Tag: Skin

Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Sensitive Skin

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Product:  Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Sensitive Skin.  Is this drugstore brand really as gentle as it claims to be?

Overall Rating =  4 stars4 Stars – Excellent

Cost:  $8.46 for 4 oz. ($2.12 per fluid ounce)  Price Category:  Inexpensive

Sold By:  Neutrogena; Walgreen’s; Wal-mart; Retailers everywhere.

Container:  Plastic bottle with twist-off pump, outer carton.

Description:  Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Sensitive Skin is a no-frills water-based moisturizer.  This is a basic fragrance-free moisturizer that is readily available at most retailers.

Formula:  This does not contain any anti-aging antioxidants, cell-communicating ingredients or fancy bells and whistles.  It also doesn’t have any alcohol, stinky perfume or dye.  Sometimes, less is better.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Sensitive Skin is intended to be used twice a day following cleansing and after the application of lighter products such as serums.

Please Note:  Please do not use this product if you have a soy allergy.  Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Sensitive Skin contains soybean sterols so you will need to stay away from this one.

Company Claims:

“Oil-Free Moisture for Sensitive Skin is a lightweight, water-based moisturizer that provides gentle yet effective moisturization for even the most sensitive skin.

This feather-light, dermatologist-tested formula vanishes into skin—without leaving it greasy or shiny. Extra gentle and irritant-free, it is ideal for sensitive skin. And it contains no alcohol, which can dry skin.”

Morning Review:  Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Sensitive is a medium weight white lotion.  A little goes a long way, and for me, a full pump is too much product.  It is almost as thick as a cream but it does not feel heavy.  I don’t like thick creams on my face.  I also don’t normally use or like products with any amount of petrolatum as they usually feel too heavy on my skin and feel tacky and sticky.  I do not have that reaction with this moisturizer.

It is fragrance-free and has almost no detectable scent.  The lotion feels silky and it absorbs quickly into the skin.  My very dry, hypersensitive skin likes this product.  I do not experience any redness, itching, burning, nose running, eyes watering, or other negative reaction.  This moisturizer leaves my face feeling soft, hydrated and velvety smooth.  Makeup goes on very well on top of this moisturizer.

Please Note:  If you have Rosacea, this should be mild enough and should be quite safe for you, but please check with your dermatologist.

Please Also Note:  Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Sensitive Skin does not contain any sunscreen.  Please use a good quality sunscreen with this product.  If using a chemical sunscreen, apply the sunscreen first.  If using a physical sunscreen, apply the sunscreen last.  (I’ll discuss this in detail in a future post.)

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars

Evening Review:  After several hours my skin stayed soft and did not get dry or tight.  Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Sensitive Skin really kept my skin hydrated without any irritation.  Normally, products with any amount of petrolatum make my T-zone oily and cause breakouts.  For some reason, I do not have that reaction with this product.

Overall Review:  Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Sensitive Skin is a basic moisturizer that simply does what it claims to do.  This is a good moisturizer for those who use topical products for acne or Retin-A.  If you use too many anti-aging products at once you can create a recipe for disaster.  Sometimes simple is a good thing.  This is the moisturizer that I mix with the AHA products that are too harsh for my skin.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Sensitive Skin is suitable for men as well as women.  Users with very oily skin may find this too moisturizing for them.  If it makes your skin feel oily, try using less, or mixing it with a little water to dilute it

Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Sensitive Skin is suitable for the following skin types:

  • All ethnicities;
  • All ages;
  • All sexes;
  • Oily (may need to dilute with water);
  • Dry;
  • Sensitive;
  • Consistent;
  • Combination.

Please see the Help page to determine your skin type.

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Evening Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 4 stars4 Stars;

Value Rating  = 4 stars4 Stars;

Overall Rating = 4 stars4 Stars, Excellent

(Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Sensitive Skin

Neutrogena Box Front & Bottle

Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Sensitive Skin

Neutrogena Box Back

Ingredients:  Water, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Dimethicone, Petrolatum, Cyclomethicone, Soybean (Glycine Soja) Sterols , Isopropyl Isostearate, Cetyl Alcohol, PEG-10 Soy Sterol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Carbomer, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Diazolidinyl Urea, Ethylparaben, Methylparaben, Propylparaben.

Formulated Without:  Alcohol, Artificial Fragrance, Artificial Color, Oil.

How To Apply Skin Care Cosmetics In The Correct Order And Why It Matters

How To Apply Skin Care Cosmetics In The Correct Order And Why It Matters:

I previously discussed a lot of skin care products and that brought forth questions, mostly about not WHAT to use, but HOW to use them.  One of the questions I am most frequently asked involves the order in which products should be applied.  This seems to be universally confusing to most users.  People seem to wonder about how to apply skin care cosmetics in the correct order and why it matters.  The sequence in which you apply skin care products actually does make a difference and there is a right way and wrong way.

Too Many Products, Too Many Choices:

There are so many products to choose from nowadays, it is no wonder that how to use them all correctly is mind boggling for most.  After all, there used to just be cleanser, toner, day cream and night cream.  Then came eye cream, serum, moisturizer with sunscreen, moisturizer without sunscreen, sunscreen by itself, face primer, eye primer, lip primer, facial oil, micellar water, facial essence and the list just keeps growing.  (As I’ve been typing this, ten new things have probably been invented!)

Develop An Order:

To achieve the maximum benefit from your products, develop an order to your routine and it will be easy to follow.  What follows is a simple breakdown on how to properly coordinate your skin care products.  After all, why spend the money and go to the trouble to use them if you are not going to get the optimum benefit from the products, right?

Do You Need All of This Stuff?

Now, I’m not telling you that you need to use all of these products every day.  I don’t.  But, you can take a look at the list and you can see where your products fall in line with other products.

Skin Care Cosmetics Application Tips and Tricks:

  • Always begin with clean skin. Nothing is going to work well unless you are starting with a clean, fresh surface.
  • Exfoliate regularly. The products cannot penetrate through a layer of dead skin cells.  There is no point in putting skin care products on if they can’t be absorbed well.
  • Begin with the products that are the thinnest like water and then progress to the next thickest, and so on. Why?  Because if you start with a thick product, the thin one won’t be able to penetrate through it, won’t do any good, and you are basically wasting it.
  • Give each product a chance to be absorbed before you move on to the next product. (Depending upon the product this may be 20 seconds or two minutes.)
How To Apply Skin Care Cosmetics In The Correct Order And Why It Matters Cleanse First

Always Begin By Thoroughly Cleansing First

Thinner or Thicker?

