Deciem

The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA

| jodi - a brash attitude

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Today I’m reviewing the Mandelic Acid 10% + HA from the Ordinary / Deciem. This review has been in my drafts folder for quite awhile, I put it on hold due to recent Deciem drama-lama stuff.  I decided that I would finally publish the review before I finish it up as I’ve been using it since March! [info in italics taken from the website]

The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA

Mandelic Acid 10% + HA offers superficial dermal peeling that is gentler than other alpha hydroxy acids. The molecular weight of mandelic acid is 152.1 daltons which is larger than other alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic acid is 76.0 daltons, for example). This larger size allows mandelic acid to penetrate the skin more slowly which in turn makes it very gentle and suitable for all skin types including the most sensitive skin. You don’t need a concentration of more than 10%, because then you would simply be achieving an indirect peeling strength that is more easily offered through lower percentages of glycolic acid.

The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA

Since I have sensitive skin I chose to try this Alpha Hydroxy Acid as it was supposed to be gentle and suitable for sensitive types. I did my usual patch test, just in case before testing it out on my face.

It actually feels similar to a light facial oil when applied, and it absorbs into the skin fairly quickly. I did not feel any tingle sensation like I do with most AHAs. It has a very gentle exfoliation effect, so don’t expect huge results the first time that you use it. Despite that, it does brighten and smooth the skin. For me, it is gentle enough that I could use it every night, but I don’t because I alternate between the Mandelic Acid, the Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion (the new version of the Advanced Retinoid 2% Emulsion), and the Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%.

The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA

AHAs might make your skin more sun sensitive, so don’t forget to wear your sunscreen. You should be wearing it anyway!

Ingredients: Propanediol, Aqua (Water), Mandelic Acid, Glycerin, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol. 

Have you tried this one? Or another version of Mandelic Acid? Let me know!

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day!

Disclosure: I purchased this!

 

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Review

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Today I’m reviewing the final item from my October haul from The Ordinary – the Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA serum. [info in italics is taken from The Ordinary]

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA

Alpha Arbutin reduces the looks of spots and hyper-pigmentation. It’s used at a high 2% concentration versus a standard concentration of 1% and supported with a next-generation form of Hyaluronic Acid for enhanced delivery. Alpha Arbutin is much stronger in effect than Arbutin or Beta Arbutin.

Usage: Apply a few drops to face in the AM and PM as part of your skincare regimen. Use sun protection in the AM.

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA

I have a few spots of minor hyper-pigmentation on my face, so I thought that I would try this serum out.It doesn’t sting or irritate my sensitive skin.

I use this serum once a day in the morning, instead of the recommended twice a day (and admittedly, I do sometimes forget to use it). That being said, I am noticing that my hyper-pigmentation spots are slowly fading away. The results would probably be more pronounced if I used it both day and night, but I’m happy to be seeing some results.

 

TheOrdinary AA2 3

I apply this only to the hyper-pigmentation spots on bare skin before applying any of the other layers of serums, moisturizers, facial oils etc. It plays well with the other components in my skincare routine.

This the first serum that I’ve tried out for hyper-pigmentation, so I can’t really speak of its effectiveness compared to other treatments.

Have you tried anything for hyper-pigmentation? What do you use?

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day!

Disclosure: I purchased this!

The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% Review

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Today I have a review of the Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% from The Ordinary. So what is Ascorbyl Glucoside? [info in italics taken from The Ordinary website]

Ascorbyl Glucoside is a water-soluble derivative of Vitamin C. It is much more stable in water but it is less potent than direct L-Ascorbic Acid. Being more compatible with water allows for a very pleasant serum texture. It is considered a gold standard of Vitamin C derivatives due to its high stability and comfortable use, but it’s impossible to achieve extremely high L-Ascorbic Acid potency with this solution. Aside from the general benefits of pure Vitamin C, Ascorbyl Glucoside has been shown to offer specific skin brightening benefits.

The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%

I’ve tested out several different Vitamin C serums over the past two and a half years – and most recently, the Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres from The Ordinary. My skin never adjusted to it, and always did that sting-tingle upon application (review is here).

The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%

After reading through The Ordinary’s Guide to Vitamin C, I decided to try out the Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% – it was described as having a high potency of Vitamin C but with a low chance of stinging, and in a more serum like formulation.

The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%

The Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution has no real scent and absorbs quickly into my skin with absolutely no stinging or tingling. And it doesn’t leave a tacky feeling on the skin when dry.

This one works way better with my sensitive skin and helps keep my looking bright and seems to work well with the other products the I’m currently using. I’ll soon have my cold weather skin routine to share with you, once I finish testing out a few more products.

