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The Ordinary Suncare Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 With Antioxidants Review

~ Michele Raiyne ~ 1 Comment

The Ordinary Suncare SPF 30 claims to offer lightweight mineral SPF protection (micronized titanium dioxide (5.44%) and zinc oxide (14.03%)) with antioxidants, anti-irritation and hydration in a noncomedogenic silicone base. To note, this is not labelled as having broad spectrum UV protection (protecting from UVA and UVB rays), as Deciem apparently did not test for it, but there is a high percentage of zinc oxide, so one can presume that it protects from UVA waves.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Cyclopentasiloxane, Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Glycerin, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Hexyl Laurate, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Astaxanthin, Disodium Uridine Phosphate, Ethyl Ferulate, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract, Picea Mariana Bark Extract, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Sodium PCA, PCA, Sodium Lactate, Glucose, Maltose, Fructose, Trehalose, Urea, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Linoleic Acid, Oleic Acid, Phytosteryl Canola Glycerides, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Isochrysis Galbana Extract, Lysolecithin, Lecithin, Triolein, Pentylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Polyglyceryl-5 Trioleate, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Tocopherol, Alumina, Citric Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin. 

The antioxidants in the formula neutralize free radicals, protect from UV exposure and minimize the intensity of UV radiation penetrating the skin. The biosugar complex increases the skin’s ability to hold water and provide short and long term hydration. The lipids restore a compromised skin barrier and prevent water loss. Tasmanian pepperberry calms skin.

Directions state to apply liberally 20 minutes before sun exposure, reapply every 2 hours when in continued sun exposure and after water and sweat exposure. This sunscreen is not water resistant.

I have medium toned, oily skin in warmer weather that is prone to breakouts and blackheads and I easily get hyperpigmentation (freckles) from the sun.

I generally do not like lotion sunscreens, as they feel heavy (especially mineral sunscreens) and had been using Colorescience Sunforgettable Mineral Powder. I recently saw a photo of different sunscreen types under UV light showing that sunscreen powder applies rather patchy and it is hard to build up, so decided to try lotion sunscreen again. I still like to use mineral powder sunscreen for touch-ups throughout the day over makeup.

The Ordinary Mineral UV Filters is a beige-colored, thick lotion that has an almost mild nutty scent I thought.

Using the general application “rule” of 1/4 teaspoon for the face, I used half that and applied to half my face in the above photos. It is a bit hard to tell with the lighting and angle of the photos, but my skin is noticeably lighter/whiter on the right side. Since the sunscreen is quite heavy, application is not as smooth as I would hope. I’m using Retin A at this time, so there is some flaking and dry patches that the sunscreen seems to “stick” to and application is less smooth in these areas (might be similar for those with quite dry skin). The freckles and uneven color are covered a little and the pores are blurred. After 10 minutes, the sunscreen dries down a bit, but still has some white cast and tackiness that lasts until it is washed off. My cheeks are generally reddish and after application of the sunscreen my daughter asked why my skin was pink. This sunscreen does not sting my eyes. Application is nicer and white cast is a bit less when the sunscreen is applied after a moisturizer (I like Drunk Elephant Protini). Applying sunscreen over half the face, I am able to clearly tell that it feels heavy on the skin.

Above, you can see around my eye where I missed application that shows the color difference.

Above shows a satin finish, light coverage foundation with and without the sunscreen. Not a great makeup day, as I am using Retin-A, but in any case, this foundation applies quite nicely over the sunscreen, it covers the white cast, my skin looks smoother and the pores more blurred on the right side. I also notice throughout the day that my face appears less oily and shiny on the sunscreen side, so similar to a silicone-based primer.

This sunscreen can be a bit hard to wash off (even from my hands after application with a mild hand soap), but I did get a good result with The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser.

I’ve been using The Ordinary Suncare for a couple months now and haven’t gotten any unusual breakouts and my skin doesn’t feel dry with use (I don’t think it feels more hydrated either). I noticed a couple more freckles, which could be because I don’t always apply first thing in the morning when walking the dog or when staying inside.

Before purchasing the Ordinary Suncare, I had been using NIOD’s Survival 30 which I liked much more in terms of application, feeling on the skin and white cast.

I would repurchase The Ordinary Suncare despite a bit of white cast (it doesn’t bother me too much and mineral sunscreens are generally going to have some level of white cast) and heavy feeling; though perhaps when working with clients, would wear makeup over it.

Thank you for reading.

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution Review

~ Michele Raiyne ~ Leave a comment

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution claims to provide skin clarity while fighting the appearance of blemishes by exfoliating the inside walls of the skin’s pores.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Water, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Salicylic Acid, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Citric Acid, Polysorbate 20, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Ethoxydiglycol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, 1,2-hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol.

The second ingredient is witch hazel which is said to help soothe skin, reduce inflammation and improve the look of pores. Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that works deeper inside the pore to dissolve skin debris that clogs pores and causes breakouts.

