Congratulations! Your order qualifies for free shipping Free delivery with orders over £30

New to Pai? Get 15% off your first order when you sign up
Pai Skincare UK
  • Vegan
  • Powered By Green Chemistry
  • Cruelty Free
RE-BALANCE
Pai Skincare The Pioneer Geranium & Thistle Moisturiser
The Pioneer Moisturiser
The Pioneer Moisturiser
The Pioneer Moisturiser
The Pioneer Moisturiser
The Pioneer Moisturiser
The Pioneer Moisturiser
Pai Skincare The Pioneer Geranium & Thistle Moisturiser
The Pioneer Moisturiser
The Pioneer Moisturiser
The Pioneer Moisturiser
The Pioneer Moisturiser
The Pioneer Moisturiser
The Pioneer Moisturiser

What our customers say:

Read all reviews

The Pioneer™ Moisturiser

£39.00
50ml / 1.7 fl.oz

The one that started it all. A lightweight mattifying moisturiser that rebalances oily, combination and blemish-prone skin without stripping sensitive types.

Benefits:

  • Mattifies
  • Balances
  • Smoothes
  • Patch tested
Free delivery when you spend £30*
Easy 90-Day returns

GUIDE TO LAYERING:

Step 1: Cleanser
PHAZE PHA Clarifying Face Wash for sensitive skin

Phaze™ Gel Cleanser

£29.00
/ 100ml / 3.4 fl.oz
Step 2: Face Oil
Carbon Star Face Oil

Carbon Star™ Face Oil

£39.00
/ 30ml / 1.0 fl.oz
Step 3: Moisturiser
Pai Skincare The Pioneer Geranium & Thistle Moisturiser

The Pioneer™ Moisturiser

£39.00
/ 50ml / 1.7 fl.oz

Add full routine - save 10%

What our customers say:

Read all reviews

The Pioneer™ Moisturiser

£39.00
Why You'll Love It

MASTER MATTIFIER

Oily skin doesn't need less moisture. It needs better balance. Pioneer™ is our lightweight mattifying moisturiser, designed to hydrate combination and blemish-prone skin while helping control excess shine — without stripping or compromising sensitive skin.

Powered by Thistle Oil, one of nature's richest sources of linoleic acid, it helps replenish the fatty acids oily and blemish-prone skin can lack, supporting a more balanced-looking complexion. Geranium adds a calming touch, while the fast-absorbing formula delivers lightweight hydration without the greasy finish.

It hydrates dry areas, helps minimise the appearance of pores and excess oil, and leaves skin looking fresh and matte rather than flat or dehydrated. The perfect balance of moisture and mattification — and a smooth, non-greasy canvas for makeup.

Because there's a difference between glowing skin and shiny skin. Pioneer™ knows the difference.

Independently patch tested on sensitive skin. 

  • Recommended for

    Oily & combination skin

  • Routine

    Day & Night

Pai Skincare UK
Key ingredients

  • Geranium

    Yes, the same plant you probably have growing in your garden. We extract the beautifully-scented oil for its calming fragrance.

  • Thistle

    Omega 6 – which Thistle Oil is packed with – is amazing at two things. First, mattifying skin. Second, reducing the appearance of large pores.

Full Ingredients

Aqua (water), Citrus Limon Fruit Water* (lemon fruit water), Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil* (safflower oil), Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil* (jojoba oil), Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil* (borage oil), Cetearyl Glucoside, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil*, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Citrus Aurantium Amara Leaf/twig Oil* (petitgrain oil), Tocopherol* (vitamin e), Lavandula Angustifolia Oil* (lavender oil), Sodium Levulinate, Sodium Anisate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Lactic Acid.

Naturally occurring in essential oils: Geraniol, Citronellol, Linalool, Citral, Limonene.

79% Organic (of total, minus water and minerals) / 100% natural origin.

*Organic

Pai Skincare UK
How to Use

Massage 1–2 pumps into clean, dry skin every morning. It absorbs fast and leaves a proper matte finish, so it doubles nicely as a makeup base. If you've got combination skin, go easy on the T-zone and be a bit more generous on drier areas.

For the full Re-Balance routine: cleanse, mist with Century Flower Barrier Defence Mist, apply The Pioneer, then follow with SPF. At night, swap this out for Carbon Star Clarifying Overnight Oil to keep things balanced while you sleep.

Recycling

Say no to landfill! Let's recycle everything! - Sarah

Once all the product has been dispensed, unscrew the pump from the bottle to separate the pump, cap and pouch from the glass bottle. Place the glass bottle into your household recycling. Place the pump, cap and pouch into your Pai mailer for delivery back to us.

All Pai boxes, cartons, sleeves and inserts can be recycled with your household paper recycling.

The majority of your Pai packaging can be recycled at home, but some components need specialist recycling. We've partnered with a specialist programme to make this as easy as possible for our UK customers.