It is slightly more expensive than the Vitamin C Suspension ($5.80 CAD) but it is still quite affordable at $12.90 CAD for 30ml (1 fluid oz).

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day!

Disclosure: I purchased this!

 

The Ordinary Serum Foundation 1.1N Swatching

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I’ve reviewed this foundation in the shade 1.2P light with pink undertones that I’ve been wearing all summer. I tend to switch to a lighter shade for the colder months so I decided to try out the shade 1.1N fair neutral. This is less of a review and more of a swatching and comparison post as the formula is the same as what I’ve already reviewed here. (info in italics taken from The Ordinary website).

Serum Foundations are lightweight medium-coverage formulations available in a comprehensive shade range across 21 shades. These foundations offer moderate coverage that looks natural with a very lightweight serum feel.

The Ordinary Serum Foundation 1.1N Fair Neutral

The pigments used in this format are treated for a rich, highly-saturated effect. These pigments are suspended in our proprietary spreadability system that allows pigments to look natural on the skin, resist collecting within fine lines and stay on for longer. The foundations offer a semi-matte finish and are compatible with most primers

The Ordinary Serum Foundation 1.1N Fair Neutral

I love how lightweight and natural this foundation looks and feels on my skin.

How does this shade compare to my other foundations?

Swatched from left to right: Nyx Total Control drop foundation in Porcelain , The Ordinary Serum Foundation 1.1N Fair Neutral, The Ordinary Serum Foundation in 1.2P Light with Pink Tones, and Maison Jacynthe Fluid Foundation in Porcelain.

The Ordinary Serum Foundation 1.1N Fair Neutral

Here’s another swatch with the foundations very slightly blended out:

The Ordinary Serum Foundation 1.1N Fair Neutral

Shade 1.1N blends really well with my current level of pale to fair skintone.

Do you wear the same shade of foundation all year? Or do you change shades?

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day!

Disclosure: I purchased this. And my opinion is very much my own!

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution Review

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I finally managed to try out the Glycolic Acid Toner from The Ordinary! It was out of stock every time I wanted to place an order (until last month). [all info in italics taken from their website]

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

Glycolic Acid is an alpha hydroxyl acid that exfoliates the skin. This 7% toning solution offers mild exfoliation for improved skin radiance and visible clarity. The formula also improves the appearance of skin texture with continued use. 

This formula contains a studied Tasmanian Pepperberry derivative to help reduce irritation associated with acid use. This derivative is of plant origin and varies in colour seasonally and this colour variation may be apparent in the formula from time to time. The formula is further supported with inclusion of ginseng root and aloe vera for both visible radiance and soothing benefits. 

Contraindications: This formula should not be used on sensitive, peeling or compromised skin.

Ok – although it says that it is not recommended for sensitive skin, I decided to try it anyway at my own risk despite having sensitive skin. As always, I tested it on my arm, and then on my neck before trying it on my face.

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

Thankfully this toner did not irritate my skin. In fact, I find it to be soothing – likely due to the combination of ingredients:

Aqua (Water), Glycolic Acid, Rosa damascena flower water, Centaurea cyanus flower water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Triethanolamine, Aminomethyl Propanol, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Aspartic Acid, Alanine, Glycine, Serine, Valine, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Glutamic Acid, Arginine, PCA, Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, Fructose, Glucose, Sucrose, Urea, Hexyl Nicotinate, Dextrin, Citric Acid, Polysorbate 20, Gellan Gum, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Sodium Chloride, Hexylene Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol.

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

I’ve been using the Glycolic Acid Toner every second night, to minimize the risk of irritating my sensitive skin. I’ve been using this toner for two weeks now, and it seems to be helping prevent my skin from looking dull.

Have you tried this Glycolic Acid Toner? I’ve yet to try the one from Pixi, so I don’t know how they compare, but for $8.70 CAD, it was well worth giving it a try!

Disclosure: I purchased this!

 

The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10% Review

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Today I’m reviewing the last product from my recent mini-haul from Deciem / The Ordinary – the Argireline Solution 10%. (Information in italics is taken from the website)

Controlled studies have shown that Argireline improves the appearance of facial areas prone to developing dynamic folds, including around the eyes and in the forehead area. 

Note: Studies have shown that the water content of formulations does impact the utility level of topical Argireline and specifically that higher water content results in better utility. This formulation is water-based and avoids oils, esters and silicones.

The Ordinary Argireline

First off, I have to say, this serum / solution is so watery! It is mega runny, so application can be a messy if you aren’t careful. I’ve been testing the Argireline Solution on my forehead, as I have some expression lines there (I think I’ve had them since I was a sullen teenager).