Can’t figure out which ones feel thinner or thicker?  Here is a simple trick—Apply a dab of each product along your forearm, then turn your arm sideways and see which ones run or drip down first.  Make a note of that and apply them in that order.  If they all feel the same or don’t drip, then apply them according to how quickly and easily absorbed they are.  Rub  them in one at a time and count how long it takes for them to be absorbed.  Begin with the one that is absorbed the fastest and then progress to the next.  (You can also put them on a plate if you don’t want to put them on your arm, but that won’t tell you anything about the absorption rate.)

How To Apply Skin Care Cosmetics In The Correct Order And Why It Matters Begin With The Thinnest Products

Begin With The Thinnest Products And Work Up To The Thickest Products

How To Apply Skin Care Cosmetics In The Correct Order And Why It Matters Cream Thin Or Thick

Does The Cream Feel Thin Or Thick? How Long Does It Take To Be Absorbed?

Your order may be slightly different than what is listed below because your products may differ in viscosity from what I am using.  The order below is a general guideline, only.

Skin Care Products Application Order:

Daytime:

  • Oil Cleanser
  • Foam Cleanser
  • Micellar Water
  • Toner
  • Facial Essence (Like a watered-down moisturizer-good for dry skin)
  • Serum
  • Acne Spot Treatment
  • Eye Cream (If your eye cream is heavy, put it on after moisturizer or facial oil.)
  • Moisturizer
  • Facial Oil
  • Sunscreen
  • Primer
  • Lip Protection
  • Makeup (A future post will discuss the proper order for makeup.)

Nighttime:

  • Eye Makeup Remover
  • Oil Cleanser
  • Foam Cleanser
  • Exfoliation or Facial scrub
  • Treatment Mask
  • Micellar Water
  • Toner
  • Facial Essence
  • Serum
  • Acne Spot Treatment
  • Eye Cream (If your eye cream is heavy, put it on after moisturizer or facial oil.)
  • Moisturizer
  • Facial Oil
  • Night Cream
  • Lip Protection
How To Apply Skin Care Cosmetics In The Correct Order And Why It Matters Give The Products Time

Give The Products Time To Be Absorbed Before Applying The Next One

Still Confused?  We Can Help.

Still confused?  Don’t know how to how to apply skin care cosmetics in the correct order and why it matters?  Message me with what you are using and I can quickly sort through the products to put them in order for you.

Coming… The Best Order for Applying Makeup:

I’m going to write another post that will demonstrate the best order to apply your makeup products.

Sign Up:

Want to be notified when the makeup application order posts?  Let us know in the Comments section below and we’ll send it to you.

Thanks!

DHC Velvet Skin Coat Skin Perfecting Makeup Primer

Product:  DHC Velvet Skin Coat Skin Perfecting Makeup Primer.  You can’t have a beautiful face of makeup if you don’t properly prepare the skin first.  Primer is your best friend when it comes to preparation.

Overall Rating  = 4 stars4 Stars – Excellent.

Cost Best: $22.50 (.52 oz.) ($43.27 per ounce)  Price Category: Mid-range

Sold By:  DHC Care; Amazon.

Container:  Plastic squeeze tube, twist-off cap, outer carton.

Description:  DHC Velvet Skin Coat Skin Perfecting Makeup Primer is a clear silicone-based product that improves the texture of your skin and blurs imperfections.  DHC (Daigaku Honyaku Center) is a company founded in 1972 in Japan that began with three olive-oil based products.  They are a direct sales and online catalog sales company and have been in the US since 1995.

Formula:  DHC Velvet Skin Coat Skin Perfecting Makeup Primer is a translucent colorless gel and is fairly thick.  It is slightly tacky feeling when first applied but then dries to more of a matte powdery finish that feels soft on the skin.

Sensitivity:  DHC Velvet Skin Coat Skin Perfecting Makeup Primer is fragrance and dye free and is suitable for those with sensitive skin.

Company Claims:

“DHC Velvet Skin Coat makeup primer instantly softens and improves the look of your skin. It minimizes the look of fine lines, pores and imperfections while reducing oiliness to help makeup glide on and last longer—with no “drying” time needed. Plus, it leaves skin feeling silky smooth. Look fresh and flawless, whether you’re wearing makeup or not.

  • Unique transparent, powdery gel texture
  • Apply before foundation or wear alone for a flawless, natural look
  • Can also be used on hands and neck
  • Used by professional makeup artists worldwide”

Discussion:  Back when primers were first invented I primarily used them on clients with oily skin to try and keep their makeup from melting off so quickly.  I then discovered their benefit for aging skin, enlarged pores and wrinkles.  I used to have a dozen different primers because I never could find one that worked with different skin types, until I found this one.  Somehow this primer works for everyone whether they have sensitive, dry, consistent, oily or combination skin.

Colors:  DHC Velvet Skin Coat Skin Perfecting Makeup Primer only comes in one color, Clear.  It works will all skin tones and does not leave a white haze like some primers.  (For example, for fair-skinned clients I love Hourglass primer, but Hourglass does not work on dark-skinned clients.)

Morning Review:  After cleansing, toning and moisturizing, apply DHC Velvet Skin Coat Skin Perfecting Makeup Primer prior to the application of foundation.  (If you are going to use a separate SPF, apply that prior to the primer and then proceed with foundation.  Yes, I know that others disagree, but they are wrong.  Why?  Because silicone –based primers form a film on your skin that will keep your SPF from being absorbed into your skin thereby reducing its effectiveness.)

On myself I would apply this with my fingers.  On clients, I like to smooth this on with a beauty blender.  Give it about 30 seconds to set and then apply the rest of your makeup as usual.  You should be able to use less foundation with this primer.

Evening Review:  After many hours, DHC Velvet Skin Coat Skin Perfecting Makeup Primer helps to keep makeup from settling into fine lines, wrinkles, or fading away.  Makeup will last longer and touch ups will be required less frequently.

Overall Review:  DHC Velvet Skin Coat Skin Perfecting Makeup Primer imparts a nice silky feeling to the skin, helps makeup go on easier, and adds longevity to the wear of foundation.

