Review : The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

Product Description
Looking to relief your dry and/or dehydrated skin? Or you just want your products to absorb faster so you can hit the hay? The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is the answer! Hyaluronic acid attracts moisture and can hold up to 1000x its weight in water. Hyaluronic acid acts as a humectant on the skin, attracting water from the atmosphere, and from deeper layers of skin to improve surface hydration while also leaving skin looking plump and feeling bouncy.

Made in Canada, free of parabens, sulphates, mineral oil, fragrance, silicone, alcohol and is also vegan and cruelty-free, The Ordinary is a brand from Deciem ( also known as The Abnormal Beauty Company ), focused on advanced functional beauty where the team is specialized in materials chemistry and biochemistry and has brought pioneering innovation in skincare through their core brands, Hylamide and NIOD.

The Ordinary stood out because of its affordable pricing despite offering familiar and effective clinical technologies hence their tagline "Clinical formulations with integrity". It has disrupted the beauty industry by creating a line of research-based, active ingredient-focused products at less than US$15 each.

Frankly speaking, when I first came across the products during a vacation in Australia 2 years ago, I was skeptical about the brand, products and effectiveness with their too-good-to-be-true pricing. Fast forward several months later, everyone seems to be raving on how good and affordable they are, with options that target every common skin care concern, so when Skinx reached out to me, to offer some products in return for an honest review, I chose The Ordinary. I just have to see how good is it, isn't it?

Packaging, Scent and Texture 

Housed in a 30ml minimalistic clear glass bottle with a dropper, the texture has a medium consistency that falls between a watery gel to a gel serum and applies with a sticky finishing. The clear scentless gel is recommended to be applied on damp skin so that it can glide easier and absorb faster. 

It takes about 5 minutes for the serum to sink in totally, leaving my skin very smooth. However, if you apply too much, skin would be extremely sticky and takes an even longer time to be absorbed so apply it sparingly.

How To Use : 

Apply a few drops over the entire face in the AM and PM before creams.

Performance and Ingredients

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 serum is a highly recommended product for those looking for hydration. Hyaluronic Acid (HA) can attract up to 1,000 times its weight in water and the molecular size of HA determines its depth of delivery in the skin.

With that in mind, The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 serum is formulated with low-, medium- and high-molecular weight HA, as well as a next-generation HA crosspolymer at a combined concentration of 2% for multi-depth hydration. This system is supported with the addition of Vitamin B5 which also enhances surface hydration to moisturize and soften fine lines and wrinkles.

I was elated to incorporate the serum into my skincare regime as I am constantly looking out for hydrating and nourishing products for my combination-dehydrated skin type. 

I usually apply The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 serum after Cosrx Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner and before Naruko Magnolia Brightening and Firming Lotion and/or Biotherm Life Plankton Mask and/or Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair either day/night or both. Skin is left feeling hydrated and very smooth without any flakiness during the course of usage.

The key ingredients are Sodium Hyaluronate (Hydration), Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer (Hydration) and Panthenol (Humectant). 

CosDNA has given the product a good safety rating which consists of a mixture of moisturisers and surfactants and the product scored 3.6 from 89 users on Makeupalley.

Aqua (Water), Sodium Hyaluronate, Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Panthenol, Ahnfeltia Concinna Extract, Glycerin, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Citric Acid, Isoceteth-20, Ethoxydiglycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol

Where To Purchase In Singapore : 
Shop Skinx Store online or visit their store :

42 Amoy St
Singapore 069868

M-F 11:30am to 8:30pm
Closed Weekends and PH

T: 6909 5446

Conclusion

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is great for all skin types, including dry and matured skin, oily and combination skin, sensitive and blemish-prone skin or basically anyone who needs hydration in their skin.

Once again, thanks to Raied from Skinx.Store for gifting me The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 serum in return for an honest review.

Check out my reviews on Pyunkang Yul 3 Step Mask Pack, Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser and Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner + 1/3 Cotton Pad. They are all available in Skinx Store. 

Review : Pyunkang Yul 3 Step Mask Pack

Product Description
Pyunkang Yul 3 Step Mask Pack takes 3 of Pyunkang Yul's most popular products and combines it into a conveniently packaged set - great for gifts, travel, or when you just want to unwind and have a relaxing mask day!

