Skin Care

Slurp Laboratories Gel Review

~ Michele Raiyne ~ Leave a comment

Slurp Laboratories is a Korean skin care company. Their latest product, Gel, is a cleanser that double cleanses (where one would first use an oil-based cleanser, a balm or liquid, then water-based) in one step, using an acrylate network, enabling oil and foam to be used in the same formula, working independently without canceling each other out, first melting down makeup and waterproof impurities, then deep cleansing.

Gel works in three ways, oils to break down makeup, sunscreen and dirt, then surfactants for cleansing and purification, and finally, a moisturizing rinse. From Slurp Lab’s website; Gel releases two cleanser esters that break down waterproof, oil-based impurities like makeup, sunscreen, and pollution from the skin’s surface and within pores that water-based cleansers alone cannot effectively cleanse. While oil cleansing, Gel purifies with cleansing minerals, clay and gemstone, loosens dead skin cells and “sterilizes” with sulfur and sea salt, and supplements the skin with purifying minerals in Blue Lagoon water. The minerals in the formula are responsible for the blue color of Gel.

After water is added, Gel’s lather is activated, trapping the impurities, rinsing clean with skin renewed.

Ingredients: Water, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Glycerin, Acrylates Copolymer, Decyl Glucoside, Lauryl Glucoside, Coco-Glucoside, 1,2-Hexanediol, Betaine, Trehalose, Ethylhexyl Pelargonate, Bis-Ethoxydiglycol Cyclohexane 1,4-Dicarboxylate, Sea Water, Malachite Extract, Dimethyl Sulfone, Sea Salt, Tocopherol, Montmorillonite, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Allantoin, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Tromethamine, Buteth-3, Sodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate, Illite, Kaolin, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract, Malt Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Tributyl Citrate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Ethylhexylglycerin

Gel contains five non-ionic surfactants in different molecular size (type of surfactant does not interact / bond with skin’s proteins and lipids (barrier), and one anionic surfactant derived from amino acid glycine, which is a main component of human skin collagen.

Directions: When cleansing makeup, sunscreen and other waterproof impurities, use 1 to 2 pumps on damp palms, and massage onto dry skin. Add water and massage, then rinse with lukewarm water. In the morning, or when no sunscreen or makeup is present, massage 1 to 2 pumps onto damp skin, massage, then rinse.

In the evening, I had been cleansing with an oil-based cleanser, either The Ordinary’s Squalane Cleanser or Sulwhasoo’s Gentle Oil Cleanser, followed lately by Soon Jung’s 5.5 Foam Cleanser.

I got Gel a few months ago and use it in the evening to cleanse sunscreen, makeup when I wear it, and silicone-based skin care, as a replacement for both my usual oil-based cleanser and foam cleanser. Generally, after skin care, I just use Drmtlgy’s Universal Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 46 and a setting powder over top. I also periodically use Gel in the morning as well. I have oily and congested skin.

Gel is thick, but spreads easily, and has a little bit of a medicinal scent, but is pleasant. It lathers well with water, but is not over-bubbly. It rinses clean and the skin is not overly squeaky. Gel does not dry out the skin, and the skin is left feeling smooth and refreshed.

Using two pumps of Gel on a dry face and dry hands, I massage until it dries on the skin, about 20 seconds, then wet my palms and massage for another 30 to 60 seconds, then rinse. Gel cleanses foundation, eye makeup, and sunscreen very well, with no mascara left stuck between the eyelashes or streaked on the eyelids. I follow with Soon Jung’s pH 5.5 Relief Toner, swiping with Klairs Toner Mate 2-in-1 Cotton Pad, and there is no makeup or tinted sunscreen residue on the pad, which I was rather surprised to see, particularly as a one-step cleanser. Also surprisingly, my skin feels smoother after rinsing and drying. One thing Gel does not do as well as an oil cleanser or my go-to morning balm/mask, Niod’s Sanskrit Saponins, is cleansing away accumulations along the eyelash line after sleep.

Slurp Laboratories Gel is a 2-in-1 cleanser, very effectively cleansing away makeup and sunscreen, and leaving the skin nourished and smooth. A new favorite, I will be repurchasing.

