Regimen Lab Vitamin X Serum Review

October 30, 2021November 2, 2022 admin6 Comments

I first heard of Regimen Lab from Sarah of No BS Beauty, and shortly after watched Dr. Dray’s brand review. I was so pleasantly surprised to learn that a science-backed, peer-reviewed skincare brand existed in Toronto, Canada, where I’m from!

When I looked at Regimen Lab’s website for the first time, I really liked what I saw. Here’s the breakdown of their brand, products, and website in general:

Products made for us skincare nerds
Only use ingredients backed by thorough, independent scientific evidence
Use the best ingredients in their highest effective concentrations
Formulation, sourcing, production are all done in their lab
Curate specific products with a cocktail of beneficial ingredients, don’t release based on an individual key ingredient
List the pH of each product
An encyclopedia of skincare ingredients
Informative blog posts
No fear-mongering “free of” marketing, but just say that their products do not contain common concerns to make their skincare as straight to the point as possible
Cruelty-free

Perusing their website more, it is probably the first time in a while I felt like I was learning something new about skincare. All coming from a skincare brand no less! I find their encyclopedia on skincare ingredients and blog very insightful and I feel like a skincare student again.

After checking out what they have to offer and rave reviews, I was very keen on trying Regimen Lab products. I bought skincare items seemed to suit my skin needs – Vitamin X serum, Wave Serum, and C.R.E.A.M. I have been incorporating all of these items in my skincare routine one by one. It has been rotated over the course of a few of months, so I’m ready to share my experience with you all!

In this post, I will be reviewing the Regimen Lab Vitamin X Serum. I originally attempted to review all 3 items in this post, but as you can imagine, it got quite lengthy!

General Information on Regimen Lab Vitamin X Serum

“Vitamin X is packed with more antioxidants, in the highest clinically proven concentrations, than anything before it. It’s the antioxidant of the future, but we got it here a little sooner.” – regimenlab.com

Price: $59 CAD/$47 USD
Amount: 30ml
Packaging: Opaque white bottle with an aireless pump
pH: 3.0

Regimen Lab Vitamin X Serum Ingredients

Aqua, Propanediol, Ascorbic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Pentylene Glycol, Acetyl Zingerone, Glycerin, Tocopherol, Epigallocatechin Gallate, Ferulic Acid, Resveratrol, Genistein, Quercetin, Silymarin, Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol, Xanthan Gum, Lecithin, Sclerotium Gum, Pullulan, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid

INCIDecoder

We see the Ascorbic Acid (AA), Ferulic Acid, and Tocopherol trifecta all at a lovely low pH of 3.0. I saw the brand was doing a Q&A on instagram so I asked there what the percentage of LAA was. They answered with 15%! So to all the vitamin C conoisseurs out there, the Vitamin X serum hits the bells and whistles.

But as advertised, this is more than just a vitamin C serum. We can’t forget the 8 other antioxidants in the formula! EGCG, Resveratrol, Quercetin, and Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone also have soothing properties. Definitely a nice bonus, as AA at a low pH can irritate my skin. This has always been a struggle for me when trying to find a vitamin C serum!

Regimen Lab also highlights 2% Acetyl Zingerone helps reduce immediate and delayed DNA damage. Dimethulmethoxy Chromanol provides double scavenging action against reaction nitrogen and oxygen species.

Genistein helps reduce UVB-induced redness. Silymarin adds some skin-conditioning benefit (I feel like a lot of plant-derived skincare offers some moisturizing ability…).

Lets not forget good ol’ Glycerin – one of the best humectants out there and always welcome in a skincare product.

Another interesting point to make note: Regimen Lab also shared on their Instagram Q&A that the Vitamin X Serum (as well as the other products) are good for up to a year. Without refigeration. Actually, they said not to refigerate Vitamin X as it was formulated to be stable at room temperature.

My Experience Using Regimen Lab Vitamin X Serum

Upon first pump, I did get thrown off that the colour was a bright neon yellow. The brand did explain that this is the natural colour. I have been using it daily in my AM skincare routine for a couple of months. I haven’t noticed any intense oxidization until the 3rd month when the colour became deeper.

