CLAY+essence
  • JKosmmune Serum
    JKosmmune,  serum

    JKosmmune Serum

    the claim The JKosmmune Serum claims to be a lightweight, high-performance serum, fortified with powerful β-glucan that boosts skin immunity and visibly corrects tone for glowing and healthy skin.     the science In a short formula comprising only 7 ingredients, the hero is of course β-Glucan which is basically a polysaccharide sugar derived from various mushrooms, plants, algaes, yeast or oats. Represented at 99.99% purity for maximum potency (5,000 ppm), it is able to stimulate collagen production, accelerate wound repair, soothe and calm irritated and inflamed skin, moisturise and fight the signs of ageing. Its humectant effect is supposedly 20% more hydrating than hyaluronic acid, able to lock in…

  • B-Liv HA Temptation
    B-Liv,  serum

    B-Liv HA Temptation

    the claim B-Liv HA Temptation claims to recharge the skin and build a reservoir for tomorrow with this luxurious moisture-locking potion. It instantly infuses with essential hydration to quench skin’s thirst and reverse the visible signs of aging; consequently, improving skin’s density creating a soft and supple veil.     the science The hero of the formula is of course Hyaluronic Acid (HA). It’s found in the body naturally but declines with age. By 40, the body produces half as much HA as it did in our 20’s. It is able to hold up to 1000 times its weight in water for a plumping effect on the skin. Snow Mushroom…

  • Heimish Bulgarian Rose Mist
    Heimish,  mist,  serum

    Heimish Bulgarian Rosewater Mist Serum

    the claim The Heimish Bulgarian Rosewater Mist Serum is a mist, toner and serum hybrid made using 88% Bulgarian Rosewater to impart pH balancing, detoxifying and hydrating properties on the skin.     the science Rose Flower Water is simply water scented or distilled with essential oil from the Rose plant (the hydrosol is steam distilled and more potent in delivering benefits). It exhibits soothing, cooling and anti-inflammatory properties, ideal for sensitive skin or that suffering acne, redness and irritation. Astringent behaviour helps to tighten pores and reduce their appearance. Furthermore, benefits are provided in a pH balanced solution. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is a superstar ingredient that acts as a…

  • BY WISHTREND Pure Vitamin C 21.5% Advanced Serum
    ByWishtrend,  serum

    ByWishtrend Pure Vitamin C 21.5% Advanced Serum

    the claim The ByWishtrend Pure Vitamin C 21.5% Advanced Serum serum claims to improve overall skin tone and texture. It is formulated with 10 essential ingredients for a fast and effective result.     the science Vitamin C is essential for healthy skin. It has many healing properties including the ability to decrease sun damage and dehydration plus reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Ascorbic acid (often referred to as L-ascorbic acid) is considered its most potent form, highly effective at concentrations over 20%, in this case, 21.5%. Studies have found that using Vitamin C topically for at least 12 weeks can result in a visible decrease in…

  • Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum
    Innisfree,  serum

    Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum

    the claim The Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum is a moisturising and nourishing serum containing eco-friendly Jeju fresh green tea and green tea seeds. It claims to deeply hydrate, delivering clear, dewy skin while strengthening the skin barrier for longer lasting moisturisation.     the science Green Tea is a potent antioxidant that helps neutralise free radicals, reduce inflammation, clear cell damage and repair wrinkles. Rich in Catechins, a group of natural compounds called Polyphenols (EGCG in particular) that protect against UV radiation and environmental stressors, green tea also helps to inhibit collagenase, the enzymes that break the peptide bonds in collagen, thus promoting skin firmness and elasticity. The formulation…

  • May Coop Raw Activator
    May Coop,  serum

    May Coop Raw Activator

    the claim The May Coop Raw Activator is a concentrated serum formulated with 80% maple water, mushrooms, peptides and ceramides to improve elasticity plus firm, smooth and soften skin.     the science The star ingredient in the entire May Coop Raw range is Maple Tree Sap. In this serum, it features at a huge concentration of 80% within a waterless formula. The key feature of this inclusion is its ability to absorb easily and hydrate deeply due to its molecular size. Sap molecules are even smaller than those of water. Additionally, it delivers anti-ageing benefits due to amino peptides and antioxidants in its composition which help to rejuvenate the…

  • Benton Snail Bee Ultimate Serum
    Benton,  serum

    Benton Snail Bee Ultimate Serum

    the claim The Benton Snail Bee Ultimate Serum claims to be a multitasking serum which helps to nourish, soothe and keep skin supple. It is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive and an ideal choice for those looking for a protective product that will hydrate dry skin, add suppleness and vitality as well as assist with hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone.     the science Dominating the formula of this serum is 70% Saccharomyces/Snail Secretion Filtrate Ferment Filtrate, an ingredient obtained by filtering snail secretion which has been fermented by yeast derived from grapes. This process increases the potency of actives since they can be better absorbed into the…

  • So Simple Plump + Hydrate
    serum,  So Simple

    So Simple Plump + Hydrate

    the claim The So Simple Plump + Hydrate claims to be a lightweight face serum that regenerates, protects and rejuvenates whilst firming and lifting the skin. It has a delicate floral scent, feels great and isn’t insane money.     the science Free of water and having a pH of 5.6, Cornflower Hydrosol forms the ideal base of the formulation. Derived from dried cornflower petals which are steam distilled, it contributes a slight flowery aroma to the serum and delivers a host of benefits. Astringent properties assist to reduce the appearance of pores and better control excess facial oils. Anti-ageing is realised through the promotion of cell regeneration, collagen production…

  • Jeffrey James Botanicals The Light
    Jeffrey James Botanicals,  serum

    Jeffrey James Botanicals The Light

    the claim The Jeffrey James Botanicals The Light claims to accelerate the skin’s natural repair process and fight ageing for a fresh and radiant appearance.     the science Represented at the highest concentration is an ingredient called Organic Herbal Blend. It is not surprising that the EWG database raises a flag against it since the nature of the blend is not declared. After all, some herbs shouldn’t go near your face. The unknown factor makes it impossible to decipher. Update: After contacting Jeffery James Botanicals, the herbal blend was disclosed and is discussed in detail in the review of The Mask. So moving on to the ones we can…

  • Paula's Choice Omega+ Complex
    Paula's Choice,  serum

    Paula’s Choice Resist Omega+ Complex

    the claim The Paula’s Choice Resist Omega+ Complex is said to be a superfood for your skin. Concentrated levels of omega fatty acids strengthen the skin’s surface with the essential nutrients needed for healthy, hydrated and visibly stronger skin. Furthermore, the product claims to replenish dull, dehydrated skin, revive a beautifully smooth, supple feeling, plus visibly soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.     the science Starting with the hero ingredients, omega fatty acids are represented strongly in the formulation. There are 11 omega fatty acids, the most vital being 3,6 (both essential) and 9 (able to be produced naturally by the body). Fatty acids are the building…