Step 1 is the Peeling Gel, which helps to exfoliate dead skin cells on the surface, clearing the way for Step 2 - Essence Toner Mask, which is jam-packed with anti-inflammatory antioxidants to soothe skin, and reinforce your skin's natural protective barrier. Finish it all off with Step 3 - Balancing Gel which helps to seal in nutrients and moisture, as well as helping skin retain its natural bounce.

Thanks to Skinx.Store for sending over the mask pack in return for an honest review. If you have been wanting to try out their masks, you would be glad to know that Skinx Store sells them in individual pieces or a pack of 5 sheets. Its your choice!

Developed in 2016 by the Pyunkang Eastern Medicinal Clinic in South Korea which is renowned for treating lung and atopic skin disorders, Pyunkang Yul products are formulated with an ancient eastern medicinal philosophy, with the most minimal possible ingredients to achieve the maximum results. The products are made to bring skin back to its own natural balance so that it can get itself to be healthy and glowy!

Made in Korea, developed by dermatologists and cruelty-free, Pyunkang Yul 3 Step Mask Pack consists of 3 products for 1 time use and is labelled aptly on the packaging. It is convenient which is great for travels and staycations. Save space in your luggage too!

Review : Kahina Giving Beauty 3 Basics Travel Kit ( Cleanser, Argan Oil & Facial Lotion )

Product Description
Wash away impurities without stripping your skin of its natural oils. Kahina facial cleanser is naturally scented with neroli essential oils extracted from orange flower blossoms and herbaceous Moroccan blue tansy.

High concentrations of Vitamin E and fatty acids in argan oil, coupled with organic willow bark and papaya extracts to:

• Replace moisture loss
• Eliminate toxins and impurities
• Gently tone and exfoliate
• Brighten skin

Product Description
At Kahina, we pride ourselves on offering the highest quality, certified organic and fair trade argan oil, cold pressed and unadulterated, delivered fresh in small batches directly from artisans producers in rural Morocco, where the production has a positive impact on the women of the region.

Extremely rich in Vitamin E and essential fatty acids, argan oil has been shown to:

• Minimize fine lines
• Restore elasticity
• Improve skin tone
• Soothe irritation
• Neutralize free radicals that cause signs of aging
• Protect the skin from harmful environmental agents
• Light and non-greasy, argan oil absorbs easily, instantly giving skin a radiant glow.

Product Description
Lightweight and naturally-scented Kahina Facial Lotion combines high concentrations of 100% organic argan oil with other beneficial ingredients including organic shea butter, sodium hyaluronate, and organic beeswax to:

Optimally hydrate
Protect against harmful environmental stressors
Provide suppleness and radiance
Prep skin for makeup applications

I purchased Kahina Giving Beauty 3 Basics Travel Kit from a local distributor sometime back and has been using the trio for more than a month. I had previously tried Kahina Giving Beauty Eye Serum, Kahina Giving Beauty 100% Organic Argan Oil and Kahina Giving Beauty Night Cream back in 2015 and results were pretty positive.

According to their website, Kahina Giving Beauty uses innovative and proven-effective skin care solutions, taking inspiration from Morocco to combine ancient traditions with modern science. Native Moroccan ingredients are combined with high quality natural ingredients carefully sourced from around the world and formulated in a state-of-the-art facility in the US. It uses the highest quality argan oil as their core ingredient and the brand is ECO CERT certified and Leaping Bunny Certified.

The outer packaging is created from 100% recycled paper and their bottles are made from high quality recyclable violet glass, which helps preserve products by blocking damaging light rays.

Kahina Giving Beauty donates 1% of its annual revenue to organizations that directly benefit the women in the South of Morocco and their families and has been giving back since 2009. You can read more about it here.

Unfortunately, there was a bad after-taste in this whole purchase experience - after almost depleting the cleanser with much left for the Argan Oil and Facial Lotion, I realized I had been using an expired set for the whole month which I would explain more at the end. However, I would still review the 3 products as what I have received. It probably also explained why I am not seeing the same result as I did, in 2015, for the Argan Oil.


