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I actually mentioned the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Blue Serum before on the blog, as part of a summer skincare routine featuring only SKIN1004 products (More info: Summer skincare routine using only SKIN1004 and Tretinoin), but as that was already in 2021 and not as in-depth as I usually do product posts, I figured it deserved a dedicated review.
After all we need to address the question what SKIN1004 means when they say this skincare line contains the “golden ratio” between Hyaluronic Acid and Centella Asiatica. (Psst, spoiler: I have no idea.)
And if you want to hear more about the other SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica and Tone Brightening products, here is a video to watch.
What the Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Blue Serum claims
A highly hydrating serum that also soothes and brightens the skin.
Facts about Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Blue Serum
Prize and size
There are two different sizes available here on the website, 30 ml for 13,95 € or 50 ml for 20,95 €. It comes in a pump bottle in an airy light blue and the pump works well, dispensing just the right amount of product for face or neck and decollete.
Texture and smell
Just like the bottle the serum has a light blue hue to it and a faint floral scent. The scent isn’t my favorite, but doesn’t linger on the skin. Texturewise it is thicker than your average serum, with a slight gelishness.
How to use the Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Blue Serum
Two pumps is enough for face and neck, the product itself feels very lightweight and spreads with ease, but has some tackiness that stays for the next few minutes. I never had any issues with pilling though. It can be used morning or night or even twice a day, depending on where you feel it fits your routine best.
I use it both in the mornings when it is colder underneath my sunscreen or, during the hot days and balmy nights we have been experiencing lately, as last step in my evening skincare routine without a moisturizer on top. Due to its soothing ingredients it is one that I like to take with me on beach holidays as well, when my skin is a little stressed out from wind, sun and salt water.
Ingredients of Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Blue Serum
cci|sb|aacne|h, Glycerin sii|h 0 0, Pantolactone h, Hibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate 
sii|h 0 0, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid h, Hyaluronic Acid sii|h, Methylpropanediol solv, Panthenol so|h 0 0, Cetearyl Olivate emu, Carbomer vc 0 1, Arginine sii, Sorbitan Olivate emu, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride emo, Pyrus Communis (Pear) Fruit Extract, Pentylene Glycol solv|h, Adenosine cci, Polyglutamic Acid h, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Cucumis Melo (Melon) Fruit Extract, Iris Florentina Root Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin pres, Hedera Helix (Ivy) Leaf/Stem Extract amic|so, Sodium Phytate chel, Xanthan Gum vc, Maltodextrin, Hydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract aox, Hydrogenated Lecithin emo|emu, Ceramide NP sii, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer sii|aox|h, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate hHover the mouse over an ingredient for short explanation. Read more on INCIDecoder.
Here is where we address the claim that the whole Hyalu-Cica line has the golden ratio of Hyaluronic Acid and Centella Asiatica, without stating further what that golden ratio would be. And despite the slight teaser in the beginning, I have to admit, I have absolutely no clue. Obviously they are talking about the ratio at which the two ingredients compliment each other best, but I have found no information which one that would be.
It won’t surprise though that you find several different molecular weights of Hyaluronic Acid and Centella Asiatica Extract in the ingredient list alongside various different plant extracts. (More info: The benefits of Hyaluronic Acid in skincare explained and The benefits of Centella Asiatica in skincare explained)
For additional hydration there is Pantolactone, a Polyhydroxy Acid, you will find Panthenol and Allantoin for additional soothing and then one Ceramide and Niacinamide with its variety of skin beneficial effects. (More info: The benefits pf Polyhydroxy Acids in skincare explained, The benefits of Panthenol in skincare explained, The benefits of Ceramides in skincare explained and The benefits of Niacinamide in skincare explained)
Does it live up to its claims?
Most of them.
It is very hydrating and has soothing ingredients, but I wouldn’t expect much of a brightening effect with this formulation.
How does it compare to…
Geek and Gorgeous HA 5 Light and Rich Serum
Geek and Gorgeous versions only claim to hydrate, not to brighten, and have compared to the offer from SKIN1004 no Centella Asiatica, no Niacinamide and no Ceramides. Both have in common though that they use different molecular weight of Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin and Panthenol, which is soothing.
I find both comparable in effect on my skin, but don’t really use a dedicated Hyaluronic Acid serum in my routine anymore.
You can read my full review of the Geek and Gorgeous HA 5 Light and Rich Serum here.
The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum
The Inkey Lists version does not contain Panthenol or any of the other goodies you find in the version of SKIN1004, but offers something else: A peptide, more precisely one from the Matrixyl complex, so might be a nice alternative for more mature skins. It also has, in my personal opinion, the most beautiful texture out of all mentioned here, at a great price point.
You can read my full review of The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum here.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B 5 Serum
Now this is the oldest review I will compare it to, as you can easily see by the different photo background above. Similar to Geek and Gorgeous and SKIN1004 it contains Glycerin as well as Panthenol and different molecular weights of Hyaluronic Acid, but out of all serums here, I find the texture in this one to be the least pleasant. As it is really affordable as well, you might still want to consider it as an alternative if you are on a budget.
You can read my full review of The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B 5 Serum here.
Would I repurchase and which skin types do I recommend it to?
I said it already, I don’t really use a dedicated Hyaluronic Acid Serum in my routine anymore (if I didn’t just get sent one for testing, that is), so while I will most likely finish the bottle over summer, I will not repurchase. It is suitable for all skin types, with oily ones being able to use it instead of a moisturizer in the warmer months for sure.
Shop SKIN1004 here
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