Skin W1® : Collagen Stimulating Serum

As we grow older, it goes without saying that we all want our skin to age well and keep its youthful bloom. At The Amazing Blog, we’ve been looking for a new age-defying serum, one that’s packed full of antioxidants and science-driven ingredients. With autumn fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking about using a more potent daily skincare, and lucky enough, we were sent this award-winning Collagen Stimulating Serum by Skin W1®. It certainly piqued our interest, with its pioneering ingredients and medical know-how. Did you know that by the age of thirty, collagen production diminishes rapidly, thus affecting the elasticity of the skin; so we couldn’t wait to try this serum.

Skin W1® is science-driven skincare founded by Dr Rabia Malik, an aesthetic doctor and GP who has a particular interest in non-invasive, non-surgical facial rejuvenation and problem skin solutions. Dr Malik completed an attachment in dermatology at the prestigious Johns Hopkins Hospital, in the USA before launching her aesthetic medicine practice in 2011. Today, she is based at The Harrods Wellness Clinic, where Dr Malik offers bespoke skin peels and non-injectable facial rejuvenation to improve skin tone and texture. "My focus is on non-injectable facial rejuvenation and maximum skin health. I specialise in providing bespoke skin peels to help achieve a glowing, natural complexion." In 2021, Dr Malik launched her line of skincare Skin W1® with a range designed to support skin health, in particular, collagen production, these include a cleanser, serum, moisturiser, mask and facial oil. Taking over three years in research and development, she commented on the range, “I didn't want to create a product range focusing on actives already on the market. I wanted to focus on something innovative and new – something we know delivers results." One of these special ingredients includes copper amino acid complex, a combination of methyl glucoside phosphate and copper lysinate/prolinate; these can be found in her serum and moisturiser. It’s best known for boosting the skin's own collagen as well as encouraging elastin production. She went on to say, “I have worked with these active ingredients in the clinic for years, and I wanted to bring these powerful results to clients at home.” All products are free from parabens, sulphates and fragrance (except the serum), and all claim to have non-irritating ingredients. The brand believes that Skin W1®’s three core products can replace other additional products, helping to declutter and simplify a skincare routine. They have a very instructive Ingredient Library here where all the products are listed and explained in full.

The Collagen Stimulating Serum is their hero product, collecting some well-deserved wins at the Beauty Awards London 2021 and Get the Gloss 2021. This is a performance-led serum that has a range of actives that are not typically found in retail skincare. Suitable for all skin types, don’t think that this is just for the 40+ age group; it’s for anyone over 25, which is when collagen levels start to decline. Apart from the 2% methylglucoside phosphate and 2% copper lysinate/prolinate (mentioned above), the niacinamide (vitamin B3) and aminopropyl phosphate (a derivative of vitamin C) also work together for impactful anti-ageing benefits, similar to those of retinol, but as much gentler version; which is why Dr Malik chooses to use these ingredients over others.

The seven key ingredients mentioned are witch hazel extract, niacinamide (AKA vitamin B3), aminopropyl ascorbyl phosphate, 2% methyl glucoside phosphate, 2% copper lysinate/prolinate,  L-carnosine and adenosine, which we will explain.

Witch hazel is antioxidant-rich with tannins, its unique medicinal anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties aid with the vasoconstrictor tightening blood vessels and reducing redness in the skin. Niacinamide (vitamin B3), helps build skin cells, reduces hyperpigmentation, boosts collagen and protein production, and protects skin from environmental stressors. Aminopropyl ascorbyl phosphate, is a form of vitamin C  and an antioxidant used for reducing hyperpigmentation and collagen-boosting; it also helps with the stability of l-ascorbic acid. However, the main anti-ageing ingredients present are the 2% methylglucoside phosphate and 2% copper lysinate/prolinate. These work together by using amino acids to increase collagen and elastin production for firmer, tighter skin. With daily use, a high percentage of the copper amino acid complex will stimulate collagen to plump up the skin and soften fine lines. Finally, the L-carnosine and adenosine are both synthetically manufactured peptides, that assist in wound healing activity, and protect and repair the skin barrier making it more robust.

