Not Good: The Ordinary's Niacinamide and L-Ascorbic Acid Powders | Lab Muffin Beauty Science

I don't recommend The Ordinary's Niacinamide and L-Ascorbic Acid Powders because they aren't safe. Here's why.
Subscribe for videos every fortnight: bit.ly/labmuffinyt
In this video:
* Is lack of formulation a problem?
* Percentage-chasing
* Measuring tiny amounts
* Volumetric measurements
* Measuring per dose
* That freaking quarter scoop!
* pH adjustment is why you don't burn your face off
Blog post with more info here: labmuffin.com/...
DIY vitamin C serum: • Easy (5 Minute) DIY Vi...
CIR niacinamide safety report: journals.sagep...
CIR L-ascorbic acid safety report: journals.sagep...
L-ascorbic acid on iHerb: iherb.co/4jkrCY4G
Disclosure: Both powders were PR samples
---ABOUT---
Lab Muffin Beauty Science is a channel by me, Michelle - I'm a chemistry PhD and beauty lover, here to explain how beauty products work, debunk myths, and help you make smarter decisions about your skincare, hair and makeup!
---FOLLOW---
Blog labmuffin.com
Instagram / labmuffinbeautyscience
Facebook / labmuffin
Twitter / labmuffin
-------------------------------------
Want smooth, glowing skin? Grab a copy of my FREE Essential Guide to Exfoliation! labmuffin.com/...
-------------------------------------
---RELATED POSTS AND VIDEOS---
Free exfoliation guide labmuffin.com/...
Easy DIY vitamin C serum: • Easy (5 Minute) DIY Vi...
Alcohol in skincare: • Is Alcohol Bad in Skin...
Don't Use Lemon Juice: • Don't Use Lemon Juice ...
2019 Skincare faves: • Video
My current skincare routine: • My Skincare Philosophy...
Deciem interview: • Interview: Deciem's Ni...
Blog post for this video with more info: labmuffin.com/...
---SKINCARE GUIDE---
The Lab Muffin Guide to Basic Skincare is here! Find out more: labmuffin.com/...

[@LED2ify]

"a sphere is like a circle but worse" - as a biological technician i feel that on a fundamental level

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

All the geometry is suddenly 50 times as difficult - I struggled for hours with the indoor sunscreen video!

[@annathomason4470]

As an engineer, I also felt that in my soul

[@treehuggerabby123]

As a maths major.... Yup

[@Kat-hi3vy]

As a math teacher, I felt this in my soul.

[@katydid5088]

As a seamstress, I feel this. Everyone is ellipses and and circles of various sizes. Getting people to properly measure their ellipses size correctly is a pain. (Don't suck it in! I'm making the clothes to fit you, not the idealized version of you.)

[@scarymonsterzz]

Yeah I saw these and thought to myself “well I don’t trust myself to mix my own skincare.”

[@OO-ct4hq]

Literally same

[@nameless568]

Lmaoo same

[@tachapantejasen3238]

I read it wrong to “I don’t trust myself to mix my own mistake” and somehow it’s funny to me 😂😂😂

[@kailyn7902]

I can't even make my own coffee the way I like it ☠ 🤣😅

[@christianbentzen8172]

It's a cheaper, more efficient way to do it though. It makes sense for me to add in vitamin C, add in tretinoin or HPR, and otherwise decide for myself how much I need rather than paying quadruple for something that's frankly not a high enough concentration. For reference, skin care companies generally create products with everyone in mind, meaning not meant to harm little old ladies, so young men like myself have to use weaker concentrations due to only being able to move as fast as our slowest moving person. I think 100% active ingredient powders like this are the future of skincare.

[@seeyoucu]

I think you hit on something: The Ordinary is giving the same effect as the make-your-own-pizza places. They give you the ingredients, you feel like you "make it yourself", and customer satisfaction increases. It's very smart, actually. However, in this case it is not a good idea.

[@NothingIsLittle]

The reason that I like their products is because I have very reactive skin and a lot of allergies. It's easier to know exactly what I'm having a reaction to when that's all that's all that's in the product and I'm not out a lot of money finding out I'm allergic. ...but I won't lie, it's also fun to mix different serums together every night to target different issues.

[@TrappedinSLC]

singergrl4life Same.

[@EspadasYCopas]

Well,having sensitive skin you should have to read about any ingredient you put on your skin BEFORE you use it. I mean read about it not in fashion magazines.

[@katkms]

More food references

[@NothingIsLittle]

@@EspadasYCopas ​ Yes, I do research all the ingredients that go onto my face, but not every non-irritant is going to be non-irriatating for every person. Rosehip oil and niacinamide are both known for rarely causing irritation in appropriate doses and both of them cause irritation for me (rosehip oil gives me hives at almost any concentration, and niacinamide causes extended redness and sensitivity even when diluted to below 3%). I wouldn't have known it was niacinamide that was causing me to react to several products if I hadn't tried The Ordinary's serum, had a reaction, found out the concentration was too high, and then waited several days to test it at an appropriate dilution only to continue to react. Am I totally misunderstanding your comment, or are you trying to say that I should know whether every ingredient will be irritating before I've tried it? Because that's simply not a realistic expectation; you aren't allergic to something until you've been exposed to it.

[@juliabazanska]

My first thought when I got the email announcing the niacinamide powder was "we will soon be seeing TikToks of people rubbing the powder raw onto their face".

[@NJ-JaiBird]

You just have me high key anxiety on that one. But you know 🤔🤔🤔 one of them would do it 😣

[@yeetusfetus8687]

@lady ding dong ? The comment wasn't insinuating that everyone is a dick with their skincare 😂

[@katydid5088]

Either that or people eating it!😐 I wish it didn't happen but, Chubbyemu videos have awakened my awareness to the fact too much of anything is a bad thing.

[@KristenKras]

@@NJ-JaiBird Well, people ingested bleach or was it injecting themselves to ward off COVID-19, so, hey, why not rub these raw powders on their faces?!

[@ScizzoringGirlz]

Okay but it’s made to mix it with water tho, Like on your whole face. While just putting the powder on to your pimples is great

[@wassermelonification]

I agree, however it was also "The Ordinary" that kind of awakened my consumer conscience and curiosity about formulas, compatibility, mixing acids, pricing, marketing etc. The whole "skin education" and the industry around it if you will. I also started to look for sciency youtubers who know their shit and found you and I'm very thankful for that. Long story short - I am apparently that naive, easy manipulated "make your own pizza" consumer and I do like to be in charge of the ingredients I use because it keeps me on track about "how to" and makes me educate myself more and more. I like that side effect to be honest.