The Ordinary Argireline

Initially I did not notice any changes in the expression lines on my forehead. Now, after four weeks of use, I am just starting to see some improvement. Then again, for most anti-aging products, it often takes eight weeks of usage to see any results, so I will continue using the solution and update you all with my longer usage results.

As with the other products from the The Ordinary, it is  budget friendly at $7.90 CAD for 30ml.

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day! ❤

Disclosure: I purchased this!

Weekly Recap Sept 11th to 17th

| jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello!

Just a little recap of the past week’s blog posts in case you’ve missed out and want to catch up…

Monday Sept 11 – The Ordinary Mini-Haul and Matrixyl 10% + HA Review

 

Wednesday Sept 13th – The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres Review

 

Friday Sept 15th – The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA Review

 

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day!

Just a heads up, there will be no post on Monday, my next post will be on Wednesday, Sept 20th.

Disclosure: I purchased all the things!

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA Review

| jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello!

Today I’m reviewing another product from my recent mini-haul from Deciem / The Ordinary – the Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA. (Information in italics is taken from the website)

Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF) are elements that keep the outer layer of the skin protected and well-hydrated. NMF are made up of multiple amino acids, fatty acids, triglycerides, urea, ceramides, phospholipids, glycerin, saccharides, sodium PCA, hyaluronic acid and many other compounds that are naturally present in the skin. 

This formula offers non-greasy hydration that acts as a direct topical supplement of impaired NMF components. It contains 11 amino acids, phospholipids, alpha/beta/gamma fatty acids, triglycerides, sterols and sterol esters, glycerin, ceramide precursors, urea, saccharides, sodium PCA and hyaluronic acid. It offers immediate hydration and lasting results with continued use. 

When I finished up my Hyaluronic Acid Serum from The Ordinary, I decided to try this moisturizer instead since it contains HA (as do many of the formulations from The Ordinary). It also contains all kinds of skin friendly hydration boosters.

Just to remind you, my skin is mostly normal, but gets dry in the colder months. This is a lightweight, yet super moisturizing / hydrating moisturizer. I find that my skin doesn’t dry out over the course of the day, but at the same time, it doesn’t make my skin feel greasy.  This is a great budget friendly moisturizer at $7.70 CAD.

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day!

Disclosure: I purchased this.

 

The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% Review

| jodi - a brash attitude

Hello, hello!

Today I’m reviewing another product from my recent mini-haul from Deciem / The Ordinary – the Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%. (Info in italics is taken from their website)

Vitamin C is an effective antioxidant and its pure form of L-Ascorbic Acid has been shown to reverse multiple signs of skin ageing while brightening the skin when applied topically. This water-free, silicone-free formula provides 23% pure L-Ascorbic Acid which remains completely stable due to the absence of water. The system is supported with addition of dehydrated spheres of Hyaluronic Acid to offer visible surface smoothing alongside the benefits of Vitamin C. This treatment is ideally applied at bedtime.

This is a different Vitamin C formulation than I’m used to using, it is closer to a moisturizer in its viscosity and not a serum as I’ve used previously. There is some information about the formula below, with my comments in between:

Note: The format of this formula is a suspension of very fine L-Ascorbic Acid powder and, as such, provides the most direct exposure of extremely high concentrations of Vitamin C topically. With such format, there are 2 important things to consider: 

1) A very strong tingling but non-irritating sensation is expected during the first 1-2 weeks of use until the skin’s tolerance to such high exposure is elevated. If the sensation is too strong to tolerate, the formula can be mixed on each application with other creams or serums of your preference.

As you all know I have sensitive skin, so I always expect some sort of tingling or stinging with certain types of products, and can distinguish between the safe level of tingling and the “my face is melting” type. I’ve been using this one every second night for about 3.5 weeks now and it still tingles when I use it, but within the safe range. Until my skin adapts, I won’t be using it every night. The tingle does fade quickly when I apply facial oil or moisturizer afterwards.

2) The powder exposure to the skin disallows the formula to feel like a serum, lotion or cream and each application requires a few seconds to feel absorbed by the skin. This formula feels gritty for a few seconds after application. If you prefer to avoid this gritty feel, we suggest our Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone. 

Texture-wise, yes, it is gritty when first applied, but the gritty feeling goes away – thankfully.

My skin does well with Vitamin C based products, it makes my skin look so much brighter and smoother. Despite the tingle and grit factors, the Vitamin C Suspension is a great budget friendly product at $5.80 CAD. The Ordinary recently introduced a silicone formula version which is not supposed to be gritty, but I have not tried it. For a higher end Vitamin C product, I’d recommend the Perfect Pro C 25% Serum from MyChelle Dermaceuticals (reviewed here) which sells for approximately $65 CAD.

What is your favourite Vitamin C product?

Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day! ❤

Disclosure: I purchased this.