Gold Standard Skincare | The Super Heroes

There are few skincare ingredients and formulas I would consider the "Gold Standard." Here are some that have proven most effective and have really made a difference in my personal experience. Ofcourse, there are more, including plant ones that shall be discussed next time!
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• Formulas Mentioned •
Skinceuticals C E Ferulic
howl.me/cktM5nIjVyE
Geek & Gorgeous C-Glow 15% Vitamin C Serum
iaff.geekandgorgeous.com/107-... (US)
iaff.geekandgorgeous.com/107-... (Global)
Agency Future Formula
withagen.cy/gothamista
Also mentioned :
Avene RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream
howl.me/cktNkg3e5mh
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6
go.shopmy.us/p-2090270
Agency Dark Spot Formula
withagen.cy/gothamista
Paula's Choice 2% BHA Exfoliating Liquid
howl.me/ckuhYPWm4Eq
- 20% off sitewide for orders under $95
- 25% off sitewide for orders over $95 (Ends Sept 4)
Paula's Choice CALM 1% BHA Sensitive Skin Exfoliant
howl.me/ckuh0jHD002
- 20% off sitewide for orders under $95
- 25% off sitewide for orders over $95 (Ends Sept 4)
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
go.shopmy.us/p-1933160
- 10% off any purchases over $55,
- 15% off on purchases over $100,
Code : FROMUS2U (Ends Sept 8)
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
go.shopmy.us/p-1932977
Code : FROMUS2U from 10% Off (Ends Sept 8)
Biologique Recherche Lotion P50W
go.shopmy.us/p-2090320
Gothamista x Saro de Rue Essence
bit.ly/45vXvel
Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Lotion
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My skin type : Dehydrated, sensitive. You may have a very different experience with the products I review if you have a different skin type or preference.
_________________________________
This video is not sponsored. PR samples or gifts are marked with an (*) and sent to me without any obligation to review. All my reviews and opinions are based on my own experience with the products which may not be the same for everyone. This contains affiliate links which will help support this channel! If you choose to use them, thank you for your support!
00:00 Introduction
00:37 Ascorbic Acid
02:02 Tretinoin
04:22 Azelaic Acid
05:53 Salicylic Acid (BHA)
07:57 Glycolic Acid (AHA)
09:44 Glycerine + Hyaluronic Acid

[@johncheffy4775]

Tretinoin , Azelaic Acid , Copper Peptides , Modern Organic Sunscreens , Centella are my top 5

[@beauty_enthusiast]

For me, add in some growth factors, too! And I started using the 8-in-1 serum by DefenAge and I haven’t seen such amazing change since when I started retinol a decade ago.

[@whatnext715]

My super hero ingredients are glycerin, colloidal oats, retinal, glycolic acid (1x/wk), azelaic acid, coq10, THD (the vit c derivative). You may be able to tell my skin is sensitive from this list,lol. I’ve been using a 10% azelaic acid for the past 2 years in the morning and have found my skin getting less irritated. I’ve also recently discovered Stratia’s C &C serum (10% ascorbic acid & 5% THD, anhydrous). So far I’m tolerating it well, which is a first for me with ascorbic acid. I might be able to move ascorbic acid to my super hero list if it continues to go well.

[@mariv486]

what copper peptide product would u recommend

[@gothamista]

yes to copper peptides!!

[@johncheffy4775]

@@mariv486 The Ordinary Multi Peptide and Copper Peptide 1% is what I'm using but I know Niod and Biossance both do them . Cosrx has a new Peptide product that has Copper Peptides too .

[@beauty_enthusiast]

I have had a similar experience with Curology as you did - finding the sweet spot instead of feeling like I need to work myself up to the highest percentage. I never hear anyone say this but I feel like it’s so much better to find that sweet spot where I can use it every day even if that means a .009% formula. My skin loves it and doesn’t peel at all and I still get the glow! Thanks for saying this bc I think there are others that will benefit from hearing it.

[@doughjoy]

THANK YOU for putting time stamps and links to the products!

[@violetagomez3588]

I just subscribed to Agency! Looking forward to my trail. Thank you! Love your videos, is a source I can always trust.

[@smitinathan]

I've been on the hunt for a new Vitamin C formula so thank you for sharing the G&G one. Also, I LOVE your toner and it's my go-to for my hydration step.

