Beauty Product Reviews | Page 2

Matrixyl is a synthetic peptide that research indicates not only helps soften fine lines, but works to helps skin repair itself and is highly effective for anti-aging. Through this formulation, you're getting effective, beneficial peptides. Peptides penetrate skin to promote skin-cell health while calming skin and promoting cell repair. That process is crucial to anti-aging.

The addition of Hyaluronic Acid in the form of Sodium Hyaluronate is a nice plus because it will provide a lovely dose of moisture to the skin without feeling oily. Those who have very dry may find they need more moisture, but this layers nicely and so that's a plus. I was hoping this would be more hydrating, but it's still nice. You should see improved softening in the skin with diligent use.

If you want to boost your anti-aging routine, this would pair nicely with their Advanced Retinoid to stimulate collagen/cell turnover...and also, Buffet, which brings in more peptides but also would add Amino Acids and more soothing moisture. If you layer The Ordinary's excellent Rosehip oil, you can bring in much-needed antioxidants. This should work with all skin types without issue, including acne-prone skin and oily skin.

Another consideration would be to add CoQ10, which is available at Vitacost online in a lovely, soothing toner for around $8. They also offer a delightful cream for under $15. (Very little is needed) Fellow Beautylish member, Ms. Jacqueline, introduced me to the CSI line at Vitacost and their prices are on par with The Ordinary so I did think that was worth a mention.

If you're on the fence about this product, know that it's a highly affordable way to bring peptides into your skincare. But you may already be getting enough peptides through your other skincare products. That's something to consider. In my view, this isn't a stand-alone product and I'd instead view it as a very nice, affordable addition to a much broader, anti-aging skin care and hydrating regimen. (It feels quite nice on the skin).

I would certainly recommend this or gift this, but I find I get a ton of peptides and hydration through my other core skincare products and so I'm not sure I would repurchase this . I'm currently still enjoying the bottle, which does last quite a while since so little product is needed.

I agree with the poster who wishes The Ordinary would talk a little bit more about why this may or may not be a good choice for your personal skincare needs. I've tried to explain a bit more in my reviews for this purpose. Hope it is of help to you.

Delightful Vitamin B3

Niacinamide is Vitamin B3, but is so much more than a way to bring beneficial vitamins to the skin. It also actively soothes your skin, calming it down, and helps skin repair itself.

If you have issues with pores, or want to brighten skin and improve tone as well as firmness, this is a rockstar ingredient by all accounts. Niacinamide at this percentage, especially, can strengthen skin and so to see it offered at this price point, with the addition of Zinc was truly a delight.

Why Zinc? Zinc is an antioxidant . Antioxidants protect your body/skin cells from free-radicals/environmental damage. Much in the way they are an essential part of a healthy diet to help reduce risk of disease, those antioxidants will help your skin protect itself. Zinc that will work with the Niacinamide to sooth skin and as a bonus, it boosts your skin's ability to protect itself from the sun. It's also very acne-friendly.

Tremendous for both anti-aging and acne users, this is a must-have ingredient in skincare. If you already have a favorite moisturizer that already contains Niacinamide, such as CeraVe PM, you can easily mix it with this and amp up your percentage. If you have a moisturizer you love that does not contain these highly beneficial ingredients, you could add a few drops to whatever you are already using to use it as a "Booster".

For those experiencing pilling, I completely agree with members who suggest less is more when applying. I find that works best and can use this product without any issues, including under make-up. I also allow a little time between layering products and therefore, pilling has not been an issue as a result.

On a personal note, I have plenty of amazing skincare, including from my Derm, that contain both C and Niacinamide. Those products are formulated specifically to work in unison, and do so, beautifully. That said, The Ordinary instructs that this should not be mixed or layered with C and so I'd use as directed for this particular formulation.

If you are looking to bump your skincare game, this would pair well with The Buffet. I'd also blend in some CoQ10 for maximum results. Vitacost (online) offers a CSI CoQ10 Toner that is a steal for around $8 and is very nourishing. These items would make a delightful "cocktail" used together. Since I like to use my C in the morning, I chose to use this particular "booster" in the evening. If you're using The Ordinary Retinoid, this also would work beautifully with that and provide soothing hydration, reducing your risk of irritation if you are new to Retinoid/Retinol or have sensitive skin.

Lovely feel on the skin with visible results. This is a win all the way around! Very impressed at the price point since so little is needed; this bottle should last quite a while. I would definitely repurchase, recommend, and/or gift this product wholeheartedly.

A Rockstar

For reference I run very dry/sensitive skin.

Loaded with peptides, this feels incredibly nice on the skin. It's my favorite of the serums not only for its'formulation, but for how luxurious it feels. It's essentially an anti-aging peptide cocktail.