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Drmtlgy Pumpkin Enzyme Mask Review

~ Michele Raiyne ~ 1 Comment

The Pumpkin Enzyme Mask by Drmtlgy is a self-warming, 4-in-1 mask that claims to gently exfoliate, nourish, hydrate, and reduce the appearance of large pores, and leaves the skin soft and glowing. This is suitable for all skin types.

Ingredients: PEG-8, Kaolin, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycerin, Jojoba Esters, Steareth-21, Titanium Dioxide, Hydroxypropylcellulose, Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Fruit Extract, Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate), Colloidal Silver, PPG-15 Stearyl Ether, Ethylhexylglycerin, Talc, Water/Aqua/Eau, Red 30, Iron Oxides, Fragrance (Parfum), Phenoxyethanol

PEG-8 and glycerin are humectants. Kaolin is a clay that is used for oil control and helps to minimize the look of large pores. The mask contains jojoba beads that provide gentle physical exfoliation and replenish moisture as they activate on contact with the skin. Pumpkin fruit extract contains carotenoids to help with oxidative damage and improving skin tone, and vitamins. Colloidal silver is an antibacterial and has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Directions: Apply a generous amount to clean, dry skin. Massage until warming sensation dissipates. Leave on for 10 minutes. Wet hands and massage again. Rinse with warm water. Can be used 2 to 3 times a week.

I had not intended to purchase this product as I am not much of a mask person, but this was a free gift with purchase from a Drmtlgy promotion and I was getting sunscreen anyhow. I have fine lines, large pores, oily T-zone, dry and dehydrated cheeks, and blackheads.

The mask is heavy and sticky, and works better with a generous amount, dotting the face and allowing it to warm and soften a little on the skin. I had applied a thin layer the first use, but it did not seem to do much. It has a pumpkin spice scent. I have been using once to twice a week for a few months now. The mask is supposed to self-warm as it is massaged into the skin, but that has not happened for me. It does get a little warm for about 10 seconds once I add a bit of water and massage again after the 10 minutes. There are tiny bits of jojoba left after the 10 minutes that allows for further exfoliation.

From the first use, this provides gentle exfoliation, moisture/hydration and softness to the skin. It softens blackheads and sebaceous filaments, so I like to use a BHA product after the mask (I have recently been using Slurp Laboratories Decalt). My skin appears cleaner and clearer, glowy, supple, bouncy and feels so smooth and soft. My pores look a little smaller, perhaps because of the cleansing properties of the kaolin clay. I did not really notice a difference in fine lines; there are other products that improve fine lines that I like to use rather than relying on a weekly mask, such as an AHA and/or retinol.

I much prefer the Pumpkin Enzyme Mask to Drmtlgy’s microdermabrasion scrub. The mask does not really warm up like it is supposed to, however, is a definite repurchase and a product that I have added to my favorites. So glad Drmtlgy was offering this; I would not have tried it otherwise.

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Drmtlgy Microdermabrasion Scrub Review

~ Michele Raiyne ~ 1 Comment

The Microdermabrasion Scrub from Drmtlgy claims to improve skin texture and tone and reduce the appearance of large pores, fine lines, scarring, and hyperpigmentation using nonabrasive exfoliation, and enriching ingredients to soften and soothe the skin. For dry, oily, combination or normal skin.

Ingredients: Deionized Water, Pumice, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Titanium Dioxide, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Polysorbate 80, Sodium Benzoate, Gluconolactone, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Magnesium Silicate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Fragrance, Blue 1

The exfoliation is provided by fine pumice granules. Glycerin, triglyceride, and cetearyl alcohol soften and soothe the skin. The granules are in a thick cream base. There is added color and fragrance. The scent is a bit medicinal, but pleasant.

Directions: Apply to clean skin and massage over face and neck. Rinse with water and pat dry. Can be used 2 to 3 times a week.

