We all have a certain key stimulus. A word, or maybe a scent, that stimulates all our senses, makes us awake, alert and feeling alive.
Now I have to disappoint anyone that was expecting a juicy story. My key stimulus, at least in blogging terms, is the word cosmeceuticals. Come on, tell me you understand! A fusion between cosmetics (yay!) and pharmaceuticals, which has the ring of scientifically backed skincare claims and measurable results! What is not to love?
So when I read the news that Reviderm launched a new line featuring AHAs and BHAs and called cosmeceuticals, I was immediately drawn in and reached out to the company, who kindly agreed to send over some things for testing.
So if you, like me, are drawn like a moth to the flame by science based skincare, read on to see how I liked them.
For the sake of the length of the post I will use a different layout than usual in my skincare reviews and only focus on key ingredients.
Cellucur 2 clean eye (*)
Claims: A mild 2-phase eye make-up remover. Removes makeup and waterproof mascara thoroughly and easily. Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
Facts: One bottle contains 125 ml and retails for 17 € here.
My thoughts: It lives up to all of its claims and removes makeup as good as the Clarins biphasic one or the The Body Shop Chamomile makeup remover, which is my favorite (Review). The one from TBS wins in terms of price versus ml, but I really enjoyed this one as well.
Cellucur cleansing foam (*)
Claims: The cleansing foam thoroughly removes sebum, dirt, makeup and impurities. Chosen active agents give a clean and fresh complexion and are at the same time anti-inflammatory and relieve irritation.
Facts: One bottle contains 150 ml and retails for 21,50 € here.
Favorable ingredients: Panthenol and honey, both soothing
Unfavorable ingredients: Sodium Laureate Sulfate, Parfume
My thoughts: That one was a complete miss for me. Even though my skin was very oily at the time I was testing it, this cleanser left my skin so tight it actually hurt. It lives up to the claims of thoroughly removing anything, but I prefer to stay away from anything containing SLS to retain moisture in my skin.
Cellucur aha fluid (*)
Claims: Concentrated, anti-bacterial fluid with aha´s for the special care of impure combination to slightly oily skin. Improves and purifies complexion, exfoliates and normalizes sebum production.
Facts: One bottle contains 50 ml and retails for 36 € here.
Favorable ingredients: AHAs, BHAs and a lot of hydrating ingredients like glycerin, squalene and lecithine
Unfavorable ingredients: Alcohol. But most AHA products contain alcohol to improve penetration.
My thoughts: I love it! A combination of AHA and BHA, easy to apply and non irritating. That one is enough on it´s own when I wear serum and foundation on top or great combined with a moisturizer on makeup-free days.
Cellucur aha gel (*)
Claims: Concentrated, anti-bacterial gel with aha´s for the special care of impure or oily skin. Exfoliates, improves and purifies the complexion and normalizes sebum production.
Facts: One bottle contains 50 ml and retails for 36 € here.
Favorable ingredients: Glycolic, salicylic, malic, lactic and tartaric acid. Basically all the acids you could ask for. Glycerin for hydration.
Unfavorable ingredients: None. No alcohol in this one.
My thoughts: A lovely blend of acids, but I need a good hydrating serum and moisturizer (or even facial oil) on top, otherwise my skin feels too tight. It is sticky when applied and needs a while to sink in, so not the best when it comes to texture. I think I will get more use out of it in the height of summer, but I don’t think I will repurchase.
Cellucur sicca control day (*)
Claims: Balancing mattifying day care for impure, dehydrated skin with increased sebum production. Mobilizes the skins won repair mechanism, regulates the sebum production and abates irritations quickly. Skin-identical lipids and moisturizers make the skin resistant and smooth. With medium SPF protection for the daytime.
Facts: One bottle contains 50 ml and retails for 45,50 € here.
Favorable ingredients: Glycerin, shea butter, panthenol and lecithin for hydration, titanium dioxide as SPF, licorice extract for brightening.
Unfavorable ingredients: Perfume
My thoughts: A decent moisturizer that (combined with a serum) is enough to rehydrate my skin after using the aha gel. It works well under makeup, but I didn’t find it to be extremely mattifying throughout the day. Oh, and NEVER rely on a moisturizer for your SPF.
Summary
Even though some products contain perfume and others don´t, the scent is consistent throughout the range and very fitting for a cosmeceutical. It is neither floral nor sweet, but smells like a mixture between a spa and a dentist to me. Can you tell that describing scents isn’t my forte?
With one complete fail (the cleansing foam) and one firm favorite I have to say that I am happy I discovered the range, and I can see me repurchasing the aha fluid in the future. Moisturizer, aha gel and eye makeup remover are very nice products as well, but not special enough to have me coming back for more.
Oh, and in case you are wondering what AHA, BHA and all that are good for, here is a video for you to watch.
Are you as crazy for cosmeceuticals as I am?
Or do you have another key stimulus? Beauty-related! Trying to keep things out of the gutter, people.
(*) = PR Sample