beauty:  these are no Ordinary serums

You know what they say; if something seems too good to be true, it probably is…except maybe in this case!ordinary1

We woman already pay a lot for upkeep and that includes our skincare regime.  And our skincare regime usually includes an expensive serum.  So if you found out you could buy a serum with a really good active ingredient for only $6 you wouldn’t believe me right?

On average a regular glycolic acid-based serum costs around $42. An antioxidant serum of choice costs about $163. These are hefty prices, sure. But they’re serums. Paying top dollar for high concentrations of anti-aging ingredients is just the way it goes, isn’t it?

If you ask Toronto-based beauty brand Deciem, the answer will be a resounding No.  The brand has released a new collection of serums that promises the same ingredients as luxury products, except these SKUs boast prices as low as $6.

The new line is called The Ordinary and offers a total of 10 serums, the most expensive of which is $15. Since launching earlier this month, the brand has sold over 43,000 units.  I wonder why?

Self-termed “the abnormal beauty company,” Deciem positions its image on the fringe of the beauty market. What makes The Ordinary’s serums unique is their simplicity—each bottle contains only one or two active ingredients, like vitamin C, hylauronic acid, and retinoid (all of which we’re used to seeing in our pricier serums). Deciem’s founder Brandon Truaxe says that because of the low ingredient count, the products can be manufactured and packaged more affordably.ordinary3

So where can you buy them? Deciem sells all of its ranges on the company website, as well as choice retailers around the globe (U.S. brick-and-mortar locations are in the works). Though the company is fairly under-the-radar stateside, it has become wildly popular in the UK, mostly due to the success of their hand and body care brand Hand Chemistry.

Want to experience the budget-friendly wonders of The Ordinary? Shop some of their serums below!

 The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 ($7)

If you’re aiming to give your skin an intense dose of moisture, cart this $7 hyaluronic acid serum.

The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% ($6)

This skin-protecting vitamin C serum miraculously comes in at less than $6 per bottle.

The Ordinary “Buffet” ($15)

At less than $15, this peptide-packed serum is the brand’s most expensive SKU.

What’s to lose?  The only bad thing is if you don’t like it you haven’t lost much money trying something new.  If you do like it………. GREAT!

 

SkIN: The Truth about SERUMS

One step at a time…

abelladonna.com
abelladonna.com

You can use it alone but it’s best to apply before sunscreen for day and nightcream.  Is it essential?  I’ll let you decide.  It’s one more step we may need to follow.

Serums may be the costliest product in many skin care lines but when properly applied, a 1-ounce container should last months.  Serums contain more active ingredients than other products so you need just the tiniest amount – those few concentrated drops are super-efficient. Serums are made of very small molecules, so the skin absorbs them quickly and deeply. Thicker, heavier ingredients found in creams form a barrier on your skin that’s great for locking moisture in. The active ingredients in a serum penetrate your skin faster and more effectively.

Serums do not include ingredients such as petrolatum or mineral oil that keep water from evaporating. They also contain fewer lubricating and thickening agents, like nut or seed oils. Most serums are water-based, eliminating oils altogether.

Think of it as faster and lighter – many of the qualities we look for in a car, a laptop, and our bodies when we’re running a marathon. They’re also the prized attributes of skin care serums – light, fast-absorbing liquids used as an alternative or in addition to creams or lotions.  This from Web.MD

Like so many things in the skincare department, there are too many brands to list here.

My top picks:

MicaBella Repair Serum
MicaBella Repair Serum

1) Mica Bella’s Skin Repair Serum is an ultra-moisturizing serum, formulated with a unique blend, including Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamins, Botanicals and Proline. The unique formula is designed to promote the natural elasticity of the skin, help reduce skin damage caused by the environment, and help minimize the visible signs of wrinkles – providing a healthy glow and younger looking skin. Price – $175.00  Available online at http://www.intrigueimports.com

MyChelle
MyChelle

2) MyChelle Dermaceuticals – an intensive humectant that replenishes skins moisture content, firms and claims to lift  facial contours.  Price – approx. $45.00.  Available at most health food stores.