The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% VS APRILSKIN Real Carrot Blemish Clear Serum

Hey beauty lovers!

Welcome back to my skincare review blog. Today’s review will be a comparison between the highly marketed APRILSKIN Real Carrot Blemish Clear Serum and the highly recommended The Ordinary 10% Niacinamide 1% Zinc. The reason why I am comparing these two products is because the key ingredient for both products is Niacinamide (Vitamin B3). The application of 2% topical niacinamide for 2 – 4 weeks have been found effective in keeping skin moisturized, strengthening skin barrier and stimulating collagen production. At 5%: reduces appearance of age spots by over 25% in 8 weeks. These are just a few benefits listed out. Niacinamide is widely used in many skincare products. This vitamin alone has so much benefits and is very stable meaning it doesn’t irritate the skin as compared to pure Vitamin C. Let’s first dive into the ingredients and analyse it.

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (Made in Canada)

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Ingredients:

Aqua (Water), Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, Zinc PCA, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum, Xanthan gum, Isoceteth-20, Ethoxydiglycol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.

What I love about the product:

· Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) Water-soluble vitamin

I. Improves skin barrier function (Increases biosynthesis if ceramides in the epidermis, this improves the epidermal permeability barrier)

II. Assists in soothing irritations, reduces inflammation

III. Fights free radicals and sun damage

IV. Help fights acne

V. Fades dark spots and brighten skins

VI. Anti-ageing (Due to its ability to concurrently rebuild healthy skin cells while also protecting them from damage caused by ultraviolet rays)

VII. Safe to use it with retinol, peptides, hyaluronic acid, AHAs, BHA, Vitamin C and all types of anti-oxidant.

· Zinc PCA (This ingredient is great for oily, acne prone skin.)

I. Reduces sebum production and strong anti-microbial activity against acne causing bacteria

My thoughts on The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Ingredients:

I am absolutely in love with this product. After just 2 weeks of diligent application (morning & night), I saw a vast improvement in my blemishes (especially old acne scars) and overall skin condition. It has greatly lighten the appearance and diminish the texture (bump) of my old acne scars. My skin type is combination, oily and dry. I am very prone to having hormonal acne with a combination of papules (when pimple becomes so inflamed and irritated, it breaks the cell wall, hardening and becoming a papule) and pustules (like papules but filled with white-yellowish pus). I will definitely keep this product in my skincare routine!

It’s a water based serum (use this before heavier serums) and absorbs into the skin really well. Just a pea size will do, rub it against your palms and gently pat it all over your face. Product is easy to dispense and easy to control. Fragrance free and gentle to the face. Bottle is made out of thick glass, travelling with it will be a bit of a problem but it should be fine if properly protected.

This product is effective and affordable! I will definitely purchase this again! Beware of fakes selling online, it is important to find a reputable retailer and read the reviews of the consumers. I bought mine from Skinx for only $15.90 (30ml)!!! It also comes in 60ml at $29.90. Shipping to Singapore and Malaysia is free!

Rating:

9/10

APRILSKIN Real Carrot Blemish Serum (Made in Korea)

APRILSKIN Real Carrot Blemish Serum Ingredients:

Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Propanediol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Houttuynia Cordata (Chameleon Leaf) Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Extensin, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Water, Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) Extract

What I love about the product:

· Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) Water-soluble vitamin

· Centella Asiatica Extract

· Hyaluronic Acid

· Tea Tree Leaf oil

My thoughts on the APRILSKIN Real Carrot Blemish Serum:

I’ve used this serum for a month and to be honest I see very little improvements in lightening my blemishes. This serum is gel (pretty watery) like, when applied to skin it absorbs really quickly and it’s quite hydrating. I love that is smells like some sort of medicated herb/ointment (smells quite calming), probably because of all the essential oils that is formulated in. I understand some people might stir away from products formulated with essential oils as it can irritate certain skin but it didn’t for me and my skin is on the slightly sensitive side. From time to time I will get some inflamed acne and it does soothes it but doesn’t really bring down the redness unlike the Innisfree Bija Cica Balm EX.

I just wished that more companies were more transparent about the concentration of the active ingredients used in their products. I don’t like how brands market their products with so many promising claims, almost too good to be true. Ironically this product is called Real Carrot Blemish Clear Serum but carrot isn’t the top ingredient. I do like how fun and bright the packaging is, the bottle is plastic making it easy to travel with. The pump dispenser makes it hygienic and easy to control. Unfortunately this product didn’t do much for me except adding nice hydration to my skin. Will I buy it again, no. This is selling at $22.90 on their official website and official shopee store.

Rating: 4/10

Hope you guys found this informative. If you guys have tried it, do let me know what you think of each product. Stay tune for more reviews and comparisons! Stay healthy and protected. #Covid19 #TheOrdinary #APRILSKIN #Niacinamide #Skincare

--Cheryl's Beauty Alley