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Do you have a favorite superhero? Or a favorite super power? I have! Both actually.
My favorite superhero is Mystique, and my favorite power is her power, which is changing her appearance at will. Kind of what I try to do with makeup every day.
Don´t get me wrong, I like how I look, but being able to change it up occasionally would be fascinating.
I do feel though, that the superpower I´d need the most would be a different one: The ability to rejuvenate myself without downtime, to constantly keep going and tackle one task after the other.
The corresponding superhero? Superoxiddimutase, the antioxidant that keeps regenerating itself and tackles free oxygen radicals hour after hour after hour. And, as it happens, the main player in The Ordinary EUK 134 0,1%.
What The Ordinary claims
EUK 134 is a mimetic of superoxide dismutase and catalase, forming an exceptionally rare self-regenerating molecule that scavenges superoxide free radicals, eliminates hydrogen peroxide and converts reactive oxygen species into water and oxygen. While it has been around for many years, very few products on the market do use this truly superb antioxidant which can regenerate itself to offer round-the-clock antioxidant support. The only issue with EUK 134 is that it must not be used immediately with strong acids such as suspensions of Ascorbic Acid. Strong acids will completely destroy EUK 134 which is based on manganese.
The low price of this formula does not reflect EUK 134’s extremely high potency. EUK 134 is by far one of the strongest antioxidants available. While EUK 134 itself is very costly, the suggested concentration in any formula is below 0.05% and most formulas do not use this maximum suggestion. Our formula uses EUK 134 at an extremely high 0.1% concentration and we do not believe any product on the market today uses a higher concentration than this amount. This formula does not contain any water, silicones, oils or alcohol. Water can impair the stability of any antioxidant.
Facts
Prize and size
One (dark) dropper bottle contains 30 ml and retails for 8,80 € on the website here.
Texture and smell
The formula is without water or oil, which makes for a strange sensation. Kind of oily, but a little bit gritty at the same time? I can´t really say, but I prefer it mixed into my serums rather than on my skin directly. If applied, you might feel a warming sensation that passes quickly. There is no noticeable scent.
Application and effects
As stated above, I prefer to mix it with my serums and so far it has mixed well with everything I have tried. Due to the richer texture I used it mostly in the evenings, kind of counterintuitive with an antioxidant, but as this one regenerates itself I figured I´d still get the benefits the next day.
As far as effects go I can´t really tell, as antioxidants are preventive and won´t add any immediate effect.
Ingredients
Favorable ingredients
- Propanediol: Increases penetration of ingredients, Humectant
- Ethylbisiminomethylguaiacol manganese chloride: Superoxiddismutase, self-regenerating antioxidant
That´s it, nothing more. The most basic formula I have seen from The Ordinary, just the antioxidant and one humectant to increase penetration.
Does it live up to its claims?
Yes.
It contains a manganese based form of superoxiddismutase, a self-regenerating antioxidant in a concentration higher than I have found in other products.
Would I repurchase?
I am on the fence.
While it certainly does everything it says, I just don´t like the texture. I guess I will stick to other antioxidants or lower concentrations of this one.
Who do I recommend it to?
If you are looking for an effective, long lasting antioxidant that doesn´t break the bank, this one is a great option. If you have a little more to spend, maybe try to find something with a more pleasant texture.
More from The Ordinary?
Read about the Niacinamide + Zinc here or about their Salicylic Acid here.