There are also the ubiquitous skin plumping ingredients that you would expect to find in an anti-ageing serum with hydrolysed hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate (which we have often discussed). Also, there’s one that we haven’t come across before with phenethyl alcohol, it’s a preservative with antimicrobial activity and gives the serum its delicate rose-like scent.

We like that Skin W1® has worked hard to avoid using plastic, which we applaud. The serum comes in a small frosted glass bottle with a pump and with a protective cardboard outer shell, which could be repurposed to store other products or toiletries while travelling. Dr Malik recommends applying this product in the AM or PM using 1-2 pumps on clean skin, massaging it into the face and neck. We liked how the serum is simple to use and absorbs quickly, allowing us to follow it with our regular moisturiser/SPF in the morning, although at night; we felt it was best to use the serum alone, to allow its powerful antioxidants to penetrate the skin and do their work encouraging cell renewal, and plumping up fine lines. Our verdict? It’s very gentle, unlike retinol-based products which tend to give us redness and irritation. It leaves skin soft and more luminous; plus we noticed that it faded some of our pigmentation spots. It does have a hefty price tag, but we think it’s a worthwhile investment. After all, what price can you put on having healthy and youthful-looking skin? To purchase the 30ml Collagen Stimulating Serum for £125.00, see here.

Pickle’s Potions and Lotions : Vegan Lash + Brow Serum

The team at The Amazing Blog knows how difficult it is to find an affordable, vegan lash and brow serum, especially one that is handmade, woman-owned, organic, natural and cruelty-free. Pickle’s Potions and Lotions’ Vegan Lash and Brow Serum ticks all these boxes. This best-seller is an award-winning product, having won the Editor’s Choice in the Beauty Shortlist 2021 Awards and the Bronze Award in the Best Natural Product at UK Global Makeup Awards 2021.

A skincare junkie from a young age, founder Kristin Mutchler’s cabinets were always filled to the brim with perfumes and products, but it wasn’t until she became pregnant with her first child that Pickle’s Potions’ journey began. “As first-time mums are prone to do, I started researching everything and discovered that my skincare products were full of highly suspect ingredients, from hormone disruptors to toxic fragrances,” Kristin went on to say, “I began to make my own products and dove into the science of skincare, researching different ingredients and the chemical composition of plants and oils and how they work in synergy.” She was even more determined to create an all-natural skincare brand that is safe and effective for everyone after discovering her baby was prone to eczema. Kristin’s background in science, having taken several college-level science courses, and her passion for learning about skincare motivated her to take classes in product formulation, aromatherapy and skin care science, which marked the first steps of her brand’s creation. Combine this with her knack for gardening in her rural Maine garden, foraging local surrounding fields and woods for other ingredients too. Pickle’s Potions’ biggest wish is to create products with the best possible ingredients for our precious skin, free from synthetic chemicals, parabens, artificial fragrances and petroleum byproducts. Instead, each non-toxic batch is family-safe, handcrafted and carefully formulated using freshly handpicked botanical ingredients and precious oils in Wayne, Maine. On top of this, each bottle and tube is PETA-certified and has never been tested on animals. With this in mind, their distinctive potions are handcrafted with only 100% pure therapeutic grade essential oils, as well as cold-pressed vegetable oils, butters and botanical extracts. You won’t find any pre-made bases with synthetic colours, fragrances or preservatives. In contrast, everything is handmade in tiny batches to ensure the utmost freshness and potency. As Kristin promises, “I handcraft each batch with compassion and dedication and have poured my heart and soul into this small business.”

Their much-loved Vegan Lash and Brow Serum is a luscious blend of various natural, nutritious oils that have been used for centuries to encourage and stimulate hair growth and health. This product is designed to naturally boost hair growth using the key ingredients of burdock, horsetail, liquorice root, nettle, and meadowsweet-infused camellia seed oil.

