Hyaluronic Acid vs Glycolic Acid

In the intricate landscape of skincare, two ingredients have emerged as stars, further complicating skincare routines everywhere. But fear not, for we’re here to shed light on what they do and help you discern which you need: hyaluronic acid vs glycolic acid. While both are renowned for their skincare benefits, they serve different purposes and target distinct skin concerns. Knowing the…

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Want forever radiant and youthful skin: All about anti aging serums

What are anti-aging serums?

Disclosing the time-travelers of skincare: anti-aging serums! These skincare products against the relentless march of time, offering your skin a ticket to a refreshing, age-defying journey. Picture them as your personal skincare lifesaver, diving in to rescue your skin from the clutches of wrinkles and fine lines. 

Aging is a natural and inevitable process. But many of us are not prepared to lose our radiant and youthful appearance. In addition to a healthy diet and minimal exposure to the sun, we can look forward to anti-aging serums or creams to help us slow down this process.

Anti-aging creams are skincare products, which through the use of active ingredients like retinoids or hyaluronic acids, vitamin c, Ferulic acid, and peptides improves skin tone and targets visible aging signs like wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. These ingredients can revive collagen production, improve skin texture, and protects against further damage from environmental factors.

Anti aging serums, with their strong blend of science and enchantment, can turn back the clock and unveil the youthful and vibrant glow you thought was lost to the ages. So, buckle up, because with our best anti-aging serum- TheGoodFeel Nitamin-with Retinols Peptides, the adventure to eternal youth begins!.

But what are moisturizers then?

Serums vs Moisturizers

Serums are lightweight and thinner high-absorption skincare products infused with active ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Glycolic Acid and Vitamin C, acne, antioxidants, and peptides. They penetrate into the skin and usually look after specific skin concerns like wrinkles, dark spots, aging, dryness, etc. Different types of serums like anti-aging serums, brightening, Acne-fighting, and vitamin C are available in the market. 

While, moisturizers are thicker and its main function is to keep the skin’s outermost surface (the stratum corneum) hydrated. They act as physical barriers and help to keep the moisture locked in and prevent dehydration. Moisturizers contain emollients and occlusives ensuring the skin remains plump and nourished.

So, what should I use serums or moisturizers?

Serums, as mentioned above, are used only for any specific skin concerns, so one can use it along with a moisturizer for achieving a specific target like reducing dark spots or removing skin pigmentation or discoloration.

However,  it is often advisable to apply serum before the moisturizer as the ingredients of the serum get absorbed and penetrated within the skin, which is locked with the moisture when the moisturizer is applied for better skin texture and radiance.

TheGoodFeel Nitamin-with Retinols Peptides

Step into the era of timeless beauty and turn the clocks around with the best anti-aging serum by TheGoodFeel. TheGoodFeel Nitamin age reverse night serum includes Retinol which keeps the skin fresher, healthy, and plumper, peptide with Myrciaria Dubia which keeps the skin glowing and radiant and Licorice Extract which evens out the skin tone and keeps the skin hydrated.

This anti-aging serum helps fight aging signs like dark spots, wrinkles, etc and sustains skin’s overall health. In addition to the anti-aging benefits, it refines the elasticity of the skin, boosts collagen production and fights acne.

And you know, what's the best part? Its reforming properties restore and redefine the skin’s texture offering it a radiant and youthful glow.

Adopt the power of night time renewal with the best anti-aging serum and get up with a smoother, hydrated and vibrant skin, ready to face the day with confidence with just 3 simple steps- Apply, Massage, and moisturize. 

Benefits

Retinol

Has anti-aging properties, treats acne, promotes cell production, unclogs pores, boosts collagen production, and keeps skin fresher and plumper.

Peptide with Myrciaria Dubia

Improves skin barrier, reduces wrinkles, promotes elasticity in the skin, eases inflammation, protects skin from pollution, and keeps skin healthy and glowing.

Licorice Extract

Has anti-inflammatory and skin-lightening properties, brightens and evens out the skin tone, and hydrates and soothes the skin.

Helps in fading dark spots and evening out the skin tone

Helps in boosting skin hydration

Helps in reducing acne breakouts

Helps regenerate dead skin cells

Helps enhance firming & brightening skin

Helps in boosting the overall health of the skin

Helps enhance firming & brightening skin

After a lot of trial & error over many years, I've tried cheap vs expensive stuff & found that some stuff just isn't worth it...but some stuff is. This list is more to do with QUALITY for the price vs enjoyment so, grain of salt.

Expensive shampoo - yes. I like Moroccan Oil shampoo but I water it down by about half & my hair likes that better + lasts longer

Expensive chapstick - absolutely not. I got a trial of this Summer Friday's (& others) that smells great but it makes my lips peel vs Walgreens lip balm with a little tint is great!

Expensive makeup - mostly no. The 1 expensive makeup product I like is a tinted sunscreen (Ilia), everything else is whatever. Most of the expensive stuff I tried were gifts bc my friend had an ipsy thing.

Expensive lotion - also no. I live in a cold, high-altitude place after years in humid sea-level conditions so my skin does not do well & Neutrogena Hydro Boost Body Moisturizing Gel Cream with Hyaluronic Acid ($10-14) is the best thing ever. I like a good-smelling hand lotion too, so The Naked Bee Orange Blossom is a wonderful, effective, good-smelling alternative at $8 for a bag-sized tube.

Expensive skincare - mostly no. I like IT Cosmetics Glycolic Acid Peel which is normally like $50 but you can find it elsewhere for half the price. I put some of the Neutrogina face lotion ($18, the Walgreens or grocer knock-off's work just as well for around $10) on on top & my skin is super happy in the morning.

Expensive soap - No. I like to buy hand-made bar soaps from local shops or the Farmer's Market & they are cheap & delightful.

Expensive perfume - no. Just no. I was gifted some & splurged on some a few times & the smell fades just as fast as normal perfume imo, my favorite perfume is from Old Navy & under $20. I mean unless you're getting some ambergris shit I guess? I read that is salvaged without hurting the whale but idk man. Never tried, but someone much more bougie than I am said it's legit lmao.

Expensive deodorant - also no. I know this sounds strange but I was looking for a natural deodorant for a while bc I don't want aluminum on my lymph nodes but Old Spice is more effective & aluminum-free

Expensive shoes - most of the time, worth it. I have a really sturdy pair of hiking shoes that I got on sale for $50 but retailed at $140-ish & they are important. I also have a thrifted pair of leather booties ($20 vs $130), a pair of leather work shoes ($80 I think) that still look great after loads of walking & keep my feet warm. My favorite sneakers are expensive ($80?) but I wait until I get a coupon or they are on sale, I just bought a backup pair of Cole Haan's on sale because they have lasted beautifully & comfortably after 60K steps. However, I'd NEVER spend big $ on heels unless you wear them regularly for work, my $20 Target heels with an ankle strap have served me well for weddings & date nights & still look new!

Expensive bags - not typically. I'm not a purse girly so spending more than $30 on plastic seems ridiculous to me. However, I did invest in a nice hiking backpack, & a little leather backpack I found on sale for day trips. The vast majority of the time however I just use a $5 linen tote. I found my luggage at a discount store for $25.

