MY UK SKINCARE HAUL - THE ORDINARY

If I mention the names The Abnormal Beauty Company, DECIEM, The Ordinary, NIOD or Hylamide you will either not have a clue what I'm talking about or your interest will be piqued instantly and I hope it's the latter, as the chances are you're a skincare lover like moi...

On the very top of my UK shopping list for my recent visit was The Ordinary, yes it was right at the top and its only store in the UK was to be found at Spitalfields Market in London, which only opened in March this year, but their second store has just opened in Covent Garden. Unfortunately I missed their opening by a couple of weeks.

Here is a very brief overview of what the DECIEM |The Abnormal Beauty Company 

is all about(I will give more info about their brand "The Ordinary" once I have used my products and written the reviews)

DECIEM | The Abnormal Beauty Company, even though it's a strange name is surprisingly a very apt name, as they create, manufacture and retail their own somewhat obscure, yet serious and highly effective, no frills, skin care ranges all at stripped down prices.

Started in 2013 the Canadian company DECIEM is the name of the beauty umbrella and their teams of scientists have created several brands under this umbrella including NIOD, The Ordinary, Hylamide and The Chemistry Brand to name but a few that you may have heard of or maybe not and many more brands are coming soon. 

This unconventional approach to beauty is not the industry norm and DECIEM have taken those stereotypical norms and literally tipped them on their heads and by all accounts very successfully. 

Available in many countries around the world, their own shops are small and basic, but functional in their shop fitting, so don't expect any fancy shop and manoeuvring space is tight, as I found out on a busy Saturday morning.

Interestingly the Estée Lauder Companies Inc have bought a share in DECIEM just as recently as June this year, so I think this move by ELC speaks volumes about this company, the team of scientists and the products they have formulated and taken to market, all very successfully.

I must admit the product offerings from these ranges seem a little daunting and somewhat confusing, as all of the packaging is very basic, somewhat similar and not overly informative, so my advice is to do some research before a visit and do ask a consultant for  information and advice on both the brands and products they have to offer.

The Ordinary

I came away with 4 skincare products from The Ordinary as this brand has had the most positive media coverage and it seemed to be exactly what I was looking for. 

It would have been 5 products, but after spending quite some time choosing the correct foundations shade, it transpired that I was wasting my time, as it was out of stock at the time, as were many of them.

I did have to stop myself though from buying some hair care items from the Stemm brand, but luggage space and weight just didn't allow.

So what did I actually come away with...

The Ordinary

1.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

A  hydration support formula with ultra-pure, vegan hyaluronic acid

2.

The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA

A high-strength peptide formulation

3.

The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% +EGCG

reduces appearance of eye contour pigmentation and of puffiness

4.

The Ordinary AHA 30% Peeling Solution

with 30% alpha hydroxyl acids (glycolic/lactic/tartaric/citric), 2% beta hydroxyl acid (salicylic acid), hyaluronic acid crosspolymer, vitamin b5, black carrot and tasmanian pepperberry.

I will go more "in depth" with the products the formulations,features and their benefits in my individual product reviews, that will follow over the next few weeks and months.

The total price of the products above came to just over £27 which equates to approx R475, which even for us pound poor South Africans is positively cheap!

I can't wait to slowly introduce these serums into my skincare regime and report back to you.

THE ORDINARY HYALURONIC ACID 2% + B5 {REVIEW} {TBT APRIL 2020}

After having tried 4 products from The Ordinary there was only one that

I've repurchased regularly since writing these reviews back in 2018 and thats

the AHA 30% +BHA 2% Peeling Solution.

To read all 4 of my reviews click on the Pink Link below.

The product that I didn't get along with was the Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

which this review is about and again my opinion hasn't changed, yet I still

hear so many raving about its wonders...