Burdock is a plant native to Japan that promotes healthy hair and reverses thinning through an ingredient called arctiin. Meanwhile, horsetail, a non-flowering weed, encourages proper hair growth through its high silica and selenium content. Additionally, liquorice root’s richness in L-carnitine, creatine and glycyrrhiza inflata stimulates hair roots, promoting growth and reducing thinning. Nettle combats hair loss and aids hair growth through its abundance of silica and sulphur as hair follicles are regenerated, and hair breakage is minimised. Lastly, camellia seed oil’s blend of proteins, glycerides and vitamin E conditions and fortifies hair; and when infused with meadowsweet, it can boost scalp and hair health as a natural astringent.

More ingredients in the mix comprise hexane-free castor oil, which lubricates the hair shaft and strengthens hair, unrefined rosehip seed oil, which nourishes hair through its high fatty acid and vitamin content, and sea buckthorn oil replenishes hair through its abundance in fatty acids. Besides the above, you can find vitamin E, vegetable glycerin, candelilla wax, therapeutic grade organic Bulgarian lavender, frankincense carterii and organic rosemary essential oils. Nearly all these ingredients are organic, from burdock to rosehip seed oil. As you can see, an array of nutrients are packed in this little tube – ready to condition lashes and brows, helping them to strengthen and grow. BTW the difference between their regular Lash + Brow Serum and this vegan version is the beeswax used.

What attracted us to this formula was the natural and organic ingredients. If you have permanent make-up brows and eyeliner like us, then there are certain ingredients always to avoid such as retinol, ascorbic and salicylic acid - which fade the pigment. This is why we want to try the natural Vegan Lash + Brows Serum. It’s recommended to apply the serum nightly for both growth and restoration on the lashes and brows. Rest assured, the serum’s thicker consistency won’t drip or run, meaning it won’t irritate the eyes. Despite being thick, we found the serum is highly spreadable, allowing easy application. It can also be used as a clear gel for taming unruly brows. It has a mild and natural castor oil scent and is smooth in texture so that it doesn’t lashes weigh down. We’ve used it regularly for a couple of weeks, taking a break from wearing our Lashify lashes. It’s perfect for reconditioning and hydrating the hair follicles. And in that time, it made our lashes slightly thick and more nourished. However, it probably needs at least 6-9 weeks of regular use to see noticeable results in any sparse areas. It’s a natural brow and lash serum and conditions like no other we’ve tried. It’s another of our #amazingfinds and a product we’d highly recommend adding to your nighttime routine. To purchase a 10ml tube of Pickle’s Potions and Lotions Vegan Lash and Brow Serum at £16.96, see here.

Josie Rose : The Josie Dream Mask

It’s been a while since we featured a face mask on The Amazing Blog, and this Josie Dream Mask caught our eye. It’s an overnight facial mask by Josie Rose, lightweight and gentle, yet hydrating enough to work overnight boosting the complexion.

Anna Daniels founded science-based skincare Josie Rose in 2019, following her successful career as an award-winning dietitian. Growing up in Australia and UK gave her focus on the positive effects of antioxidants in food science, nutrition and viticulture, thus gaining extensive knowledge about the role they play before she started her skincare. “I knew how to nourish skin from the inside, and I wanted to develop a way to do it from the outside too.” With her understanding of nutrition and positive lifestyles, she decided to add to her offerings by creating a skincare product that would become a ritual in her clients' daily routine. The 'gut-skin-mind' ethos gives the brand a completely new and holistic approach. In The Harrowgate Advertiser, Anna said, "Whilst I knew that certain active ingredients benefitted the skin, they were also very drying and could be harsh. My aim was to create a skincare product that was effective and could be used across the age ranges with a simple goal: to improve the health of the skin.” She went on to say, "It was important to create a product where every drop in the formula had a direct benefit on the skin." Based in Harrowgate, the local theme is reflected in her logo with the Yorkshire Rose and microalgae in the centre and petals representing hydration droplets - are a homage to the renowned Harrowgate spring water and the key ingredients. Anna believes that using fewer products reduces the waste in our ecosystem - hence she currently has just one multifunctional product, the hydrating retinol-based Josie Dream Mask. As an overnight mask, it can repair and alleviate the skin from aggressors and environmental damage. Plus, skin cell renewal and turnover increase when the body is in a deep sleep. Her products are natural, recyclable, and cruelty-free. As an example of the clean ingredients, Josie Rose sources the microalgae grown in clean, filtered seawater, and the rose water from organic farming. Anna is in product development with a unique SPF serum, and on a more personal level, Anna has a special love for whales and dolphins, where Josie Rose supports Whales & Dolphins Conservation pledging to donate 1% of all profits.