Kahina Giving Beauty Facial Cleanser

Non-GMO, gluten free, vegan and certified Organic, Kahina Giving Beauty Facial Cleanser has also been named as one of the Top 10 Facial Washes by Spirituality and Health Magazine in 2016. A little goes a long way and Kahina Giving Beauty Facial Cleanser at 30ml has managed to last me for more than a month with once/twice daily usage.

Housed in a black opaque glass bottle with a pump dispenser ( that comes with its own cap ), Kahina Giving Beauty Facial Cleanser exudes a sturdy ( yet fragile because of the glass ) and luxurious vibe. 3 - 4 pumps are all I need for my face, both morning and night as a cleanser, after removing my make-up.

Difference between Skin Dryness and Dehydration

Dry and dehydrated skin might look the same on the surface. However it is important to make a distinction between the two. Dry skin is a skin type and describes skin that lacks oil ( inadequate oil or sebum production ). Dehydrated skin is a skin condition that describes skin that lacks water ( lack of moisture ) in the stratum corneum, which is the top layer of the skin. Some of us experience dry skin, but most of us experienced dehydrated skin at some point. Yes, even oily and combination skin types.

Dry VS Dehydrated Skin Test and Symptoms: 

Dry skin is a skin type. It is skin that lacks oil (your oil production is low) or lipids. Usually the cause of dry skin is genetics. But as we grow older our skin tends to get drier (even if it was oily and combination previously). Some of the most common symptoms would include increased sensitivity, tightness, itchiness and in some cases even flaking. Your skin may feel rough, appear dry and can be flaky.

Dehydrated skin is a condition. Fine lines and wrinkles are more prominent, skin will feel tight and uncomfortable and look dull or show accelerated signs of ageing, like sagging skin and deep wrinkles.
Pinch the skin on your cheek, if the lines become more prominent, you are dehydrated.

Causes of Dry skin VS Dehydrated skin : 

Dry skin can also be exacerbated by taking long hot showers or baths. The best way to treat dry skin is to add oils and oil-based products to your skincare routine.

Dehydrated skin can be caused by weather (both extreme cold and heat), heating and air conditioning, pollutants, travel, medication, diet and using unsuitable skincare products (for example using a cleanser that is too harsh for your skin).

UVA in sunlight can make the skin dehydrated, increase the ageing process, increase oxidants in the skin, dehydrate it and increase free radicals in the cells, damaging the skin.

Treatment for Dry skin VS Dehydrated skin : 

To treat dry skin, add oils and oil-based products to your skincare routine.

To treat dehydrated skin, drink more water although that alone will probably not be enough. One ingredient that has grown in popularity is hyaluronic acid (or Sodium Hyaluronate) as it is a humectant. Humectants are ingredients that will hold on water and prevent further transepidermal water loss. Sodium Hyaluronate (a salt form of hyaluronic acid) can hold 1000 times its weight in water. Other ingredients to look for would include glycerin and urea. You can follow it up with occlusive ingredients to lock in the moisture. When buying products look for oils, Propylene glycol and even silicones.

Moisturisers come in various forms that can be categorised according to their oil-water ratio. This means they can have either a higher oil or water content. For example, creams have higher oil content while gels are purely water-based. Identifying whether your skin is dry or dehydrated and what it needs is key. Is your skin oily and dehydrated? You should be boosting hydration with a gel-based moisturiser instead of a cream-based one, which contains more oil. That said, cream-based moisturisers are better for dry skin types.

Don't skip your moisturizer just because you have oily skin. For oily and combination skin types, choose a light-textured moisturizer for a grease-free feeling. If you have dry or ageing skin, opt for moisturizers with richer emollients to help with skin dryness.

Oily skins have to beware of dehydration as it is possible for oily skin to be dehydrated.
In fact, because women with dry skin tend to moisturize religiously, it is little wonder that dehydration is sometimes more serious in individuals with oily skin than those with dry skin. Skin dehydration may sometimes trigger excessive sebum production, resulting in an even oilier complexion, or even adult acne. That's why it's important not to skip your moisturizer even if you have oily skin type.