Directions state to apply a small amount directly on spots or apply a thin all over the face in the morning and evening. This can increase sensitivity to the sun, so sunscreen is recommended.

My skin is generally oily and prone to breakouts, blackheads and large pores on and around my nose, so I wanted to try this in hopes of speeding healing of breakouts, diminishing blackheads and improving the look of pores.

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid is clear and has a thin, gel-like consistency with no scent. It absorbs quickly with no sticky residue. I initially applied this in the morning and evening over spots as I saw breakouts appearing, and all over the nose and to the large pores on either side of my nose. The skin on my nose got a bit dry and starting peeling, so I applied just in the evening. I used this for 6 months.

On new breakouts, the salicylic acid stopped them from getting any worse and appearance was improved in a day or two. On larger, older breakouts healing time was improved by 2 or 3 days. The skin on and around my nose seemed to get less oily during the day.

Looking at these photos, the number and size of the blackheads has improved a bit (I think I’d expect more improvement after 6 months’ use, however). The pores on and around my nose look smaller and I have improvement in texture and clarity of the skin.

I think The Ordinary 2% Salicylic Acid Solution works great on breakouts and pimples, but probably works better in preventing blackheads rather than removing those that are older and deeper in the skin. It helps improve the appearance and clarity of pores while reducing oil production. I think for me, getting a manual extraction of the blackheads and then using The Ordinary Salicylic Acid to prevent them would work well. I would consider purchasing this product again.

In the meantime, I am currently reviewing the Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask from Dermalogica’s Clear Start line, so stay tuned for that.

Thank you for reading.

The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser Review

~ Michele Raiyne ~ 7 Comments

Squalane Cleanser from The Ordinary is an noncomedogenic, balm-type cleanser suited to all skin types that can be used as a daily, standalone cleanser or the first step in a double cleanse. This claims to dissolve and trap makeup, sunscreen, dirt and debris from the skin while being gentle and moisturizing. It starts off as a balm-like texture, which turns to an oil when warmed on the skin and then turns to a milky texture when wet.

Ingredients: Squalane, Aqua (Water), Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Glycerin, Sucrose Stearate, Ethyl Macadamiate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sucrose Laurate, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Sucrose Dilaurate, Sucrose Trilaurate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Isoceteth-20, Sodium Polyacrylate, Tocopherol, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Malic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Chlorphenesin.

Directions state to put a bit of product into your hand and rub for 10 to 30 seconds to warm it up where it will dissolve into an oil. Massage onto dry face and rinse with warm water.

This comes in a 50 mL tube (The Ordinary will be making a bigger size) but they say only a small amount is required because the product spreads easily.

I have breakout-prone, oily/combination skin and have been using this cleanser for a few weeks now. I wanted to get an oil/balm cleanser to remove silicone-based sunscreens (I have been using The Ordinary’s sun care), light coverage foundation and waterproof eyeliner.

I started off using a two pea-size amount, but found it didn’t spread as well and go as far as I would have liked, and settled on using a nickel-size amount for the face and neck. It has a mild oil-like scent. It starts out like a balm-lotion rather than a thick balm texture like Drunk Elephant’s new Slaai Butter Cleanser.

I wear minimal, everyday makeup with waterproof eyeliner, non-waterproof mascara, eye shadow, Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz, sunscreen from The Ordinary (which is rather thick and heavy on the skin), and the natural coverage foundation from Altilis Beauty. The Squalane Cleanser is able to remove all of the above, rinsing with my hands, no cloth. In looking at the below photo (after cleansing), there is only a smudged bit of black makeup at my outer eye left.

I don’t feel the need to use a second cleanser, as this doesn’t leave an oily or waxy film on the skin after rinsing like some oil/balm cleansers do; my skin feels moisturized rather than oily. It doesn’t leave a haze over the eyes. My eyes do not feel irritated. I didn’t get any unusual or increased breakouts while using the Squalane Cleanser. This cleanser is gentle and softens the skin. This also functions well as a mask to protect the face from heat and steam while in the shower.

While the Squalane Cleanser doesn’t spread as nicely or go as far as I had hoped (I like Drunk Elephant’s Slaai texture and spreadability), this does remove makeup and sunscreen and I would consider repurchasing the bigger size when it comes out.

Thank you for reading.

The Ordinary 1% Retinol in Squalane Review

~ Michele Raiyne ~ 4 Comments

Having used Retin-A twice before (the last time being over a year ago), I wanted to try the more gentle retinol and decided on The Ordinary’s 1% Retinol in Squalane. On The Ordinary website, this is labelled as high strength with very high irritation. This product claims to reduce the appearance of fine lines, photo damage (damage caused by UV exposure – hyperpigmentation, fine lines, texture issues) and general skin aging.

Ingredients: Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Retinol, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, BHT. 

Directions state to apply a small amount over the face in the evening. Use sun protection.

The first ingredient is squalane. This is naturally found in the skin and decreases as we age. Squalane provides non-greasy hydration. Tomato extract and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) are used as antioxidants. This also contains jojoba oil.