Expensive sunglasses - no. I really don't get this one, my friend likes nice sunglasses but I never brought myself to try. My favorite pair of hiking sunglasses were $30 & that was the most expensive pair I owned, but they are Humps & are nigh industructable. After a year of heavy use when they started to show ware, I still didn't feel like it was worth it to re-invest.

Expensive clothes - this one is really, really variable. A good, all-purpose coat is worth the $$. I have a Carhartt that is my go-to but I live in a cold climate & I don't tolerate the cold well. Alpaca, wool, canvas, denim, are worth the cash. Leather mittens are a good buy, but I don't have a pair yet (just borrowed). T-shirts--not so much, you can find $5 100% cotton tees at various stores, & some of my favorite shirts were $3-10 at the discount store. I also invest in nice denim pants, because I have such few pairs (4) & I wear them TONS, shorts not so much. I mean, they don't need to be durable. Linen tops are a great buy if you live in a hot climate, I found mine for $23. Expensive workout clothes are a joke tbh, the nicest pair I have I bought second-hand for the cost of a cheap pair & they are only marginally nicer to wear if you have a texture thing, & no more durable. My cheap swimwear looks good & lasts forever, but I have learned that more pricey sweaters are worth it if you live in a good climate--but again, the material really matters. I don't think expensive undies are worth it either, again 100% cotton underthings are easy to come by cheap & since you should replace those every few years I don't get the allure of spending the money, though I do have a mid-range bra for good support & comfort! If you get a good leather belt in black & brown you'll never need another. Socks are socks & you can buy these cheap (my friend likes expensive socks??? why??) even if you are getting wool.

Expensive bedding - yes. Okay but I will caveat this with I am a texture person, & I don't like sleeping in blends, & blends pill, so we split the purchase of a good set of cotton sheets that I've already repaired via hand-sewing; these are perfect during hot summers with no AC. A nice quilt is warm & a work of art. A hide blanket is extra warm in winter. A soft duvet & sturdy insert are nice in winter, too. A good pillow is important. All of these will last forever with care & maintenance. Learn how to sew at least minor repairs!

Expensive cars - I don't get this one, & I've never invested in a nice car but my dad was a car guy & it seems a waste of money to me. My car was second-hand, runs great, looks nice, who cares? GOOD TIRES are a yes though.

Expensive gear - depends on what you do & how much you do it. A good hiking backpack was a life-saver for me, but I do a lot of hiking. Our tents were on the low end & both are functional. My sleeping bag/mats are high-quality & a blend of new & second-hand. A good laptop is something you shouldn't have to buy more than every 8 years imo but that depends on what you do with it, too. Our kayaks, second-hand and self-repaired, float just as well as our friend's $800 kayak. Our 2-for-$20 paddles move water just as well, too. My secondhand snow shoes walk fine.

Expensive journals/sketchbooks/pens/etc. - no. I like my Moleskin & I have a cute quill pen with refillable ink, $20 for a journal seems like a lot but they last through years of carry & use. My pens were $8 & 20 refills are $20 but these also last forever. I don't get the market for other stuff though. My sketchbooks are great & from the discount store, my cheap paints & brushes work just as well as nice ones I was gifted, but I'm not a pro painter or anything. I might change my tune if that were the case?

Expensive cookware - in moderation. We split the purchase of stainless steel pots/pans set, I think it was $60 which isn't bad for something that will also last forever. Cast irons are plentiful, cheap, durable, repairable. I don't get the appliance game though, I think appliances are a silly thing to spend a bunch of money on, then again I'm renting sooooo I might just be ignorant.

Expensive furniture - no. We have a great couch from Ikea, tables/chairs are all second-hand. Bookshelves were on sale, as was our bed frame. I think our house looks nice, & my friends $3,000 couch isn't special at all to me, just anxiety-inducing.

#SkincareSunday: What's in a moisturizer, and how to pick the one that’s right for you?

Possibly one of the most iconic beauty products, the face cream, is our quintessential idea of a moisturizer, and likely the first image to come to mind when we think of skincare. However, from the vanishing creams of early 20th century, to Marilyn Monroe’s love of vaseline, to cutting-edge technological wonders of formulation casually sitting on store shelves nowadays, there are many types of product aimed at nourishing and hydrating the skin, and they’re more complex than it may seem. But is moisturizer really a mandatory step? And how to even begin choosing from the plethora of options available?

In this post:

The purpose of a moisturizer

Ingredient types: humectants, emollients, occlusives

Types of moisturizing products

Daytime vs. nighttime moisturizers

Recommendations for all skin types

Why does skin moisture matter?

One of the main functions of our skin is to serve as a physical delimitation of our body and a protective barrier that keeps the external world on the outside and our insides, well... on the inside. This so-called barrier function is extremely important to our overall health, preventing infections, contact between vulnerable tissues and dangerous substances, permitting thermal regulation and the balance of hydration levels. Without the skin acting as a cover, our bodily water content would quickly evaporate and be lost, leaving our cells unable to function.

The skin itself needs hydration to maintain its suppleness and integrity as a barrier. Loss of moisture can lead to cracks and fissures from dryness which create entryways for pathogens, effectively breaching that first line of physical defense. It can also lead to a decrease in elasticity, which not only poses health problems but also contributes to aesthetic concerns such as sagging and wrinkling.

(image source)

Ideally, our skin should be able to produce enough of its own natural moisturizing factors (NMFs) and prevent excessive trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) all by itself; however, more often than not, our barrier function is less than perfectly healthy, or external factors are pushing it to the limit, and lending it a little help in terms of moisturization can not only boost our health but also give us that plumped-up, glowing complexion we dream of.

How are moisturizers formulated?

Generally speaking, a well-rounded moisturizer is a product that seeks to deliver extra water to the skin and keep it there, while softening roughness and dry patches. Each of these properties are achieved, respectively, by using humectants, occlusives and emollients as ingredients. The aim is to achieve a balance in both water and oil levels.

Humectants are molecules that attract and store water within themselves. They work by drawing moisture from the air into the top layers of your skin; however, if the weather is extremely dry, they can start to pull water from the lower layers of your skin instead; this is a rare issue, though, and humectants are one of the main components to ensure the efficacy of a moisturizer, while being very lightweight and nongreasy.

Examples: glycerin, hyaluronic acid, honey, AHAs, aminoacids, propylene/butylene/etc. glycol, urea, sorbitol

Occlusives are heavier, though not always oily-feeling, and their purpose is to somewhat ‘waterproof’ your skin, though never 100%, in order to avoid further losses of water. By themselves, they don’t necessarily deliver extra moisture, but for individuals with compromised skin barriers they’re important to actually help humectants stick around and do their thing effectively. Some people are afraid any occlusives at all will clog their pores or suffocate their skin, but many of them are actually quite breathable and merely sit atop the skin and provide an extra protective layer.

Examples: dimethicone, waxes (microcrystalline, carnauba, candelilla, beeswax), paraffin, petrolatum, butters (cocoa, shea)

Emollients tend to be oily components, light or heavy-feeling, that sink into the topmost layers of the skin and soften it, making it smoother and more supple. They are especially helpful for mature or extremely dry skin, but even acne-prone individuals can benefit from a certain amount of emollients at times.