The multitasking Josie Dream Mask has a total of 38 Ingredients, 23 of which are natural and sustainably sourced with active nutrients and antioxidants. It is water-based and intensely moisturises the skin leaving it more hydrated with fine lines plumped up. Applied as an overnight mask, it can replace, or work with regular nighttime skincare. We think it’s better used alone to get the full benefits of all these natural activities. Usually, we would go into each ingredient in detail, but on this occasion, we’ll leave you to look at their ingredients section for a full explanation. We’ve picked out a few of the key ingredients below:

It is packed with 20% actives and has a potent combination of 5% micro-encapsulated retinol (1% pure) and 1% bakuchiol with stable vitamin C. The micro-encapsulated retinol is what sets it apart. It contains the highest level of retinol you can get over the counter, as it’s micro-encapsulated, which means it works at a deeper level without any irritation. Their small molecule size allows them to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin, improving fine lines and increasing collagen and elastin production. Bakuchiol extract is from the psoralea corylifolia (babchi) plant's leaves and seeds. It is a compound recognised as a phyto-retinol and a natural alternative to synthetic retinol. It works the same way as retinol but is also an anti-inflammatory. Vitamin C is known to stabilise retinol, and is a powerful antioxidant, offering protection from oxidative stress. Also, it has a biodegradable delivery system which delivers lipophilic active agents, including fat-soluble vitamins and botanicals, into the outer layers of the skin.

The Australian botanicals are kangaroo paw and Tasmanian pepperberry (both of which we’ve featured before). The kangaroo paw is full of fatty acids, which encourage cell growth. The ferulic acid in the flower offers keratinocytes, fibroblasts, collagen and elastin to enhance the skin. It also acts as a photoprotective agent from harmful UV rays. The Tasmanian pepperberry comes from a shrub found in south-eastern Australia. It reduces inflammation, redness and sensitivity and consists of the powerful active polygodial, which has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

The ultra-nourishing ‘Natural Moisturising Factors’ (NMFs as Anna refers to them) are a blend of humectants and emollients with ectoin, hyaluronic acid, lecithin, plant squalane and urea. When combined, they hydrate the skin, helping it maintain a dewy, plumped up, smooth texture.

There’s also a blend of super active microalgae, rose stem cells, fermented honey and cold-pressed plant oils like papaya, melon and cucumber seed. These give optimum skin hydration, keep the skin cells regenerating, and protect the epidermal barrier.

The Josie Dream mask is housed in a recyclable plastic-free sea green glass cylinder with an airless pump to ensure stability and efficiency. Once a product is exposed to light and air, any active ingredients will lose their potency. It’s designed to be used 2-3 times per week depending on skin type or concerns. We used it solo and with a serum - which honestly wasn’t needed, with the plethora of goodies here to feed the skin. As we have sensitive skin we were a little cautious given the high retinol content. However, our concerns were unfounded, it was gentle enough to use around the eye area, with no skin tingling and was very light and easy to apply. A big plus is that it has no added fragrance, and a thin layer felt more like a cream than a mask. We loved how it left our skin hydrated and glowing in the morning. What a bonus! It's another of our #amazingfinds and one we’d like to recommend. Forget your regular night cream and make this your investment overnight skincare, as it’s worth every penny. To purchase this 30ml Josie Dream Mask for £68.00, see here.

INCLUSEV : Powdered Handwash Lemon, Lime & Thyme Oil

As regular readers of The Amazing Blog will know, new beauty and wellbeing discoveries are very much our thing…. And today, we take a look at the British indie and sustainable brand INCLUSEV with their ‘ADD AQUA COLLECTION’ Powder Handwash. It’s a waterless beauty brand that offers natural products with a high concentration of actives and longer shelf life. It also means smaller amounts are used, so you get ‘more bang for your buck’.

