Deciem

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA Review

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA
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The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA
HA

Today I’m reviewing the The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA (Hyaluronic Acid) that I purchased several weeks ago. [info in italics taken from the Deciem website]

Lactic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin. This 10% formulation offers mild exfoliation and is supported with a purified Tasmanian pepperberry known to reduce signs of inflammation and sensitivity that is often associated with exfoliation.

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA

Contraindications: Lactic Acid should not be used on sensitive, peeling or compromised skin. Please refer to additional sun protection note and other warnings in provided Directions.

Because I know that my skin can be sensitive, I did my usual two rounds of patch testing – on my arm first and then on my neck or chest before trying this on my face. I only use this once a week, and never on the same night as retinol as both have irritation risks.

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA

Surprisingly, this lactic acid does not irritate my sensitive skin, I guess that the Tasmanian pepperberry and hyaluronic acid really work to cancel out the irritation risk from the acid. It gives my sensitive skin a gentle exfoliation which I love.

Acids should only be used at night, and always followed by sunscreen the next day as they can make your skin more sun sensitive. You should always be wearing sunscreen anyways though.

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA

Have you tried this one? Do you have a fave AHA for exfoliation?

Thanks for reading

abrashattitude.com have a beautiful day!

Disclosure: I purchased this!

The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane Review

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Today I’m reviewing the Retinol 1% in Squalane from The Ordinary. I’ve been using it for several weeks now, and I purchased this to replace Press Restart – Gentle Retinol Serum from Versed. [info in italics taken from Deciem’s website]

The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane

This water-free solution contains 1% pure Retinol, an ingredient that can reduce the appearances of fine lines, of photo damage and of general skin aging. While Retinol has been studied extensively, it is irritating to the skin and newer technologies exist that mimic the visible effects of Retinol without causing skin irritation.

The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane

Retinol can cause significant irritation, redness and peeling, especially around the eyes and mouth, in the early stages of treatment while skin builds tolerance. If you have not used high-strength retinol formulas in the past, we strongly recommend that you start your retinol regimen with our Retinol 0.2% in Squalane and adjust to higher strengths of Retinol 0.5% in Squalane and Retinol 1% in Squalane as your skin builds tolerance. You will achieve the same end results without the unpleasant redness and peeling along the way.

The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane

The Ordinary has several different Retinol based serums, ranging in strength and irritation risk levels. I’ve previously used and loved their Advanced Retinoid 2% Emulsion, which later became the Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion (moderate strength, low to no irritation). The Retinol 1% in Squalane is their highest retinol formula (high strength, and very high irritation risk)!

Wait a minute, high irritation risk? Don’t I have sensitive skin – I know, I know! I did my patch tests – first on my wrist, and then on my neck and chest, before trying it on my face. This retinol does not irritate my skin! I think that the squalane actually works to counteract the irritation risk, and my skin is quite used to retinoids / retinols.

The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane

I like this one, I feel that it does help with fine lines, and my skin has not been prone to redness, irritation or peeling after using several nights a week (for several weeks), I only skip using it if I’m using an acid formula. My skin seems to be far less sensitive these days – I guess that my current skincare routine is making my skin very happy!

If you are new to retinoids / retinol or have super sensitive skin – this is not the product for you, I’d recommend starting with either the Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion or the Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane, and using every couple of nights until your skin adjusts before moving onto the stronger Retinol formulas. As always, retinol should be used at night, and always followed by sunscreen in the daytime as retinol can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. You should be wearing SPF daily anyway!

Have you tried this one?

Thanks for reading

abrashattitude.com have a beautiful day!

Disclosure: I purchased this!

The Ordinary Pycnogenol 5% Review

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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].

The Ordinary Pycnogenol 5%

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.

The Ordinary Pycnogenol 5%

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.

The Ordinary Pycnogenol 5%

Have you tried this budget friendly serum?

Thanks for reading

abrashattitude.com have a beautiful day!

Disclosure: I purchased this!

The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA

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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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Hello, hello!

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!