Examples: squalane, rose hip oil, other vegetable oils, ceramides, fatty alcohols, caprylic trygliceride, fatty esters, hydrogenated polydecene

Moisturizers can just be a simple base, but to be able to compete brands will oftentimes add extra ingredients to their products in order to claim extra benefits beyond hydration — from plant extracts to vitamins, retinoids, acids, peptides, etc.; a moisturizing product is a good delivery system for actives because it enhances their ability to penetrate into the skin and it’s not washed off but rather stays on for hours, ensuring they have a long time to take effect.

Are all moisturizers face creams?

These ingredient categories can be incorporated in many combinations, yielding final products with very different properties. The water affinity of humectants and the oil affinity of emollients and many occlusives lend themselves to emulsion-type formulations, where both a water phase and an oil phase are present and stabilized by some type of emulsifier. This includes the most common product types: creams, lotions, liquid emulsions.

However, some products contain only emollients (face oils, for instance), and others only humectants (hydrating serums, toners, essences, and sheet mask ‘juice’). For some, these products (layered or by themselves) can provide all the necessary moisture. Other products play with formulation technology in order to create a different feeling upon application, like watery gel-creams that still contain some emollients yet feel refreshing and lightweight on the skin. 

Innovations in this field keep coming in and new names for moisturizer types abound, but looking at the ingredient lists rather than just the marketing pitch can help you figure out what they do exactly.

(image source unknown; every product here apart from cleansers could be considered moisturizing.)

Daytime vs. nighttime moisturizing routine

So, do you really need two moisturizers, one for day and one for night? There are many lines that feature both a ‘day cream’ and ‘night cream’ version, but the truth is you do not need both. Night creams tend to be richer and more nourishing whereas day creams are lighter and may contain SPF. 

Circumstances where you may need separate night and day versions include if your skin needs intensive nourishment and you choose an overnight mask, or if your daytime moisturizer includes sun filters, which you should not be using at nighttime. (Side note — do not use moisturizer to dilute your SPF, as that makes it innefective).

You may also want to rotate products between seasons; frequently, even if you’re oily or combo, in winter your skin will need extra love and protection from the elements and you may benefit from switching to a richer formulation, whereas in summer refreshing watery gels can feel wonderful and avoid breakouts.

Choosing the right products

So, now that you know why you should keep your skin hydrated, and what kinds of moisturizing products there are to choose from, it’s time to asses your particular situation in order to pick the best option. As previously mentioned, you want to reach a balance between water and oil levels, so that neither is lacking nor in excess.

Those with dry or mature skin likely already own moisturizers out of necessity. Dry skin lacks oil, and it can get painfully crackly and thus lose water, becoming dehydrated. Emollients are especially important, and if dehydration is a big issue, so are humectants and occlusives. Look for rich, heavier formulations; you can even mix facial oil into your cream or add a layer of it as a finishing step. Overnight masks or sleeping packs are also a good option.

Suggestions: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream; Laneige Water Sleeping Mask; Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream

Folks with very oily skin often shy away from moisturizer, afraid it’ll make them oilier; however, excess oil is often associated to too little water (dehydration), and while it is not mandatory to use a designated moisturizer (since many products offer that benefit), it can be helpful to include oil-free gels, gel-creams, serums, etc. in your routine. Ones containing silicones or starches offer a mattified finish.

Acne-prone individuals, just like most oily-skinned ones, are usually afraid of triggering breakouts with comedogenic heavy moisturizers. However, I myself am acne-prone and I have used and loved many of the products I recommended above for dry skin; acne can further compromise our barrier function and leave it dehydrated and irritated, in need of a soothing moisturizer. Ones with healing ingredients like snail are great. Keep a record of which products break you out to try and figure out your own ingredient blacklist, as comedogenicity ratings are rather unreliable.

Suggestions: Mizon Snail Repair Gel Cream; Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel; The Inkey List Multi-Biotic

Sensitive skin sufferers should, as always, try to avoid fragrance and essential oils, and opt for skin-soothing ingredients (oats, allantoin, skin-identical components like aminoacids) instead. Thinner, lightweight formulations can be gentler to easily-irritated skin.

Suggestions: Avène Hydrance Optimale UV Light; Krave Beauty Oat So Simple; The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors

I hope this guide helps you understand how moisturizers work! There’s more to their effectiveness than that — a moisturizer, as we’ve seen, can be packed with amazing actives to deliver even more skin benefits, but if it does the basics then your skin will thank you already!

If you’d like to support me and the work I put into these informational posts, you can buy me a coffee on ko-fi ☕️

Related posts:

A guide to winter skincare

Is shea butter a good moisturizer?

The skincare benefits of rose hip oil

[ All #SkincareSundays || Posts about Moisturizer || Posts about Dry Skin ]

Are They Dupes?: MaeLove Glow Maker Vs Paula’s Choice C15 Booster

Move over, Paula’s Choice C15 Booster. There’s a new Skinceuticals CE Ferulic dupe on the block – and it’s cheaper than you.

It’s called MaeLove Glow Maker and it sells out quickly every time a new batch is released. Should you hurry to get yours while you can?

Here’s how it compares to Paula’s Choice C15 Booster, my fave (until now?) Skinceuticals dupe:

Ingredients

L-Ascorbic Acid To Fight Premature Aging

Both Paula’s Choice C15 Booster and MaeLove Glow Maker use the same form of Vitamin C (yes, there’s more than one!), L-Ascorbic Acid.

L-Ascorbic Acid is the pure and most-effective form of Vitamin C. Here’s how it keeps your skin young:

It fights the free radicals that cause premature wrinkles

It brightens the complexion

It fades dark spots

It boosts collagen, the protein that keeps skin firm and elastic

The catch? L-Ascorbic Acid must be formulated at a pH below 3.5 to work its magic. But low pHs can be irritating for sensitive skin. If yours can’t tolerate Vitamin C serums, this is why.

Paula’s Choice C15 Booster has a ph of 3, while MaeLow Glow Maker‘s goes a little higher at 3.2. Both are still low enough to be effective.

One more thing: L-Ascorbic Acid goes bad within weeks. You can’t order these serums now, leave them in a drawer for 6 months, and expect them to still work when you finally decide to use them. If you buy them now, use them now.

Related: What’s The Best Form Of Vitamin C?

Vitamin E And Ferulic Acid To Supercharge Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidants alone. But pair it with its BFFs ferulic acid and vitamin E and it becomes unstoppable.

A study conducted by Duke University has found that “its [ferulic acid] incorporation into a topical solution of 15% l-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and 1%alpha-tocopherol (Vitamin E) improved chemical stability of the vitamins (C+E) and doubled photoprotection to solar-simulated irradiation of skin from 4-fold to approximately 8-fold as measured by both erythema and sunburn cell formation. This combination of pure natural low molecular weight antioxidants provides meaningful synergistic protection against oxidative stress in skin and should be useful for protection against photoaging and skin cancer.”

In plain English, when used together, ferulic acid, Vitamin C and Vitamin E double their own sun protection properties and help you fight premature wrinkles much faster.

Paula’s Choice C15 Booster uses the perfect combination: 15% L-Ascorbic Acid, 1% Vitamin E and 0.5% Ferulic Acid.

MaeLove Glow Maker has all three antioxidants as well, but doesn’t disclose percentages. They make be higher or lower, no one knows.