Keep your Pai mailer box (it can be flat packed for easy storage). Fill it with the packaging elements you can't recycle at home, and clearly label the box RECYCLING. Create your free returns label and drop it off at the post office.

Please note we are unable to accept glass or non-Pai packaging. Glass bottles can be separated and placed into your household recycling.

If you are in the UK and unsure what your local services accept, visit recyclenow.com.

Sarah Brown, Pai Founder

"After years of skin sensitivity I was at breaking point, and breaking out. So I decided I’d create the moisturiser my skin was craving. Pai was born and has blazed a trail ever since. So here it is, our Pioneer – a moisturiser that tackles sensitivity yet is light enough to help minimise visible blemishes."

SARAH BROWN
FOUNDER, PAI SKINCARE

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Pioneer and who is it best suited for?

The Pioneer is a fast-absorbing mattifying moisturiser designed specifically for oily and blemish-prone skin. It hydrates without greasiness, helping to control shine, minimise blackheads and leave a smooth matte finish that works beautifully under make-up.

How should I use The Pioneer in my skincare routine?

Apply a small amount to cleansed, toned skin morning and evening. It pairs well with the Rice Plant & Rosemary BioAffinity Tonic beforehand and the Perfect Balance Blemish Serum if you want targeted blemish support underneath.

How does The Pioneer work as a base under make-up?

The Pioneer absorbs quickly and leaves a smooth, matte finish that make-up artists genuinely rate as a pre-make-up base. It controls shine without drying your skin out, so foundation sits evenly and stays put rather than sliding or breaking up through the day.

Will The Pioneer clog my pores or cause breakouts?

No. The formula is non-comedogenic and built around lightweight plant oils like Safflower and Jojoba that support blemish-prone skin rather than aggravate it. It also contains Lactic Acid to gently encourage cell turnover, helping keep pores clear rather than congested.

Is The Pioneer safe to use during pregnancy?

Yes. The Pioneer is confirmed pregnancy safe, with no essential oils above 0.17% concentration. It's free from parabens, sulphates, synthetic fragrances and all the usual suspects, so it's a straightforward choice throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding.

How do Safflower and Borage oils help oily skin without making it greasy?

Safflower (Carthamus Tinctorius) and Borage oils are lightweight, linoleic acid-rich oils that absorb quickly and actually help regulate your skin's own oil production. They deliver hydration to the areas that need it without adding shine, which is why The Pioneer feels so different from heavier moisturisers.

What does the Jojoba Oil in The Pioneer do?

Jojoba (Simmondsia Chinensis) Oil closely mimics your skin's natural sebum, which helps signal to your skin that it doesn't need to overproduce oil. It's also non-comedogenic, so it hydrates without clogging pores, making it one of the few oils genuinely suited to oily and blemish-prone skin types.

What certifications does The Pioneer hold?

The Pioneer is COSMOS Organic certified (79% organic excluding water, 100% naturally derived), vegan and Leaping Bunny cruelty-free certified. It's also independently patch tested for sensitive skin and is free from parabens, silicones, sulphates, alcohol and gluten.

What makes The Pioneer different from other mattifying moisturisers?

Most mattifying moisturisers rely on silicones to create a matte finish. The Pioneer skips them entirely, using lightweight, linoleic acid-rich plant oils (Safflower, Jojoba and Borage) that actually help rebalance oil production rather than just masking shine. It's 100% naturally derived and made in Pai's London lab, so you get real oil control without synthetic trade-offs.

Overall rating: 4.627409 / 5 from 467 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

The Pioneer™ Moisturiser is praised for its ability to hydrate and balance oily skin, providing a healthy and matte look. Customers appreciate its gentle and refreshing feel, soft and delicate texture, and clean, cruelty-free ingredients. The product is also noted for its pleasant scent and for minimizing blemishes and blackheads.

Summary topics

  • Appearance (5%): It was reported by customers that this product makes their skin look healthy and hydrated all day.
  • Product Quality (4%): It was observed by customers that the Super crème is super, with multiple reviews mentioning its greatness.
  • Skin Feel (14%): Customers expressed appreciation for how this moisturizer feels on their skin, describing it as gentle, refreshing, and natural-looking.
  • Overall Satisfaction (19%): Many customers raved about the cream, describing it as the best day cream ever and highly recommending it.
  • Ingredient Quality (3%): It was highlighted by customers that the ingredients in the product are clean and cruelty-free, making it a popular choice.

Review topics: ["weight","smell","feels","issues","quality","improvement","results","delivery","looks","packaging","texture","price","skin","amount","breakouts","moisturiser","base","ingredients","hydration","cream","oil","face","bottle","works","balance","formula","consistency","pai","spots","fragrance"].

