Hello, hello – welcome to / welcome back to A Brash Attitude!

Today I’m reviewing the Pycnogenol 5% serum from The Ordinary. I purchased it several weeks ago because it was a new to me ingredient that I was curious about! [info in italics taken from The Ordinary website].

Pycnogenol® is a natural plant extract derived from the pine bark of French maritime pine trees. It contains procyanidins, bioflavonoids and organic acids that work in synergy to rejuvenate the skin, with the aim of enhancing skin hydration and elasticity. With the ability to selectively bind to collagen and elastin, Pycnogenol® protects these proteins from degradation, helping to nourish the skin from the inside out. Being a unique and powerful antioxidant, Pycnogenol® scavenges for free radicals before they cause damage by oxidative stress. It can also recycle oxidized Vitamin C to restore its activity. The Ordinary Pycnogenol® 5% is free of artificial colours. The formula’s deep red colour is due to the high procyanidin content in Pycnogenol®. After application, please wash hands and avoid product contact with light coloured fabric as it may stain.

So in a nutshell, it provides: Antioxidant Support, Enhances Skin Hydration, Rebuilds Skin Elasticity

This serum / solution has such an interesting colour! It can be mixed with other serums and creams to give them boost, but I’ve mostly been just applying it on its own or layering it with other serums (which also boosts the performance of whatever it is combined with). I feel that it really does help increase skin hydration. And I love that it can be used both day and night.

Have you tried this budget friendly serum?

Thanks for reading

Disclosure: I purchased this!