Hollyberry Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin C Serum
Today I have a lovely little product recommendation, a Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin Serum by Hollyberry.
Out of the different main product categories serum/gel, creme and oil, I like cremes least and oils and gels best. Actually for both, face and body skin care. In winter nothing ever beats a lovely natural oil, yet sometimes – such as on a hot summer day – I prefer lighter products such as serums and gels.
Besides, I you are a fan of skin care layering, you can never go wrong with a serum for regeneration of your skin before tuning your skin with your moisturiser for example all year round.
Extra Tip
Apply your serum always after cleanser (and toner if you use any) and before other moisturisers, cremes or oils. Applying a serum last does make much sense, as the skin may no longer be able to absorb the active ingredients it contains.
Ingredients of the Hollyberry Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin C Serum
The ingredients in this serum are Aqua, Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C (sodium ascorbyl phosphate), Vegetable glycerin, Phenoxyethanol and has been rated overall ‘good’ by cosmeticanalysis.com.
Of course aqua – or water – is an important basic material for the manufacturing of cosmetics and skin care products. Although it is said to be critical due to the possibility of inviting bacteria, it poses no problems for normal skin. However, in general we can say, that water itself is without positive or negative effects on skin.
Most likely this is the reason why the manufacturer has added phenoxyethanol. Phenoxyethanol is a preservative for skin care products of chemical origin that has antibacterial properties. It has no positive effects on the skin.
On the other side, vegetable glycerin is an ingredient that we like to see in natural skin care. Only from a concentration above 30% it is said to dry the skin, below 30% concentration it is actually a wanted skin moisturiser. It is a certified substance for organic skin care and makes the skin smoother.
The Sodium ascorbyl phosphate – or Vitamin C – can help to maintain the skin in a good condition and is hence a recommended material in skin care. It has been certified for use in organic skin care. Vitamin C is said to slow the rate of free radical damage – those unstable molecules that can damage collagen. Which obviously results in dry skin, lines, wrinkles etc. New reserach has shown that Vitamin C not only neutralises those free radicals, but an even reverse the damage.
Hollyberry uses Vitamin C that is the stabilised L-ascorbic acid which does not degrade in water, light and oxygen.
Hyaluronic Acid is the star ingredient
The star ingredient however is in fact the Hyaluronic Acid. Increases the water content of the skin and helps keep it soft and smooth, by holding and retaining moisture. Skin tightening Hyaluronic acid is actually a very highly recommended material that is certified for organic skin care.
Spa Geek Knowledge: Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid is the new prodigy in skin care. Researchers first discovered the exceptional positive properties in the 1980s. However only recently Hyaluronic Acid has found its fix and well deserved place in modern skin care.
Human Bodies actually have Hyaluronic Acid naturally all over, with about 50% in the skin. The outstanding property is that Hyaluronic Acid is able to bind large amounts of water, actually up to 6 litres per 1 gram. This way it can increase skin moisture, improve skin smoothness, and ameliorate wrinkles.
My Product Test
The serum comes in a small brown glass bottle with pipette dispenser and bright orange label – you cannot miss it on the shelf.
The serum is clear and sticky, not runny like a watery product, but more gooey like a gel. I find the almost odourless serum easy to dose even drop-wise, and and also easy to spread and apply.
I do not experience an immediate visible effect, however can tell a firming sensation after a couple of minutes. My skin feels kind of tightened and toned, without an uncomfortable sensation. I have used the product for about 2 weeks now and can confirm the reduction of the fine lines around the eyes. Pleased!
What the manufacturer says
There are 5 different products available so far, an eyelash & eyebrow growth serum, an eyebrow serum, pure hyaluronic acid, collagen eye gel, and the serum I have tested.
The manufacturer explains that they have not been tested on animals and are perfume free. They feel that natural is best. They refrain from using parabens, sulphates, and alcohol. All ingredients are said to be organic and safe to use on any skin type.
If you wish to contact the manufacturer yourself, please send an email to Graham Berry on hollyberry@gandhtrading.com
I like the unpretentious look, serums in general, and use it morning and night. I have mixed it with other products, such as facial oils, make up etc and am very pleased to report, that the Hollyberry Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin C works well in combination with all of them.Hollyberry sells online from the UK. Considering the price, I am going to have to add this serum to my Top 10 skin care finds in 2016!
