opened the box. That’s exactly what happened with EQQUALBERRY, the Korean skincare brand that has just arrived exclusively at Boots.
Let’s be honest – skincare doesn’t have to look clinical to be effective. Sometimes it’s refreshing to see products that make you smile before you’ve even tried them, and EQQUALBERRY certainly does that. The vibrant colours, playful packaging and quirky product names immediately stood out, with names like Swimming Pool Toner and Hyaltoin Flooding Serum making me curious to find out what was inside.
But beneath the fun branding lies a skincare philosophy that’s very much focused on results.
A Different Take on K-Beauty
Launched in South Korea in 2023, EQQUALBERRY takes its name from three words: Equal, Quest and Berry. The brand celebrates individuality, believing skincare should enhance your natural beauty rather than encourage everyone to look the same.
That message feels particularly refreshing at a time when skincare can often seem complicated and overwhelming.
Instead, EQQUALBERRY aims to keep routines simple, gentle and suitable for all skin types, particularly sensitive skin.
Barrier Care Continues to Be the Focus
One skincare trend that shows no sign of disappearing is looking after the skin barrier, and it’s something EQQUALBERRY has built into every product.
Rather than relying on harsh active ingredients, the range combines fruit extracts, plant-based ingredients and barrier-supporting ceramides to help keep skin hydrated, balanced and healthy.
For anyone whose skin reacts easily or who prefers a gentler approach to skincare, that’s likely to be one of the biggest attractions of the range.
The Products I’m Most Looking Forward to Trying
There are several products that have already developed a loyal following overseas, particularly on TikTok, and I’m looking forward to seeing how they perform.
This is probably the product that first caught my eye. Despite the fun name, it’s designed as a daily exfoliating toner that gently removes dead skin cells while delivering plenty of hydration at the same time.
Using natural enzymes instead of stronger exfoliating acids, together with eight types of hyaluronic acid and a five-berry complex, it promises smoother, brighter skin without irritation.
Bakuchiol Plumping Capsule Cream
Bakuchiol has become increasingly popular as a plant-based alternative to retinol, making it appealing for anyone who finds traditional retinol too strong.
The cream contains 99% pure bakuchiol capsules alongside barrier-supporting ingredients to help improve skin elasticity, refine pores and boost hydration.
This lightweight serum combines peptides, vegan collagen, ceramides and antioxidant-rich pomegranate extract to help support firmness while strengthening the skin barrier.
It sounds like a good option for anyone wanting hydration alongside anti-ageing benefits without feeling heavy on the skin.
Hyaltoin Flooding Serum
Hydration is the key focus here, using hyaluronic acid, ectoin, glacier water and five ceramides to deliver long-lasting moisture while helping protect skin against environmental stress.
If, like me, your skin sometimes feels dehydrated despite regular moisturising, this could be one to watch.
Vitamin Illuminating Cream
Designed to brighten dull skin and improve uneven skin tone, this moisturiser also focuses on strengthening the skin barrier while leaving the complexion looking naturally radiant.
Containing 60% aloe vera leaf water, this toner is aimed at soothing redness and calming irritated skin, making it an interesting option for anyone whose skin needs a little extra TLC.
Why It Appeals to Me
What I like most about EQQUALBERRY, even before trying it, is that it doesn’t appear to overcomplicate skincare.
The formulas focus on hydration, barrier support and gentle ingredients rather than promising overnight miracles. The packaging is modern, colourful and fun without feeling gimmicky, and I suspect it will appeal to anyone who enjoys skincare as part of their daily self-care routine.
It’s also encouraging to see another Korean beauty brand becoming more accessible on the UK high street. Until recently, many K-Beauty products were only available through specialist online retailers, so finding EQQUALBERRY at Boots makes the range much easier to explore.
First Thoughts
My first impression is that EQQUALBERRY offers a nice balance between playful design and science-led skincare. The colourful bottles certainly brighten up the bathroom shelf, but it’s the focus on gentle, barrier-supporting ingredients that makes the range particularly interesting.
I’ll be putting the products to the test over the coming weeks, so watch this space for a full review once I’ve had the chance to see how they perform in everyday use.
EQQUALBERRY is available now, exclusively at Boots.
Poppy Watt