Related: Why Your Vitamin C Serum Should Always Contain Ferulic Acid

Sodium Hyaluronate To Hydrate Skin

Both MaeLove Glow Maker and Paula’s Choice C15 Booster contain their fair share of Sodium Hyaluronate, a form of Hyaluronic Acid.

Hyaluronic Acid is a moisture magnet: it attracts moisture from the environment into the skin, helping to keep it hydrated for longer. It’s so powerful, it can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water!

All that moisture makes skin plumper, softer and brighter. (Moisture is the secret behind Korean skincare, remember?)

Related: The Complete Guide To Hyaluronic Acid In Skincare

What About The Rest Of The Formulas?

MaeLove Glow Maker has sneaked in a couple of antioxidants, including grape seed extract, magnolia extract, and orange stem cells, to fight free radicals before they give you wrinkles.

The catch? Citrus extracts aren’t the best choice for sensitive skin. There’s always the risk their fragrant components can irritate your skin.

Knowing the irritating potential of Vitamin C, Paula’s Choice C15 Booster focuses on soothing ingredients. Bisabolol and Panthenol both have anti-inflammatory properties that calm down redness and irritation.

Related: 9 Soothing Ingredients To Calm Down Irritated Skin

Which Of The Two Should You Go For?

It depends on what your skin needs the most right now.

Go with MaeLove Glow Maker if you want to double down on antioxidants or are on a tight budget.

Opt for Paula’s Choice C15 Booster if you prefer a more soothing formula or need to know the exact % of ingredients.

Related: Skinceuticals CE Ferulic VS Paula’s Choice C15 Booster: Which One Is Better?

Availability

MaeLove Glow Maker ($27.95): Available at MaeLove

Paula’s Choice C15 Booster ($49.00/$46.00): Available at Cult Beauty, Dermstore, Feel Unique, Net-A-Porter, and Paula’s Choice

Is MaeLove Glow Maker A Dupe For Paula’s Choice C15 Booster?

I wouldn’t call MaeLove Glow Maker an exact dupe for Paula’s Choice C15 Booster – for starters, we don’t know the exact concentrations of the active ingredients in the former. But the formulas are so similar, you can expect very similar results.

Want more dupes? Click on the image below to subscribe to the newsletter and receive the “Skincare Dupes” cheatsheet with all my fave dupes:

Have you tried MaeLove Glow Maker and Paula’s Choice C15 Booster? Share your fave pick in the comments below.

MaeLove Glow Maker Ingredients: Water, Ascorbic Acid, Ethoxydiglycol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Vitis Vinifera/Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract, Tocopherol, Xanthan Gum, Ferulic Acid, Lecithin, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Metabisulfite, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Callus Culture Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Maltodextrin, Triethanolamine, Phenoxyethanol.

Paula’s Choice C15 Booster Ingredients: Water, Ascorbic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Ethoxydiglycol, Glycerin, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Pentylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hexanoyl Dipeptide-3 Norleucine Acetate, Lecithin, Ferulic Acid, Panthenol, Bisabolol, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Propyl Gallate, Sodium Gluconate, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin.

Take The Guesswork Out Of Skincare Shopping

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Are They Dupes?: MaeLove Glow Maker Vs Paula’s Choice C15 Booster syndicated from Beautiful With Brains

Components Included In Cosmetics - Which Are Beneficial For You?

Most of us don't pay any heed on the products we apply on the faces. It's also real sad that individuals tend to avoid reading presentation carefully because they're often too confusing. Even worse would be the fact skin care manufacturers try their best to trick us using their exaggerated claims just as if we do not know better! Here are some tips to be aware of which supports one to transform in to a cosmetic chemist: Elements inside a Skin Care Product You need to first understand the substances that get accustomed to manufacture your skin care products. Water and oil would be the most elementary products, and glycerin acts as a binding agent between the two. Next comes the emollients like urea, Shea butter, tocopherol, and aloe. Emollients help to keep your skin layer hydrated which will help prevent the loss of water. You can also find the humectants which soften skin by drawing moisture in the air. The commonest humectants include sodium PCA, propylene glycol, and acid hyaluronic. You can also find the preservatives which help to halt microorganisms and kill bacteria. You can find lubricants like cyclomethicone and dimethicone which allow the item to smoothly glide onto the skin. Last and not the least, additionally, there are pH products like citric acid and acetic acid which maintain the right pH amount of your skin.

The Ingredients you'll want to Avoid Due to the inexpensive nature and straightforward availability, there are some harmful ingredients often employed by manufacturers. One of these is mineral oil, that includes a bad trustworthiness of clogging pores and causing breakouts. Mineral oil is more harmful because it is a byproduct of the petroleum industry. Hydroquinone is a common ingredient in skin lightning products. However, they have also been banned in Europe because it is any carcinogenic. SD alcohol is an additional common ingredient utilized in products for shiny skin. They are effective in treatment of oil, but also strips your skin layer of the protective layer. Lanolin is the oil derived from sheep skin, and often causes allergic reactions. Organic Vs Natural There are a few cosmetic manufacturers who state they use natural ingredients within their products. By "natural", it means the product uses substances that derives from plants. Individuals who choose to avoid synthetic ingredients can use 100 % natural ingredients. However, there is absolutely no be certain that the merchandise doesn't have chemicals and preservatives. However, "organic" ingredients are certainly not at all modified. There isn't any artificial color, preservatives, chemicals and additives. If the manufacturer claims that his products are organic, that doesn't mean that they are modification-free. Only opt for buying if you see a USDA seal for the label. There are two more things you need to keep in mind. Firstly, don't be seduced by the catchphrases "Anti-aging" and "Dermatologist Recommended". They're all marketing hypes produced by manufacturers to raise their sales. Secondly, a good company doesn't need to make a claim to hook you. Speak to your personal dermatologist, research online, and read the labels before making the purchase. Your skin layer will continue to be safe if you know what you're using. More info about gia cong my pham tron goi you can check our new web site.

How Does Vitamin C Help Pores and skin?

If you happen to called us "a bunch of serum snobs," we would not be offended. Here's a serum that unleashes onto your skin 50 instances stronger than your average creams. It combines the energy of antioxidants and THD ascorbate with our miracle ingredient, vitamin C. It also comprises vitamin E, ferulic acid, Gwennis (algae extract that reduces darkish spots by 75%), and aloe that soothe your skin. I can't get enough of Vitamin C. I have been hooked since my Mum began explaining how certain elements similar to this and glycolic acid help with anti-ageing, pigmentation and smoothing out pores and skin texture. Fingers crossed this helps maintain my skin wholesome and agency for years to return. So, I believe an inexpensive serum with vitamin C — which might help heal and protect skin — is value a shot. I have been testing all Vit C products by the bizarre and although I like this product and might see + feel it working, I am not sure about the consistency as it feels too oily for me to use it during the day. For this reason, I end up utilizing it on the PM only but an awesome product overall. Rosehip Seed Oil, chilly-pressed from the seeds of the shrub Rosa moschata, is prized for its omega-three and omega-6 essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and Nutritional vitamins A, C, and E. It is a non-greasy, quick absorbing oil with sturdy regenerative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-getting older properties. Long-Lasting: Unlike many Vitamin C serums in the marketplace, Brighten Up contains a highly-stable form of Vitamin C designed to make sure most freshness and potency over time. Some The Strange vitamin C skincare is straightforward to placed on. Other formulation take persistence. Zip backed A line vs. super slinky bodycon. AGE Good® accommodates scientifically advanced elements proven to impression the major biochemical reactions that contribute to skin growing old earlier than they start, so your pores and skin is left smoother, firmer and healthier. AGE Sensible® is the intelligent investment in your future pores and skin. The 8 Greatest Hyaluronic Acid Serums To Take You Into Spring Capable of holding over 1,000 occasions its weight in water to assist hydrate and plump skin. Helps enhance penetration in the skin and helps your pores and skin retain moisture. used my typical skincare incorporating vitamin c (c21.5 by wishtrend) and vitamin e, and a zinc sunscreen (no make-up) and when eradicating with make-up remover i observed the gunk i used to be wiping off was yellowy.