Monica Chandak started INCLUSEV after a 13-year career in the cosmetic industry. She has copious experience within the beauty industry, working as a cosmetic chemist in full R&D, manufacturing and quality control, and has created over 600 different cosmetic formulations. Monica wanted to develop her own anhydrous formulations (waterless) cosmetic brand; this took three years to achieve, with over 150 trials before INCLUSEV was launched. She has produced a range called ‘ADD AQUA’, which provides a complete waterless cleansing routine with four key products: Handwash, Facewash, Bodywash, and Shampoo. As Monica says, “We’re changing the beauty industry one product at a time, with concentrated powder formulas that eliminate waste. Our high-performance products are backed by science, with water-activated formulas that offer powder-to-foam power for a new look of beauty for you and the planet.” The brand focuses on sustainability and transparency with this vegan waterless powder-to-foam collection. All products have 100% active ingredients, making them less wasteful, and more cost-effective than other liquid products, usually made using around 80% water and only 20% actives. INCLUSEV doesn’t use fillers, sulphates, phthalates, synthetic colours, fragrances, or parabens. Plus, they’re cruelty-free and not tested on animals. Their packaging is sustainable using biopolymer, made from sugarcane fibre and is 100% recyclable. It’s also a gender-neutral skincare formulated and produced in small batches here in the UK.

This natural condensed Powdered Handwash, which we tried has a science-based formula and only uses clean, plant-based, and organic ingredients. It comes in two different scents: ‘Lemon, Lime & Thyme Oil’ or ‘Coriander, Lemongrass & Tea Tree Oil’.

We received the ‘Lemon, Lime & Thyme Oil’. The active ingredients are: Sodium cocoyl isethionate and sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate, both derived from coconut, giving the Handwash its foaming capabilities. The coconut milk powder helps to lock in hydration and nourish the skin. Kaolin is a clay and offers a silkiness and creaminess to the soap, and lactic acid is here to balance the skin's pH level. Thyme oil is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial, offering protection, and tetrasodium pyrophosphate is added during saponification to prevent the powder from producing scum.

Whereas the eight organic ingredients are: Zea mays starch which acts as an absorbent. Oryza sativa (Asian rice) starch and distarch phosphate (derived from vegetable starch) are both texturising agents. Tapioca starch is a natural deodoriser and helps to soften the skin. Inulin is a type of prebiotic and natural humectant that draws moisture into the skin. Pyrus malus fruit extract (from apples) is high in antioxidants to protect skin from free radicals, and its AHAs - malic acid has the added benefit of mildly exfoliating the skin. Aloe conditions the skin and is excellent for soothing any dryness or irritation. The citrus limon juice powder is another ingredient that also banishes soap scum, and prevents oxidation in oils to help extend shelf life. The lemon peel oil is part of the relaxing and refreshing scent.

This concentrated powder gives the Powdered Handwash 4 x times the number of washes as its liquid counterpart. So, a 50g product should provide up to an astonishing 125 washes! What we like is that it doesn’t contain water or any questionable additives and is simple to use. All you do is add water to a couple of powder sprinkles which activates the handwash into a slightly foamy lather. The smell? A hint of herby thyme with undertones of vanilla, then top citrus notes, give it an overall garden freshness. Our hands were left naturally scented, hydrated and squeaky clean. There are two different size options, 25g and 50g, which can be packed away neatly for travel, and are very convenient for those on the go. With festival season in full swing, this Powdered Handwash is a must-have for hassle-free hygiene, i.e. when the portaloos run out of soap!

We applaud the brand for being so forward-thinking and planet-friendly with their waterless products, which we predict are the way of the future. To purchase the 25g Powdered Handwash for £13.00 or the 50g Handwash for £24.00, see here 

Floragy : No 1 Strengthening Hair Oil

More so than any other time of year, the balmy British summer days bring humidity, giving our hair the dreaded frizz… Every summer at The Amazing Blog, it becomes a bit of a mission to find a nourishing and hydrating haircare to tame our flyaway locks, which is why we want to talk about Floragy's No 1 Strengthening Hair Oil, which Edwina judged at the 2022 Beauty Shortlist Awards, where it was awarded an Editor's Choice.