[@joannewells]

I just started Agency future formula about three weeks ago. I am peeling mostly around my chin area. And I have been using G&G vitamin C for a couple months and I love it. I am really wanting to try your essence, and I hope I will be able to try it shortly, along with the hyaluronic tablets by Saro de rue. You are and have my gold standard influencer for skin for years.

[@alexandrapastorekova3893]

This is a prefect overview for beginners. Please, continue with other ingredients, I think they would appreciate.

[@MissKrisLoves]

Thank you again! Always great content! ❤

[@21972012145525]

Enjoyed watching this video & the recommendations! Part 2 plz

[@reneelavender2556]

Cellex C was the original Vitamin C. Skinceuticals stemmed from a parting of ways between the founders of Cellex C. Skinceuticals just has better marketing. But, Cellex C is the orignal.

[@McrLoVrfanAlt]

Salycilic acid toner + Vit C in the morning along with sunscreen. In the evening I combine a galactomices ferment essence, followed by a HA lotion, a light layer of Liquid gold from Stratia, then when absorbed I apply my agency formula which I have been using for almost two years and already worked up to their max strength of .14% then I seal it with an occlusive moisturizer. Some nights I skip the tret and use a Glycolic acid toner. My skin is very resilient and tolerates everything, I’m so lucky in that department.

[@alaincarangcarang4294]

I love your channel and content and I also love your sense of style and fashion!!!! all the best Renee💖💖💖

[@victoriac5038]

Thanks for this video... very informative!

[@Vanessajbee]

So excited to see your face on my feed! Thank you for another great video!❤

[@gothamista]

Thank you so so much!

[@OHLOLLY]

Thank you Renée, gorgeous!

[@ginafriend1690]

Hello Renee and thank you kindly! 🌹

[@gothamista]

Hello and you're so very welcome!

[@Dellanine]

Thank you for another fabulous video!! I'm so curious if you have tried the Peach&Lily new retinaldehyde serum

[@sirtsupirtsu]

I am also using G&G vitamin C serum - so affordable and always comes fresh. And I went back from tret to their A-Game retinal 0,1%. I was struggling bad with tret, I tried 2 years and finally decided to go back to G&G A-Game and it was right decision. My skin is looking good.

[@johncheffy4775]

Such an amazing product , now in U.S and Geek&Gorgeous make it weekly so super fresh

[@gothamista]

yes, such a great brand. I trust their formulas

[@user-lb3up4rq2i]

I'm not that much into skin care, but my goodness you look so amazing for your age that I am kinda thinking of starting to get into it! lol😄

[@marianne6373]

I just want to give a shout out to the BHA serum from the resist line from Paula’s choice. I like it so much better than the “regular” one. No one’s talking about it for some reason! Has a lot of other good ingredients too.

[@whatnext715]

I agree! It used to be one of my holy grails. As I’ve aged, my skin has gotten drier and I no longer use bha regularly. In the winter I used to switch to the 1% bha lotion yay serum. It was also great

[@gothamista]

Yes! One of my personal favourites is from their Clear line - their regular strength anti-redness exfoliating solution also with 2% BHA. Incredible formula that feels lighter, but when chatting with their R&D formulators, apparently their original bha is heavier in texture because their BHA works the most efficiently the way it's formulated!

[@roxannaurdaneta783]

I loved this video thank you 🥰 please do make an all time favorites video of the products you keep on using throughout the years 💖

[@alexxxxxxxaaaaaa]

I am following you for a couple of years, more than 5,and seing that your concern is still hiperpigmentation makes me understand that this never goes away, I might as well get used to it 😢 I have started Tretinoin this year, as it wasn t available in my country and hope to see some improvement.

[@honeybutterscotch3394]

Love this ❤

[@Kendralovesskincare]

ALWAYS THE BEST recommendations....

[@gothamista]

Thank you so much!!

[@beeg1549]

Renee pls ask Agency to launch in the UK! their formulas look amazing! also, can we ask them to not include niacinamide for example if we're sensitive to it?

[@twobluestripes]

Listen, I know Paula’s Choice is the most popular BHA with many, but IMO the iconic Salicylic Acid product is Stridex pads! And you can find it in several variations, like lower percentages, without the mentholy stuff, etc.