[@ilmam9603]

THIS

[@hanagreg]

Your long story short was almost as long as the long story.

[@wassermelonification]

@@hanagreg I know :D *facepalm*

[@FlawlessImperfectionBeauty]

We are rare birds! You hunger for the knowledge of each product, than ingredient, then ph, then company..... It boggles my mind that the general public aren’t like that, they want it done for them and trust blindly- and all at once. Then they don’t know why their new Clarisonic, Retin-A, high concentration C, BHA, microdermabrasion and microneedling routine they all started in one night made their face fall off, and ask if they should keep their deep peel appointment the next day?🤦‍♀️

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

I agree, The Ordinary and Deciem have been really good at encouraging people to learn more! Which is why I'm extra disappointed in these products - they probably know exactly why these products aren't good, and why percentage-chasing isn't good. They've let the marketing lead the products and they're ignoring the science. I'm also seeing a bit of jargony word salad creep into the descriptions for the niacinamide - it's the whole "if we use longer words it'll seem more sciencey" trick that I hate in NIOD's product descriptions. If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it enough. It makes me wonder if their formulating or science advisory team has changed...

[@laya1901]

Me watching this having the ascorbic acid powder: 👁️👄👁️

[@veehart6600]

Same lol

[@monikablack9399]

Same. 😅👌

[@DaPoofDaPoofDaPoofDa]

Yep.

[@supritaroy7279]

Same 😅

[@cindylyssikatos3182]

Olaya Sánchez Lol same!

[@kenbeautyhouse1733]

“Green-washing”, Science-washing, Percentage chasing, Fear-mongering (about alcohol, essential oils, fragrance, parabens, preservatives...), what else is the beauty industry going to bring in 2020?! As an chemistry undergrad, so happy that i found your channel and you deserve more attention

[@fin8892]

essential oils are actually bad in skincare theres a high chance your skin can react to it. alcohol can be too stripping for peoples skin and literally destroys the acid mantle of the skin.

[@kenbeautyhouse1733]

fin sut not all alcohols are bad, if you are interested, you can do more research. It can act as preservatives, solvent, aid in penetration and texture and feel. Plus when you look at a product, you should check the formula as a whole because there will be many other ingredients as well. Similar with essential oils, there are so many of them and each of them has different properties and also allergic reaction prevalence. Most of the studies were conducted with like 1-2% or even higher conc. Of course if you know for sure you are allergic to these ingredients for sure, stay away. Nothing in this world is 100% safe. Just try to help consumers understand the ingredients better

[@thexvault]

I agree with everything besides fragrance and essentials oils because many have sensitivity to it. Not to say that many don’t, but most people are unaware until they have a bad reaction.

[@belalugosisdead4444]

@@kenbeautyhouse1733 The issue with fragrance is that it's protected by the fda in the U.S. Companies don't have to tell you what ingredients they specifically used for the fragrance, there's over 3,000. Quite a few have been linked to skin sensitivity, reproductive harm, birth defects, cancer, and environmental damage. It's useless in skincare anyways, so it's best to avoid

[@bend.9457]

Good point but to my mind it's not the beauty industry but you tubers. Estheticians, self proclaimed specialists and even dermatologists (won't name names ... their sugars are so aggresiv 😩... funny they are all from America!!!! ) doing alle the things you mention and bashing beauty companies ......

[@taytayqueen7024]

I wish they would’ve just done a basic Niacinamide 5%-8% with Hyaluronic acid. Since the most clinical studies with Niacinamide has been done at 5% and some people can’t handle the 10% and break out. Why not just listen to what people are asking for!

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

I'd be into that! Or a super simple 20% solution that's made for mixing into other serums, so at least you can get a dropwise ratio.

[@amypanddirtytoo1926]

Right??? I dont understand why the 100% powder. Even if people could make a perfectly measured solution at home for every dose.......why? When we can just buy it already in a solution?

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

@@amypanddirtytoo1926 Easier and cheaper to produce, I assume...

[@SullivanMaxwell]

With Estee Lauder at the helm now, I'm sure we can continue to anticipate these kinds of incremental declines from what Deciem originally intended for their consumers. As any major US based company would, they will market to the typical US consumer mindset of bigger and more is always better (I'm American so I know whereof I speak).

[@adapv9584]

omg i have been using the TO's niacinamide 10% with zinc for months but i have been breaking out.. do you think that this is bc my skin can't tolerate such high percentage? I was thinking of giving up on niacinamide but do you think it would be better to try lower percentage? (please, i would really apprecciate it if you answered me bc i have PIE and a lot of red spots left from acne, so if you know any products that would help me, i would be really grateful)!!

[@frugalskin]

I am pro disclosure of percentage strengths but not percentage chasing. I find it so disappointing that misled consumer demands have such a large influence on cosmetic formulas. An example is the war on parabens.

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

It's really unfortunate that misinformation is usually so much more appealing and easy to understand than the truth! Trying my best to flatten the playing field 😅

[@fattysl26]

@@vatsalab3478 People are literally losing their minds over it, when sometimes it can be less than 1% in the formulation. And a lot of us don't actually mind it 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@lyrapeach1827]

@@fattysl26 my issue is that it doesn't bring any benefit to the formula, so why put it in?

[@fattysl26]

@@lyrapeach1827 Because people like having fragrance in products. For some it might add to the whole experience of using the product, others just like using nice smelling stuff. I'm not a fan of overpowering fragrance, but otherwise I don't mind it.

[@lyrapeach1827]

@@fattysl26 I understand that some ppl value the smell experience, but then the companies alienate ppl that have sensitive/fragance allergies for something that doesn't have any positive effect on skin but does have negative effects on some skins.

[@laypro]

I agree 100% with this, when I saw the campain for niacinamide powder all over my IG TL my first question was: What am I supposed to do with this? People interested in skincare need to start understanding the limits, I want to be an informed consumer not pretend to be a chemist formulator o dermatologist. Every field has its expert and we need to trust them to do their job, not blindly of course but to admit there are things this professionals know that we don't and honestly don't need to. It is like companies once again take avantage of our ignorance in order to make money and everyone thinking they know better for mixing ingredients blindly.

[@karly.asshhh]

THIS 👆🏽

[@katie8099]

lmfao you inadvertently perfectly explained why cooking measurements in the US make no sense. i need a kitchen scale so bad.