Texture and Application

The texture is not watery like I’m used to using, but a rather slippy, runny gel. As mentioned, I use the Vitamin X Serum in the AM after applying a hydrating toner or essence. One pump is enough to cover my entire face and neck. Regimen Lab suggests to wait 5 minutes for maximum absorption until following up with the rest of your skincare routine. I personally just wait until it feels like it settled on my skin then continue. I don’t like waiting long between steps because I run the risk of dehydration.

Experience

First time I applied the serum, I did feel a little bit of irritation. I have not experienced this since so overall I find it gentle. It also leaves a bit of a moisturizing layer on my skin.

Regimen Lab Vitamin X Serum maintains a bright complexion on my skin. Even in recent times where I have been going to the beach a lot, my skin does not look compromised. It didn’t do anything to prevent freckles (I don’t really care). However I have noticed it performs well alongside my tretinoin to reduce the colour and longevity of post-acne red marks. I used to get very dark red marks after dealing with a breakout. It would take 6 months minimum for them to fade. I’ve noticed this since using gentler, properly formulated vitamin C serums that they disappear significantly faster. I’d say within a couple of months. With the Vitamin X Serum in particular, I also notice my skin is looking smoother.

Unfortunately you can’t have so many good things without a little bad involved. One major con I have with this serum is that it does oxidize after a few months. I tried to remove my bias of using clear coloured vitamin C serums and continued using Vitamin X. (Recently I have read that this could be refigerated, darn!)

I also started to notice blackheads on my nose, around my nose, and faded black dots all over my chin. The only time I experience blackheads like this is in the summer with too many emollient layers. In addition, I have been continuing the same skincare routine as I had in the summer months. Why am I getting these blackheads? Well, it’s because the vitamin C in the Vitamin X Serum has oxidized, and it’s showing on my face.

My Final Thoughts on Regimen Lab Vitamin X Serum

Regimen Lab’s Vitamin X Serum has the bells and whistles I’m looking for in a vitamin C serum. LAA-F-E combo and a hell of a lot more antioxidant prowess (I’ve been liking this word recently lol). It is quite a pricey serum at $59 CAD for a 30ml bottle. But I believe it is worth it considering its formula and that you use it in a timely manner.

Vitamin C has been one of the biggest-love hate products for me for quite a while because:

finding the right formula
whether or not it is gentle
price
accepting that there are some results I will not see unless I use it longterm.

With Regimen Lab’s Vitamin X Serum, it has a lot of benefits. It fits in my skincare routine, I like the texture, I see the brightening, post-acne mark fading benefits, it’s gentle, my skin feels smoother, it feels like it adds a touch of moisture to my skin, it’s local (or was local, currently in Europe lol)…

It is one of the best vitamin C serums – or antioxidant serum I have come across. I am considering repurchasing, but right now I actually repurchased the Geek & Gorgeous 101 C-Glow Serum (reviewed). I also want to try NIOD’s Survival 0. It may be 2 products, but I want to see if both would last longer. I’ve used 2 bottles of C-Glow in the past and it kept for a long time when stored in the fridge.

Where to Buy: Regimen Lab Official Website

As always, I hope you find posts like this helpful and informative!

XO, M

September 2018 Roundup

October 8, 2018 adminLeave a comment

Favourites

Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ * – Klairs did a great job with this sunscreen; It is comfortable to use on application and finish, doesn’t add a crazy glow, and is not sticky. My boyfriend, who has normal skin, was able to use this alone and he felt comfortably moisturized. Whereas for myself, it was okay at first on its own, but I did notice my dry skin feeling dry (lol). Nonetheless I think it’s great for any skin type!
SUNSCREEN SUNDAY #1: Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence SPF 50+ PA++++

Make Up For Ever Matte Velvet Skin Full Coverage Foundation Y305 Soft Beige – Around this time of year I get into full coverage foundations. I’m still super happy with my It Cosmetics CC Cream (REVIEW: It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream SPF 50+ (Medium)), but the beauty junkie in me can’t help but gravitate towards a more polished look. I grabbed this foundation on recommendation from a couple of friends that this would be a great matte foundation for dry skin. Well, they were right! It looks very natural for it’s not a flat matte, buildable coverage, and lasts all day. I’ll give a full review when I have tried wearing it in other ways.