Pros:

  • Applies quickly and easily
  • Improves skin texture
  • Adds staying power to foundation
  • Removes easily with regular facial cleanser
  • Fragrance-free formula

Cons:

  • Can only be purchased online

Suitability:  DHC Velvet Skin Coat Skin Perfecting Makeup Primer is suitable for the following users:

  • All users.  (This is a very good product for men to use as well as women.  I use this on male models, actors and performers.)

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Evening Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 5 stars5 Stars;

Value Rating = 3 stars3 Stars;

Overall Rating = 4 stars4 Stars = Excellent.

Would Buy Again?  Yes.

(Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

DHC Velvet Skin Coat Skin Perfecting Makeup PrimerDHC Velvet Skin Coat Skin Perfecting Makeup PrimerDHC Velvet Skin Coat Skin Perfecting Makeup Primer Swatch

Skin Before After DHC Velvet Skin Coat Skin Perfecting Makeup Primer

Skin Before After DHC Velvet Skin Coat Skin Perfecting Makeup Primer

Ingredients:  Cyclopentasiloxane, dimethicone, vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer, dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, HDI/trimethylol hexyllactone crosspolymer, olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, silica.

Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.

How To Determine Your Skin Type

How To Determine Your Skin Type.  Today we are not discussing a product, but offering a tutorial.  I hope you find this helpful.

Here you will find how to identify what type of skin you have.  If you don’t have a magnifying mirror, I suggest you invest in one and really examine your skin. If, after you review these characteristics you still don’t know what type of skin you have, a brief visit to an esthetician or dermatologist can make that determination.  (Or, you can message me and I’ll try to help you.)

Knowing what type of skin you have is important. You can’t buy the right type of product if you don’t know your skin type. Every day I interview clients and most of them tell me they have “normal” skin when in fact, their skin is combination or some other type. Instead of normal, I prefer the term “consistent”.

Begin by washing your face with a normal facial cleansing bar and then do not apply any type of products to your face.  After one hour, read the below descriptions to determine which one best describes your skin.

Consistent (Commonly Referred to as Normal) Everyone’s skin is “normal” to them because they live in it every day. That doesn’t help to describe a type of skin. Therefore, I’ve decided to use the term “consistent” instead of normal.

  • Skin feels comfortable, rarely dry, tight or oily.
  • Skin is the same all over the face without some areas drier or oilier than others.
  • Skin has a soft, even texture without flakiness from dryness or shine from oiliness.
  • Breakouts are rare.
  • Pores are visible but not black or enlarged.
  • Makeup will stay on for several hours without the need for touch ups.

Combination (I have found this type to be the most common.)

  • Some areas (usually nose but possibly also forehead or chin) are oily and shiny.
  • Other areas (usually cheeks) feel dry, rough or tight. Dry areas may or may not have flaky spots.
  • May experience occasional breakouts, usually in isolated areas.
  • Pores may be enlarged in the oily areas and may contain black heads or white heads. Pores in the dry areas are smaller and may be visible but not black or enlarged.
  • Makeup will stay on well on the dry areas but may need to be touched up every couple of hours on the oily areas, especially the nose.

Dry (Becomes more common as we age)

  • Skin can feel tight, chapped or rough, especially after cleansing with surfactant products such as soap.
  • May experience dullness, patchiness, itchiness or flakiness.
  • Almost never breaks out.
  • Pores are small and nearly invisible. Pores rarely have black heads or white heads.
  • Makeup will stay on for many hours until it is washed away.

Oily (Very common in teenagers)

  • The skin usually feels supple and never feels tight or dry unless a drying product has been applied.
  • Skin looks oily and shiny all over, especially as the day goes on.
  • Breakouts are a regular part of life.
  • Pores tend to be very visible, especially around the nose, and there may be black heads, white heads or both.
  • Makeup tends to melt away after a couple of hours and needs frequent touch ups.

Sensitive (Can occur at any age and in conjunction with other types)

  • Skin becomes easily irritated or inflamed, especially by fragrances, allergens or climate.
  • Skin gets red, itchy, or stings when trying most new skincare products.
  • May have a diagnosis of Rosacea, eczema or dermatitis.
  • May experience breakouts from any number of irritants.
  • May burn easily and requires sunscreen with a high SPF.
  • Makeup may irritate your skin.
  • Makeup will stay on for several hours without the need for touch ups.
  • Sensitive skin can also be Consistent, Combination, Dry, or Oily! (Yes, you may have any type of skin and also experience allergies or sensitivity issues.)

Your skin can change as you age.  For women this is especially true as you experience menopause or even peri-menopause. Hormones can cause major shifts in many areas of your body, including your basic chemistry.

If after reading this you still can’t figure out your skin type, you can message me and after answering a few simple questions, I’ll be able to tell you.

Alpha Skin Care Clarifying Toner

Product:  Alpha Skin Care Clarifying Toner (formerly Alpha Hydrox Toner Astringent).  Will this glycolic acid infused toner help your pores to disappear?

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.5 Stars – Very Good

Cost: $8.52 for 6 oz. ($1.42 per fluid ounce)  Price Category: Inexpensive

Sold By: NeotericCosmetics; Wal-mart

Container: Plastic bottle with nice flip cap, outer carton.

Discussion:  Before I get into the product review, this product is a toner, which contains SD alcohol.  There is so much controversy surrounding this ingredient in cosmetics.  I have researched this ingredient extensively.  SD alcohol is Specially Denatured Ethanol.  Ethanol is, quite simply, the alcohol that you drink.  SD alcohol has denatonium benzoate added to it to make it bitter so that no one will be tempted to drink the cosmetic products.  Alcohol can be drying to people with very dry skin and it can be irritating to someone with hypersensitive skin.  On the flip side, SD alcohol can actually aid in the absorption of other ingredients to the skin and just because it is in a product, is not a bad thing.  The alcohol can act as an effective delivery agent.  I say try it and listen to your body.  If your skin doesn’t like something, it will probably tell you.  (Just don’t try a new product before a big event.)

Alpha Skin Care Clarifying Toner is an astringent intended to be used once or twice a day, after cleansing, and prior to the application of any other products.  Always apply your products following cleansing in the order from the most watery consistency to the thickest consistency.  If you have never used an alpha hydroxy acid product before, you may want to start with every other day and eventually build up to twice a day.  Alpha hydroxy acids can cause irritation to sensitive or delicate skin.  Also, this product contains a small amount of menthol.  If you are sensitive to menthol, this is not the best product for you.