[@Yaorii]

I got one super cheap and wireless at grocery outlet if they have one near you, about 10$

[@nameless568]

We have a cup with different measurements (all in ml, Gramm but for different stuff like sugar and flour etc) can really recommend those

[@maureenperez9999]

They are cheap on Amazon and last a long time, so why not buy one? Great for baking and chemistry...lol. I actually bought a metric spoon for under 20 dollars(I believe) and it's a big spoon. Smallest measurement is .5 grams which might work. Otherwise I'll use my actual scale to measure if it's a smaller amount. Best scales have both American and Metric settings. I love baking recipes that show grams because it makes everything come out better...and best part... no dropping flour into my measuring cup with a spoon and then leveling it off.

[@theialx]

Scales work %100 better. I realized this when I was making macarons, it was an eye opener!

[@user-nf5px7vg6w]

no one: literally no one on a skin care video: you: yea I agree US measurements make no sense lol

[@emkn1479]

Is it just my US English ears or did she say to hit the “nerdification” button? 😸 Either way, I like it. It works.

[@a_bookish_gemini]

I heard that too! So cute.

[@annettique]

Same here 😂

[@stealthis]

She definitely did. There's way too much emphasis put on the erd part to be unintentional.

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

A few people told me that when I said "notification" so it's intentional now 😂

[@Laurenlee87721]

Me too! I’m Aussie BTW

[@tomorrow2593]

Why not just bring out a basic niacinamide serum at 5% without the zinc instead of this crap.

[@pajamamama5965]

Absolutely! That would have been much safer

[@sushreemishra5106]

Nicinamide can be reactive for some people hence zinc helps to reduce that.. moreover zinc actually reduces the inflamtion and acne.

[@tomorrow2593]

@@sushreemishra5106 Yes but zinc can also be drying and cause irritation. Since it has been the thing that people have complained about the most regarding this serum it would have been good for them to listen to customer feedback.

[@gingertunstall7739]

There are 5% niacinamide and 4% niacinamide products that are excellent...just not in the ordinary line. You can dilute the TO serum 50/50% with hyaluronic acid and that helps mitigate the "sebum controlling" effect of the 10% serum which also has drying zinc included. If you have dry skin/sensitive skin the last thing you need is to add a product that reduces oil production.

[@sushreemishra5106]

@@tomorrow2593 i understand what you are saying but again skin care is subjective n personal.. zinc isnt the ingredient that dries out, nicinamide is actually the sebum regulator.. n on top that dryness can be solved by moisturization. And about the point of formulating lower % of nicinamide serum, that's totally upto the brand to regulate to strength. But Zn has a viral role to play irrespective of the % of nicinamide.

[@moose8762]

Deciem making a profit from selling small amounts of super cheap ingredients that they already buy in bulk is pretty smart from a business perspective. People will think, "it is only €5" without thinking that it is probably costing the company next to nothing to produce. I agree with everything you have said. We have cosmetic chemists for a reason. The higher % is all about marketing. Like how Naturium released a 12% Niacinamide and 2% Zinc to be like "The Ordinary but better". I wouldn't buy a "niacinamide" product because almost everything has niacinamide in it already. One of my products has 2% Niacinamide and the other 3% and it isn't even the "hero" ingredient.

[@-RainbowBeeEater]

The point is that there're not many brands offering smth like this. Those powders I saw only by them.

[@moose8762]

@@-RainbowBeeEater you can buy the powders from skincare ingredient retailers for much cheaper

[@britnysnyder4991]

@@moose8762 do you recommend one for the l ascorbic acid powder?

[@katiekavanagh9756]

ok this is a little off topic but she’s someone who looks great with bangs

[@KamoreeLove]

Not the banyang lol 😂💕

[@LittleMonstr16]

It’s so so easy to get caught up in “percentage chasing”! I realized I was doing that when I noticed The Ordinary’s 10% niacinamide was making my skin red after I applied it I started only using products with 2-4% and it’s helped a lot

[@quzinell]

"burn your face off" lol

[@No1PlutoSupporter]

i didnt buy the 10% niacinamide bc of the percentage but now im considering buying it at a lower percentage, i heard good things about it eventho i thought 10% was a bit much. i dont use it every day what product do you use that has less than 5% niacinamide?

[@vonaradevendra5217]

Any recommendations for lower % niacinamide products?

[@LittleMonstr16]

I use Cerave PM Moisturizer which I believe has 4%, I use Purito's Unscented Centella Serum which has 2%, and Paula's Choice Pore Refining Toner has niacinamide but I'm unsure of the amount, it seems lower than the TO one because I experience no irritation. Basically I just don't use anything that specifically advertises a high amount of niacinamide and that's helped.

[@vonaradevendra5217]

@@LittleMonstr16 Thanks you! Also did niacinamide help to reduce dark spots for you?

[@lollsazz]

I like the ascorbic acid powder - got a lot of hyperpigmentation recently, and it helped. However, I 100% agree about the scoop size - so annoying!!! ONE time I was stupid and decided to use 1 scoop. Got flaky, sensitive skin for two weeks - I just HAD to try. With one scoop, you basically burn your skin off, so don't be stupid and use too much. However, up to half a scoop works well for me. Skin is soon back to normal barrier function again, and I'll use 1/4 scoop from then.

[@Korey72590]

I use one scoop every morning and my face hasn't burned off...

[@debless9572]

I use maybe less than a 10th of the scoop.

[@Korey72590]

@@debless9572 you must have extremely sensitive skin then or you are being way too cautious.

[@cookiemonstaaaaaa234]

how do you use the powder?

[@lollsazz]

@@cookiemonstaaaaaa234 It dissolves easily in any water-based product. I scoop out the powder, but it on my palm, add my moisturizer (currently using Clinique Dramatically Different Gel), mix them and apply to my face.

[@JanaCZ1992]

Also, 'science theater' is a term I'm borrowing.

[@halononary]

I saw the announcement for the niacinamide powder on instagram I was blown away in the bad way cause it just sound so so very not safe especially for anyone with sensitivity...thank you so much for putting out a video at least warning people who might be interested in this product!

[@xciellew]

We have the same profile pic 😯

[@thehonestbeautyreview]

I was never fan of these powder concoctions. I'd like to leave the mixing to the cosmetic scientists 🧪

[@vegasgirl3538]

I agree. My head hurts just watching Lab Muffin try to explain the math. I was never good at science in school, so I'll leave the formulating to the professionals

[@TrappedinSLC]

I use the C powder to make a less expensive vitamin C body lotion to use on hyperpigmentation on my arms. Buying stuff that’s pre-formulated is $$$ for the amount I need. :(

[@naina8079]

@@TrappedinSLC you make sense, I may buy it for the hyperpigmentation and lines on my armpits.

