A retinol for sensitive skin from IT Cosmetics and first impressions....

 

This product was kindly gifted to me, without obigation.

A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to be invited to the (online) launch of the latest skincare offering from IT Cosmetics. I was extremely intrigued because I know that the brand always keeps sensitive skin in mind (and develops its skincare products with plastic surgeons), but we all know that retinol can cause irritation. I was also intrigued by the fact that its a serum in a cream. The brand kindly sent out silk pyjamas, an eye mask, the new product and their well loved Confidence In A Cream Moisturiser* and Eye Cream*. The star of the show and main focus of the event was the new release: Hello Fresh Wrinkle Reducing Daily Retinol Serum-In_Cream*. Obviously with a retinol product, it's too early to give a full review, but I wanted to tell you a bit about it an give my first impressions, as this is already selling out!

Retinol really is a brilliant ingredient, and one that everyone over 30 (at the latest), should be using because it encourages faster cellular renewal and it also encourages collagen production, leading to younger-looking skin. The problem with it is, it can cause flaking and irritation, particularly on sensitive skin, or when being used for the first time, or after a break.

The great thing about this product is that it is a serum in a cream, so it gives the benefits of retinol, but it is also cocooned within a moisturiser. It is a dual retinol serum (free and encapsulated serum), combined with the balancing ingredients of niacinamide and Vitamins B5 and E, which counteract the flaking or irritation usually associated with retinol.

If you are new to retinol, I personally wouldn't recommend using daily initially (although that is in the name!) - I think that it is better to build up to daily use. The lovely Rose, who was doing the presentation, recommended using it as many times a week, as the decades you have lived, which I found very interesting. You can then build up to daily use. Obviously, the advice is to use a high SPF the morning after use (however that's something you should be doing daily anyway!). When asked what percentage of retinol was in the product, Rose said that the brand haven't released that information, as it is relative to other ingredients in the cream.

To use, you apply to clean, dry skin, avoiding the orbital area and, interestingly creased areas, such as the chin and nasolabial folds (and obviously any areas that are badly inflamed). If you find that your skin is tingly, or feeling a little sensitive after use, you can use the Confidence In a Cream* as a buffer, as this contains ceramides and peptides, which will protect the skin's barrier.

I love the press down dispenser, both because it means less waste, but mainly because it protects the efficacy of the product itself. It's, obviously, more hygienic too. It has a beautiful, light texture, which sinks into the skin immediately and is a pleasure to use. 

Like I said at the beginning, it is too soon for me to give a full review, but what I can say so far is that I have not experienced any peeling, sensitivity, or adverse effects at all - no dryness or redness the morning after use. My skin feels smooth, and despite having pneumonia and being really ill, my skin looks fresh. So far, so good and I expect it to continue that way. I'll update on my Instagram when I finish the tub (as I always do with my empties), but I expect to be saying only very positive things! It's a while since I used skincare from this brand, but this has made me want to try more. As you know, I love their makeup - post here.

Available from Brown Thomas*, Arnotts* and Cult Beauty* at €69/£58 for 50ml but it's also available in a 20ml tube, if you would prefer to just test the water with it.

Have you tried this product yet? Are you tempted to? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Thanks for reading!

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All products are bought by me, unless otherwise stated. Anything marked with a * has been kindly gifted, without obligation. I don't do sponsored posts. Opinion is always my own. Affiliate links may be used.