Physician’s Formula Eye Booster Ultra Fine Liquid Eyeliner – It’s been years since I picked up an eye liner from the drugstore, but this one did not disappoint! It has a nice brush tip, is very black, easy to use, and doesn’t smudge! On the packaging it says it’s made in Japan, and I have actually been using Japanese eye liners for years. Highly recommend this product!

Empties

ByWishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water * – I really liked how this acid toner did not leave my skin feeling dry and somehow managed to help control my acne despite it being an AHA! It did sting a bit at times, I’m not sure if I had cuts on my face or what, but I do remember never feeling sensitized at the beginning while using this. If you’re looking for a gentle acid toner, Mandelic Acid is the one to pick and ByWishtrend’s Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water is a good option to consider.
REVIEW | [ByWishtrend] Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water

Cerave PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion – Already repurchased my 3rd bottle! This is such a great moisturizer and truthfully peaked my interest in trying out more drugstore skincare.
My Morning (AM) Skincare Routine 2018

Dermalogica PreCleanse Balm * – A more thicker first cleanse product, but I loved that a little went a long way and it took about a year to finish up the entire tube! You’ll definitely get your money’s worth if you have been thinking about getting this. Because it’s heavier, I don’t think any oily-skinned peeps would like this and would probably want to opt for their PreCleanse.
I tried Dermalogica’s Double Cleanse Routine ft. the PreCleanse Balm

Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask – This was my second purchase of this mask, and I’m already missing it. Despite it being a clay mask, I was able to wear this for a long period of time without feeling like my skin completely dried up. My skin always looked even tone and really helped subside the size and pain around any active breakouts. Because of the size, I always had it in my carry-on back in my frequent flyer days, when I tend to get a zit or two after being on the plane for so long. I’m trying to finish up other masks right now, but definitely consider this one if you want an affordable K-Beauty mask!

I’m From Honey Mask – I definitely had this for too long, for I feel like it lost a bit of its potency since I didn’t use it up when it was near its end. I’m definitely considering repurchasing this, for my face became clearer from breakouts, and my skin felt very moisturized to the touch and smooth.
Review: I’M FROM Honey Mask

Differin – I already cracked open my 2nd tube of this stuff, and I feel like since using it my face looks a tad bit smoother and less breakout prone. I’m not sure if I want to keep using it however, because I want a retinoid or retinol that’ll help with breakouts AND preventative aging. I’ve been noticing the finest of lines on my forehead and around my mouth, so I’ll keep using this until I find something else to tackle additional concerns.
My Nighttime (PM) Skincare Routine 2018

Hada Labo Koi Goku-Jyun Perfect Gel – I miss this one. I got the classic Lotion to try and it really doesn’t do anything for me other than make my face feel a bit more hydrated. The Perfect Gel just really locks in my hydrators and leaves my skin feeling super smooth. Maybe the Premium Lotion would be a better one to look into since it has 5% urea in it.

Mad Hippie Eye Cream – A potent moisturizing, and lightweight eye cream. Ever since I stopped using this and tried to use just my regular moisturizer my under eyes don’t have the same bright, youthful look. I definitely want to repurchase this, but first I’m going to try an eye serum.

Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum – This vitamin C product was very gentle and showed its effectiveness. I don’t think it did too much to help prevent breakouts, but I noticed my post-inflammatory marks didn’t last as long (especially when I used Differin at night). Defintiely recommend if you want to start using a vitamin C serum, I haven’t found other ones that worked for me (even the Ordinary ones!).

Timeless 20% Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Acid Serum – Not completely finished because it oxidized. My boyfriend was using this one and we purchased another bottle for both of us to use. It is definitely more potent than the Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum, but it does have 20% Ascorbic Acid, the big brother of vitamin Cs. Nick’s face has always been good and never problematic like mine, but I do notice his skin looks a tad brighter and tighter from the first bottle. Let’s hope I get similar results!