[@aaronfuegopop]

The powders seem like they’ve been made to appeal to the trending “diy experience”. It doesn’t seem like these were made with skin health and science as priorities. I love you lab muffin!❤️

[@etsuart4672]

Me a European: -watches her talk abt ppl not having scales at home- Wait- there are people who don't have scales at home?😳

[@kong_kwan]

Come to Asia. People don't even have measuring cups lol

[@golddragonette7795]

This! Also, it's easy enough to only use a little bit

[@karly.asshhh]

In Latin America we don't even use measuring cups to cook lmao you just go with the flow

[@thisisme2681]

As an American, the first time I watched a European cooking show I was shocked to see them measuring flour and sugar on a scale lol.

[@maryapatterson]

@@thisisme2681In the US you use cups, fluid oz and gallons.

[@jilllster4054]

This is so eye opening! Thank you! Happy I watched this first before purchasing. I’ve been blinded by the “more is more” mentality. And I think The ordinary releasing stuff like this enabled that even more. I wish they listen to your suggestions actually

[@veraciously]

I can't use their niacinamide serum, it oversensitized my skin in a way I hadn't experienced before with any other actives. Burning sensation even when sandwiched between two moisturizers. I think it's pretty risky to use this kind of powder and chase higher percentages. I've used niaciamide in Korean creams and it works fine for me in lower percentages. I love the food analogy you used as well!

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

Food analogies are my default 🙌

[@moon-uu6bf]

May i know what kind of creams with niacinamide that you are using?

[@veraciously]

@@moon-uu6bf I'm from Vitamin Water Gel is my current AM moisturizer.

[@nicholastan6130]

The Ordinary 10% niacinamide with zinc stung my face. I tried other serums with 10% niacinamide like The Inkey List and few Korean brands but my skin did not react to them. So i guess zinc causes the irritation because physical sunscreen with zinc oxide irritates my skin too.

[@933roastduck]

@@nicholastan6130 you can dilute with your other serum like HA OR ceramide to make your skin tolerate it. So you won't waste. And yes I use the Korean brand one they have zinc too but all are ok.

[@yasdnil_]

I noticed an extreme change in my skin with the l ascorbic acid powder. Don't believe the hate train. Smaller pores, glowing and bright and a lot less dull AND I noticed most importantly a change in dark spots on my skin due to sun damage which is why I tried it to begin with. If one just does research use the product correctly and consistently, you will see results.

[@chantelle5170]

how long did it take for your sun damage to fade?

[@liquid8714]

After Brandon, The Ordinary seemed to lose what made them visionary and stared coming out with basic/questionable money grabs like the 2% salicylic charcoal mask and now this powder. Still waiting for something actually interesting and industry changing to come out from them, I think they still have it in them

[@quincefloare]

Yup and it also annoys me that their squalane face balm cleanser is overpriced for what it is honestly. If they want to sell a face wash for 20 dollars, make the damn bottle bigger. Thats the one thing that people go through quickly, its not like a serum or moisturizer. Doubtful that it would have been much if it had come out a couple years ago before they were acquired by a much bigger company. Also I noticed they quietly took off the alpha lipoic acid from their site without saying anything? Really hard to find that somewhere else at a decent price now, I dont know why they would take it down bc its one of their more unique products. Dont really care about niacinamide, I can get that cheaply anywhere. And their SA serum still hasnt come back because apparently it takes 2 years to reformulate a basic SA serum. I think Deciem wants to make more money from Niod and I hope they dont let The Ordinary drop by the wayside just bc the products are cheaper.

[@mon6745]

@@quincefloare yeah... hope he RIP

[@marjorie666]

I agree. RIP Brandon. He was awesome.

[@soupbowl2750]

me sitting here with my vitamin C powder next to me on the table: 👁👄👁

[@Purple_haired_cleric]

Good luck with that 😓

[@nintendololi8232]

Same 😂 i've stopped using it, i'm always in a hurry in the morning so i don't have time to mix ingredients

[@africandaughter3110]

You can research on how to use it properly, the issue is that it's not very convenient for time in the mornings and most people are gonna go crazy with it. And ya need a scale to measure it accurately. Scoops are useless

[@soupbowl2750]

@@africandaughter3110 I do have a scale ! I think I'll use it on my legs now tho

[@TracyD2]

Nothing wrong with it if you know math and how much is recommended as well as what your skin can handle.

[@skinsciencebymira]

This launch has been bothering me since I first saw this. It’s capitalizing on a trend instead of the evidence which only shows topical benefits for niacinamide at 2-5% mainly and we know it causes stinging and irritation over 5%. I also just don’t think the average person has the necessary knowledge to use raw cosmetic ingredients like niacinamide and ascorbic acid. Excited to watch this!!

[@user-db1zc1pg7c]

I use the 10% niacinamide and am not feeling any effect on my face..

[@skinsciencebymira]

123456 78 It should have said “it can” cause stinging and irritation. It’s a very common symptom and it’s not worth it since there’s no known additional benefits with going past 5%

[@emilia13ful]

I disagree, for me even 4% Niacinamide in my serums did not stop my acne from popping so I need more than 4%. When I used 10%, I didn't have any acne for months, so everyone's skin is different, don't generalize.

[@skinsciencebymira]

@@emilia13ful said there’s no evidence for anything over 5% - not a generalization, it’s a fact. And using a 10% niacinamide in a finished product is very different than an unnecessary 100% raw powder that can cause stinging and irritation. I didn’t say they should stop selling their 10% serum so I’m not sure what your comment has to do with mine tbh.

[@andresbrio4525]

3 seconds in and I have to say: PERIOD. I feel like the scoop size for mixing in the palm of your hand should be much less than a "pinch".

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

Maybe a "grain" or "7 pieces of sand"

[@nataliagomez5756]

Michelle, you really opened my eyes here because I didn’t realize the inherent risks with these products before you brought them up in such a friendly and comprehensive fashion. Thank you.

[@paperheartzz]

“there’s going to a lot of analogies with food, because I really like food...” 👏👏👏 I describe flow rate to myself as M&Ms per second so I remember it volume. I totally approve of this method.

[@cynthia2219]

I am happy for the powders. I've educated myself on creating my own DIY serums using skincare forums, so I can use their powders without their instructions. Easier to order them from The Ordinary when I'm ordering other serums than having to do additional ordering from LotionCrafters or Making Cosmetics, but again, I do have scales and other tools to DIY. I love Lab Muffin's videos and know she makes a good point here, but it's not the powders that are the problem.

[@sigilidea2643]

This was exactly what I was thinking. I mean we don't even know how much pre formulated serums/ products to use on our skin. This brings in a whole new level of confusion into the skincare. No thanks!

