Crimson Luxe sent me a few of the products of The Ordinary to try and review for you guys so you can get a better idea of how these famous products work. I always wanted to try their peeling solution and few other products so when Crimson Luxe offered me this opportunity I was happy to do so.
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
Product Description:
Alpha Hydroxy acids (AHA) exfoliate the skin’s topmost surface for a brighter and more even appearance. Beta Hydroxy acids (BHA) also exfoliate the skin with an extended function to help clear pore congestion. This combined 29% AHA/BHA solution offers deeper exfoliation to help fight visible blemishes and for improved skin radiance. The formula also improves the appearance of skin texture and reduces the look of fine lines with continued use.
This formula contains a studied Tasmanian Pepperberry derivative to help reduce irritation associated with acid use. This derivative is of plant origin and varies in color seasonally and this color variation may be apparent in the formula from time to time. This formula is further supported with a crosspolymer form of Hyaluronic acid for comfort, Vitamin B5 to assist healing and black carrot as an antioxidant.
Note: This formula contains a very high concentration of free acids. We recommend use only if you are an experienced user of acid exfoliation and your skin is not sensitive.
Contraindications: This formula should not be used on sensitive, peeling, or compromised skin. Please refer to additional sun protection notes and other warnings in the provided Directions.
The pH of this formula is approximately 3.6. Glycolic Acid, the primary AHA used in the formula, has a pKa of 3.6 and pKa is the most important aspect to consider in formulating with acids. pKa implies acid availability. When pKa is close to pH, there is an ideal balance between salt and acidity, maximizing the effectiveness of the acid, and reducing irritation. Higher pH numbers in such a case would increase salt which counter-intuitively would make the formula even more irritating than if the formula was more acidic.
Price: 12.30 USD
To Buy this product: Click here (In India) (Insta Seller)
My Experience:
The first time I tried this I was super terrified I have never used any kind of acids on my face before this and well the red color looks scary. But I always wanted to try this since I have heard such good things about it, so I gave this a try and well I wasn’t disappointed.
I really like this, but it is a little tricky so be careful. Now I stopped all my other skincare routine including other masks from the last month to give these products a fair shot. So I use this once a week at first so my skin got used to it then started with twice a week. Mostly you can stick with once a week and do not use this more than twice in a week since it makes your skin really sensitive.
I clean my face with a basic cleanser then take a few drops on my fingers and apply it all over my face and neck. Since its red in color, you can see where you have applied it. It does feel tingling on the skin and it will burn if you have any kind of broken or scarred skin. If you have never used an acid before it may burn a little more, don’t panic it is just doing its job and healing your skin.
Now you have to keep this for 10 mins and then wipe it off or rinse it off with just water. It does make your skin sensitive and using a toner is important but here is the tricky part see that your toner doesn’t have any active ingredients which will counter react with the peeling solution otherwise your skin is gonna turn red or you will feel itchy. I just prefer using rose water for now since it’s simple and effective. The best toner to use is the Simple kind to skin vitamin toner.
I like using moisturizers that have ceramide or Hyaluronic acid in them and I prefer it if they are thick and more moisturizing since after using the peeling solution your skin tends to get dry and sensitive and a good moisturizer helps in nourishing your skin and keeping the skin barrier safe. See that you are not using too much acid in your skincare all at once, it will sensitize your skin.
The peeling solution definitely makes your skin dry so people of all skin types are gonna need a good cream afterward. But the solution also makes your skin feel baby smooth and clean. It just really cleans your pores from within and gives a very smooth finish to the skin. I do see a huge difference in marks and dark spots reduction on my skin after using it for a good year. I prefer using this in the evening so I don’t have to step out in the sun since this makes your skin so sensitive.
Overall I really like this product and if you had to get one product from this brand definitely try this. I have sensitive skin and it works fine on me. Also, the smell doesn’t really bother me much but it can seem strong when you first apply it, but it doesn’t linger so that is good.
My Ratings: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
(high-strength vitamin and mineral blemish formula)
Product Description: Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is indicated to reduce the appearance of skin blemishes and congestion. A high 10% concentration of this vitamin is supported in the formula by zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid to balance visible aspects of sebum activity.
Contraindications: If topical Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid and/or Ethylated L-Ascorbic Acid) is used as part of skincare, it should be applied at alternate times with this formula (ideally Vitamin C in the PM and this formula in the AM). Otherwise, Niacinamide can affect the integrity of the Vitamin C.
Notes: While Niacinamide and Zinc PCA reduce the look of blemishes and balance visible sebum activity, neither is a treatment for acne. For persistent acne-related conditions, we recommend the use of Benzoyl Peroxide and/or Retinoic Acid. DECIEM doesn’t recommend ongoing use of BHA such as Salicylic Acid for persistent blemishes. For temporary improvement in the appearance of blemishes, Salicylic Acid would help. This formulation can be used alongside acne treatments if desired for added visible skin benefits.
Independent studies suggest Niacinamide is also an effective ingredient for brightening skin tone.
Price: 9.80 USD
To Buy this product: Click here (In India) (Insta Seller)
My Experience:
I really wanted to try this after seeing some videos where I could really see a difference in the person’s skin after using it. They used it for like 20 days challenge and then see how their skin is doing and I saw great improvements so I asked Crimson Luxe to get this so I can try it. So I do see a difference just not as impactful as those videos.
Now you can use this morning or night or both times. I’m using this just at night for now because I am using something else in the morning.
I think its a very good product to add to my skincare. It’s for blemish and scars that are left after acne. Now I’m not prone to acne now but I was and even now I do get an outburst now and then and it leaves a nasty scar whatever I do so this is what is definitely needed in my skincare routine.
This has helped me to even out my skin a lot I guess I was too hyped up to think it will change my life which no product can. But I really like using this at night, I take two drops of it and massage it on my skin and let it sink it. I then follow up with a very hydrating night cream since this has Salicylic Acid which dries out your skin but is also great for stopping acne. But its not too drying even for dry skin.
When you first start using it you will see tiny bumps coming out on your face but don’t worry it is just cleaning out the surface and your skin will be smooth soon. It will feel tingly on the skin if you are new to acids in your skincare but that feeling will go away after a few uses. It doesn’t have any kind of smell. If you stop using niacinamide for more then 2 to 3 months and start again the purging may happen again so don’t freak out.
I would suggest using this only once in a day if you have dry skin but if you have oily acne-prone skin you can use this twice a day and I am pretty sure it will clean your face from all the excess sebum and acne and make it smooth in a month or two. Even if you have oily skin I would suggest using a good gel-based cream afterward because it shouldn’t dry out your skin too much. Also if you are using this in the day please apply a good sunscreen on top since any kind of acids make your skin sensitive, it makes you more prone to sun tanning/burning.
I’m gonna keep using this while alternating with my other serums and keep you guys updated on the results.
My Ratings:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
Can you use Niacinamide after using The Ordinary Peeling solution?
➡Now you can use both of them together if you are already used to chemicals on your skin but I would suggest don’t use them in the same routine. The night you use the peeling solution follow it with something that has ceramide in it and gives your skin the much-needed hydration and skips the niacinamide serum that night.
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*P.S: All opinions are my own and honest.
What works for me may not work for you. Check out a few more reviews until your satisfied.
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