#Sulsal #sulsal_soap #bior_D * Salizalic * Azelaic acid VS Salicylic acid, Azelaic Acid has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which is why it is an excellent choice for treating hormonal or cystic acne, blackheads and the redness and swelling of rosacea. Salicylic acid can help decrease oil secretion and reduce inflammation. * Sulfacetamide-Sulfur Sodium sulfacetamide is a sulfonamide with antibacterial activity while sulfur acts as a keratolytic agent Sodium sulfacetamide works by stopping the growth of certain bacteria on the skin that can lead to acne and worsen these other skin conditions. It belongs to a class of drugs known as sulfa antibiotics. Sulfur works by helping remove the top layer of dead skin. It belongs to a class of drugs known as keratolytics. * Some acne cleansers and face soaps have added ingredients to fight acne and improve the skin's appearance. Medicated cleansers contain acne-fighting ingredients like: salicylic acid, sodium sulfacetamide, or benzoyl peroxide, which can help clear up skin while cleaning it. * Salicylic acid helps clear blocked pores and reduces swelling and redness. * Benzoyl peroxide exfoliates the skin and kills bacteria. * Sodium sulfacetamide interferes with the growth of bacteria. * To keep your skin hydrated, look for cleansers that contain emollients (petrolatum, lanolin, mineral oil and ceramides) or humectants (glycerin), which hold moisture in your skin, or exfoliants (alphahydroxy acids) to smooth rough areas. Dry skin: Aim for a heavier moisturizer and look for ingredients like: 1- hyaluronic acid and dimethicone, which help keep skin hydrated. 2- Glycerin, propylene glycol, proteins, and urea also help attract water to your skin. 3- Lanolin, mineral oil, and petrolatum lock in moisture. https://www.instagram.com/p/CRbynA7Fsj2/?utm_medium=tumblr

Azelaic Acid vs Mandelic Acid

Azelaic Acid vs Mandelic Acid

Azelaic acid vs mandelic acid, it’s time we delved into this comparison because they tend to be aimed at the same audience. Those suffering with sensitive skin. So, if they’re for the same people how do you differentiate between them? Today we are going to tackle just that. First, I’m going to break down what each acid is and how they work. Then we can find the difference and similarities in…

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Chamomile X Calendula Scrub

Relieve stress and cool your body with the healing, anti-inflammatory, detoxifying benefits of chamomile and calendula in a scrub!

Relieve stress and cool your body with the healing, anti-inflammatory, detoxifying benefits of chamomile and calendula in a scrub!

Provides soothing aromatherapy, glycolic acid

 Grit: Medium

Best for: Face, lip, feet, hands but safe for entire body

4oz jar (3.5oz nt wt) = 16 uses, minimum.

Rinses clean from your shower

100% biodegradable, vegan, natural, & organic

Shelf Life is min. 1 Year

Ingredients: sugar, koshers salt, polysorbate 80, grapeseed oil, chamomile essential oil, chamomile dried, calendula dried, Otiphen ND [organic preservative] (Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid)

 How it works:  

Calendula - A nutrition packed anti-inflammatory, healing powerhouse. One of the strongest anti-viral herbs known to humans. Also highly anti-bacterial. Packed with flavanoids and other anti-oxidants. It's flower extracts are also known to sooth muscle spasms, constipation, and as such PMS and PCOS related symptoms. Speeds healing, even in slow healing wounds and ulcers. An animal study saw 90% wound closure (healing) in 8 days with calendula topicals vs 51% closure with the no treatment control. Supports circulation and blood flow to applied areas. 

Sugar - Its a natural humectant, drawing moisture from the environment into the skin. A natural source of glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that penetrates the skin and breaks down the "glue" that bonds skin cells, encouraging cell turnover and generating fresher, younger-looking skin. Glycolic acid is typically used to treat sun-damaged and aging skin. Sugar is an excellent physical and chemical exfoliant. 100% biodegradable. Provides a refreshed skin appearance. Helps maintain skin's oil balance. Contains high levels of vitamin B6, manganese, pantothenic acid, magnesium, potassium, iron, niacin, thiamine, iron, calcium, copper, and selenium

Vitamin E - Sometimes called the “skin vitamin,” has excellent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and skin healing properties, which make it a great natural remedy for various skin and hair concerns. Extracted from various plants. Gives a powerful antioxidant boost to any product. Serves as a natural preservative for oils as it preserves your tissues - antioxidation. Sun protectant - prevents sun burn development. Sun protection works best with vitamin c rich ingredients. Soothes dry chapped skin, lips, & dry cuticles. Heals scars - makes skin resistant to scarring and damage from abrasion or incision. Treats eczema.

Agave - In Mexican tradition, it's known to help reduce wrinkles, and build strength, resiliency, and elasticity to the hair. It's usually sold in nectar form, a thick brown syrup. It's naturally high in calcium, isoflavonoid, alkaloids, coumarin and vitamins B1, B2, C, D and K, and provitamin A. It's also home to a substance called saponins. They're natural surfactants, cleaners that help break down dirt and oils. They're also one of the best known natural stimulants of hyaluronic acid.

 Instructions

Get your skin wet with warm water. Get about 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of scrub and splash it with warm water. Apply directly to area. Rub into your skin gently, letting the scrub do the work. Once you're done, let it sit for a few minutes then rinse. The sitting isn't necessary but it will allow for greater nutrient transmission. Follow with Anti-Aging Face Oil or one of my amazing butters.

 Why exfoliate?

Have you ever taken a really good shower, gotten out, and felt amazingly clean only to rub your hand over your leg or arm and realize, "holy crap, I'm still dirty." That is a sign you need to exfoliate. That's a sign your outermost layer of skin is not releasing itself the way it should be. This isn't something wrong with you in fact it's very common. Even children have this issue.

 When we create new layers of skin underneath our topmost layer, the outer layer skin is supposed to slowly "rough" off. Sometimes that doesn't happen, though. Sometimes, you'll notice patches of old skin that you need to pull. Sometimes, you'll notice really thick rough patches, maybe on your hands or feet. You may also notice changes in complexion like on the back of your neck, elbow or knee. All of these are signs of compacted dead skin. Exfoliation helps keep all that in check.