'The Buffet' hydrates beautifully, is free from irritants or fragrance....it is soothing, and highly beneficial for skin cell health. This layers well for me with my other skincare and I found I could use it either day or night with tremendous success. I pair this with antioxidants and CoQ10 to amp it up, and I would suggest anyone seeking to bring their A game to anti-aging do the same. You'll get more bang if you do so. (This works great for dry under eyes without irritation.) Very emollient, which means this ones a win. If you have oily, I'm not sure you need this if you're getting peptides in other products you're using.

As another member noted, I do think the key to success is to use very little product and allow time for proper absorption to avoid pilling. I wait a good 10 minutes while I'm tending to teeth brushing and such so I don't see that as a drawback. Patience is key and so if you're in a hurry mornings, you may want to set aside an extra 10 minutes to let this do it's magic.

I noticed a lot of The Ordinary products address single issue and dig that this particular item offers multiple benefits. I would definitely recommend this to someone who isn't getting peptides and hydration through other sources in their skincare, but I'm not sure if I necessarily need this based on my own skincare regimen. Still, it is and was most enjoyable and at this price, you'd be hard pressed to find an equal 'cocktail'.

I would recommend this and/or gift this without hesitation. :)

There's MUCH Better Bang For Your Buck

For reference I run very dry and have sensitive skin.

I'm a longtime user of L Ascorbic, including a very high percentage only available through my Derm. Even so, this product stung beyond discomfort. I would describe it as burning. I do want to note, not everyone will experience identical issues; I can only speak from personal experience.

Vitamin C not only helps brighten skin and even skin tone while fading scarring and spots, but it also stimulates collagen. Collagen breaks down as we age and so C stimulates that collagen to help bring plumpness and firmness to skin...and a glow as it is cell communicative. It's a potent antioxidant. Yay for C!

This C is suspended in an oil base, making this extremely greasy, so you may want to take that into consideration. This suspension contains Coconut Alkanes, which is obtained by total reduction and hydrogenation of fatty acids derived from Coconut Oil. That may be something you need to take into consideration if you have sensitivities. Although initially it is gritty, you can easily mix this with your favorite moisturizer and that will take the grit way down and eventually it does absorb, but if you're in a time crunch, again, this may be something you'll need to plan for.

I feel that C is best used in the morning as it boosts sun protection and this formulation just feels like it would be best used at night; that's a drawback in my view. High concentrations of C CAN potentially bring on cystic acne in some individuals, so take note. I also feel that C is beneficial when used every single day, and because that's also not something I could with this, that further contributes to the 1 star.

Like any new skincare, I'd test patch on the neck, behind the ear (away from the skin fold) or on the delicate underside of the forearm and leave that overnight to see how skin responds.

I do recommend cutting this with a moisturizer, just be certain your moisturizer doesn't contain Niacinamide, as per The Ordinary's recommendation. (Many products successfully mix/contain C and Niacinamide with an effective pH and so I'd say this science of not mixing is highly debated, but you should follow their instruction in this instance/formulation.)

Because of this delivery system, your skin will not be actually absorb 23%; the percentage absorbed is much lower, but it's still a high concentration.

I think there are much better, affordable C options, such as Timeless Skincare with E and Ferulic Acid or Paula's Choice. Both are water-based, stable formulations with high concentrations of easily absorbed, non-oily, L Ascorbic Acid. (Placing it in the fridge will help keep it stable and extend shelf life.) Drunk Elephant is of course very pricy, but definitely worth looking into if budget permits it. I think all three are reliable, stable formulations.

If you really want to go with a C from The Ordinary, I'd recommend the lower percentage/alternate delivery system of their Ascorbyl 10% instead; that's a lovely product that is rapidly absorbing and quite enjoyable.

As other members have suggested, if you've purchased this and find it burns, don't lose faith. You can seriously cut it with a light moisturizer and use it as a mask or a treatment if regular use is too much. That's what I did with mine and then, burning was not an issue. I used it up so I didn't feel that it was a total wash.

I personally would not recommend this or repurchase this, but I am glad to see more access from The Ordinary to C options at an affordable price that some seem to enjoy very much.

Phenomenal!

I've been using organic, cold pressed facial oils for years and Rosehip is certainly a standout for my dry, sensitive skin. It's loaded with beneficial fatty acids which help nourish and are beneficial to skin cell health, providing plumpness and, permitting skin to repair itself through helping your moisture barrier. This product is wonderful way to introduce antioxidants into your skincare, regardless of skin type and benefit from non-greasy hydration. Rosehip rates as a 2 on the comedogenic scale, which is moderately low for risk of clogging pores. ( For reference, jojoba and sweet almond are also 2 on the comedogenic scale.)

Works well on applied skin directly or blended with a favorite moisturizer. It's light and quick absorbing/fast drying. I prefer to apply it directly to skin for maximum absorption and penetration. It's so nice that I can even apply under make-up. Lovely in the eye area and can be extended all the way down the neck for maximum benefit.

The quality and consistency is on par with much more expensive oils and so I absolutely will continue to use this and repurchase. Just spectacular!

Insanely Affordable Collagen Stimulation

Review is based on a 3 months usage. Skin type: I run very dry/sensitive.