I was a little reluctant to purchase this at first, as it contains squalane and I have generally oily skin, but I used this over the winter for 4 months, as my skin gets dehydrated and combination in colder weather.

I have fine lines on my forehead and around my eyes (I didn’t use the retinol around the eyes), hyperpigmentation from sun damage, large pores, blackheads, breakouts, scarring and texture.

I started right in using this every evening, applying 3 or 4 drops. The product took a couple minutes to absorb (though didn’t seem to absorb fully), but didn’t feel heavy or oily. After the first week I had a tight, tingling feeling on the skin, but no more redness than usual. My nose got a bit dry and had a bit of peeling. My skin felt sensitive in the harsh wind and cold and to almost every other product in my routine. To mitigate some of the irritation and sensitivity, I used Balance from Your Best Face Skincare. After one week of use my skin looked brighter and felt smoother and moisturized. The irritation diminished after about 2 weeks.

After one month of use, I had some flaking around my mouth and between my eyebrows. It was also around this time that I felt texture and bumps on my lower cheeks toward my jawline that had been smooth prior. I stopped use for 2 days, and on reapplication after this time, my skin smoothed out again and the bumps disappeared. About 5 days later, they returned. I tried an application of mandelic acid, also from The Ordinary, which took the bumps away. This seemed to be the typical cycle over the remainder of use. I had a thought that perhaps this is due to the squalane preventing exfoliation as cell turnover increases with the retinol (especially as the mandelic acid improved the texture) – oily skin needs exfoliation as dead skin builds up, though squalane is not really an oil- so I’m not certain. There was not really any further peeling that I noticed in the mirror after about 1-1/2 months.

Over the last week the weather has warmed up and my skin has gotten oilier especially on my forehead and I’ve gotten a couple breakouts.

The retinol diminished the fine lines on my forehead, though it looks a bit more congested (perhaps due to my own increased oil on the skin). My nose looks a bit smoother with some diminishing of some surface blackheads. The pores look a bit more noticeable, perhaps due to being cleaner. My skin looks less blotchy and textured and looks smoother.

I do not see any improvement in the freckles and hyperpigmentation, but I do not really expect to after only 4 months.

I quite like the squalane for hydration and moisturization of the skin without feeling heavy and oily; I’m not sure about use in hot summer weather, however, I might look to purchase a couple products from Biossance that uses a base of squalane in their product line.

I generally like this product and would consider repurchase. I am now moving onto Retin-A again soon before the summer months.

Thank you for reading.

Six Month Results – The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density

~ Michele Raiyne ~ 8 Comments

I’ve been using the Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density from Deciem’s The Ordinary for 6 months now. I first noticed thinning hair toward the front of my head probably about 4 or 5 years ago and used the system from Stemm, (shampoo, conditioner and hair serum) when they launched, I believe, in 2016. Stemm was discontinued and “replaced” with The Ordinary hair serum. Please read my first impressions, product claims, my use and information about The Ordinary’s hair serum here, and my 3-month results here.

Below are photos from before, 3 months and 6 months of use of The Ordinary hair serum.

Below are before and 6 months of use.

A couple of other photos after 6 months.

I saw some initial improvement in the 3-month photos and it looks like more improvement in hair density at the center part of my hair, but as far as the edges of the hair, general thickness and growth especially at the front of my head, I hoped for more improvement.

Here is a photo before and after using Stemm for comparison (which is why I had higher hopes for The Ordinary hair serum).

The above is the only photo I have of my Stemm use, but didn’t post a review as it was being discontinued. I wish I took photos from other angles as well. I think the results are quite good especially for only 3 months of use.

The time lapse between my use of Stemm and The Ordinary hair serum was about 2 years, and I can only assume that the cause of my thinning hair is the same as it was 2 years ago (though I am not sure what that is), so I would also assume that I would have gotten similar, if not better, results when using The Ordinary. If the cause of the thinning hair is hormonal or autoimmune, a hair serum may not work. I should also take into consideration the fact that I had been getting my hair bleached and then colored while using The Ordinary hair serum and perhaps that is why it may not have worked as well as it could.

I had been using the serum on my eyebrows to 3 months and forgot to continue use (apologies). I didn’t notice any results on my eyebrows in my 3-month update, and actually haven’t gotten results on my eyebrows with lash and brow growth serums thus far either.

While I can’t say for sure, I should also add that this hair serum may have stained my bleached hair a bit yellow. Here are a couple photos of my newly bleached and toned hair after one week’s use of the hair serum. While this is a scalp treatment, it is unavoidable to get some on the hair as it is massaged in.

As it stands now (while I got some result), I don’t think I would repurchase The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density, however, I got another bottle during their 50% off sale and will finish that. If I find that there are significant improvements in hair thickness and density, I will post an update.

I was able to disguise my thinning hair a bit by getting an ombre balayage with dark brown roots fading to blonde ends and got bangs/a fringe so now my hair is not parted in the center where the thinning is noticeable.

Thank you for reading.