Hope you enjoyed this month’s roundup! So proud of all the empties for this month.

xo, M

This post contains affiliate links.
DISCLAIMER, PR, AFFILIATES

My Morning (AM) Skincare Routine 2018

August 9, 2018 admin10 Comments

Please refer to my “announcement” post if you haven’t already – it explains my skincare in a nutshell.
I’m Finally Sharing my Current Skincare Routines 2018

Breakdown:
1. Cleanse
2. Acne Treatment / Main Active
3. Hydrators
4. Moisturize
5. SPF

1. CLEANSE

I have tried going without washing my face in the morning, but I always get a lovely amount of zits on my face later in the day. I need at least a few splashes with water to start my morning skincare routine. If I feel like my skin has a bit of a residue from the night before, I’ll go in with a gentle cleanser.

I’ve been really enjoying Cerave Hydrating Cleanser for this step! This is such a lovely, gentle, simple cleanser. One full pump really softens the skin as I massage my face and I don’t feel ANY sensation at all.

Just like its moisturizing partners, this cleanser also contains Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid, great ingredients to help replenish moisture in its skin and support a good barrier function. The texture of the product is like a lotion and with the way it feels, the Cerave Hydrating Cleanser is definitely doing some good for my skin!

Because it is so gentle and slightly moisturizing, I always debate whether or not it would be good as a second step in my Double Cleanse. For now, I’m enjoying it as a go-to gentle cleanser in my skincare arsenal, especially the morning after using Differin the night before.

Every other day I go in with the Dermalogica Medibac Clearing Skin Wash * to incorporate Salicylic Acid in my skincare. It contain’s 0.5% Salicylic Acid, the minimal amount required to effectively exfoliate your pore lining. This is a much welcomed product, especially since I’m getting slightly oilier and actually maintaining a proper workout schedule. My lovely sebaceous filaments on my nose have been getting darker, so this wash is effective, yet gentle and nourishing enough to even use it daily! I’m highly considering getting the full size of this product.

After rinsing my face I will lightly pat my skin dry, but not completely dry. I find if I do this, my skin is more susceptible to dehydration and dryness, so I always make sure it is “almost dry”.

2. Acne Treatment / Main Active

After cleansing while my face still has a tad amount of water, I first apply Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum on my forehead and each cheek. The idea of using my serum first is to get Vitamin C to make direct contact with my skin, so I can reap its benefits right away. It’s a light water-based serum so it doesn’t disrupt the flow of my skincare at all by using it first. It doesn’t sting my skin at all and feels rather refreshing both from the light sweet scent it has and how it makes my skin feel fresh.

It contains Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, a Vitamin C derivative said to be more stable and bioavailable than L-Ascorbic Acid, while still providing the same benefits. Ferulic Acid and Vitamin E are also in the formulation to amp up the benefits as well.

I haven’t really noticed a huge difference in my skin while using this serum, other than my skin feeling more hydrated. The only marker I have that this has helped with hyperpigmentation is on my neck – the only place I don’t apply Differin. The mark I had from a breakout is very faded now and doesn’t feel raised on my skin. Either way, I think this is a good starter Vitamin C serum, but I may opt for the popular Timeless Vitamin C serum after I’m done with the Mad Hippie one.

I pat it into my skin and once it gets tacky I move onto my other products.

3. Hydrators

I’ve been really enjoying the following products in my skincare routine because they have done an excellent job in adding back hydration to my skin. I don’t necessarily have to use both products, but I find my skin stays very comfortable throughout the day and I rarely ever get a tight feeling in my skin.

I’ve raved enough about the Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner * and I’m currently using the Unscented version in my routine. So far, it performs the same! Hard to tell the difference anymore (aside from the scent) since it is summertime and my skin is slightly oilier. After 3 dime-size applications, it makes my skin feel just as comfortable as the original, and ready for more layers of skincare.
REVIEW & COMPARE: Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner – Scented and Unscented!