[@TheRhala]

Differin, BHA, AHA, Niacinamide and Ceramides are my top 5

[@juliagray1276]

Thank you for this info! Also, where is your sofa from? Thanks!

[@k.huelle]

As always a fantastically informative video! Is it wrong that I'm already looking forward to your Wishtrend box? 🤩

[@mytrung]

I love agency! I like the size of bottle because the tube from a normal dermatologist. That tube was the worst. It would squeeze it only for more to keep coming out. I also found the dark spot treatment didnt do anything for me. I might need to use it for longer but it feels like the tretinoin did enough for me but i don't really know.

[@karataylor3434]

Awesome video!! I’m curious @gothamista, have you tried the agency’s new tinted spf?

[@DallasNatureLover]

Tretinoin, glycolic acid, C + E+ Ferulic acid, copper peptide, a multiple ceramide serum to bump up the effect of moisturizer when dryness becomes a problem

[@Oooorileyy]

Another great video:)

[@gothamista]

Thank you so much!!

[@Theater00jock]

I'm always so sad about Azalaeic Acid because everyone raves about it but, in every formula I have tried, I have been SO sensitive to it!

[@ItsDarkRightNow]

please do a video on fav ampules or serums

[@NaturalWorld253]

I have to agree the Skinceuticals C E Ferulic is the gold standard that other vit C serums aspire to. They are totally worth their price, the only thing I dislike is the packaging. The open to air design contributes a great deal to the speed the product oxidizes, making it less potent over time in the packaging. I have created my own fix for this which I love

[@db-kv8bb]

Great video 😊, can you also show Gold Standard Skincare using all asian products

[@wumeng2800]

Love the shirt. Where is it from?

[@TheEagleslover]

I don’t know how I missed this.🤔 Anyhoo I’m watching now.

[@enlilw-l2]

Very interesting ! What about Cellex-C vitamin C ? No-one is talking about this brand, I'm wondering why. I know this brand launched the first vitamin C serum in the 90's and a few people still use it today.

[@tina.xyxiao8195]

I had been using the Paulas Choice vitamin c e f for about a year, until this April after my annual rf microneedling session, I had the most severe ever skin reaction from that same product. My whole face was red flaky itchy and swollen. It took a whole week to recover. Since then I have been using less more mellow skin care ingredients. Five months later, I decided to give my favourite vitamin c another go. I literally only used two drops, because I knew I needed to start slow. Then irritation all over again!! I know allergy can develop at any age, but… now I can’t use my favourite anymore… I have two brand new bottles sitting in the cabinet😢😢😢

[@m.g.4045]

I'm wondering if you use the Agency with so many ingredients already in there, do you still use vitamin C, azelaic acid, or any other acid like AHA BHA separately on the same daily routine? Thank you!

[@littlevoice_11]

Which multi tasking cream/serum do you recommend for PM use with the goal of anti aging - wrinkles, texture, pores, skin texture, tone, hydration without clogging pores for post-menopause? (My mum likes 1 cream for all. So ideally this would be suitable to use after a cleanser as an effective stand alone product with visible results)

[@chrislee6076]

I currently use Skinceutical Retinol and CE Ferulic in my routine. How would I incorporate the Agency future and dark spot formulas with this?

[@josieallen1020]

my skin loves .05% tret and 15% azelaic acid nightly. i use no other actives, my skin would burn off. is it better to keep frequent use of tret or lower it in order to incorporate the others?

[@user-jt4td9nf6n]

How do you layer these products? Do you use them all in one go? 🙏🏼

[@annas1857]

I haven’t heard you mention Allies of skin retinal, is that still a product you would recommend.. are there better options that you prefer?

[@rodelaide2565]

Love 💞

[@andreaawangku1782]

I use vitamin c ( geek and gorgeous) in the morning and RetinAl ( also geek and gorgeous) in the evenings. Where would I put the glycolic acid as I use the Hada Labo toner morning and evening?

[@Scl0790]

I use p50 as well but I’ve been patting it all over my face instead of using a cotton pad 😫😫

[@Mfbushra]

How can I incorporate salicylic and glycolic acid in my routine?

[@Sam-fk3oz]

Hallo How can I combine Tretinoin and microcurrent in a skin care routine ??

