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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…
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Avène Thermal Spring Water
the claim The Avène Thermal Spring Water will cleanse, soothe and calm skin. Avène Thermal Spring Water is particularly recommended for sensitive, hypersensitive, allergic or irritated skin. With both health and beauty benefits this product can be used to tone the face as well as soothe, soften and calm inflamed skin. the science A product composed of just two ingredients should be easy enough to analyse, particularly when one, Nitrogen, acts as a propellant, turning the liquid within into tiny particles to create a mist, providing no benefit to the skin. So, the remaining item is simply water. What makes the Avène water so special? To determine that,…
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Manuka Honey – Ingredient Focus
the hype Manuka Honey seems to be the golden elixir in skincare these days. It is sourced from the flowering plant species of Leptospermum, native to Australia and New Zealand. The resultant honey is richer than regular honey in every way: the colour is darker; the flavour more distinct; the texture thicker; health benefits significantly magnified and the cost much higher. It is estimated that the Australian and New Zealand manuka honey export market is worth over $300 million. the benefits Much research has gone into proving the health and skin care benefits of Manuka honey. Its antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral and antioxidant strengths are beyond question. It is also…
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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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Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
the claim The Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask (Berry) claims to be a leave-on lip mask that soothes and moisturizes for smoother, more supple lips. the science The ingredient list in this formulation looks extensive, but if you investigate closer, you will note that there are several alternative names for the same ingredient provided. There are many moisturising and hydrating components. Diisostearyl Malate is present at the highest concentration and is simply a skin conditioning agent and emollient predominantly used in lip products. Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is included for its ability to reinforce the skin barrier to reduce moisture loss, rather than to actually deliver hydration whereas Dimethicone helps form a…
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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…
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Pixi Glow Tonic
the claim The Pixi Glow Tonic claims to be a highly concentrated, invigorating facial toner that deeply cleans pores by sweeping away excess oil and impurities. the science Other than water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, commonly known as aloe vera, is the ingredient present at the highest concentration in the Pixi Glow Tonic formula. Aloe vera has been used medicinally in many cultures for centuries due to its excellent anti-inflammatory properties. It is able to soothe the skin when used topically, easing burns, scars and wounds whilst also protecting from UV damage. Containing multi vitamins, (A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, C, E, Choline and Folic Acid),…