Description:  Alpha Skin Care Clarifying Toner was formerly known as Alpha Hydrox Toner Astringent.  Nothing has changed except the bottle and the name.  This product is intended for consistent, oily, or consistent/oily combination skin.  As you will see if you continue reading, I use this product on my dry sensitive skin, but I use it a different way.  This is not intended for use around the eye area.  Please don’t get this in or near your eyes as it will burn terribly.

Alpha Skin Care Clarifying Toner contains alpha hydroxy acid in the form of a glycolic acid derived from fruit.  This is a fragrance-free product.  This is also PH balanced.  Alpha hydroxy acids aid the skin with exfoliation and cell turnover.  This is a chemical exfoliant, as opposed to a physical exfoliant such as a scrub or microdermabrasion.  This toner is intended to be used following cleansing and leave it on.  Due to my skin being dry, I rinse it off.

Company Claims:

“Gently removes excess oil, remaining make-up and residue leaving skin feeling fresh, clean and clear.
– Refines and tightens pores
– Balances natural oils
– Improves texture”.

Morning Review:  Alpha Skin Care Clarifying Toner is a thin blue liquid as thin as water.  To me it has a strong alcohol scent.  My male tester described the scent as a combination of alcohol and plastic.  The scent is due to the ingredients, is not offensive, and dissipates quickly.  The toner feels refreshing and cooling to the skin.  The alcohol in it does make my eyes water for a few seconds until it evaporates.

I have very dry skin.  Even though this product is intended for consistent to oily skin, I use this.  I really like how well it cleans and I find that it is not too drying to my skin provided I rinse it off.  Alpha Skin Care Clarifying Toner leaves my face feeling very clean.  It does not make my skin feel itchy or irritated.  As this toner contains beneficial glycolic acid, please do not rinse it off unless you need to.  Because my pores are so small after using this, makeup goes on beautifully.

I do have a complaint about this product and that is the fact that it is blue.  I wish manufacturers would completely stop the practice of adding artificial color to skin care products.  I’m taking off one star due to the blue dye.

Please Note:  If you have Rosacea, please check with your dermatologist before using this or any AHA product.

Please Also Note:  Alpha hydroxy acids can make your skin more susceptible to burning when you are exposed to the sun.  Please wear a sunscreen with a high SPF on top of this product to avoid burning.

Evening Review:  Provided I rinse this off, my skin does not get dry or tight and stays hydrated and smooth all day.  If I don’t rinse it off, this toner is a little too drying for my skin.  Alpha Skin Care Clarifying Toner effectively removes all traces of makeup after cleansing and I do not need to use any wipes if I use this toner.  Once again, please don’t use this near your eyes.  You will need a separate eye makeup remover.

Overall Review:  Alpha Skin Care Clarifying Toner is an excellent toner in terms of removing all traces of makeup and closing the pores.  I don’t get the added benefit of the glycolic acid because I have to rinse it off.  I have to take a point off though because I also don’t want artificial dyes or colorants on my skin if they don’t need to be there.  I also prefer alcohol-free toners for my dry skin, but sadly, the alcohol-free products don’t clean nearly as well.  Also, it is controversial for a toner to contain menthol when so many people are sensitive it.  Even with my hypersensitive skin I am not sensitive to menthol and I find the cooling effect to be refreshing.  Only you can determine if this will work for you.

Alpha Skin Care Clarifying Toner is suitable for women and men with all skin types provided it does not have a drying effect on your skin and you aren’t sensitive to menthol.  My male tester who has dry skin said this toner did not make his skin feel dry at all like most toners do.  He thought his face felt very clean, soft, and hydrated after using this toner.

Alpha Skin Care Clarifying Toner is suitable for the following skin types:

  • All ethnicities;
  • All ages;
  • All sexes;
  • Oily;
  • Dry (only if you rinse it off);
  • Sensitive (not if sensitive to menthol);
  • Consistent.

Please see the Help page to determine your skin type.

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 3 stars4 Stars for Effectiveness – 1 Star for Blue Dye = 3 Stars;

Evening Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 3 stars3 Stars (also due to blue dye);

Value Rating  = 4 stars4 Stars;

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.5 Stars, Very Good.

Would Buy Again?  Yes (I have been using this for many years.)

(Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

Alpha Hydrox Toner Astringent Former Product

Alpha Hydrox Toner Astringent Former Product

Alpha Skin Care Clarifying Toner Current Product Front

Alpha Skin Care Clarifying Toner Current Product Front

Alpha Skin Care Clarifying Toner Current Product Back

Alpha Skin Care Clarifying Toner Current Product Back

Ingredients: Water, SD Alcohol 40, Witch Hazel Distillate, Propylene Glycol, Glycolic Acid, Chamomile Extract, Panthenol, Menthol, Ammonium Hydroxide, Imidazolidinyl Urea, FD&C Blue #1.

Formulated Without:  Artificial Fragrance, Parabens.

Alpha Skin Care Essential Renewal Lotion 10%

2 Comments

Product:  Alpha Skin Care Essential Renewal Lotion 10%.  Will this powerful Alpha Hydroxy Acid lotion leave your skin radiant and youthful?  Perhaps, perhaps…

Overall Rating  = 4.75 Stars – Excellent to Blew Me Away (Rating Revised)

Cost: $16.99 for 4 oz. ($4.25 per fluid ounce)  Price Category: Inexpensive

Sold By:  NeotericCosmetics (Parent Company); Wal-mart; Ulta

Container:  Plastic bottle with flip cap, outer carton.

Description:  Alpha Skin Care Essential Renewal Lotion 10% was formerly known as Alpha Hydrox 10% AHA Enhanced Lotion.  The parent company, Neoteric Cosmetics, changed the name of this line from Alpha Hydrox to Alpha Skin Care a couple of years ago.

Alpha Skin Care Essential Renewal Lotion 10% contains 10% alpha hydroxy acid in the form of a glycolic acid derived from fruit.  This is a fragrance-free product.  Alpha hydroxy acids aid the skin with exfoliation and cell turnover.  This is a chemical exfoliant, as opposed to a physical exfoliant such as a scrub or microdermabrasion.  This is a lotion that you put on your skin and leave on.