Review highlights

  • "Nice texture, neutral smell, hydrates and feeds the skin nicely" — Svetlana K.
  • "I love the smell, the texture and it definitely helps my combination/acne-prone skin." — Guenievre B.
  • "Love their packaging, their philosophy and definitely their amazing INCI list - great clean ingredients." — Laura F.

Reviews

Great product ! Perfect hydration.

"Great product ! Perfect hydration. My whole shipment came right away."

— Pauline R. (5/5)

"lovvvve ittttt"

— Jessica (5/5)

No complaints

"Pai skincare products are always nourishing for my skin, they go on easily and make me look more refreshed and hydrated. I want a full set in the future!"

— Mariam V. (5/5)

Light, kind to skin moisturiser.

"I was looking for a light, calming moisturiser and was recommended this product by Pai. It is so light, smells amazing and is ideal for the summer. It’s great for my breakout prone skin and gives it a matt appearance. I’d highly recommend it."

— Kathleen W. (5/5)

Keeps oil under control in the hot summer

"This moisturizer keeps oil production under control during the hot summer days. I love to add various boosters to it as well depending on my activities for the day. My husband even likes it!"

— Kimberly H. (5/5)

can't live without it!

"Always come back to this whenever my skin gets out of balance"

— MISS S. (5/5)

Best moisturiser I've ever come across

"I have combination, acne prone skin and have always gone for a gel based cream in the past. I was having problems with breakouts and a friend recommended this as a more hydrating and gentle moisturiser and it has been an absolute game changer! It's a light cream and feels really soothing. It's part of my daily regime, applied after using the middlemist seven cleanser and my skin has never felt or looked so good!"

— Katherine G. (5/5)

One for all the family

"Love this lightweight moisturiser. Great for oily prone skin! My sister's are both also hooked! We love it!"

— Holly H. (5/5)

Needs update

"Light moisturiser but needs an ingredients update in terms of what we know skin needs to function best. For oilier types that would include pre/postbiotics, for example, and I am not sure what benefit geranium has for oilier if breakout prone skin - would not camomile or willow bark be more appropriate? I like that it’s light and alcohol free."

— Ines (2/5)

The most constant in my routine.

"Great, as always. A product I keep coming back to."

— Alex A. (5/5)

Q&A

Bonjour, j'ai acheté il y a quelques jours des produits pai qui me correspondent. Jusqu'à présent j'utilisais le gel lavant phaze matin et soir (qui est super!!), le back to life le matin et le carbon star le soir. Maintenant, j'ai acheté en plus le booster à l'acide salicylique et la crème hydratante the pioneer. Le problème c'est que je ne sais pas comment intégrer ces produits correctement à ma routine habituel... Auriez-vous quelques conseils à me donner pour avoir une routine parfaite svp ? Merci d'avance pour votre réponse.
Bonjour Amandine, Nous vous recommandons d'utiliser Phaze, suivi du Back To Life Serum, du Salicylic Acid Booster et du Pioneer. Le soir, nous proposons un nettoyage en appliquant le Pioneer suivi de Carbon Star Oil. Équipe Expérience Client Pai
Hi. My skin is combination with a lot of blackheads in the T-zone plus I suffer from a slight seborrheic dermatitis in the nose wings area and my forehead. I was wondering if I should use The Pioneer or The Anthemis. I already use the Phaze cleanser and the carbon star and the rose hip oil on alternate nights. Thanks!
Hi Mary, We would recommend using The Pioneer as this is great for oily and acne prone skin. The Anthemis is better for those with redness, eczema and psoriasis. Pai Customer Experience Team
Can this product be used at night, or would you use a serum instead?
Hi Holly, Thank you for getting in touch. You can use The Pioneer in the morning and in the evening, it is our lightest Moisturiser. You can also add our Boosters to The Pioneer if needed. Customer Experience Team Member
Hi, My skin is oily/combination and I suffer from redness. I currently don't use a moisturiser either during the day or overnight. During the day I use an SPF and at night nothing - although I have just started using Instant Kalmer. For the days that I am not out in the sun what moisturiser would you recommend? Kind regards, Ali
Hi Ali, Thank you for getting in touch. Using Instant Kalmer Serum each evening is a great idea. You may like to add Tri-Mushroom booster to it too. If you have Oily/Combination skin The Pioneer would be a good option or you could also try C-2 Believe for the day.
Are your products coconut free?
Hi Star! Unfortunately, we're not able to guarantee that The Pioneer is free from coconut as it contains Cetearyl Glucoside, Glycerin, Sodium Anisate and Sodium Levulinate, all of which are derived from either coconut, soy or corn depending on the season. Pai Customer Experience Team
You May Also Like

Thank you - you are subscribed to the waitlist!

Choose your location

Product availability, pricing, and delivery options may vary depending on your selected location.