*Please note that prices may have changed to the ones quoted below*

~~~~~~

Having already posted 3 of my 4 reviews on The Ordinary products that

 I bought last year, I thought it was about time I posted my opinions

on their Hyaluronic Acid 2% +B5.

This post has been sitting in my drafts folder for months, not because I'd

forgotten about it,like I have on occasion,it was due to me wanting to give this 

serum another chance to impress me...

I don't think I have given any product so many 2nd chances as this one.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

Initially I didn't enjoy it, but after reading so many glowing reports I re-visited

it several times, hoping that I would see and experience what

others were raving about.

Just to give you a brief overview of Hyaluronic Acid in general and why it's hailed 

as the "wonder" ingredient.

It naturally occurs in the body and has the ability to hold 

1000 times its own weight in water.

This gentle Humectant ingredient has the ability to draw moisture into the 

skins cells and retain hydration throughout the day, whilst also 

preventing moisture loss.

As the skin cells are plumped up (similar to a sponge absorbing water)

it not only gives the skin a more plumped and hydrated appearance 

but more importantly for me it quickly smooths out fine lines.

Hyaluronic Acid is amazing because it can be used by all skin types 

and ages and should be included in everyones skin care regimes,

including oily skin types.

All skins benefit from hydration...

It can also be used alongside other ingredients like Vitamin C,AHA's and Retinols.

I personally have always seen the benefits of using either HA serums or

products that include HA and I know my skin responds well to its inclusion,

unfortunately I found this particular brand to be rather underwhelming.

The Ordinary HA 2% is combined with Vitamin B5 which 

enhances surface hydration.

The Ordinary do however have a side note about HA on their website;

" Hyaluronic Acid is found in the skin naturally but its natural function within the skin is not hydration. Many products have used HA to claim hydration benefits, but HA is too large of a molecule to penetrate the skin and instead sits on the surface and can draw moisture out of the skin making the surface feel soft and hydrated temporarily. This formula uses three forms of HA with varying molecular weights, as well as an HA crosspolymer, to offer multi-depth hydration and visible plumping without drawing water out of the skin solely to improve temporary surface hydration".

I was aware of the above "almost reversal" effect that some HA products can

have on hydration, yet I've personally not experienced it with any others, 

however this was one of the reasons that I don't like this product from 

The Ordinary.

I found the texture of this oil free, water based gel serum to be smooth

when I initially applied, but it soon turned

extremely tacky and sticky after a minute or so of application.

This serum can be used AM & PM either alone or under moisturisers.

Now I always advocate the "Less is More" approach to product application,

so I adjusted the amount I applied several times, but nothing seemed to

make any difference in terms of the feel on my skin.

Not only did I not enjoy the texture, but my skin seemed to feel drier with use,

exactly what The Ordinary said (in their side note above)

of other competitors products incorporating HA.

The Ordinary is a no frills, affordable line of skincare, which I'm all for,

I found the product though to be rather simple and unpolished and personally

 I'm not wanting to comprise on the effectiveness of a product, 

just for a cheap price.

After saying all of the above,you can't really afford not to give

this product a try, as it could just work wonders for your skin...

I was obviously "missing something" about this product, but that's what's great

about this industry

 "every skin is different" 

Having now completed all 4 reviews on my experiences with 

The Ordinary products I'm very happy to have finally moved this last review from

my drafts folder...

To read my previous reviews on The Ordinary

THE ORDINARY 

HYALURONIC ACID 2% + B5

30ml

R

240

Available in SA via 3rd Party websites

£

5.90

$

10.90

Let me know in the comments below if you have tried any of

The Ordinary 

products and what you think...

THE ORDINARY HYALURONIC ACID 2% + B5 {REVIEW}

Having already posted 3 of my 4 reviews on The Ordinary products that

 I bought last year, I thought it was about time I posted my opinions

on their Hyaluronic Acid 2% +B5.

This post has been sitting in my drafts folder for months, not because I'd

forgotten about it,like I have on occasion,it was due to me wanting to give this 

serum another chance to impress me...

I don't think I have given any product so many 2nd chances as this one.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

Initially I didn't enjoy it, but after reading so many glowing reports I re-visited

it several times, hoping that I would see and experience what

others were raving about.

Just to give you a brief overview of Hyaluronic Acid in general and why it's hailed 

as the "wonder" ingredient.

It naturally occurs in the body and has the ability to hold 

1000 times its own weight in water.

This gentle Humectant ingredient has the ability to draw moisture into the 

skins cells and retain hydration throughout the day, whilst also 

preventing moisture loss.

As the skin cells are plumped up (similar to a sponge absorbing water)

it not only gives the skin a more plumped and hydrated appearance 

but more importantly for me it quickly smooths out fine lines.

Hyaluronic Acid is amazing because it can be used by all skin types 

and ages and should be included in everyones skin care regimes,

including oily skin types.

All skins benefit from hydration...

It can also be used alongside other ingredients like Vitamin C,AHA's and Retinols.

I personally have always seen the benefits of using either HA serums or

products that include HA and I know my skin responds well to its inclusion,

unfortunately I found this particular brand to be rather underwhelming.

The Ordinary HA 2% is combined with Vitamin B5 which 

enhances surface hydration.

The Ordinary do however have a side note about HA on their website;

" Hyaluronic Acid is found in the skin naturally but its natural function within the skin is not hydration. Many products have used HA to claim hydration benefits, but HA is too large of a molecule to penetrate the skin and instead sits on the surface and can draw moisture out of the skin making the surface feel soft and hydrated temporarily. This formula uses three forms of HA with varying molecular weights, as well as an HA crosspolymer, to offer multi-depth hydration and visible plumping without drawing water out of the skin solely to improve temporary surface hydration".