Company Claims:

“Real Results for Lines and Wrinkles” and

“Formulated with 10% Glycolic Alpha Hydrox Acid (AHA) to gently release dead skin cells revealing fresh, healthy, younger-looking skin.
– For Normal to Dry Skin
– Free of Parabens & Fragrances
– 10% Glycolic AHA/pH 4.0
– Reduces the appearance of lines & wrinkles
– Helps to support collagen production
– Evens skin tone & texture
– Leaves skin feeling soft & smooth”

Discussion:  Alpha Skin Care Essential Renewal Lotion 10% is a moisturizing exfoliant intended to be used once or twice a day, after cleansing, toning and the application of any other lighter products such as serums.  Always apply your products following cleansing in the order from the most watery consistency to the thickest consistency.  If you have never used an alpha hydroxy acid product before, you may want to start with every other day, and eventually build up to twice a day.  Alpha hydroxy acids can cause irritation to sensitive or delicate skin.

Alpha hydroxy acids exfoliate the skin by working low in the stratum corneum, loosening the bonds that hold dead cells on the skin.  This stimulates new cell growth, allowing fresh cells to surface without breaking down the small capillaries in the skin.

It is normal to experience a slight burning or tingling when applying this product at first.  If the burning does not subside within a few minutes, this is probably too strong for you and you will need to dilute it or discontinue use.

Morning Review:  Alpha Skin Care Essential Renewal Lotion 10% is a light weight light yellow lotion.  It has a very slight chemical scent from the ingredients, not fragrance.  The scent is not offensive.  The lotion feels silky and absorbs quickly into the skin.  This makes my hypersensitive skin burn and become irritated quite a bit when I use it full strength.  The company recommended that I mix it with a moisturizer and only use it at half strength until my skin got used to it for a few days and that is how I had to use it.  My testers with normal skin and dry skin used it full strength and they did not have any adverse reactions.  They said the burning and tingling went away within a couple of minutes.  Once fully absorbed, makeup goes on very well on top of this lotion.

Please Note:  If you have Rosacea, please check with your dermatologist before using this or any AHA product.  If you have never used a product with alpha hydroxy acids before, it would be advisable to perform a patch test before using this product.  A patch test means that you apply a small amount of product to your inner arm near your elbow and wait 24 hours to see if you have a negative reaction.

Please Also Note:  Alpha hydroxy acids can make your skin more susceptible to burning when you are exposed to the sun.  Please wear a sunscreen with a high SPF on top of this product to avoid burning.

Evening Review:  After several hours my skin felt nice and smooth.  Alpha Skin Care Essential Renewal Lotion 10% really kept my skin hydrated and I did not experience the dryness and tightness that I usually have.  With extended use, the tone and texture of my skin has continued to get smoother and softer.

Overall Review:  Alpha Skin Care Essential Renewal Lotion 10% is an excellent product and it is less expensive than most AHA products.  The benefits of AHA will be seen with long-term use.  It may take a couple to several weeks to see an improvement in the tone and texture of your skin.

Edit:  After using this product for 30 days I came back and edited my rating from 4 Stars to 5 Stars.  The difference in my skin was noticeable to me and to everyone else.   I am blessed with good genes and most people guess my age to be 10-15 years less than I actually am.  With continued use of Alpha Skin Care’s Essential Renewal AHA Lotion, I intend to keep it that way!

Alpha Skin Care also makes this product with a 12% concentration of AHA that you can build up to over time, and they make a gel formula that would be more appropriate for oily skin.  (I haven’t bumped up to the 12% yet, but I’ll write another review once I do.)

Alpha Skin Care Essential Renewal Lotion 10% is suitable for the following skin types: (Not for oily or hypersensitive)

  • All ethnicities;
  • All ages;
  • All sexes;
  • Dry;
  • Sensitive; (May have to build up to it by mixing it with moisturizer.)
  • Consistent.

Please see the Help page to determine your skin type.

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 5 stars5 Stars;

Evening Rating = 5 stars5 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 5 stars5 Stars;

Value Rating  = 4 stars4 Stars;

Overall Rating  = 4.75 Stars – Excellent to Blew Me Away.

Editor’s Note:  I originally gave this product 4 Stars.  After using it for over 30 days, I am revising my review to 5 Stars and my Other Testers did the same.

(Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

Alpha Skin Care Essential Renewal Lotion 10%

Alpha Skin Care Essential Renewal Lotion 10%

Alpha Hydrox 10% AHA Enhanced Lotion

Former Product Alpha Hydrox 10% AHA Enhanced Lotion

Ingredients:  Water, Glycolic Acid, Ammonium Hydroxide, Glyceryl Stearate PEG-100 Stearate, Propylene Glycol, PEG-40 Stearate, Sorbitan Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Petrolatum, Dimethicone, Myristyl Myristate, Stearic Acid, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Cellulose Gum, Sorbic Acid, BHT, Imidazolidinyl Urea.

Formulated Without:  Artificial Fragrance, Parabens, Artificial Colors.

Serious Skin Care C Serum (Classic) Vitamin C Skin Conditioner

Product:  Serious Skin Care C Serum (Classic) Vitamin C Skin Conditioner.  Will this serum make you look younger and more radiant?

Overall Rating =  3+ stars3.5 Stars – Very Good

Cost: $28.50 for 1 oz. ($28.50 per fluid ounce)  Price Category:  Mid-range

Sold By:  Serious Skin Care; HSN

Container:  Classic Formula – Glass bottle with plastic pump; pump does twist off.  New Formula – Plastic bottle with plastic pump; pump does twist off.

Description:  Serious Skin Care C Serum (Classic) Vitamin C Skin Conditioner is a fragrance-free serum intended to address fine lines and wrinkles.  This serum is intended to be used immediately following cleansing, night and day, prior to the application of any other product.

This review is for the Classic formula of this serum.  The Classic formula is being replaced with “C Serum Vitamin C Ester Skin Conditioner”.  I like the Classic formula.  I have not tried the new formula because the new formula contains fragrance.  If you click on the links above next to “Sold By”, you will note that the Serious Skin Care link is for the Classic formula and the HSN link is for the new formula.  HSN no longer sells the Classic formula and I think Serious Skin Care (SSC) is discontinuing the Classic formula, so if you want to try this one, I don’t know how long it will be offered for sale.  If you don’t mind fragrance, perhaps you will like the new formula.  I won’t be trying it, but I’d be interested in hearing your feedback with either formula.