[@sipoli100]

Agency and curalogy does not operate in EU, only USA

[@suhs9333]

Are there any companies similar to Agency that deliver to Europe? Agency seems to provide only for USA. :(

[@hollytoddy]

Yay a Gothamista video! ❤❤❤

[@gothamista]

Thank you!

[@user-pb4gy9qj7f]

Gold standard sunscreen?

[@sylwia3646]

How can we get your essence in the UK?

[@chainmefree7]

Would love for you to try out Adipeau and let us know what you think! Some really interesting facial fat promoting formula.

[@21972012145525]

Dr dray debunked the adipeau founder’s claims

[@chainmefree7]

From what I've seen, she's rebutted his views on tret. There's plenty of compelling evidence on his product. And that's exactly why someone as trustworthy as Renee should test it.

[@21972012145525]

@@chainmefree7 I thought she debunked his product in whole? If you look at the ingredients, it looks like a glorified cetaphil. I didn’t see anything that would actually be considered actives

[@helensadeik400]

Can I order in Australia please 🙏

[@chrisa2646]

I thought you used Altreno? What happened with that?

[@cherimelton9753]

I love your essence. I'm on my second bottle. I am allergic to salicylic acid. It's such a bummer cuz there seems to be no alternative and I guess I will have blackheads for the rest of my life. 🙂

[@CurlyNicky]

Have you tried lactic acid? It’s gentler but still works well.

[@cherimelton9753]

@@CurlyNicky hi there. Yes I have and it hasn't worked for me. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@RumiRose12]

What about PHA Or a toner with enzyme exfoliation they’re both more gentle 😊

[@victorialakornangelograce5254]

You can try skin peeling jelly. It's great for gentle exfoliation

[@mwhittaker65]

What’s your opinion on truth treatment C bomb?

[@larawicksteed]

Is 5% Tranexamic Acid legal in America? EU is 1.8%if I am not mistaken?

[@letyourlightshine2727]

Where can I get tretinoin ?!

[@sabs7094]

Vit C in any form does not suit me. What can I use instead to brighten and even out skin tone ?

[@lilac_dimond2879]

Thank you Rene'e you made me fall in love with beautiful world, I don't know tell us more about you are you skin trainer or sponsor fot beauty company or its just a hobby🙂

[@midlifemom5829]

What are your thoughts on Timeless Vitamin C ?

[@gothamista]

always loved them!

[@artxangels6666]

8:42 why should i use a cotton pad instead of my bare hands?

[@lyubov534]

Hey Renee, would love to know your opinion on Medicube devices?

[@gothamista]

I will be giving a review shortly!

[@masu_masu]

@@gothamistaso excited to hear this, esp curious to know what you think about the Ussera Deep shot as well as the Air Shot!

[@analissalowe8469]

Can you recommend a hand cream for aging 49 yo with dry skin that is non greasy and fragrance free? I need one for the back of my hands that also have sunspots

[@Laylanotlayla]

I adore the Goldbond age renew hand cream although it doesn’t have any lightening ingredients. They also make a retinol body lotion thats amazing and you could use that to help with aging and evening skin tone!

[@aarontheabc]

💙💙💙

[@mariaemiliaquinterohurtado5839]

💖💖💖💖

[@isidal9987]

Always wanted to try Curology or Agency, but they don't ship to Europe. Can you recommend something similar for those who don't live in the US? Thank you ^_^

[@signeglaudane4197]

Also would like to know.

[@gothamista]

Am currently checking out something similar to see if they’re truly comparable. If so, will review shortly!

[@isidal9987]

@@gothamista would love to know more about it since I haven’t found anything similar! Looking forward to it!

[@At0micAllison]

How would you utilize these “golden” ingredients in conjunction with one another?

[@21972012145525]

It depends on your skin type, environment, and skin goals

[@yestothis7522]

My super heroes are: Tretinoin, Vitamin C, Ceramides, Benzoyl Peroxide, Hydroquinone, Urea, SPF Niacinamide, Azelaic Acid and Tranexamic Acid do nothing from me.

[@loriteman7302]

Broke out from CE ferulic

[@SandiTink]

I can’t afford some, can’t tolerate some , and am allergic to some. The gold standards are no go for my skin.

[@tracyelliott9369]

Do you have a video that discusses the order of application of these gold standards? 9:13

[@thegreaterconundrum]

You shouldnt apply all of these at the same time

[@21972012145525]

Depends on your skin type, environment, and skin goals

[@Diana-mu9vd]

How would you use all these ingredients daily? Or weekly?