[@elciyalcn9281]

I just love that someone with a scientific thought process is actually making these videos. I'm an engineer and I just love a proper explanation to things that most people just memorize the answers to:)

[@SuhannaDeSilva]

Literally what are we doing with 100% niacinamide

[@MissYellowCat]

Damaging ourselves trying to get clear skin with *trendy products* 🤡

[@DanDLeon-zy8kw]

Snort it maybe 🤡

[@watermelonlemon342]

It's really trendy in Asian countries though hahahhaha they mix it in body lotion for example and hoping it whiten the skin

[@FlarityBelle]

There's a mistake in the calculation at 12:17, it should be 20mg for 0.2mL of serum. It's not a huge problem though, since the example still manages to get the point across. Thank you so much for all of the information.

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

FML thank you... I need a reviewer 😭

[@deborahfitch446]

This is not my area of expertise at all, so I need some help me here. I totally understand how you got 10.025% in the first one, but I don't understand how you get 20 mg and not the 35 (in the second example) that you show in the video. Pardon my ignorance, but how did you calculate it?

[@FlarityBelle]

@@deborahfitch446 If the required ratio is 2g of LAA for 20mL of serum, then for 0.2mL of serum, you need 20mg of LAA. Then, if you accidentally used 5mg more, the percentage would be 12,5%. The example is showing that the same error affects the percentage more when the scale is smaller, ergo if you mix the serum for every use (smaller scale), you're more likely to get the percentage significantly wrong and mess up your skin.

[@faceonnailsdonehairdid]

Thanks for this Michelle, as always, you have some very valid points on both powders. I've used the L'ascorbic powder- measuring out the quantity I need with the scoop it comes with for over 1 year and haven't had a problem with it so never thought about how irritating it could be for others who might be overdosing on it given there aren't really any instructions on how to make sure the dosage is right. The only thing I will say though is that it's the finest vitamin c powder I've come across and it dissolves immediately, unlike any vitamin c powder I've tried from vitamin companies which never completely dissolve.

[@itsmidtrib1569]

PROS: I went ahead and bought niacinamide and L ascorbic powders.. not from the ordinary because they are overpriced. I am going to follow your other video on how to make vitamin C serum with a little baking soda. You get a lot more out of it making your own with the correct measurements of course. I hate buying the serums which cost a lot and run out fast. Less waste, more product for the money. It’s a YES for me.

[@kendallstark4302]

I appreciate how you close your mouth when you take a breath mid-sentence! Have you taken speech therapy classes? Because that's where I learned to breathe better 😃

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

I actually did when I was a kid, but I didn't get taught how to breathe! She did fix my "th"s though 😊

[@kendallstark4302]

@@LabMuffinBeautyScience interesting! I took classes because I tend to lose my voice whenever I get a cold. I never realized how badly I was drying out my throat just by breathing a certain way.

[@elizabethelliott3175]

I wish Dr Sam Bunting would do that! She breathes "through her teeth" mid-sentence and comes off looking like Bugs Bunny.

[@kendallstark4302]

@@elizabethelliott3175 I hadn't noticed that. She's my favorite derm on KZbin, though. And I truly believe that breathing through the nose has to be learned, 'cause I've realized most of us use our mouths to breathe. It probably comes to us more naturally.

[@mpython88]

I DEFINITELY enjoyed this. Working in cosmetics on the retail side, it's hard seeing people diss brands that use well formulated products as simply being overpriced, in comparison to the Ordinary. Formula is king!

[@CLNFlorida]

GUYS SCROLL TO 15:00 ON THE VIDEO AND CONTINUE MEASURING AND ADJUSTING PH WHEN MAKING YOUR SERUM AND SHE ALSO GIVES US BETTER TIPS ON OTHER OPTION FOR A PRODUCT. MARKETING IS SOMETHING TO BE AWARE OF. THANK YOU FOR THIS GREAT INFO.

[@newtonnguyen5803]

I know that its gonna irritate my skin if sometimes I scoop too much. But I've used it for a decent amount and it works well on my skin. Its really hard for me to find an effective vitamin c product. But I discover this. Definitely I will repurchase this powder.

[@farazr2]

Could you do a video about all the new "hair growth" serums out there? The Ordinary Multipeptide serum, Inkeylist serum, Collective Labs serum, also Vegamour. Seems like there's been a surge in this area recently

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

I haven't been keeping up with them, I'm curious about them now! Will look into it but can't promise it'll come out in a timely manner haha (although I think everyone is used to me taking ages now 😬)

[@tonyvirdanen1]

Lab Muffin Beauty Science The wait is worth it girl , take your time 🤘🏻

[@a_bookish_gemini]

Yes! I’d be interested too.

[@933roastduck]

This used to be invented and came out with the creator Brandon who pass away. He had an interview saying it's coming out. So I guess it's formulator by him. But I am not sure if they still use the same factory and ingredients they used to be though..

[@amaliab6682]

The one from the ordinary goes way back, it really isn't marketed as a "hair growth" serum though, it's more for people with dry scalp? I have scalp psoriasis and an extremely dry scalp and it does help moisturize my scalp and make it less itchy. That's all I'm asking for really. I only wish the bottle was bigger.

[@chaqillenikita748]

“With a sphere, it is like a circle - but worse.” 🤣 Oh Michelle, you just crack me up! I LOVE your choice of words (as a fellow Aussie, it’s SO refreshing to hear a voice I ‘understand ‘, if that makes sense”) as well as the hilariously polite shade you throw at those bastard salad packers (I’m talking about YOU, Coles 😒.) I subscribed to LMBS just a few weeks ago, and I’m loving your content so much, particularly as I’m in the process of beginning to reintroduce regular, sensible skincare into my life again (I had a break for about ten years, where I just used water on my face and sunscreen when needed. Surprisingly, I’ve [still] got really good skin for a 40 year old guy!) But yeah, I wanted to say thanks so much for your terrific content, and a shout-out to James Welsh for recommending your channel. He’s awesome, too, isn’t he!? 👍🏼 Stay happy and healthy Chaq x

[@jhannahsoriano4597]

Ive had no problem with the l-ascorbic powder so far. Ive used a third of the jar already. Probs bc ive been really stingy with it. I do two drops of the hada labo HA toner and a small pinch of the powder. Under shooting works with these products i guess. Im a student and this is still a better alternative to other l-ascorbic serums which in my experience go rancid before i go through half the bottle.

[@PL-qs1ig]

You see your skin get brighter?

[@labyrinthe4830]

ok so the only problem was the scoop.