We deal in TRUTHS... we LOVED collaborating with Jen @skinfiniti_glasgow and fact checking ingredients for this piece: @Medik8 vs @theordinary.... We have a duty of care, so its about time we educate ourselves and uncover the real scientific TRUTH! 👀...Hylaraunic Acid works so well because it holds/attracts up to 1000x its weight in water, (think about those little pearls inside a babies nappy) Both formulas claim to be concentrated HA formulas i.e better for plumping the skin than a moisturiser with a little HA built in for example. So, lets first Ignore price, branding, marketing, paid/unpaid reviews, likes, follows and comments on social media for both here.... The ex chemistry student in me rates a product on one thing and one thing only - the INGREDIENT list. Unlike clever 'key ingredients' claims, the full list must be disclosed on all packaging BY LAW and is the only real TRUTH behind any formula, so lets pay close attention to this... Medik8 30ml - this one has just six ingredients therefore pretty concentrated 🙌: Aqua, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate (HAcid), Calcium Pantothenate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid. Clean mix! The Ordinary HA 30ml - This contains twenty two ingredients: 🙄 Aqua (Water), Sodium Hyaluronate Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Panthenol, Ahnfeltia Concinna Extract, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Citric Acid, Ethoxydiglycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin. This formula contains oil, which coats the pores and is a water 'repellant' - so it may create a silkier feel but how does this work for blemish prone skin or attract water?? Verdict: Medik8 is non-acnegenic by virtue of what it doesnt have – oils and other comedogenic ingredients. Because it is oil free, and has waaay less preservatives or 'bulking ingredients' it has much better skin-clearing, plumping powers, and is the overall winner by a million miles in my opinion..what do you think? #TheOrdinary #Medik8 #microneedle #selflove #instagood #skingeek #instabeauty #blogger #acne #makeup #photooftheday #acne https://www.instagram.com/p/CCUVtHblrjI/?igshid=1af2uwlkmkmdp

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: SEALED Retinol Vit C Anti Aging Wrinkle Dark Spot.

FlowMode CBD vs HempWorx Reviews

There are tons of CBD brands out there, including a handful that are well established and more and more startups emerging every day. Sometimes it can be overwhelming to decide which brand will work best for you. The goal of this review series is to share with you in the most unbiased way possible how FlowMode, which is a relatively new brand as of this writing, stacks up against some of the most well established brands on the market. In case it's not abundantly clear, there is no way we can be 100% unbiased, as we sell our own CBD products! That said, we want to give credit where credit is due, and hope that this review will shed some light on the most important differences between our offerings and that of our competitors. Your thoughts are important to us! We encourage you to leave your questions and comments at the end of this review.

About The Brand

HempWorx Based in Las Vegas, Nevada and founded in 2014, they offer a limited range of CBD products and have made a name for themselves in the market. They source their hemp from organic farms in Kentucky. Certified by the US Hemp Authority, they are run by the parent company MyDailyChoice, which is well known in the affiliate marketing space for a variety of alternative health-related products. FlowMode FlowMode is based in Easthampton, MA and was established in April 2019. Although a newcomer to the CBD market, the founder comes from a 15 year background in pharmaceutical product manufacturing, and possesses a deep understanding of the importance of strict quality guidelines for the manufacturing and sale of consumable health and wellness products. FlowMode products are produced from organic hemp grown outside Eugene, Oregon. Oregon is known for its tremendous soil and remarkable microclimates that are perfectly suited to growing hemp, resulting in quality that transcends even some of the better known growing locations in the US such as Montana and Colorado. FlowMode products are formulated and packaged on our behalf by a manufacter that specializes in unique, small batch CBD-rich products and tinctures. Operations are run by a Master Herbalist with over 20 years experience. Winner: Draw Both companies offer a clear picture of where they started and what got them into the CBD business. Both companies are run by families who are committed to the health and wellness of their customers.

Products

HempWorx Their main product offering is CBD tinctures in two dosages, available with full-spectrum hemp extract as well as CBD isolate. Dosages range from 10mg up to 15mg per dose, which is on the lower end compared to other products on the market. I always recommend full-spectrum extract whenever possible, due to the additional benefits of other cannabinoids and terpenes contained within it. Below is a short list of some of the more common selections in their product line:

HempWorx CBD Oil: Potency: 500-750mg per bottlePrice: $69-89 per bottleIngredients (Full-Spectrum): Pressed Hemp (seed) oil, CBD-Rich Whole Hemp ExtractIngredients (CBD Isolate): Hemp-Derived Crystalline CBD, Pressed Hemp Seed Oil, Natural FlavoringEditor's Notes: They offer both full-spectrum hemp extract as well as a 0% THC version made with CBD isolate. I always recommend full-spectrum extract whenever possible, due to the additional benefits of other cannabinoids and terpenes contained within it.

HempWorx Relief: Potency: 80mg per containerPrice: $69 per containerIngredients: Water, Stearic Acid, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycerin, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Lecithin, Crystalline Cannabidiol, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycol Distearate, Menthol, Tocopherol Acetate, Emu Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Squalene, Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Boswellia Serrata Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Yellow 5Editor's Notes: Not the most natural topical I've seen, but it does have a variety of notable ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, Arnica and Frankincense, all of which are great for the skin.

HempWorx Bath Bombs: Potency: 10mg per bath bombPrice: $49 per container (4 bath bombs)Ingredients (Lavender): 100mg Hemp Seed Oil, 10mg Hemp-Derived CBD, Baking Soda, Citric Acid, Epsom Salt, Corn Starch, Witch Hazel, Lavender Essential Oils, Colorant: Red 33, Blue 1Editor's Notes: One box contains 4 bath bombs, one in Lavender, Lemongrass, Sea Salt and Citrus scents. This still seems a little pricey for a single bath time experience!

HempWorx CBD Coffee: Potency: 5mg per cupPrice: $69 per containerIngredients: Organic Instant Arabican Coffee (bean), Organic Chaga Mushroom Powder, Hemp (seed) extract (5mg)Editor's Notes: Chaga is a well documented adaptogen that supports mood and anxiety levels. They also sell additional topical products, including Keto Coffee Creamer, CBD Oil for Pets and CBD Dog Treats. FlowMode FlowMode currently has a limited offering of two products:

FlowMode Feel Well - Natural Pain Relief Potency: 200mg per bottlePrice: $59.85 per bottle, quantity discountsActive Ingredients: CBD-Rich Full Spectrum Hemp Extract* (Activated Glycerin Method), Dong Quai*, White Peony*, Black Peppercorn*, Turmeric*, White Willow Bark* (natural source of salicin, where Aspirin comes from) (*Certified Organic)Other Ingredients: Vegetable Glycerin*, Cane Alcohol* (*Certified Organic)

