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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.
 
So Simple Plump + Hydrate
 

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 and improved fading of acne scars. It’s also generally cooling and refreshing.
 
A powerhouse ingredient, Niacinamide is the most abundant active in the serum. It couples nicely with the dominant ingredient, cornflower hydrosol by enhancing their similar properties. It too the is able to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, fine lines and dullness while also having the capacity to improve uneven skin tone, radiance and elasticity plus strengthen the skin barrier.
 
Caffeine is often used in eye creams because of its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to constrict small blood vessels, both effective at reducing the appearance of dark circles and puffy eyes. These effects can also reduce redness for a more even skin tone. It is a strong antioxidant which helps to eliminate free radicals that can cause premature ageing.
 
So Simple Plump + Hydrate
Mamaku Extract comes from the unique black tree fern of New Zealand. A high volume of water coupled with antioxidants and nutrients make it an effective hydrating and anti-ageing agent. It helps to achieve more youthful and softer skin. Blackberries also contain a high volume of water (around 85%) to detoxify and hydrate skin. Furthermore, they are abundant in antioxidants for a strong anti-ageing boost. Rich in Vitamins A, C and K, blueberry also assists to heal acne scars while astringent properties provide acne relief and sebum regulation.
 
Glabridin is an active compound with strong antioxidant and skin soothing properties which helps sensitive skin to reduce redness as well inhibiting melanin production for brightening. It is found in Licorice Root Extract, helping it to diminish hyperpigmentation and age spots. It also contains Licochalocne to help regulate facial oils and ease acne and excessively oily skin.
 
Sodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of Hyaluronic Acid included for hydration. This is achieved through its ability to bind to water and fill the spaces between connective skin fibres for a plumping effect. Its small molecules allow it to penetrate the skin easily and hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water.
 
Blue Lotus acts as a natural moisturiser to help improve dry, rough or flaky skin while also helping to balance the oil content. Finally, Dehydroacetic Acid & Benzyl Alcohol are organic compounds added for preservative function.
 

the ingredients

Cornflower Hydrosol, Niacinamide (Vitamon B3), Caffeine, Cyathea Medullaris Leaf (Mamaku) Extract, Rubus Fruticosus Fruit (Blackberry) Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate (Plant Derived, Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid), Dehydroacetic Acid and Benzyl Alcohol (Ecocert approved), Blue Lotus Absolute (Nymphaea Caerulea)
 
So Simple Plump + Hydrate Ingredients
 

the packaging

The So Simple Plump + Hydrate is presented in a small clear bottle with a screw top dropper dispenser lid.
 

the analysis

A perfect assessment is returned from both the CosDNA and EWG databases, rating the So Simple Plump + Hydrate an ideal low hazard with absolutely no warning flags.
 
So Simple Plump + Hydrate CosDNA Analysis
 

the application

After cleansing and toning, leave skin slightly damp before applying a few drops of the serum to enhance the penetration of ingredients into the skin.
 
So Simple Plump + Hydrate Ingredients
 

the scent

This So Simple Plump + Hydrate serum has a delicate floral scent.
 

the cost

A 30ml bottle of the So Simple Plump + Hydrate sells for approximately AUD$40.00 on the brand’s website. The brand offers a rewards program in appreciation for purchases made.
 

the availability

So Simple products are available on the brand’s website or from stockists and distributors.
 

the expiry

The serum should be used within 6 months of opening for best results.
 

the performance

In delivering an eco-friendly, hand made, primarily vegan, waterless product line, So Simple harnesses the power of local ingredients. In this particular formula, this includes the iconic giant black tree fern, synonymous with New Zealand. In most products water is used for bulk and contributes nothing to the skin. This serum uses cornflower hydrosol instead which provides bonus benefits.
 
So Simple Plump + Hydrate Presentation
The serum was delivered in the most beautiful, eco-friendly way too, presented in a brown cardboard gift box, sealed with a thank you sticker, the product positioned within a shredded paper nest. The attention to detail makes the experience special and conjures even more anticipation and eagerness to start using it. A safety seal on the dropper lid has to be cracked open which confirms product freshness and identifies tamper proof delivery.
 
So Simple Plump + Hydrate Texture
The brand suggests storing the bottle in a dark place which is contrary to the message the clear glass bottle sends. Perhaps it would be better protected behind tinted glass. Nonetheless, I keep my serums in a drawer so it was no overhead to do so. You need around 4 drops to cover the face and neck liberally. The serum is quite viscous, displays plenty of slip and is cloudy in colour, all properties retained throughout its lifespan.
 
The scent is natural, a result of the ingredients coming together and probably due to the high concentration of cornflower hydrosol. Nothing is added for fragrance. It is delicate, non-offensive and in fact quite pleasant. The scent lingers until the serum is soaked into the skin and this happens very quickly.
 
In trailing this serum, I applied it straight after toner before moisturiser both morning and night in order to accelerate the observation of its effects. There are a couple of additional layers in my routines also but throughout, it was applied consistently. Using it is a pleasure as the serum sinks into the skin quickly and effortlessly leaving no sense of residue, stickiness or tackiness. It simply disappears which also ensures it fits well into any routine. Its impressive ingredient analysis also presents little if any risk of irritation and assures suitability to all skin types.
 
Regarding the results and comparing them to the product claims, it is definitely a lightweight serum with a refreshing scent that doesn’t cost the earth. The website states its objective is to regenerate, protect, rejuventate, firm and lift skin. Hydration is a wonderful thing. The fresher and healthier appearance of well hydrated skin can give the impression of firmness and rejuvenation. The plumping effect makes the skin appear stretched, easing fine lines and wrinkles. This serum definitely delivers on this front, my skin becoming bouncy and dewy after only a couple of days. This more taut status would also go a long way towards preventing new wrinkles from forming.
 
With respect to protection and regeneration, these would be properties exhibited by several ingredients, particularly the Cornflower Hydrosol, Niacinamide plus Blueberry and Mamaku Extracts. Having used this for only a few weeks, it is not possible to conclusively state whether this would give me those long term benefits. It is in fact difficult to assess in any instance as you are comparing actual results with what might have been alternatively. However, the science certainly backs the claims.
 
So Simple Plump + Hydrate
 

the conclusion

The So Simple Plump + Hydrate serum is a wonderful product that delivers noticeable and fast hydration assuring softer, plumper and firmer looking skin. Its gentle formulation and lack of additives makes it suitable for all skin types.
 

the summary

Pros Cons
Safe, gentle formulation Only available online
Melts into skin quickly without residue
Noticeably hydrates and plumps skin
Helps tighten skin and reduce appearance of lines
Strong antioxidant wrinkle defence
Well priced
Suitable for all skin types

 
So Simple Plump + Hydrate
 

the references

So Simple website
Cornflower Hydrosol Benefits, Tips & How to Use The Miracle Of Essential Oils
Cornflower Organic Hydrosol Stillpoint Aromatics
Niacinamide Paula’s Choice Skincare Dictionary
Caffeine for Skin Care Stephanie Crumley Hill
Mamaku Gel xTendLife website
Licorice Root, the Natural Option for Sensitive Skin Annemarie Skin Care
How To Use Licorice Root Extract For Skin Lightening SkinLighteningPedia
Sodium Hyaluronate Truth In Aging
Spotlight on Blue Lotus Flower Extract in Skincare SkinBetter Science

 


the disclaimer

Please read in context with my disclaimer.
 
This product was provided to me free of charge by So Simple for review. This post only includes my honest opinion and experience of this product and is in no way influenced by So Simple, any of its representatives or any other third party.
 


 

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