I have combination skin; oily T-zone and dry cheeks with some dehydration. I had been neglecting my skin care for a bit, so my skin felt rough and dry and just wanted a really good scrub. I used too much product and applied too much pressure the first time I used it, so my skin was red and irritated with some stinging. Subsequently, I used very light pressure and wet my face and hands first. I have been using 1 to 2 times a week for a couple months. There is a bit of a cooling sensation on the skin which I think contributes to irritation. Every time after use, my cheeks are a bit red for few minutes. The scrub certainly improves skin texture and tone. I do not notice any difference in softness, hyperpigmentation, large pores, or soothing. Fine lines on my forehead are a bit improved. I do not really expect a scrub to help with hyperpigmentation from sun damage; it might improve postinflammatory hyperpigmentation a bit. For treatments on sun damage, I got really good results with photofacial treatments and the Obagi Nu-Derm system (the beginnings of my love of skin care).

Using a tiny amount of scrub, a bit less than a pea size, and using a light touch on wet skin still made my face a bit red with a warm sting on my cheeks. On rinsing, the skin is not dry, but has a smooth feeling with a bit of moisture from the cream. Mixing it with a cleanser (Slurp Laboratories Gel and Soon Jung 5.5 Foam Cleanser are two favorites) helps with the “harshness” of the scrub. For gentle physical exfoliation, I prefer powder cleansers (Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant is really good) and the Foreo Luna device. A product from Drmtlgy that actually provides gentle exfoliation while softening and moisturizing the skin is the Pumpkin Enzyme Mask. Generally for my oily skin and large pores, chemical exfoliation (AHAs, BHAs, retinol (not a chemical exfoliant per se but speeds up cell turnover)) is better without the potential for physical micro-damage to the skin.

While Drmtlgy’s microdermabrasion scrub smooths the skin and provides improvement to texture (and is more luxurious in a cream base), it is a bit much for my skin, causing some redness and a bit of a sting. I will not repurchase for my face, but have been using the scrub on my hands, particularly the knuckles and the cuticles.

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Super Deodorant Review

~ Michele Raiyne ~ Leave a comment

Super Deodorant is a natural deodorant that is free of fragrance, baking soda, coconut, AHAs, BHAs, essential oils and aluminum that provides 24-hour protection from body odor. This deodorant is safe for everyone. In addition to the underarms, it can be used on the feet, groin area and under/between the breasts.

Active ingredients: Pure medical-grade silver (non-nano), zinc oxide, magnesium hydroxide

Base ingredients: Vitis vinifera (grape) seed oil, allergenic protein/peptide-free, phytoestrogen-free, isoflavone-free ultra-refined soy butter, oryza sativa (rice) bran wax, maranta arundinacea (arrowroot powder), d-alpha-tocopherol (non-GMO vitamin E)

Silver is used as an antibacterial rather than baking soda that creates an alkaline environment or AHAs/BHAs that create an acidic environment on the skin to kill bacteria. Deodorants that alter the pH of the skin can cause irritation and damage to the microbiome. I had tried The Ordinary’s AHA toner on my underarms for odor and hyperpigmentation and while it does work for odor control, it does not last all day and can be irritating. For dark underarms, I use Bush Balm’s Bermuda Oil and First Aid Beauty’s KP Bump Eraser. I thought I had read a blog post from Super Deodorant that explained why deodorants with acidic formulas stop working over time, but now cannot find it. I emailed Super Deodorant and will update with the article if/when they respond (update September 24, 2022 – Here is the response from Super Deodorant “When an AHA is used as an active ingredient in deodorant, it comes with limitations. First, how much of this active is bioavailable? For example, mandelic acid has a pH between ~3 to 4. At this strength, most people can use it as an exfoliating peel. When used in any “leave on” product, such as deodorant, it has to be balanced to a pH of 4.5 for the skin to tolerate it. This is also governed by local health regulators (eg. Health Canada). pH above 4.5 is close to the skin’s natural pH and there isn’t much of the active ingredient readily available to continue performing. It will reach equilibrium in a few hours and get neutralized when constantly mixed with sweat and other bodily fluids”). Though I have not experienced deodorants that stopped working after a while (though for review purposes, I do not usually stick with one product long-term), I have seen reviews and comments on various deodorant brands where customers had loved the deodorant, but longer term, it did not control body odor as well as it had.

