31-07-2025
Boots' Modern Chemistry Will Leave Your Skin Glowing
It is no secret that Boots has established itself as the beauty authority on our high street. Having steadily expanded its remit in the last few years, the retailer has gone from being our last minute go-to for pharmacy essentials to the destination for everything from high-street beauty heroes to luxury buys and K-beauty bestsellers. Boots now stocks a whopping over 600 healthcare, 300 wellness and 500 beauty brands (including Sol De Janeiro, Huda Beauty and Beauty of Joseon). And while we love to wax lyrical about the myriad of impressive labels under its roof, there is much to be said for Boots' home grown products, too.
Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, testing Modern Chemistry
Take Boots' first complete range of own-brand beauty products, No7. Despite launching in 1935, it's managed to keep abreast of the modern consumer. Look to its newest collection of skincare Good Intent, for proof. The launch follows the release of the Boots DermaCare Ceramides range earlier this year, which makes a serious case for affordable, accessible skincare.
This summer, Boots has cracked things up a notch by introducing not one but two new wellness brands into the fold, Habi and Modern Chemistry, which go big on quality and efficacy. And the latter in particular is an ode to Boots' science-first, pharmaceutical roots. Cooked up by a team of in-house expert pharmacists, doctors, nutritionists, biochemists and cosmetic chemists, the range of nine supplements (which landed in May 2025) and freshly launched skincare products rely on high potency and high bioavailability formulas, meaning they can be absorbed and used by the body quickly.
Joe Thorley-Mitchell, director of Boots brand, says, 'Modern Chemistry represents a new era of wellness at Boots as we continue to evolve our trusted brand 176 years after our founder, John Boot, opened a herbalist shop in Nottingham to sell medicinal herbal remedies.
'Our unrivalled heritage as a chemist means that Boots is uniquely placed to combine the art of analytical chemistry with the science of sensory formulation. Some of our very best minds have worked meticulously to create simple yet effective products that deliver the best results at surprisingly affordable prices. This is a high-performance range that we're seriously proud of and couldn't be more excited for customers to be discovering wellness in this way with us.'
Having religiously taken the Modern Chemistry Magnesium Citrate Tablets every day for the past month, I can confirm that while the supplements are cheap, their results would lead you to believe otherwise. I take two tablets at the start of the day and by the time I reach the office I feel energised, balanced, and ready to power through, which is in stark contrast to the lull I usually feel every morning. As for the skincare? It is ingredient-focused, efficacious, and primed to leave you looking restored, nourished and gleaming through summer.
Rachael Martin, beauty director, testing Modern Chemistry 1.
Modern Chemistry Magnesium Citrate Tablets 60s
Magnesium Citrate is loved in the wellness world for its numerous benefits. Boots explains, 'It supports energy production and reduces tiredness and fatigue throughout the day, as well as supporting normal function of the nervous system. It also helps balance electrolytes, the minerals in your body that control water levels, helping to support hydration. '
Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'If the saying "not a morning person" could be personified, it would be me. As much as I'd love to be an early bird who seizes the day, I am in fact quite the opposite. Most mornings start with ample alarm snoozes before I finally rise and try to fight off a groggy mood which sure enough starts to lift by midday. I started supplementing with Modern Chemistry's Magnesium Citrate Tablets to remedy just that and a month on since first taking two tablets every morning I can safely say that mood has lifted. Nowadays, by the time I reach the office I feel energised, balanced, and ready to power through, which is in stark contrast to the lull I usually feel at the start of the day. Not bad for £10 a pop.' 2.
Modern Chemistry Ashwagandha KSM-66 Capsules 30s
An staple ancient Ayurvedic ingredient, ashwagandha has become a hero adaptogens thanks to the way it helps us to respond to stress while creating a sense of balance. Fully loaded with vitamin B1, pantothenic acid and iodine, Modern Chemistry's supplements promise to aid mental performance, energy levels, and supports the nervous system.
Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'I am not the best with stress. Rather than experiencing big episodes, I feel pockets of micro-stress from day to day, whether it's a looming deadline or figuring out what's for dinner after a tiresome day. I'm well aware these aren't aspects of life to get stressed about, but learning how to manage it all is my Roman empire. Thankfully, I've made a small (but mighty) step with these supplements which have certainly brought more clarity to my thoughts, now the things that once piqued my stress levels are approached with far less mental fuss. Placebo effect? I think not.' 3.
Boots Modern Chemistry Glow 10% Vitamin C Serum With Ferulic Acid
This daily skincare essential promises to be 'a lightweight feeling serum which contains antioxidants, boosting the appearance of skin's luminosity. Dark spots and pigmentation appear improved and skin looks firmer.'
Rachael Martin, beauty director, says: 'I've used the cult classic version of this for years now. And while I love it, it's undeniably expensive- so I'm pleased to have found a more affordable alternative that offers the same powerhouse blend of efficacious ingredients. It's the antioxidant complex that works to minimise dark spots and deliver firmer, more even skin. Initial impressions? The texture is noticeably different. It's more of a gel than a liquid. There's a faint scent too that I'm compelled to mention - it's not unpleasant, just slightly unusual- but it dissipates quickly. The bottle is generously sized, and the pipette is satisfyingly easy to use. Having met with the chemists behind the range ahead of launch, I'm confident this will be a game-changer for anyone seeking radiant, glowing skin without the £100+ price tag. The team have worked with some of the best skincare brands in the business - so it's safe to say they know their stuff. The clinical trials are impressive too, with 87% of testers reporting visibly brighter skin. Watch this space for my full review.' 4.
Boots Modern Chemistry Restore Essence Toner
If you ever thought essences and toners were an added frill in your skincare routine, this one will prove you wrong. Loaded with 4% niacinamide and 5% ginseng water, it 'leaves your skin feeling smooth and intensely nourished. The skin barrier feels restored and calmer after use leaving a glowing finish.'
Rachael Martin, beauty director, says: 'As someone who's partial to an essence, I was surprised I hadn't yet tried one containing niacinamide- a real oversight, especially given my blotchy, redness-prone complexion. Just a few drops pressed into the skin with the palms of my hands instantly feel soothing and calming. I've been applying it every morning before moisturiser, and already my skin appears more even-toned and noticeably less inflamed. My new non-negotiable. Joyous!' 5.
Modern Chemistry Restore Hydrogel Sleep Mask
Laced with 5% walnut collagen and 2% niacinamide, this 'hydrogel mask contains a complex of ingredients to deeply hydrate and moisturise the skin. It enhances the skin elasticity making it appear tighter, pores appear minimised whilst signs of ageing are reduced.'
Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'Trust me when I say, I'm not penchant to a sheet mask. There is something about sitting with an ill-fitting, wet patch on my face for the best part of 20 minutes that I just can't get on board with. But I've made an exception for this. With the promise of enhanced skin elasticity, replenishment and an improvement in texture, this mask leaves my skin with a lasting glow well after the allotted 30 minute treatment window has passed.'
Sameeha Shaikh is Grazia's beauty writer, covering all categories to bring you insights on the latest trends, industry news and the products you need to know about, viral or not (most probably viral).