Floragy is a natural skincare brand, founded in 2019 by Louisa Tidy, She started the company after stepping down from her fast-paced city world and moving to the countryside to embrace a slower pace of life. "I was exhausted after a full-on career travelling and working too many hours and wanted to take some time to rebalance my life. I’d always suffered from dry skin but as I’ve got older, I’ve found I need extra protection during the colder months. After some extensive research and experimenting, I created a few recipes for skincare products which my skin reacted well to, and I preferred over my usual products.” Louisa also became involved with various holistic practices such as acupuncture, homoeopathy and mediation, together with natural ingredients and studying how they could improve one's wellbeing. After a few years of testing and developing formulas, she launched Floragy with the ethos that ‘less is more’ keeping their ingredients to a minimum and using only key botanicals. In an interview with Faversham Life, Louisa revealed how they came up with the brand name, "We dreamt up the name Floragy by combining 'flora' and 'foraging." Floragy, as the name suggests, is made up of only natural botanicals; it’s clean and transparent with easy-to-understand labelling and focuses on using the healing powers of plant-based ingredients. Since its inception, Floragy’s focus is on its eco credentials and sustainability. Ingredients are sourced from local farmers and ethical producers, and the packaging is recyclable and has glass bottles and jars with aluminium lids. They also offer a refill option for the haircare range, so there’s less waste is generated from the pipette applicators. It’s a vegan and 100% cruelty-free brand and lists all the product ingredients and their benefits on its website here.. Floragy gives back by planting a minimum of 10 trees a month through One Tree Planted, they donaten10% of all sales of their Restore Body Oil to the Ocean Generation, and has pledged to be net zero carbon by 2040 as part of the SME Climate Hub.

The No 1 Strengthening Hair Oil is one of Floragy's most popular and well-loved products and with good reason. This product is designed to soften and strengthen dry hair as well as soothing and moisturising the scalp. When used for styling, it offers more defined curls and worked brilliantly on our unruly hair.

There are only five ingredients, coconut oil which hydrates and enhances the hair's lubrication, making it easier to style and manage. It also increases shine and helps prevent frizz. Argan oil is probably the key ingredient with its many benefits. It’s rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, and helps improve dryness, smooths and detangles the hair, and protects it from damage. Olive squalane is an excellent conditioner and helps restore hydration to the hair and scalp. It also softens the hair texture and adds shine without adding any greasiness. The two essential oils are sweet orange and bergamot; apart from their zesty fragrance they also provide other hair and scalp benefits. The sweet orange is full of vitamin C to purify the scalp and aid healthy hair growth; bergamot is full of antioxidants which shield the hair and scalp against the damaging effects of oxidative stress, and antimicrobials which stop bacteria.

Hair oils can be applied in many ways, post-wash, added to shampoo as a boost, or even as an overnight hair and scalp treatment. We do post-wash for condition and styling, and use oils overnight as a treatment. But adding to shampoo as a boost? Well, that was a first for us. When we tried combining it with shampoo, it stopped any stripping or straw-like effects, that we sometimes get from testing out various haircare. We highly recommend trying this method if you have any of these issues. We’d also like to add that this No 1 Strengthening Hair Oil was particularly suitable for our dry ends and for smoothing long, fine and textured hair. Hair oils are an essential part of our haircare, mainly used as a detangler and to help deter further split ends. Floragy offers three different hair oils, all of which have specific benefits. The No 2 Conditioning Hair Oil is lighter and probably best for bleached or damaged chemically treated hair, it helps to bring back condition and shine. And the No 3 Smoothing Hair Oil is another award-winning hair oil, that’s excellent for sealing in moisture and adding extra shine.

Apart from leaving hair smelling deliciously fresh and citrusy, this No 1 Strengthening Hair Oil made it shiner, softer and curls more defined. This is why Floragy is another of our #amazingfinds and a go-to for its simple, natural and effective haircare ingredients. To purchase the 15ml No 1 Strengthening Hair Oil at £14 see here, or £25 for 30ml, both have refill options.