Retinoid/Retinol stimulates collagen and increases cell turnover, which in turn helps plump and firm skin, but can both treat and prevent many fine lines and reduce deeper wrinkles. It's also an effective tool for preventative measures. As a long-time Vitamin A prescription user, I still find other Retinoid/Retinol options can work nicely in my routine, providing they are formulated correctly, on days I want a less-intense dosage..and you may as well.

The application at first can run a tad grainy, which easily goes away to blend in very smoothly, so if you do find a hint of graininess, don't be put off. It does have a slight odor to it, but that dissipates. If you are new to Retinoids/Retinol, I suggest test patching either behind the ear or on the delicate under-area of your forearm, leaving the patch overnight, before moving forward with usage on the face and down the neck/chest. The neck and chest are often more sensitive and so, again, I found a light hand key here. This is perfectly safe and effective for the entire eye area, but never for use upon the lids. You may experience a slight 'sting', but that should diminish and disappear as skin becomes accustomed to the Vitamin A. Burning, however, is not the same as a sting, so I would really listen to your skin.

Those who are highly sensitive or do experience a burn, acclimating skin is how you will achieve maximum results with minimal irritation. I find, in my experience, starting with just a hint of product every other night or every 3rd night and increasing or reducing usage based on skin response to be most helpful. If that's not an issue, this could easily be used every evening. I applied this at night, after cleansing and toning and before moisturizer or facial oils when layering. Personally I avoid layering Vitamin A products with AHA/BHA products or Vitamin C to reduce irritation

If you run dry/very dry/extremely dry, you may find devoting an entire day, spaced between Retinoid usage, devoted simply to hydrating and soothing skin works best for you.

3 months is ample time to see ever-so-slight complexion-surface changes, but with fine lines 6 months is an even better gauge. A full year for deeper wrinkles to see significant improvement. But I really want user to keep expectations realistic. This is not a duplicate for more potent formulations.

Those who are struggling with melasma, dark spots, acne or acne discoloration of pigment (some call "scarring") this should absolutely help if used as part of a broader skin-care regimen. It will not remove or reduce pock marks from the skink however; that requires microneedling. It can, however, help those areas look and feel more toned, and for many, prevent or treat current acne.

Some of the technology is fairly new and still needs much exploring and testing to see if it can live up to it's claims. It will never replicate the results of prescription Vitamin A, even with diligent use, but, if you do want to bring a Retinoid into your routine, this is the highest strength you will find over the counter at this price point. They did an excellent job in that regard.

I definitely think this is a plus if you've been thinking about stepping up your skincare game, but are not quite ready for prescription-strength Retinoids. If you'd like to take it a level higher, I would incorporate this into a broader anti-aging skin care regimen. To make this even more effective, I'd alternate this with a C serum in the morning and bring in a facial oil (such as The Ordinary Rosehip, Squalane or The Buffet) and toner and moisturizer with CoQ10, Niacinamide, Peptides, and Antioxidants that is free from drying alcohols and fragrance. You can take to the max, by using an AHA/BHA chemical exfoliation as part of your routine or as a treatment, but again, I would not layer any acids with this product, ever. Retinoids/Retinol increases skin sensitivity (even on days you do not apply the product) and so Broad Spectrum Sun Protection is a must. If you use a C or E product in the day, that also naturally boosts sun protection.

I would definitely both recommend and consider for repurchase or gifting.

Buyer's Remorse

I was excited to try these and ordered a trio of them based on so much positive feedback; I own Redrum, Doll Parts, and Unicorn Blood. Redrum is patch and wears uneven. It transferred everywhere, including onto my hair when the wind blew...which left a streak on my cheek. It got onto everything as the evening wore on. I actually went into the restroom and removed it completely, pulling out another favorite brand lipstick that I enjoy which saved the day.

Doll Parts applied beautifully, but even with exfoliating and properly prepped lips it just crumbled. Again, wear was an issue with this...that unevenly ring that's unappealing. Unicorn Blood looks amazing; the color is stunning and I received so many compliments, but again, the uneven wear is a deal breaker for me. I prefer lipsticks that don't transfer so easily. I will say this color had the most staying power, but a heads up it can stain.

As a whole I'm just not impressed and I think there's much better quality lipsticks for less. On a personal note, I won't be making any future purchases from this line. I don't begrudge those who love it and are delighted with their purchase, but no..not one more dime. Bye, Gurl, Bye....

Snag every color!

These stains hold up beautifully through dinner, a drink and a smooch. It's fantastic not having to touch up constantly and the colors are quite buildable, which is brilliant for a stain. I apply lip liner, then fill in with this stick..blot my lips once upon my index finger and I'm good to go! These work especially well for me with glosses when the mood strikes. Their nude shade wears (on me) as a subtle, soft pink. I've spent plenty more on high end stains that didn't work anywhere near as well as these. Works great to perk up your cheeks as a creamy blush; I just grab one for my purse on the way out. :)