FlowMode Sleep Well - Natural Sleep Aid Potency: 200mg per bottlePrice: $59.85 per bottle, quantity discountsActive Ingredients: CBD-Rich Full Spectrum Hemp Extract* (Activated Glycerin Method), Lemon Balm*, Ashwagandha*, Valerian*, Nutmeg* (*Certified Organic)Other Ingredients: Vegetable Glycerin*, Cane Alcohol* (*Certified Organic) We are preparing to roll out 3-4 new formulas by Spring 2020 to address the requests of our users. Winner - Product Variety: HempWorx There is no question that they have more items for sale than FlowMode. I appreciate that their product line still seems to maintain a focus of purpose and it definitely appears that there has been some thoughtfulness put into their offerings. Some other companies we have reviewed seem to have as many products as they can possibly get CBD into. Winner - CBD Concentration per Bottle: HempWorx (with a catch) When it comes to concentration of CBD per bottle, they are the winner once again, as they offer more potent blends than FlowMode. I also want to point out that there are many ways to accomplish the same goal. The guiding belief of FlowMode is to offer CBD based formulas that are prepared in a way that follows that ancient traditions of hemp medicine that have been used for millennia. Hemp and cannabis were not often used as a standalone substance, but rather in balance with several other medicinal herbs that provided complementary benefits. Take our Sleep Well Master Blend, for example. Although the CBD content is lower than many pure CBD oil products, we also include Lemon Balm, Ashwagandha, Valerian and Nutmeg, all of which have a long history of supporting people with sleep problems. Our goal is to offer formulas that address issues with a multi-faceted approach, so that everybody will recieve some benefits, even people who may not respond as strongly to CBD. I was glad to see, as I began researching various HempWorx reviews, that they incorporate other ingredients in certain products, as we believe that CBD works best when used in conjunction with additional healthful ingredients. I would have liked to see this much more often, though. Worst case scenario, if the US government shuts down the CBD market tomorrow, FlowMode products will still offer profound relief for the purposes they have been developed. CBD is one of the wheels on the bus, but it's surely not the whole bus. We like to think that this future-proofs our products, because we offer so much more than just CBD. Winner - CBD Quality: FlowMode Most HempWorx reviews that I found, including their website, explain that their CBD oil comes in both full-spectrum and isolate forms, depending on the choice of the user. I would encourage people to choose full-spectrum if at all possible. The isolate form, which is a highly refined form of CBD with no other cannabinoids present, may sacrifice important benefits compared to full-spectrum hemp extract. These additional benefits are related to other, lesser known cannabinoids including CBC, CBG, and CBN, as well as dozens of natural terpenes, all of which possess unique effects of their own. FlowMode products incorporate CBD-rich full-spectrum hemp extract, produced using the Activated Glycerin Method. This is the tried and true herbalist method to ensure the highest potency extract from hemp. Although glycerin-based extracts yield a lower concentration of cannabinoids than an alcohol extract or an isolate, many herbalists believe that glycerites may actually exert stronger effects for the same volume due to the completeness of the "information" they contain (Reference). Due to the Activated Glycerin Method of extraction, I have to go with FlowMode products on this one, as we simply haven't found a better way to enhance the bioavailability of CBD extract than this.

Independent Lab Testing

HempWorx Current test results are readily available on each product page. Collectively, these documents ensure that products contain accurate amounts of active ingredients as stated on the label and that there is nothing that could potentially harm the end user. FlowMode FlowMode offers batch certificates on each product page. It's also important to note that although FlowMode products use full-spectrum hemp extract, independent lab testing confirms that THC content is below the detectable limit. Lab equipment for cannabinoid testing is extremely sensitive. This is essentially the same as saying that THC does not exist in the products whatsoever. You can rest assured that using FlowMode products will NOT cause you to fail a drug test. Winner: Draw Both brands provide the utmost level of quality control and assurance for their products. We hope to feature QR codes on all our product labels in the near future, which is the best technology currently available to share transparency with consumers.

Customer Service, Perks and Return Policy

HempWorx I spent a long time studying all the reviews I could find and was disappointed to see a B- from the Better Business Bureau. I found that their current BBB rating is a B- due mainly to shipping and return issues, NOT product quality. I want to be clear that I do not think this report is a black mark on the quality of their products. What it looks like to me is a company that is growing rapidly and struggling to keep up with demand. I look forward to seeing how their rating changes as they get ahead of things. They offer a variety of discounts and coupons on a regular basis. They offer a 30-day refund policy in which the user must return the entire order, Partial refunds are not accepted, therefore, if one of the products out of many you order is not satisfactory, you will have to send back EVERYTHING or just deal with the unsatisfactory product. The customer is responsible for return shipping costs. FlowMode FlowMode customer service is immediate, direct and effective. We are here to serve you and will do what we can to ensure that every interaction you have with us and our products is enjoyable. You can reach us via the contact form on our website, email, phone call, text, tweet or even FB Messenger. We love hearing from you! FlowMode offers a Points program where every $10 spent results in $1 for you. There are numerous ways to earn more points by sharing our products on social media and with your friends and family. Our primary goal is to share the benefits of our products with as many people as possible, and want to make it easy for you to continue using them for as long as you choose. FlowMode offers a generous 90-day, no questions asked refund policy. We recognize that everybody's body is different and that natural remedies often take awhile to ramp up their effectiveness. Even if your bottle is completely empty, we are happy to refund you. We do not ask for any product returns. Our hope is that you will gift any remaining product to a friend or loved one to see if it can help them. You'll get your money back, and somebody else gets the opportunity to try our products for free...it's a win-win. Winner: FlowMode I am disappointed with their relatively limited refund policy. Given all the negative press on CBD lately, it is extremely important that CBD companies do everything they can to offer consumers a generosity of spirit that transcends their normal online shopping experience.

Summary: FlowMode CBD vs HempWorx Reviews

I'd say that I did a pretty good job staying as unbiased as possible! We can't be everything to everybody, and FlowMode is surely not trying to do that. FlowMode is focused on providing a curated selection of highly effective formulas that go beyond CBD oil to provide you with a wealth of benefits for your body and mind. I'm proud of our focus and the uniqueness of our products in a market crowded with a lot of lookalikes. I appreciate any company that provides products that help people feel better and live happier and healthier lives. In this regard, I believe that this is more of a big fat "Thank You!" for their a role in supporting the wellbeing of consumers. Their products are helping and I applaud them for that. I'm confident I will end up doing more HempWorx reviews down the road, to follow up on the BBB findings and other details. What do you think? Was this fair and balanced? I'd love to hear your questions and comments below! Read the full article

What Is Mandelic Acid? The Essential Skincare Alphabet

What Is Mandelic Acid? The Essential Skincare Alphabet

Mandelic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that is popular for treating acne and hyperpigmentation. However, you may know of many ingredients that do similar things. What makes this acid different? Read more about alpha hydroxy acids here. It’s also becoming more and more popular as a treatment for anti-aging topicals. So, what is mandelic acid and is it for…

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Purito Sunscreen Review: Safe Sun, Unscented Sun & Comfy Water Sun Block

This post is sponsored by Purito.

Purito are a Korean skincare brand that’s very focused on natural skincare. I’ve reviewed some products from their Centella Green Level line before, and today I’ll be reviewing the three sunscreens in their range. There’s the Centella Green Level Safe Sun, as well as the unscented version, Centella Green Level Unscented Sun. They’ve also recently launched the Comfy Water Sun Block, a mineral sunscreen that promises low white cast and a light texture.

Korean skincare brands are known for their light textured, cosmetically elegant sunscreens with added skincare benefits. Since I’ve seen rave reviews of Purito’s sunscreens, I was really excited to try them out when Purito approached me to review them!

Here’s what I look for in a sunscreen – remember that my skin is not your skin though, so you may have different requirements:

High UVA protection: Many sunscreens don’t report their exact UVAPF values (only “broad spectrum” is allowed), so I usually just look at the filters to try to gauge this. I prefer the newer filters (Tinosorb S & M, Mexoryl SX & XL, Uvinul A Plus).

White cast: Needs to be minimal. My skin is NC20 for reference.

Ease of application: It has to feel nice on my skin.