Zinc oxide prevents rashes and injury to the skin. Magnesium hydroxide balances pH. Rice bran wax makes the deodorant stick to the skin when wet or sweaty. Arrowroot powder absorbs sweat and reduces wetness. Vitamin E improves shelf life.

This is a deodorant, not an antiperspirant, so will not prevent wetness from sweat, though does reduce it somewhat.

Using a pea-sized amount on each armpit every day, a tin will last about 45 to 50 days. As this product contains no preservatives, an unopened tin lasts about 6 months. This product can be stored in a Ziploc bag in the fridge or freezer before opening to extend shelf life (Super Deodorant offers a discount if purchasing more than one).

Directions: Exfoliate the underarms before using Super Deodorant for the first time and once to twice a month if the skin does not exfoliate itself effectively (I use First Aid Beauty’s KP Bump Eraser). Click here to find out why. Apply a pea-sized amount to each underarm in a sweeping motion. Wait a minute before putting on a shirt.

Super Deodorant is a light grey paste that has a minimal clay scent. It rubs in well and leaves a bit of a grey cast until it warms up a bit and is rubbed in a second time. There is no grittiness. In warmer temperatures, particularly when shipping, there can be some separation of the product and it can be put in the fridge for a creamier consistency. This does not stain clothes so long as it is rubbed in well.

I have used three tins of this deodorant so far. I put it on after a shower in the evening and it really does last 24 hours. It can be applied after shaving with no stinging. I generally get underarm odor during sleep and if I forget to apply in the evening, I use it in the morning and Super Deodorant immediately eliminates odor. I really put the deodorant to the test the other day – I applied before bed and the next day worked in the office, cleaned and vacuumed the house, went to the gym, and mowed the lawn in 30oC weather. Though I was very sweaty and hot, I had no body odor at all.

Super Deodorant is fantastic. It works very well and is long lasting for odor protection, better than other deodorants I have reviewed, including my previous favorite from Kopari. I have found the one and will continue to purchase.

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The Inkey List Retinol Eye Cream Review

~ Michele Raiyne ~ Leave a comment

The Retinol Eye Cream from The Inkey List is an eye treatment (not moisturizer) cream to be used in the evening that claims to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water/Eau), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Pentaerythrityl Distearate, Shea Butter Ethyl Esters, Cetearyl Olivate, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Olivate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Copernicia Cerifera Cera, Propanediol, Glycogen, Sodium Gluconate, Retinol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dehydroacetic Acid, Citric Acid, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil,1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Tocopherol, Xanthan Gum, Humulus Lupulus Extract

The eye cream is formulated with a slow-release vitamin A derivative to support natural collagen production while being gentle for use around the eye. It is formulated with 3% Vitalease, a stabilized retinoid compound that equates to 0.09% retinol. The eye cream contains some moisturizing/emollient ingredients; shea butter, olive lipids and glycerin, sunflower seed oil.

Directions: To be used in the evening on cleansed skin. Apply small amount on fingertip and pat around contour of the eye. Follow with a moisturizer. The eye cream can also be used for lines around the mouth (do not apply on lips).

This is a light yellow, light-weight cream that has no scent. It spreads around the eye area well with no tugging and absorbs quickly, leaving a smooth feeling.

As above, I have deeper creases and fine lines around my eye. I did not expect this eye cream to help with the deep creases, but I was hoping for improvement in the fine lines closer to the orbital bone at the bottom and outer eye areas and I did not see much, if any, improvement after 6 months of use. I found this cream to be relatively hydrating, but generally applied a bit of my face moisturizer over the eye cream. While the eye cream does not mention improving dark circles or puffiness, some reviews on Sephora have indicated this to be the case (I did not notice this and did not expect to).

I did not experience any dryness or irritation while using the eye cream and started out using every evening. If dryness or irritation occurs, this can be used a couple times a week, working up to every evening.

The Inkey List Retinol Eye Cream claims to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while supporting natural collagen production. I did not notice really any improvement around the eye area and would not repurchase based on that, however, being reasonably priced, might consider repurchasing for the collagen support benefit and using it under a more robust eye cream. I have recently moved on to the Rufolia Periorbital Eyemulsion by The Ayurveda Experience.

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