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Huxley Anti-Gravity Cream
the claim The Huxley Anti-Gravity Cream is an antioxidant cream that protects against environmental stressors, smoothing rough and dull skin to reveal healthy, resilient and nourished skin. the science Commonly known as Sahara Cactus or Prickly Pear, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Extract is sourced from Morocco and present at a dominant concentration of 51% in the formulation of this cream. Used for hundreds of years medicinally, it is more recently recognized for its skin firming properties and ability to protect, smooth, and moisturize. The plant is hand picked and cold-pressed to procure maximum benefit. In addition to being antioxidant-rich, it is a competent humectant, displaying exceptional moisture retention to…
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Dr. Ceuracle Vita-Propolis Ampoule
the claim Rebranded from Leegeehaam and Lee Jiham, the Dr. Ceuracle Vita Propolis Ampoule claims to be the perfect combination of vitamin and propolis for bright, glowing and radiant skin with powerful ingredients delivering moisturisation, firming, soothing and anti-ageing effects. the science Propolis Extract is basically a combination of beeswax, enzymes and tree sap used by bees to seal, disinfect and waterproof their hive. Coincidentally, it also makes an excellent skincare ingredient, found at a high concentration of 50% in this ampoule. It has been used medicinally to help heal wounds for centuries. Rich in flavonoids, propolis displays powerful antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. Its high antioxidant content…
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Physicians Formula Bright Booster Oil Elixir
the claim The Physicans Formula Bright Booster Oil Elixir is a lightweight, fast absorbing oil that leaves skin feeling silky, soft and never greasy. It visibly reduces the appearance of the signs of ageing and leaves skin smoother, more radiant, revived, rejuvenated and nourished instantly. the science Camellia Seed Oil is known as the beauty secret of geishas. Cold pressed from seeds, it is rich in vitamins A, B and E, polyphenols and essential fatty acids. It is highly compatible with skin’s sebum, helping it to penetrate deep into the dermal layers without clogging pores or leaving a greasy residue. Camellia seed oil is one of the highest…
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Timeless Matrixyl Synthe’6 Serum
the claim The Timeless Matrixyl Synthe’6 serum claims to be a powerful peptide that boosts six skin-rebuilding, anti-wrinkle essentials to help reverse the signs of aging. It achieves this by stimulating six major constituents of the skin matrix and dermal-epidermal junction. In doing so, it is said to even out skin and smooth wrinkles from the inside. the science In keeping with the Timeless philosophy, the Matrixyl® Synthe’6® serum delivers more actives and less chemicals comprising only 7 ingredients. The key active is of course Matrixyl® Synthe’6®, manufactured by Sederma laboratories. It regulates cell activity, wound repair and collagen tissue remodeling and is included at the recommended concentration of…
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Goodal Keratina Anti-Aging Double Toner
the claim The Goodal Keratina Anti-Aging Double Toner claims to make the face look bright and resilient by gently exfoliating dead skin cells from the outermost layer whilst also providing an optimal skin base. Rich in anti-oxidants and Vitamin C, wild strawberry helps achieve a bright complexion. The fast-absorbing moisture formula prevents the skin from drying up and enhances the absorption of skincare products. the science Keratin is a structural protein produced by cells called keratinocytes. Keratin promotes firmness by forming a protective layer to retain skin health. The objective of this toner is to reinforce, gently exfoliate and nourish this outermost layer to deliver anti-ageing effects by…
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Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Sunscreen SPF 50+
the claim Neutrogena claims that its Ultra Sheer Face SPF50+ Sunscreen Liquid-Lotion provides very high sun protection stabilised with HELIOPLEX® technology. It provides balanced broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection against skin-aging UVA and burning UVB rays in a water light formula. This lightweight liquid lotion is oil free, PABA-Free and non-comedogenic leaving your face free from that thick and greasy sunscreen feeling leaving a weightless, matte finish so skin can breathe. the science The Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face SPF50+ Sunscreen Liquid-Lotion is what we call a chemical sunscreen. Chemical sunscreens allow harmful UV rays to absorb the skin but transform them into harmless light or heat wavelengths. For a refresher on…
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ByWishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water
the claim Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water ByWishtrend is a hydrating daily exfoliant which can be used on even sensitive skin without irritation to improve skin tone and texture whilst boosting the effectiveness of products to follow. the science As the name suggests, Mandelic Acid is the key ingredient in this formula, second only in concentration to water. Mandelic Acid is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) made from the extract of bitter almonds, it’s name derived from the German word for almond, “mandel”. It delivers similar benefits as other AHAs such as glycolic and lactic acids but because it comprises larger molecules, it doesn’t penetrate the skin…
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Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Night Cream
the claim Olay claim that their Regenerist Micro-sculpting Night Moisturiser will nourish skin overnight, leaving it intensely moisturized and younger-looking by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is said to have a super-hydrating formula with Amino-Peptide Complex that penetrates 10 layers deep to regenerate surface skin cells. the science A cream with the title “Regenerist” and claims of scientific evidence to support its efficacy needs some serious investigation. Silicon-based ingredients are heavily represented in the formulation, designed to hydrate and smooth the appearance of the skin surface. Present at the highest concentration after water is Cyclopentasiloxane, a synthetic silicone derivative with emollient properties to soothe…
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Innisfree Perfect 9 Repair Eye Cream
the claim The Innisfree Perfect 9 Repair Eye Cream claims to be a complete anti-ageing eye solution. It contains 9 active ingredients from the Jeju Island elixir complex™ to firm and brighten skin and also combat the symptoms of ageing: dryness, wrinkles, flakiness, darkening, blemishes, enlarged pores and reduced elasticity. the science This concentrated eye cream contains 9 active ingredients from the Jeju Island elixir complex™ said to tighten and brighten the sensitive skin around the eyes. Innisfree fails to identify which 9 extracts are sourced from Korea’s Jeju Island and since I am not familiar with the region’s natural resources, I will simply review this as any…
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Fresh Face Skin Overnight Reverser
the claim Fresh Face Skin claim that their Overnight Reverser treatment is a one-step evening application that will lighten uneven skin tone, hydrate, increase skin moisture levels, speed up cell turnover, increase collagen and elastin production whilst also boosting skin’s antioxidant levels. The result, plump, smooth, fresh face glow. the science The claims of this treatment are broad and optimistic, so let’s consider whether the ingredients exhibit the behaviours required to fulfil them. Starting with the highest concentrations, water is followed by sweet almond seed oil which is rich in Vitamin E, monounsaturated fatty acids, proteins, potassium and zinc. The sweet variety comes from edible almonds and is a…