The company claims:  “Got mature skin? If you are over 40 and already see those fine lines and wrinkles, you may want to give Serious Skincare’s C-Serum Vitamin C Ester Skin Conditioner a try. This dynamic product is designed to help you recapture the look of your youth. Four Vitamin C Esters, an assortment of Vitamin C-containing botanicals, and the additional Rovisome C delivery system combine to help condition, smooth out and soften the visual appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on your skin.”

Morning Review:  This Serious Skin Care C Serum (Classic) is yellow and has a light citrus scent from the botanical ingredients.  The scent does not bother me or make my nose run.  The consistency is heavier than most serums.  This one does not feel like water; it feels more like glycerin or a thick liquid.  This serum does not have the typical silicone derivatives, so it also does not have that slippery primer feel.  It glides on smoothly onto my skin and is absorbed quickly.  This serum feels very gentle and I don’t experience any irritation.  My skin doesn’t actually feel any different after I apply this, which I kind of like.  I don’t care for the feeling of heavy products on my skin.  My makeup goes on nicely on top of this serum without any sticky feeling.  As this product does not contain any sunscreen, please apply sunscreen before your makeup or use a makeup with a high SPF.

Morning Rating =  4 stars4 Stars

Evening Review:  After several hours my skin does not feel dry, tight, or itchy.  SSC C Serum (Classic) helps my makeup to wear well, my face stays soft and smooth, and I do not experience any sensitivity or irritation issues.  This serum helps to keep my skin feeling soft and hydrated.  I have not seen any evidence of elimination or improvement of fine lines or wrinkles.  But then, I haven’t found that to be true with any other product, either.  I’m still waiting to discover the product that turns back time.  When I do, I’ll be sure to share it!

Overall Review: Serious Skin Care C Serum (Classic) Vitamin C Skin Conditioner is an excellent serum for all skin types, especially those with fragrance allergies and/or other sensitivities. This is suitable for both women and men.  My male tester did not mind the fragrance and said he would use it.  He said it made his skin feel softer.  This is a good serum for oily skin and anyone who does not like the feeling of silicone on their skin.

I messaged the company about this product.  I hope Serious Skin Care does not discontinue this formula and I have not heard back from the company as to whether or not this product is being eliminated from their line.  I suspect it is because it has disappeared from the HSN line up and it is now appearing on the “Farewell Favorites” page on the SSC site.

Please note:  This serum contains ingredients that are air sensitive.  Keep the container tightly sealed when not in use.

Serious Skin Care C Serum (Classic) Vitamin C Skin Conditioner is suitable for the following skin types:

  • All ethnicities;
  • All ages;
  • All sexes;
  • Dry;
  • Sensitive;
  • Consistent;
  • Oily;
  • Combination.

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Evening Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 3 stars3 Stars;

Value Rating = 3 stars3 Stars;

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.5 Stars – Very Good.  (Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

Serious Skin Care C Serum (Classic) Vitamin C Skin Conditioner

Serious Skin Care C Serum (Classic)

Serious Skin Care C Serum Vitamin C Ester Skin Conditioner

Serious Skin Care C Serum (New)

Ingredients (Classic): Water, Butylene Glycol, Grapefruit (Citrus Grandis) Fruit Extract, Kiwi (Actinidia Chinensis) Fruit Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Extract, Lime (Citrus Aurantifolia) Fruit Extract, Mandarin Orange (Citrus Nobilis) Fruit Extract, Mango (Mangifera Indica) Fruit Extract, Orange (Citrus Aurantium Dulcis) Fruit Extract, Passion Fruit (Passiflora Incarnata) Fruit Extract, Pineapple (Ananas Sativus) Fruit Extract, Rosehips (Rosa Canina) Fruit Extract, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Potassium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tetrahexaldecyl Ascorbate, Lecithin, Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Silica, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, PPG-14 Palmeth-60 Hexyl Dicarbamate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Carbomer, Tetrasodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Sodium Citrate, Triethanolamine, Diazolidinyl Urea, Yellow 5, Yellow 6.

Ingredients (New Formula): Water, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Glycerin, Lecithin, Citrus Grandis Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Actinidia Chinensis Kiwi) Fruit Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Citrus Noblis (Mandarin Orange) Fruit Extract, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Fruit Extract, Passiflora Incarnata Fruit Extract, Anogeissus Leiocarpus Extract, Copper Tripeptide-1, Colloidal Platinum, Silica, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Potassium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Hyaluronic Acid, Malpighia Glabra (Acerola) Fruit Extract, Zinc Aspartate, Sodium Citrate, Xanthan Gum, Maltodextrin, Alcohol, Panthenol, Dimethicone, Carbomer, Propylene Glycol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Butylene Glycol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Triethanolamine, PPG-14 Palmeth-60 Hexyl Dicarbamate, Sodium Citrate, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, DMDM Hydantoin, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Fragrance.

Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.

 

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

Product:  First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream.  Does your skin need serious help?

Overall Rating =  3+ stars3.25 Stars – Good

Cost: $30.00 for 6 oz. ($5.00 per ounce)  Price Category:  Mid-range

Sold By:  FirstAidBeauty; QVC; Sephora; Ulta

Container:  Larger Sizes – Plastic jar with twist-off lid; Smaller Sizes – Plastic tube with twist-off flip-top cap

Description:  First Aid Beauty is a line many of you may not be familiar with.  This is a relatively new brand of cosmetics and has only been around since 2009.  This brand first caught my attention because the entire line is fragrance free and all of the products say they are safe for sensitive skin.  The brand really took off when they got their products into Sephora stores, on QVC, and starting getting buzz from beauty editors.  First Aid Beauty (FAB) has received quite a lot of media attention in recent years, most of it positive as far as I can tell.

FAB Ultra Repair Cream is a fragrance-free cream that is best for consistent, dry, combination or sensitive skin.  This cream may be too intense for oily skin.  This cream is intended to be used both on the face any anywhere on the body.  Since this is a thick and heavy cream, this should be used after other products, if applying it to the face.

My skin has been taking a beating the past few weeks with all of the testing I have been doing so I was happy to try out a cream with “ultra repair” in the name.

Please Note:  This product contains Eucalyptus Globulus (next to last ingredient).  Many individuals are sensitive to eucalyptus and this may cause irritation if you don’t tolerate eucalyptus well.  If you experience burning or itching, please discontinue use.