Recommended Reading :
Top 22 Tried and Tested Products in 2018
Top 15 Products in 2017 
Top 5 Products in 2016

Use face masks. Treat your skin to deep moisturizing or intense hydrating masks frequently, approximately once or twice a week, or every 3-5 days. The essence or hydration ingredients work to give your skin an extra dose of much needed moisture, in addition to your regular moisturizer.

Dermal Sheet Masks ( 16 pcs )
Etude House 0.2mm Air Mask 

Drink ample water to replenish fluid loss, especially if you're under the hot sun, working out or in an air-conditioned room for long hours. Take in high-moisture foods like cucumbers and watermelons, which are said to offer an effective way of keeping your body hydrated as we absorb water more slowly when we eat water-rich foods, since it’s “trapped” within the structure of these foods. This helps in retaining moisture in our body, which in turn lets us reap its benefits for a longer period.

This research study has demonstrated that higher water inputs in one’s regular diet might positively impact normal skin physiology, as expressed by its hydration and biomechanical behavior, and in particular in those individuals with lower daily water consumptions.

Easy Tip : Bring a water bottle wherever you go. No more excuses of forgetting to replenish your fluids.

Embrava Sports Water Bottle
Stainless Steel Water Bottle


Source : Ishtarskinlights, larocheposay, the honeycombers

Review : InstaNatural Pro-Radiant Skin Brightening Serum

Product Description

Our Pro-Radiant Skin Brightening Serum is a blend of brightening ingredients designed to address discoloration and uneven skin tone. Vitamin C and Alpha-Arbutin target hyperpigmentation and visibly reduce the appearance of dark spots, while Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide nourish the skin, addressing dehydration, lines and wrinkles.

Key Ingredients : 
Vitamin C :  antioxidant support to defend against UV and free radical damage
Licorice Extract, Alpha-Arbutin and Niacinamide : brighten and even the skin, tackling discoloration at the source
CoQ10 and Hyaluronic Acid : lightweight hydration and anti-aging benefits to support healthy collagen production

NO

parabens, sls/sles, mineral oil, formaldehyde releasers, synthetic dyes, petroleum, polyethylene glycol (PEGs), DEA/MEA/TEA, unsafe preservatives and more.

Benefits :

• ANTI AGING BENEFITS - InstaNatural’s Skin Brightening Serum contains the best Vitamin C for firming skin, reducing wrinkles, uneven skin, dark spots and hyperpigmentation on the face, neck, and body.
• BRIGHTER SKIN - InstaNatural’s Skin Brightening Serum is a combination of Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Alpha Arbutin, and Niacinamide. With advanced antioxidants adding this serum to your skin regimen also protects against UV, free radical damage and repairs dry skin.
• BEAUTY INFLUENCERS’ CHOICE - InstaNatural has been recognized by leading beauty sources as a premier brand that delivers powerful results. Shape Magazine and USA Today agree this is the best option to achieve skin that glows. It's the proven way to achieve before and after results.
• FAST HYDRATION - InstaNatural’s Skin Brightening Serum contains the highest quality ingredients which provides deep hydration to the skin. While the serum works hard to remedy the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, the skin is also left hydrated.
• INTENSIVE UNDER EYE CARE – This all natural, nutrient packed Skin Brightening Serum acts as an under eye bag remover by supporting your skin’s elasticity, collagen production and the overall firmness of delicate skin around the eyes.

I purchased InstaNatural Pro-Radiant Skin Brightening Serum from Iherb ( or quote OKI787 for a further 5% off your order ) last year and has been incorporating the serum to my skincare regime for the last couple of months. 

Made in Florida, USA, InstaNatural started as a small business to create natural and effective skin care products. With the success of their first product, the 100% Organic Argan Oil, InstaNatural has moved on to discover a unique blend of ingredients that was safe for all skin types and supports the skin’s natural barrier, resulting in incorporating a specialized blend of botanical ingredients that support optimal skin health for real beauty results. It is also cruelty-free and certified vegan. 

Looking at the affordable range of InstaNatural products, one can't help but be awed of all the amazing products at super-competitive prices. Check out the range here. I heard good things about their Vitamin C range so I picked up the best product suitable for my skincare needs - address discoloration and uneven skin tone. Even Shape Magazine agrees that this serum is the best option for restoring your skin's youthful glow.