I follow up immediately with 2 pumps of Cosrx Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence (formally called Galactomyces 95 Whitening Power Essence – the one I have). There’s not much information about Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate other than that it can help tighten and brighten skin, as well as improving skin’s barrier function. For me, I’ve noticed the tightness I used to get from dehydration is non-existent, my skin feels a lot smoother, and my face stays even-toned. I’ve noticed nothing but benefits from using a Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate product and will continue using it!

After all of this is absorbed into my skin and while my face is still tacky, I immediately go into moisturizing.

4. Moisturize

Inspired by Dr. Dray, I use 2 types of moisturizers – one as a humectant type to hold onto all that water I applied to my skin in my hydrating step, and sealing it further with a more occlusive one.

I apply a minimal amounts of Mentholatum Hada Labo Koi-Gokujyun Perfect Gel to my face and neck, making sure to concentrate a little more around my eyes, middle of my forehead, and smile lines.

I was fascinated by this product originally because it had Urea high on the ingredients list. It is a moisturizing agent that helps increase the thickness of your skin barrier as well as help with the skin’s natural desquamation process. I had to get my hands on this product. Hada Labo is known to have 3 different types of hyaluronic acid to help further add to it’s skin-conditioning functions.

This gel always leaves my skin feeling very soft and smoother than before. I also find it has helped minimize my pores from keeping all the water in my skin cells, giving a plump look to my skin!

I use a tiny amount of the Mad Hippie Eye Cream under my eyes to my orbital bone. Whether or not eye cream is necessary – shush! I need something more moisturizing for my eye area, as it dries out easily, so for me, eye cream is a necessity.

What is really fascinating about this eye cream is the amount of actives! The eye area is very sensitive and I don’t have problems with this eye cream at all. It contains Matrixyl 3000, a peptide that helps collagen and elastin production. It also vitamins C, B3 and E, as well as Ceramide, Niacinamide, and other ingredients that aid in improving the look and strengthening skin.

I really like how this eye cream feels light yet it provides enough moisture for my eye area. Even on application while patting it in, I notice my eye area is brighter! The one big wrinkle I get around my eye area when I smile seems less deep, and the area in general looks a lot smoother. I don’t have a problem with darkness under my eyes, but I do notice after application it looks a tad brighter.

To seal all the good stuff in, I go in with 4 pumps of Cerave PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion to cover my face and neck. It’s also a gel moisturizer, but contains a high amount of Niacinamide. I love this ingredient because it helps with minimizing pores and increasing the strength of my skin barrier. And of course, it wouldn’t be a Cerave product without Ceramides in the list! Because it’s summer, and I follow up with a moisturizing SPF, I find I don’t need to mix this in with another moisturizer to make sure I’m well moisturized.

5. SPF

The topper to my skincare! Nothing ensures a protected skin barrier like using a sunscreen. I have a variety in my collection, but the following product is what I’ve been using constantly.

Elta Md UV Facial Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+ Moisturizing Facial Sunscreen really is a cosmetically elegant sunscreen. It is also so moisturizing, I could skip using the Cerave PM Moisturizer if I really wanted to (but I won’t – can’t give up that Niacinamide).

It contains 7.0% Zinc Oxide and 7.5% Octinoxate as its UV filters. Because it’s a physical-chemical hybrid SPF, the cast you would get from zinc-oxide disappears as you massage it into your skin. I do notice my skin looks paler if I do not wear makeup, especially since my body is darker, but I’ve only noticed it while at the gym. It also has Sodium Hyaluronate, Vitamin E and Petrolatum, and a variety of moisturizing ingredients to help retain skin moisture. It spreads so smoothly on my face and makes my skin feel more moisturized. The finish is quite glowy but I don’t mind. I usually use this sunscreen when I plan on applying makeup because I can easily glide on my base and sheer it out without worrying about unevenness.

There you have it! My morning skincare routine. Even when I was experimenting with this routine in colder weather, my skin rarely felt dehydrated throughout the day. My skin has been feeling and looking good, and am overall really happy with how much my skin has improved. I could probably rid my routine of a few of the products to minimize it, but I enjoy my routine a lot right now and that’s what matters most to me. We’ll see once I finish them up.

Hope you enjoyed the read!

Be sure to check out my PM Routine: My Nighttime (PM) Skincare Routine 2018