The company claims:  “DELIVERS EXCEPTIONAL HYDRATION AND PROTECTION WITH NO GREASY PETROLEUM – FAB Ultra Repair® Cream is a thick, rich, emollient product that hydrates deep down with exceptional penetration. With the help of colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, soothing eucalyptus oil and ceramides, FAB Ultra Repair® Cream provides immediate relief and visible improvement for distressed skin. FAB Antioxidant Booster is there to defend skin from free radical damage. Ultra Repair® Cream can be used all over the body and on the face. “

Regarding the skin types this cream is intended for the company further states, “WHO SHOULD USE IT?  FAB Ultra Repair® Cream is for anyone with severely dry, scaly skin due to harsh winter weather, aggressive cosmetic treatments or any of the following conditions: psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, irritant eczema, allergic eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, keratosis pilaris.”

Please Note:  This product is not intended to treat any medical condition.  Before using this or any product, please consult your dermatologist.

Reviewing the ingredients, this cream is not going to provide any real anti-aging benefits or cutting-edge ingredients.  It is a nice basic cream that will provide hydration and moisture from colloidal oatmeal, glycerin and shea butter.

Morning Review:  The FAB Ultra Repair Cream is a bright white thick cream.  This does not contain any SPF or sunscreen ingredients.  Apply this after your serum or primer and sunscreen. It has a velvety texture and a dollop about the size of a raspberry (1/4 teaspoon) is enough for just the face.  You will probably use a full tablespoon or more if you are going to apply this to your entire body.  The scent is difficult to describe.  It smells like a eucalyptus candle to me.  It is very subtle and does not linger once applied to the skin.  I did not experience any negative side effects from the scent.  The cream feels very hydrating and soothing to my irritated, sensitive skin.  Because this cream is so dense, I do not think users with oily skin will like this one, despite the claims from the company that this cream is suitable for all skin types.  It takes a while for this to fully absorb into the skin, so if you are planning on putting makeup on top of it, you may need to allow for an extra five minutes.

Morning Rating =  4 stars4 Stars

Evening Review:  At the end of the day my skin does not feel dry, tight or oily.  I did not experience any irritation, redness or sensitivity issues.  The FAB cream really helped to calm my skin down and kept it feeling soft and smooth for several hours.

Overall Review:  First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream seems to be an excellent heavy cream for all skin types except oily, especially those with fragrance allergies.  This is suitable for both women and men.  My male tester did not find the scent displeasing and could barely smell anything.  This would be an excellent hand cream for men who have rough skin.  I would say I like this better as a hand or body cream than a face cream.  It simply feels too heavy and smothering to me.  I don’t like to feel like there is anything on my skin.  Also, I don’t like to use separate creams and sunscreens, so I would only use this at night or if I were staying in for the day.

The cream is available in tubes in smaller sizes and jars in larger sizes.  Even though the cost per ounce is less in the jar, I would buy the smaller tubes to protect the contents from contamination.  Even though the concentration of anti-oxidants in this creams is quite small, what little there is will be sensitive to air and light and rendered ineffective over time if you buy the jar.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream is suitable for the following skin types:  (All but oily)

  • All ethnicities;
  • All ages;
  • All sexes;
  • Dry;
  • Sensitive (not if sensitive to eucalyptus);
  • Consistent;
  • Combination.

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Evening Rating = 3 stars3 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 3 stars3 Stars;

Value Rating = 3 stars3 Stars;

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.25 Stars – Good.  (Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair CreamFirst Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Open JarFirst Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream in Hand

Ingredients:  Colloidal Oatmeal, Water, Stearic Acid, Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Squalane, Allantoin, Sodium Hydroxide, Dimethicone, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Butylene Glycol, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Ceramide 3.

Formulated Without:  Artificial fragrance, Colorants, Parabens.

Please Note:  There has been some controversy regarding whether Feverfew Extract is good or bad for your skin.  The Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Extract that First Aid Beauty uses is free of the potentially sensitizing component Parthenolide (technically known as Sesquiterpene Lactone).  Feverfew itself, when Parthenolide-free, has a calming effect on the skin.

Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.

First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser

Product:  First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser.  Is this the facial wash your skin needs to stay clean and healthy?

Overall Rating =  3+ stars3.67 Stars – Very Good to Excellent

Cost: $20.00 for 5 oz. ($4.00 per ounce)  Price Category:  Mid-range

Sold By:  FirstAidBeauty; QVC; Sephora; Ulta

Container:  Plastic tube with flip-top cap; cap does screw off

Description:  First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser is a fragrance-free cream facial wash that you mix with water and then rinse off.  This cleanser is intended to be used night and day, prior to the application of any other product.

I am always on a quest for a gentle cleanser that will work effectively and not wreak havoc with my extremely sensitive skin.  If you don’t do anything but keep your skin clean without stripping it, keep it exfoliated, and wear sunscreen every day, you’ll probably age beautifully and have nice skin.  It sounds simple enough but finding products to accomplish that can prove difficult.

I am new to this brand but I will be trying many of their products to see how well they really perform.  The entire line is fragrance free.  I have read the ingredients labels of every single product and there is not a hint of fragrance anywhere.  Whoo hoo!

The company claims: “FAB Face Cleanser gently cleanses the skin, removes surface oils, make up, dirt and grime. Its whipped texture transforms into a rich cream when blended with water. It is infused with a powerful botanical antioxidant blend that works hard to scavenger free radicals.”  There are additional claims on their website.

Morning Review:  The First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser is a bright white, thick cream.  This does not contain any exfoliating ingredients.  It has a pretty pearlescent quality and a dollop about the size of a blueberry is enough to clean your entire face.  I wet my face first and then massaged the cleanser onto my face.  It does not lather or produce bubbles but it does have a very slight foaming property.  It has almost no scent and just smells clean.  There is a very slight inoffensive chemical component to the scent.  The scent does not make my nose run, eyes water, or produce any negative side effects whatsoever.  The thick cleanser feels gentle and soothing to my skin.  It rinsed off completely and did not leave any oily residue.  My skin did not feel tight or stripped.  My first impression was, “Wow, very nice!”  Let’s see how my skin actually reacts to this after several hours.