I was aware of the above "almost reversal" effect that some HA products can

have on hydration, yet I've personally not experienced it with any others, 

however this was one of the reasons that I don't like this product from 

The Ordinary.

I found the texture of this oil free, water based gel serum to be smooth

when I initially applied, but it soon turned

extremely tacky and sticky after a minute or so of application.

This serum can be used AM & PM either alone or under moisturisers.

Now I always advocate the "Less is More" approach to product application,

so I adjusted the amount I applied several times, but nothing seemed to

make any difference in terms of the feel on my skin.

Not only did I not enjoy the texture, but my skin seemed to feel drier with use,

exactly what The Ordinary said (in their side note above)

of other competitors products incorporating HA.

The Ordinary is a no frills, affordable line of skincare, which I'm all for,

I found the product though to be rather simple and unpolished and personally

 I'm not wanting to comprise on the effectiveness of a product, 

just for a cheap price.

After saying all of the above,you can't really afford not to give

this product a try, as it could just work wonders for your skin...

I was obviously "missing something" about this product, but that's what's great

about this industry

 "every skin is different" 

Having now completed all 4 reviews on my experiences with 

The Ordinary products I'm very happy to have finally moved this last review from

my drafts folder...

To read my previous reviews on The Ordinary

THE ORDINARY 

HYALURONIC ACID 2% + B5

30ml

R

240

Available in SA via 3rd Party websites

£

5.90

$

10.90

Let me know in the comments below if you have tried any of

The Ordinary 

products and what you think...

THE ORDINARY MATRIXYL 10% +HA {REVIEW}

This is the 3rd review of the four serums that I bought from the

much hyped, simple, no frills skincare brand

The Ordinary, 

which falls under the Deciem umbrella.

The Ordinary 

 "Clinical formulations with integrity". 

To read more about the brand and the serums that I purchased 

My UK Skincare Haul The Ordinary

and to read my reviews 

 The Ordinary Caffeine Solution

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution Review

Matrixyl 10% + HA is perhaps the product that is the most difficult to give

you feedback on, as it's a Peptide serum with Hyaluronic Acid, that silently

 works away and doesn't give you

any obvious quick results, it's a long term ongoing treatment.

I had this product on my shopping list, as I currently do not have any Peptide

serums in my current beauty regime.

(I must explain that Matrixyl is a trademarked peptide composition 

developed by Sederma in France.

 Neither DECIEM nor The Ordinary is affiliated with Sederma)

This highly-effective Matrixyl composition is combined with a specialized 

Hyaluronic Acid delivery system, which has been shown to reduce the look of 

static and dynamic wrinkles...

Exactly what I and many other women in their 50's are looking for.

What are Peptides and why are they important ?

Peptides are chains of amino acids that are the building blocks of 

proteins in the skin.

When peptides form a long chain of amino acids, they become proteins. 

When they are in a short chain of amino acids, luckily for us,

 they are able to penetrate the top layer of our skin and send signals

 to our cells to let them know how to function.

Collagen is one such important protein and Collagen gives our skin 

its thickness and suppleness. When collagen breaks down in the skin 

(from age and environmental factors like the sun and stress), 

wrinkles form. 

Peptides applied topically to the skin can send messages to collagen to 

prompt the formation of new collagen, which leads to the appearance

 of a more supple and youthful skin.

I've been using several drops of the High Strength Peptide Formulation

The Ordinary Matrixyl 10%+HA 

for the past 4-5 months. I used in the evening and it integrated well with all 

of my nightly products and I'm sure this would

be an ideal anti-ageing serum for a sensitive skin, that finds Retinol

or Vitamin C serums too stimulating or active.

The inclusion of Hyaluronic acid, which is a natural substance found in skin, 

 has the magical capacity to attract and hold vast amounts of 

moisture and is loved by all skin types and 

was very appealing to me.

Best applied on a clean dry skin prior to any other products,

 it can used both am and pm, but to be honest I didn't enjoy the texture of

this thick,viscous,clear jelly like serum for morning application.

I found that use in the evening was preferable, but just a 'heads up" 

this serum doesn't spread easily, as it's Silicone free and drys fairly 

quickly leaving a slight tacky, sticky film on the surface of my skin.

I tried adjusting the amount that I used, but that feeling was still evident

 on my face and it just didn't do it for me.

I don't feel that I can fully or fairly review this serum, as I was only using

it once a day, but considering the length of time I have been using

I can't say I've noticed any diminishing of my lines and wrinkles, but

as I said earlier, it's a silent worker.

I have said this before in previous posts, if you skin is neglected

and ageing rapidly, then you will no doubt see more visible results, 

but remember that my skin has been well looked after for 

40 years or more.

However in comparison to previous serums that I've used over the years ,

 I found this one to be somewhat crude and basic and YES I know

it's selling for a fraction of other serum prices and based on 

its texture alone I won't be repurchasing.

I'll finish the product until the end, but

I will be on the lookout for another Peptide treatment

 to include into my daily skincare

regime, so if you have any that you can recommend please

drop me a note in the comments section below.

After saying all of the above I maybe eating my words, as it could just 

be one of those treatments where you only notice the difference once 

you stop using, but I will be sure to let you know if that happens...

This product is :

Silicone Free

Alcohol Free

& has a 

pH of 5.00-6.00

The Ordinary products, are also free of parabens, sulphates, mineral oil, methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone, animal oils, benzalkonium chloride, 

coal tar dyes, formaldehyde, mercury, oxybenzone.

DECIEM does not test on animals and does not pay others to do so. 

For this reason, none of their brands are sold in mainland China since such sales 

require animal testing for registration purposes.

The Ordinary Matrixyl 10%+HA

30ml

R

Available on certain websites in SA 

£

6.00

$

15.90

To find out more about Deciem and The Ordinary