Eye comfort: I need to apply sunscreen near my eyes since that’s where I can see the wrinkles gathering. My eyes are pretty hardy thanks to years of wearing contact lenses, but they’ll still water a bit with some sunscreens.

Related post: My Sunscreen Mini-Review Spreadsheet

Purito Centella Green Level Safe Sun

Purito Centella Green Level Safe Sun SPF 50+ PA++++ (RRP $18.90 USD for 60 mL) is an organic (“chemical”) sunscreen.

This sunscreen has two UV filters, Uvinul A Plus (diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate) and Uvinul T 150 (octyl triazone). There’s been some speculation that two filters isn’t enough for complete protection, but I think this is baseless – I’ve discussed it before here. They’re newer UV filters that are photostable, which means they don’t break down after exposure to UV light, so the protection doesn’t decrease as much (for more information on which sunscreen filters are photostable, check out the sample chapter of my Basic Skincare eBook).

Related post: All Your Sunscreen and Makeup Questions Answered (video)

The texture of this sunscreen is pleasantly light, but not so light that it feels like it’ll wear off too easily. It glides on smoothly, which I think is because of dicaprylyl carbonate, a moisturising ingredient that spreads really well without feeling greasy, and features in a few other sunscreens with amazing textures that I love (Ultraceuticals and Klairs – Safe Sun’s texture is in between these).

Another texture-related aspect I really appreciated was how easy it was to apply an adequate amount of Safe Sun on my face. One of my gripes about some sunscreens that apply smoothly is that it can feel like it isn’t sinking in and I’m just moving the sunscreen around on my face forever, so I can’t actually apply the full amount. This isn’t an issue with this sunscreen.

Related post: How Much Sunscreen Do You Need For Your Face? (video)

Purito have also included skincare ingredients in their sunscreens, so they aren’t just sun protective. After it sank in, I found that it was very hydrating on my skin – unsurprising, since there’s loads of glycerin in it, and hyaluronic acid makes an appearance too. There’s a slightly sticky finish which isn’t uncomfortable, and disappears under make-up.

Safe Sun also includes Centella asiatica extract (of course), which features in the rest of the Green Level line as well. Centella asiatica extract has been found to help heal wounds, reduce wrinkles and pigmentation, and reduce irritation, as well as acting as a protective antioxidant. There’s also tocopherol (vitamin E) for additional antioxidant and moisturising benefits, and sensitive skin-friendly all-rounder niacinamide.

The sunscreen has a moderately strong lavender scent, from the inclusion of lavender essential oil. Some people find lavender oil irritating, so Purito have released an unscented version as well. This is one of the things I really like about Purito – they seem to be very responsive to customer feedback! My skin seems to be fine with lavender oil, so I didn’t experience any irritation.

It also didn’t sting my eyes, or have any white cast, and it made a great makeup base. I also didn’t experience any clogged pores or breakouts with Safe Sun, which is rare for me and sunscreens.

Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Dibutyl Adipate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Silica, Cetearyl Olivate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Tocopherol, Sorbitan Olivate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Sorbitan Stearate, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Disodium EDTA, Adenosine, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin

Purito Centella Green Level Unscented Sun

Purito Centella Green Level Unscented Sun SPF 50+ PA++++ (RRP $18.90 USD for 60 mL) is another organic (“chemical”) sunscreen.

This sunscreen is very similar to the Centella Green Level Safe Sun sunscreen, and contains the same two UV filters (Uvinul A Plus and Uvinul T 150). Notably, the lavender and Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) oils have been removed.

I was really impressed by the scent of this sunscreen – or rather, the complete lack of scent. “Unscented” products usually smell a bit weird or artificial, but this sunscreen is as close to genuinely unscented as anything else I’ve ever tried. If fragranced sunscreens are one of your pet peeves, this will be up your alley!

There are a few other formulation changes as well. There’s extra Centella extracts added (madecassoside, asiaticoside, madecassic acid, asiatic acid) which make it even better for protecting sensitive skin, and Purito have confirmed that it contains 2% niacinamide and has a PPD rating of 20-22. There are a few other subtle changes to the base of the formula, but the texture is virtually indistinguishable from the Safe Sun.

Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Glycerin, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Acrylates Copolymer, Silica, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Dibutyl Adipate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Cetearyl Olivate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Sorbitan Olivate, Glyceryl Stearate, Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Sorbitan Stearate, Centella Asiatica Extract (4315 ppm), Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Disodium EDTA, Adenosine, Hyaluronic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol

Purito Comfy Water Sun Block

Purito Comfy Water Sun Block SPF 50+ PA++++ (RRP $18.90 for 60 mL) is a mineral (inorganic or physical) sunscreen. It contains non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as its active ingredients.

Related post: Chemical vs Physical Sunscreens: The Science (with video)

My three biggest issues with inorganic sunscreens are texture, clogged pores and white cast. I’ve never found a mineral sunscreen that measured up to chemical sunscreens for these three criteria… so how did this fare?

Texture: The first thing I noticed was that the texture of this sunscreen is incredibly light – it actually feels like a chemical sunscreen. Most mineral sunscreens I’ve tried either feel like oily butter, or a paste. Purito say it’s because of their special formula, which uses 70% water.

Clogged pores: Just a few extra ones after two weeks of use! Amazing.

White cast: Here’s where Comfy Water Sun Block didn’t get full marks, although there’s significantly less white cast than the other mineral sunscreens I’ve tried before. Here’s the full 2 mg per square centimetre application on my face – it’s less noticeable in person:

I was particularly impressed with the low white cast because this sunscreen has titanium dioxide in addition to zinc oxide. Titanium dioxide usually produces more of a white cast, but this had less white cast than a lot of zinc oxide-only sunscreens I’ve tried. Unfortunately, it’s still too much white cast for my liking. The white cast was only really apparent I applied my usual foundation on top and it didn’t match my skin, so I ended up having to apply  more foundation than I usually do.

Aside from the white cast, I found that Comfy Water Sun Block was great. It worked well under make-up, and didn’t irritate my eyes. It has a light essential oil scent. The Centella actives also make an appearance here too, and niacinamide is high up on the ingredients list too.

Purito recommend using a facial cleaning tool (like a konjac sponge) to remove the sunscreen completely.

Ingredients: Water, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Zinc Oxide, Silica, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Stearic Acid, Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Lauroyl Lysine, Disodium EDTA, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Adenosine, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer

Verdict

I know it might sound a bit shifty since this is a sponsored review, but Purito Centella Green Level Safe Sun and Purito Centella Green Level Unscented Sun have entered my holy grail sunscreen list. They tick all of my boxes for UVA protection, white cast, texture and eye comfort.

The white cast from a full application of the Comfy Water Sun Block stops it from getting to the very top, but it’s the highest rated mineral sunscreen so far, and I don’t know if it’ll ever be beaten – I think mineral sunscreens just aren’t for me.

For more information on Purito, you can visit the Purito website.

This is a sponsored post; however, the opinions expressed are still my honest opinions. This post also contains affiliate links – if you decide to click through and support Lab Muffin financially (at no additional cost to you), thank you! For more information, see Disclosure Policy.

Purito Sunscreen Review: Safe Sun, Unscented Sun & Comfy Water Sun Block syndicated from Lab Muffin Beauty Science