Morning Rating =  4 stars4 Stars

Evening Review:  At the end of the day my skin does not feel tight or oily.  I did not experience any irritation or redness, but something is making my face break out (see note below).  The FAB cleanser effectively removes makeup and my wipes did not find any traces of makeup when using this with just my hands. The cleanser did not make my face feel anything other than clean.  Imagine that!  This would be a very good cleanser to use with a cleansing brush.

Note:  After several hours my skin began to break out and I ended up with six blemishes on my face.  I suspect the blemishes may have been due to a product I used the previous day.  I am going to give my skin a few days to completely clear and then I will re-test this cleanser and revise my review.

Overall Review: First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser seems to be an excellent facial wash for all skin types, especially those with fragrance allergies and/or other sensitivities.  This is suitable for both women and men.  I think men could also shave with this product and I will report back on that aspect.

This is a preliminary review.  I will re-test this product once my skin clears and also get a report from other testers.

This cleanser is suitable for the following skin types:

  • All ethnicities;
  • All ages;
  • All sexes;
  • Dry;
  • Sensitive;
  • Consistent;
  • Oily;
  • Combination.

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Evening Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = ? Stars;

Value Rating = 3 stars3 Stars;

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.67 Stars – Very Good.  (Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser

Ingredients:  Water (Aqua), Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Stearyl Alcohol,Sodium PCA, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Allantoin, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Palm Kernel/Coco Glucoside, Glyceryl Stearate, Disodium EDTA, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid.

Formulated Without:  Artificial fragrance, Dyes, Parabens.

Please Note:  There has been some controversy regarding whether Feverfew Extract is good or bad for your skin.  The Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Extract that First Aid Beauty uses is free of the potentially sensitizing component Parthenolide (technically known as Sesquiterpene Lactone).  Feverfew itself, when Parthenolide-free, has a calming effect on the skin.

Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.

Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus Smooths, Restores, Corrects

Product:  Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus Smooths, Restores, Corrects.  Does this serum really produce dramatic results?

Overall Rating = 3+ stars 3.5 Stars – Very Good

Cost: $49.50 for 1 oz. ($49.50 per fluid ounce)  Price Category:  Expensive

Sold By:  Clinique; Dillard’s; Macys; Sephora; Major Department Stores

Container:  Glass bottle with glass or plastic dropper

Description:  Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus serum is a fragrance-free serum intended to address fine lines and wrinkles.  This serum is designed to be used immediately following cleansing, night and day, prior to the application of any other product.

I have been familiar with this brand for decades.  Once upon a time, they were the only company with an entire fragrance-free line that was readily available at retail.

The company claims: “Delivers 63% of the visible wrinkle improvement of a dermatological laser procedure at 12 weeks. Not a laser, of course. But impressive results. New ingredients deliver twice the smoothing as before, remarkably refining skin’s texture.”  These are some pretty lofty claims, right?  I don’t necessarily agree with these statements, but I always take marketing claims with a grain of salt.

Please note, nothing that comes out of a bottle or jar is going to give you results that can in any way compare to the dramatic changes your skin will see if you undergo laser treatments from a physician.  Lasers can penetrate the epidermis down into deeper layers and will stimulate collagen production greater than any serum.  Lasers can tighten and tone skin.  Lasers can eliminate skin issues that no topical product can achieve.

 As we age, our skin gets thinner, collagen production slows, and skin regeneration and sloughing decreases.  Thinner skin also becomes less flexible which leads to the formation of lines and wrinkles.  Light skinned individuals typically first show aging as lines around their eyes and dark skinned individuals typically experience discoloration as they age followed by lines and wrinkles.  Because serums are so light and thin, they are readily absorbed into the skin to deliver anti-aging antioxidants and other beneficial ingredients.

Morning Review:  This Clinique fragrance-free serum is clear and has almost no scent other than those from the botanical ingredients.  The consistency is light and the texture is silky.  Due to the high concentration of silicone derivatives, it glides on smoothly onto my skin.  This serum feels very gentle and I don’t experience any irritation.  Due to the lightness, it is quickly absorbed.  Although not specifically designed for it, this serum can be applied to your décolletage.  My makeup goes on top of this product beautifully without any stickiness or tackiness.  As this product does not contain any sunscreen, please apply sunscreen before your makeup or use a makeup with a high SPF.

Morning Rating =  4 stars4 Stars

Evening Review:  At the end of the day my skin does not feel tight.  This serum helps my makeup to wear well, my face stays soft and smooth, and I do not experience any sensitivity or irritation issues.  This serum helps to improve the tone and texture of my skin.  I have not seen any evidence of elimination or improvement of fine lines or wrinkles.

Overall Review:  Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus serum is an excellent serum for all skin types, especially those with fragrance allergies and/or other sensitivities. This is suitable for both women and men.

Please note:  This serum contains ingredients that are air and light sensitive.  Do not store this near a sunny window sill and keep the container tightly sealed when not in use.  This product comes in larger sizes, but the ingredients begin to lose effectiveness once exposed to air and light.  Unless you are going to use the contents within 90 days, it doesn’t make a great deal of sense to buy the large bottle just because it costs less.  If you still have a lot of product left after 90 days you’ll essentially just have a nice light weight primer without any anti-aging benefits.  If you like to use a lot of serum twice a day and also apply it to your décolletage, then the larger bottle may be a good choice for you.

This serum is suitable for the following skin types:

  • All ethnicities;
  • All ages;
  • All sexes;
  • Dry;
  • Sensitive;
  • Consistent;
  • Oily;
  • Combination.

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Evening Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 4 stars4 Stars;

Value Rating = 2 stars2 Stars;

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.5 Stars – Very Good.  (Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus Smooths, Restores, Corrects Serum

Ingredients: Water, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Methyl Trimethicone, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Polysorbate 20, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Glycerin, Silica, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Methyl Gluceth-20, Polysilicone-11, Sigesbeckia Orientalis (St. Paul’s Wort) Extract, Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Extract, Acetyl Glucosamine, Plankton Extract, Whey Protein, Sea Whip Extract, Arabidopsis Thaliana Extract, Caffeine, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Protein, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile), Sodium Hyaluronate, Micrococcus Lysate, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Ergothioneine, Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cholesterol, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Sodium Hydroxide, Lecithin, Carbomer, PEG-8, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol.

Formulated Without:  Artificial fragrance, Dyes, Parabens.

Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.