ELLA K BEAUTY REVIEW

SkinCeuticals Retexturing Activator Review

Retexturing Activator is a clear hydrating serum with no added fragrance. 
The formula features a derivative of urea, kombucha, and sodium hyaluronate to gently exfoliate and nourish the skin.  The serum spreads easily over the skin and absorbs to a lightweight, slightly tacky finish.  The serum instantly softens and hydrates the skin while smoothing it with regular use. 

SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 Review

Triple Lipid Restore is a thick emollient cream with a soft lavender scent.  The formula features ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol to help restore and protect the skin’s natural barrier.  The cream absorbs easily to a soft, non-greasy finish.  The formula leaves skin hydrated and comfortable, but it contains a small amount of essentials oils that could be problematic for sensitive skin.

SkinCeuticals Physical Matte UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Review

Physical Matte UV Defense Sunscreen is a lightweight mineral sunscreen with a velvety primer-like texture.  The fragrance-free formula combines titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to protect skin from the sun.  The sunscreen feels silky going on and sets to a smooth matte finish that minimizes pores and enhances skin tone.  The sunscreen features a sheer neutral beige tint.

SkinCeuticals Physical Eye UV Defense SPF 50 Review

Physical Eye UV Defense SPF 50 is a gentle mineral sunscreen for the eye area. The formula has a silky primer-like texture that leaves the eye area smooth and shine-free, but it is not very hydrating on its own.  The sunscreen has a subtle beige tint that enhances the skin tone and brightens the eyes. 
The sunscreen does not migrate into the eyes and works well under concealer.

SkinCeuticals Redness Neutralizer Review

Redness Neutralizer is a soothing fragrance-free lotion.  The formula combines nourishing emollients and anti-irritants.  The creamy white lotion feels rich going on, but it leaves behind a soft, non-greasy finish.  The formula works well to hydrate and calm red, irritated skin. 

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5 Refining Night Cream Review

This water and silicone-based retinol cream spreads easily and dries to a matte finish.  In addition to retinol, the formula also contains shea butter, ceramides and anti-irritants to help reduce dryness and irritation often associated with retinol use.  It’s best to limit the use of this product to once or twice a week until skin adjusts.  The cream works well to minimize the superficial signs of aging and it helps to reduce blemishes and acne scarring.  Use of sunscreen is recommended with this product. 

SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Masque Review

This thick masque combines natural kaolin and bentonite clays to draw out impurities from the skin.  The masque also contains fruit acids, but they are not as effective as glycolic or salicylic acid at exfoliating the skin.  Aloe, chamomile and zinc oxide are added to the formula to help reduce the risk of irritation.  The masque removes dirt and excess oils from the skin and leaves it feeling refreshed and clean.  This product would be suitable for most skin types.

SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel Review

This oil-free gel provides light hydration without a greasy residue.  The gel would work well for someone with oily or acne-prone skin, but those with drier complexions will need an additional moisturizer.  This product is quite expensive considering that the formula only contains water, sodium hyaluronate, vitamin B5 and a preservative.  The gel is fragrance-free.

SkinCeuticals Serum 20 AOX Review

This water-based serum combines ferulic acid with high levels of vitamin C (20% L-ascorbic acid) to fight premature aging.  The serum tingles slightly upon application and the high vitamin C content could be problematic for sensitive skin (this line offers serums with lower concentrations of vitamin C that would be more suitable for sensitive skin types).  The serum has a strange but tolerable scent.  After using this product for several months I saw no visible improvement to my skin, but to be fair, this product claims to prevent rather than correct existing skin damage.