[@Minsooky]

I’m really disappointed that TO would release something so irresponsibly 😣

[@FeliciaKrismanta]

Most of their serums are borderline dangerous high percentage. But they're not meant for people who aren't willing to educate themselves anyway

[@MrsCurioCheerio]

Felicia That’s why it made me roll my eyes when the BHA peeling solution became “trendy” to use. Like certain skincare products shouldn’t be on trend, people need to research and tailor products to fit their _own_ needs

[@PassionPno]

@@MrsCurioCheerio I cringed at the 30% AHA solution. I was like hell no.

[@nualamccarthy259]

Just used lAlpha Lipoic acid am completely swollen, bright red and insanely itchy 🥵🥵

[@Aki-hb1jy]

Nuala McCarthy that one has a side effect of getting red skin and itching. Also did you try testing out the product first or straight up use it on your skin lol?

[@bommybwin]

I have actually tried the l-ascorbic acid powders, and I felt my skin's sensitivity increase by like a dozen-fold. It burned so much, but I kept going for a couple days until I felt that the powders weren't worth it. I had a feeling that the concentration was way more than it was suppose to, but this video pretty much confirmed my suspicions :(

[@mathryn_m]

Assistant scientist speaking here in pharmaceutical product testing- skincare should be fun, so I want a break from doing my job at home. 🤣 Great points in your video!

[@podpoe]

Thank you for pointing this out! I have always been abit intimidated by the ordinary because I dont know much about safe percentages, etc. I also totally agree that there is a trend of chasing higher percentages! Thankfully I did a bit of research and found that I should start low and work my way up if needed, so the products I own are in a reasonable range. Thank you for sharing your experise! Love all the math in this video!!

[@anonymous6594]

I’ve tried close to 15 Deciem products and I haven’t found one that I felt worked for me. I see better results with Cerave.

[@dafnagode6435]

Michelle this was such a great and informational review! I truly hope you don't get blacklisted (BTW brands that do this need to be called out- if they're not up to understanding negative reviews in order to improve their products, what on earth are they doing making products?) because you always give us such important and reasoned videos. I agree that percentage chasing is becoming quite an annoying and possibly dangerous game. Higher percentages aren't always better, and having the same "buzz-worthy" active in EVERYTHING can actually be bad for your skin. A good example is HA: it works super well at such a small percentage, but if you keep putting it up very high on the INCI list and in ALL OF THE THINGS, you won't get any better results. As a matter of fact, some people are seeing irritation and it's probably due to having excessive HA in a dry environment because all of their skincare products now have HA: in the toner, serum, moisturiser, etc. I just wish brands like The Ordinary had lower percentages of actives in their serums. Now that I think about it, they actually do offer lower percentages in things like their retinols and Lactic Acid serums (I think they have 5 and 10%), so why not in their Niacinamide line?

[@LED2ify]

I'm a biological technician and I mix things with tiny amounts of dangerous ingredients to treat my cell cultures with every day. I still wouldn't want to put anything I mixed in the lab on my face, let alone something I mixed *at home* without proper equipment

[@96Jazangel]

Ever since Estée Lauder bought The Ordinary some of their latest releases haven’t been as helpful as advertised.

[@luciemedici]

its not an Estee Lauder issue. the problem with The Ordinary is that they try to save money and periodically change where they get their ingredients :) so you may buy one serum, and the second time you get it its not the same, etc. etc.

[@MrDestroyeah]

@CLyss yes, and deciem was partially bought by Estee Lauder

[@eviejynx4550]

DECIEM was not bought by Estée Lauder, stop pulling shit out of your ass. Please research, EL is a minor stock share holder. That does not mean that they bought DECIEM, don’t be vapid.

[@xtian384]

Evie Jynx Someone drank some vinegar with their coffee this morning ....

[@eviejynx4550]

x tian shut up old woman

[@SamMKKK]

Lol your frustration throughout this video was palpable, friend. Thank you for this.

[@Elphaba555]

I juuust got their email about this product and was very skeptical. Thanks for saving me the $!

[@lexaluisa3275]

I bought the powder last year and never used it cause I didn't know how. I've started using it maybe 2 months ago and I absolutely love it 😍 I take half from this little plastic spoon and it's perfectly fine for my face🥰 I never used acids on my face before but I still went for it and I'm really happy I did it🤷🏽‍♀️ Normally I only use it at pm and mix it in my hand with my moisturizer. Never used it in the morning cause I'm pretty sure the sun will do too much damage(even tho I use like half a tube of spf😂) I had acne/still getting pimples and my dark scars are all gone+ my dark circles around my mouth and eyes went all away. Honestly I know nothing about skincare, but this stuff is magic for my skin and I will absolutely keep using it 🥰

[@sherryg1838]

Thank you for the explanation. I recently learned something about this from The Beauty Brains podcast. I sent them an audio question asking if we needed a separate 10% niacinimide serum. In response to my question, Perry Romanski said something similar to what you have said in this video. Thanks again for all the helpful info, I appreciate all the hard work you do for our benefit.

[@cloeschops1478]

I studied science but don’t feel like calculating and measuring this when i do my skincare. It Needs to be easy and quick to use for me...

[@whatsinthekoolaid]

Sience

[@tina9906]

Sience

[@r.k862]

hi

[@Akankshazmaze]

Also talk about Paula's Choice 20% niacinamide serum. I think Paula's Choice started this.

[@TheRuthyc]

Akanksha Agrawal that stuff burned my face so bad, it took a month to get over everything but water stinging my face horribly. There is o evidence that 20%works. My face is still hypersensitive. It also caused a bunch of wrinkles under my eyes that seem they are here to stay. And I didn’t put it under my eyes but it migrated there.

[@seeyoucu]

@@TheRuthyc I'm so sorry to hear that! You might try a couple of glycolic acid peels at a dermatologist's office to help with undereye wrinkles. I say go to a derm because they actually track your progress (usually) and you can hold them accountable. Wishing you well!

[@chaqillenikita748]

Oh wow, that’s just awful. You poor thing! This sort of thing really concerns me, because, to my knowledge, most of the people who are really into using and experimenting with these actives are people who already have “proper” skin issues (like sensitivity, rosacea, acne, eczema etc,) and are therefore going to be MUCH more susceptible to any adverse reactions that occur through improper and/or first time use. I believe the onus is on the cosmeceutical industry to PROPERLY educate, inform, and warn consumers about the pros and cons of DIY skincare chemistry.

[@Akankshazmaze]

@@TheRuthyc I'm feel so sorry for you😱. I can't imagine how horrible it must be. I really hope you get over the sensitivity. If you ever wish to go down the niacinamide labe.. olay total effects has niacinamide at about 5%(maximum) concentration. This is the best concentration as per Dr Dray. I also suggest you check out her channel. The lady talks absolute sense like our Lab Muffin.