[@Diana-mu9vd]

And peptides

[@billyjohnson8624]

YAAAAAAS

[@billyjohnson8624]

*YAASSSSSSS

[@01Natalcia01]

Hi :) Can the use of retinol by a 24-year-old woman (who is not pregnant, not planning to become pregnant or not breastfeeding) have a negative impact on her menstrual cycle? I've been using retinol regularly for about 10 months and have never had menstrual problems before. When I started applying retinol on my face more and more often (every 2 days, and then every day), then at the same time I started to have elevated TSH in the blood test, I started spotting on ovulation days. When I stopped using retinol because I wanted to use only vitamin C and other skincare products, the problem with spotting during ovulation automatically disappeared. A month ago I went back to using retinol and this time I used it very often, almost every day. And the problem with menstruation returned - I started spotting in the days of ovulation, menstruation is prolonged or late. Is it a symptom of excess vitamin A in the body caused by applying retinol on the face? Or is it some kind of retinol allergy? Why is this happening? Should I stop using retinol on my face completely? It would be a pity because retinol improves my skin condition so much (which used to be very acne-prone and now has become smooth and problem-free).

[@elaynebeaumont1272]

This is definitely a conversation to have with a health care provider. Personally, I’ve never heard of topical vitamin A affecting menstruation.

[@ntheobsn]

Agency is not personalized, they have pre blended formulas. For example all future formulas have 4% niacinamide and that can’t be removed. When I was using it my bottles were blended a month or two before being shipped. Pure tretinoin is much better in my opinion 0.1% for me.

[@angelhowell5420]

The thing I love about Agency is you can get different strengths of Tret that you can’t get in standard prescriptions.

[@whatnext715]

Thanks for the info! I’ve thought about looking into them but my skin has trouble w Niacinamide. I think I’ll keep to my mix and match approach to skincare.

[@helensadeik400]

Australia has the worst UV rays in the world, skin cancers are very prominent and can lead to death or horrific disfigurement. Yet the natural sunscreens are very limited

[@ifeolunu]

I feel like our skins are so similar 😍

[@MaguiDias]

But is there a Vitamin C serum that does not leave that irony smell behind? From G&G to the Rohto MELANO CC, they all have that smell 😭

[@cutekitten12]

Cera ve 10% vit c has no smell maybe b/c it's encapsulated.

[@thegreaterconundrum]

That is the ferulic acid, aka the hotdog water smell. If you want an effective vitamin C most of them smell like that but try maelove's vitamin c

[@christinemarkham6815]

I use Maelove. vitamin C no bad smell

[@gothamista]

unfortunately when it comes to water-based AA formulas, there will definitely be a hot-dog water (iron) scent present. I've gotten used to it after so many years, infact, if a serum doesn't have that smell, I don't trust it haha! The non-liquid (silicone) based formulas will smell less or a formula with a smaller percentage like 5% AA !

[@susanmcf1]

What happens to your skin when your Dark Spot formula includes hydroquinone?

[@brookspa94]

Hi Susan, I’m not Gothamista, but since she has not yet responded, may I provide some info (professional & personal) regarding your question? I am a PA (understand pharmacology & research) with a passion for quality skincare ingredients, research & products. Hydroquinone is the most effective ingredient for the treatment of hyperpigmentation. ♦️HOWEVER, it is possibly the least well tolerated (inflammation, burning, redness, peeling, etc.) Should be used with CAUTION⛔️ with regards to: strength; frequency of use; use with other ingredients &/or products; etc. If wanting to use, recommend doing so under the direction of a dermatologist. Hope this helps!😊

[@philippillis9393]

Glycolic acid is the most effective

[@MzHeather-904]

Hello!

[@dapurairlangga]

Hello Ms❤ This is a good video that I've ever seen,friends are always connected,if friends need authentic Indonesian recipes,I make them,I complete your language for each video so you can try Indonesian dishes,greetings from Indonesia,friends😊

[@robertlouisebaker-hyde1267]

Skinceuticals is a ripoff and easily oxidizes. My holy grail is Timeless 20% and does amazing job. Works like magic and never experience d oxidation until I finished a bottle xD