[@Akankshazmaze]

@@chaqillenikita748 absolutely. I agree with you. Also as a consumer, we should take every advertisement with a grain of salt. Even though Paula's Choice has many good products, then it releases something like 20% niacinamide to boost it's sales.. this is bad.

[@solveigw]

I never finished my chemistry degree, but I know that measuring out stuff without exact equipment is a pain in the youknowwhat! Also the whole " more is better" - thing. Nope! Just nope! Thank you for this video.

[@thebeautybloss]

First thing I thought when I heard that the instructions were to add 1/4 scoop was.... 1/4 scoop to how much cream/serum? Is it still a 1/4 scoop if you want to add to a body product? Like, the amount of cream I’d use for my arm is a huge difference to the amount I’d use on my face. Totally with you on this one Michelle. In the wrong hands (and let’s face it, probs >95% of us) this could be irritating and/or dangerous.

[@JustinDanielsStar]

I misjudged quantities with their pure l-ascorbic acid powder and literally caused blisters on my skin. Mind you I never even had a reaction to tretinoin.

[@erikstrait2887]

I think you are now my favorite KZbinr for skincare (in addition to Dr. Dray). Being a chemistry major, I completely appreciate your logical and research-based approach. Thank you!!!!!!!

[@deborahfitch446]

"Science theater." Good one, but scary at the same time. That's pretty cheap that they did not provide the correct size scoop.

[@christinemott2878]

whts wrong w more than one scoop .omg lazy

[@BeyondBrii]

Christine Mott it’s too big, not too small

[@noelly89]

These companies should pay for her insight. She is a legitimate scientist and conscientious consumer/influencer.

[@snkfrk10]

“A lot of Science theatre” Excellent summation.

[@megand699]

You're the best! Please never stop educating us.

[@AprilBasi]

Yes thank you for this review as a chemist I always thought that these products where way you harsh to be put out in the market for possible misuse by the consumers!

[@lindabruce2295]

I just discovered you today (Aug 2020) and I am so thrilled to finally see a scientific approach to these products. As a nutritionist I could not agree with you more on your comments, particularly about the measuring challenges of the powders.

[@feelsykershey]

"a circle but worse" really got me laughing

[@Belladonna130776]

I saw a 'cosmetic chemist' flouting the crap outta these products on social media. I was appalled. So glad to see you, Michelle, maintaining your integrity and not chasing click$$$. Really hope you don't get blacklisted. Please beauty gods, don't silence honest voices!

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

Are you sure they're a cosmetic chemist? Every cosmetic chemist I've talked to has said this was an obviously bad idea 😬😬😬

[@Belladonna130776]

@@LabMuffinBeautyScience Just checked, the blog says: 'pharmaceutical scientist with a clinical research background'

[@emilyfishburn6701]

I use the Vitimin C powder and mix it with my moisturiser (as advised by The Ordinary) and it seems to work really well 🤔

[@chloelo6415]

Everything you said was on point, as a person who RELIED on the niacinamide to save my face. Yes, that product is FOR ME. I struggle with acne for decades. Combined with sensitive skin many conventional topical acne creams simply irritate and burn my skin. And then I stumbled upon a research paper discovering that 4% niacinamide cream over 8 weeks works on par with some standard topical acne treatment. Before Ordinary released this product, I went through the miserable life of hunting down pure niacinamide supplements in the form of capsules and cracking those capsules open and make a mess while I make my 4% niacinamide solution. BUT IT WORKED. It was the ONLY THING that ever worked. I tried to stop using it for two months and oooooooh the amount of acne that made a comeback! As soon as the Ordinary announced the powder, it’s a no brainier for me. No more capsule cracking. But then, I never try to go anywhere above 5%. The research said 4% is effective. So I targeted 4%. So, I think, while these products do pose a danger for users to overdose, a similar argument can be made for fixed concentration products; you cannot stop the consumers to apply it 100 times within a day. I’m sure that is dangerous as well! I am very thankful that the Ordinary released the niacinamide powder. It saved my face. That said, since I am targeting the 4% as shown to be effective by the research paper, I am not dosing it every time I apply a serum. I mixed a fixed amount to a new bottle of moisturising serum. I think the criticism on its suggestion of adding a quarter scope each serum dosage is very valid. It’s also annoying AF.

[@chloelo6415]

Also a follow up: I did advanced level chemistry so I DID THE CALCULATION. No one really should attempt this without understanding the maths!

[@emmt1256]

I would of liked a niacinamide toner instead

[@Dianalynn62]

I was going to purchase this powder and just add a dab to an AHA...but I'm 58 and after watching your video...what you say makes sense...so, thank you.

[@PeerCoxFashionRec]

These are litterally my two favorite products from the ordinary, never had any irritation or anything. In the beginning I used a whole scoop of the vitamin c and it might tingle a bit but that is with all the high strength vitamin c serums the case. I think these products are wonderful.I mean if you get irritation you can use less product.. like with any product but this just feels much more customizable

[@WarDoll84]

Just found your channel and I have to say "well done"!! I love how clear and concise you are. I love the food analogies and the visualizations. But mostly I love that you don't use the word "like" or "um" while addressing your audience. Very informative, thanks!!!

[@mahnoor2096]

The 10% niacinamide really made me break out until someone told me to try using less of it. I used to pour soo much of it on my hand and rub it in and clearly it was too much for my skin (which isn't even sensitive!) to handle.

[@adapv9584]

can you please tell me how much do you use? I have been using this product for months but it sometimes breaks me out and it always leaves me really shiny and maybe a bit tacky..

[@karinabliss2671]

Adamantia P i only use like 1/5-1/6 of the dropper (hardly any) and i focus it on my oilier areas and use the excess on the rest of my face. For me, a little goes a long way

[@mahnoor2096]

@@adapv9584 I use two very small drops max, usually just one, morning and night. I also waited 4 weeks to see if my breakouts were from purging or if they were gonna continue. Thankfully they stopped after 4 weeks esp after I started using less of the serum 👍

[@933roastduck]

Mix with a ceramide serum like I do. So it lessen the strength. It helps. Also ceramide help to strengthen your barrier.

[@MadDeviSri]

Adamantia P I use like one drop on top of my moisturizer and only ond the spots with hyperpigmentation. Else it irritates the hell out of my skin

[@fontainemullins5620]

I love the L-Ascorbic Acid Powder, it has helped so much with pigmentation! It is stupid that they don't give us a smaller scoop. I use the back of a pair of tweezers to take a small amount out.

[@xxmagica]

Hey Michelle, can you please do a video on anti-aging skincare ingredients? Like what might work versus what won't do anything?

[@karmaa9179]

I felt the same way. But when I tried measuring the scoop, it was about .3 grams +-. 1. So it would be too much for 2 ml serum also not accurate for the reasons you outlined. But I found a better way was to use it as a sheet mask. I'd add 1 g powder to 5 ml water and 5 ml HA that I would keep in my fridge. And I'd have one of those DIY Korean sheet masks. It's also relaxing as it's cold.

[@faceonnailsdonehairdid]

I was thinking about trying the Niacinamide powder too but now I'm rethinking it. Would you be willing to show us mere mortals how to properly calculate or make our own niacinamide serum, please? Maybe using a hyaluronic acid serum as a base and just showing us how much we should mix of the niacinamide powder per ml (essentially doing Deceim's job for them)? Think it would a lot more economical for those interested in buying the powder than buying a niacinamide serum, I'd be confident I was using the right amount with your guidance.

[@rexolaires956]

This was an incredibly informative and useful review. I always hesitated to put the powders in my cart and ended up removing them. This solidifies my caution. Thank you so much for making this video!!!

[@natzw8222]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this, it’s much appreciated! I love The Ordinary’s Niacinamide + zinc serum & was thinking of giving the powder a go but wondered if I’d mix it correctly. Think I might just stick with the solution for now 😊

[@suzannetalbert8799]

If I was a skin care product manufacturer I would hire you to analyze a product before I ever put it out on the market!!!! Your insight is golden

[@Tmbpdbt]

Please do a video about dosing, eg a single drop of niacinamide serum for the whole face versus 5 drops.

[@adylaar6708]

Yes, how do they affect the experience? I mean some ppl have bigger surface area so it makes sense to have the a range of drops but how much is too muchor too littlw?

[@Aki-hb1jy]

5 drops?? That’s kinda overkill lol 😂. 2-3 drops is usually enough for the whole face, +1 for the neck.

[@lavender_haze]

Shit y’all I do a whole dropper full

[@reddeadandangryatcapitalism]

This was so informative, I was definitely getting caught in the percentages trap. Saved by good information, thank you!!

[@Jasmine-lj1ou]

Imagine being smart enough to have a chemistry PhD...😁 Love your videos, so informative and appreciate the effort you put in. 🥰

[@mesCheerios]

yesss genuine informed critique = a more trustworthy beauty vlogger

[@matheuswerly5320]

In my university, we stopped recommending patients to dose their medicine with spoons. Now we supply a little cup for liquid medicine, for measuring the dose precisely. If the medicine was tasty and sweet, they were drinking in a big full spoon, if not, they were taking the minimum possible to cover the spoon. As a pharmacist student I understand that dosing is something tricky, that even other health professionals might have it wrong. So I am somewhat against these Ordinary products because we never know how a person would use. Yes, these people can be quite creative when inventing things. Here in Brazil I watched a video that a woman tested a 35% vitamin C serum. Anyway, it is quite good that channels like this tries to warn people to be more conscious about the safety of everything they use.

[@saritshull3909]

Doesn’t your medicine come with a measuring spoon in it? We either get spoons with 1/2 and full markings or little cups with ml on the side

[@matheuswerly5320]

@@saritshull3909 Here where I live is more common to have the cup with mL on the side. At least on the pharmacy of my university this is the most common. Having a graded spoon seem to be even better, by the way. Well, the most important thing is to take the medicine following the pharmacy's recommendation.

[@saritshull3909]

Matheus Werly what I mean is that it literally comes packed in the syrup box. It’s not even something the chemist gives you.

[@matheuswerly5320]

@@saritshull3909 Now I get it. Well, the pharmacy I mentioned is a magistral one, that we take the prescription and produce internally in the exact concentration that the doctor asked. So now we have better packages with that cup with mL. It was before I entered when the recommendation was to use ordinary spoons, something that led to the context of my first comment. The pharmacy of my university is where we take a 90 hour internship, we serve the community with medicine with only the cost of the materials. The aim was to give the medicine for free, since Brazil has a unique public health system, but currently it is asked for the price of the materials. There were a time that the pharmacy would even sell cosmetics (maybe in the 90s) but the legislation has got tougher. In a commercial pharmacy the syrup has always come with a little cup as far as I remember. Powers usualy comes with a spoon inside the package you described. I had my mind on another context.

[@ellamikaela284]

THANK GOD FOR THIS VID. Been putting pure L-Ascoribic acid on my phase for months!

[@kzvegansuperstar]

Hi Michelle, I love your science-based, no-nonsense approach to understanding skincare. Would you do a review of the Dr. Sam Skincare line? I think your perspective on it would be very valuable!

[@carolsatyastadell2191]

The king of diy skincare is skinactives AZ.. I learnt so much about cosmetic ingredients there!

[@Queenfairypants]

It just seems so messy, time consuming and confusing to use a product like this. People will try and use more and more and wreck their skin 😞

[@jimenusky]

I just recently switched from TO's 1% retinol in squalane to a much more expensive, cream formulation, 0,5% from another brand. Thank you for making me feel better about that decision! 😅

[@sal_alaa]

Honestly, I considered getting this because i only use niacinamide occasionally and I don’t have easy access to skincare (I’m in Egypt; shipping is impossible) so I figured it would be nice to have something with a long shelf-life. But the 4x bigger scoop thing was an absolute deal-breaker for me. There is NO WAY i can eyeball that. Plus, I (and I assume most people) don’t own a scale that can measure their “theoretical 0.05g” so I can’t even double check. As a relatively aware consumer (which is a big portion of their demographic), I know not to gamble with my skin like that. I know to stay away from DIY products and inconsistent formulations. So I don’t know who this is targeting.. I love DECEIM, and am a loud supporter of their products, but I’ll be the first to admit they really dropped the ball with this one.

[@angelina6543]

Just buy tiny scoop

[@Nathan10070]

I love how you show us about how ingredient works! I think more people need to understand these kind of things. Btw can you do science behind gold on our skin? In my country, I think something like "gold extract" serum is way overhyped. Thanks!

[@noot-noot-pingu-noot-noot]

This is like if we could DIY our own medications, I like to be able to know what my medicine is and what it does, but there's no way that I'd be able to choose the correct drugs or doses myself. I trust the ordinary to tell me what their ingredients do and which ones go together, but I'd rather buy a formula that has an ingredient in a safe amount that will always be at the same percentage than try and eyeball it myself

[@nimraahmed6473]

the percentage thing is so true, i ran into this issue before w Benzoyl peroxide. great video, thank you!