[INITIAL REVIEW] : Apotheke Science Niacinamide 10%

[Disclaimer: Product was gifted by brand but all opinions are entirely my own]. 

A pleasant day to everyone! I am sharing my very first review today and the spotlight is on for APOTHEKE SCIENCE. This brand is already a household name among the Philippine Beauty Community, without a doubt. I had been on a bout with myself whether I should get this serum or not for I still have a lot of unopened items in my stash. However, a good friend who has been raving about it finally gave me that necessary push. Fortunately, the brand has generously gifted me with the serum together with their facial wash and toner. Read on as I share my impressions and experiences about their best-selling Niacinamide 10% Serum.

"Also known as vitamin B3 and nicotinamide, niacinamide is a water-soluble vitamin that works with the natural substances in your skin to help visibly improve enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, fine lines and wrinkles, dullness, and a weakened surface.

Niacinamide also reduces the impact of environmental damage because of its ability to improve skin’s barrier (its first line of defense), plus it also plays a role in helping skin to repair signs of past damage. Left unchecked, this type of daily assault makes skin appear older, dull, and less radiant."

Description from Paula's Choice Website

BRAND HISTORY:

Apothēkē Science is a locally, handcrafted skincare line created by a Molecular Biologist and a Medical Doctor. Their products claim to combat major skin problems such as acne, fine lines, wrinkles, eczema, and rosacea. Formulated with only the finest of natural ingredients, Apothēkē's products deliver all the necessary agents to protect your skin against outside pollutants and irritants. Absolutely all organic without the following:

No parabens

No GMO

No sulfates 

No silicones 

No toxins

No synthetic chemicals

No additives

INGREDIENTS: 

10% Niacinamide in a bed of Aloe vera gel, aloe vera extract and seaweed extract. 

VOLUME: 

60 ML

PRICE: 

Php 249.00 or USD 4.90.

CLAIMS:

- Minimizes lines and wrinkles 

- Restores skin radiance

- Reduces blemishes, calms breakouts and unclogs pores.

- Combats oily skin by balancing natural sebum levels

- Improves skin's barrier function, preventing it from losing water and protecting it from pollutants and irritants.

- Protects skin against damage from sun exposure.

DIRECTIONS: 

Pour several drops on your fingers and spread all over face until covered by a slightly thick layer. Best used after Apotheke Science Firming and Cleansing Toner. (Review on that soon).

IMPRESSIONS:

- Housed in a (cute and fat) dark glass bottle with a pump.

- Has a fresh aloe vera scent similar to usual aloe vera gels in the market.

- Clear, viscous consistency that is evenly spreadable and is quickly absorbed by the skin.

EXPERIENCE:

I have been using the serum for two weeks, both AM and PM routine. I use two pumps in the morning to avoid any possible tackiness while using three pumps in the evening.

THOUGHTS:

PROS:

 Packaging is commendable. Most of the Niacinamide serums I own are housed in glass droppers. Personally, I prefer pump bottles as it's easier for me to control the amount of product being dispensed.

 Niacinamide in a bed of aloe vera gel is a masterpiece. I have two other serums that both contain 10% Niacinamide and I believe these were too potent to be tolerated by my skin. Soaking the product in aloe vera must have diluted it somehow, making it gentler and perfect for sensitive skin.

Texture shot #1:

  Noticeable mitigation of breakouts. Prior to using this serum, new pimples would typically pop here and there every one to two days. No new-born zits thus far in the 2-week duration of using the serum.

 Excessive sebum production as has been reduced as well. I wake up to a dewy and plump looking skin.

 No tacky feeling despite not being lightweight. Can be used day and night.

Texture Shot #2:

CONS:

 Packaging, while it may be convenient for usage at home, may also be a con if this is to be a staple in your travel kit. It's a bit bulky and therefore, not travel-friendly but you may always opt to transfer it to a smaller bottle.

 No noticeable lightening of my PIH so far but I plan to finish the entire bottle first before giving a final verdict.

Unfiltered photos of my current skin state (pardon my uncombed, newly-washed hair):

FINAL THOUGHTS: 

As mentioned above, I would like to empty the product first as I believe that two weeks is rather inadequate. In the interim, I can attest that I am liking the product very much due to the noteworthy improvements on my skin in the sebum regulating and reduction of breakouts department. However, the chief skin concern that I deeply wish to have addressed are the PIH and PIE on my cheeks. I'll be posting an updated review in this post as soon as I have fully utilized the product.

RATING: 4/5 in the meantime, will edit depending on the final result.

REPURCHASE: Will answer on the updated review so please do wait for it!

Here's an edited Photo to be posted on my Instagram tonight: 😊

On a different note, do you now have an idea why I named my blog "Make That Glow"? Because I literally love making things glow, such as the above shots. While sparkling objects truly spellbind me, I reckon that the product's texture as well as its beauty are further highlighted when lit up. Huge thanks to a good friend Tesh of Blooming Pixie for coining this superb hashtag that I've been using on Instagram for my sparkly photos. (#MakeitGlowbySkincareLassie) Just sharing. 😅😅😅

I wish you all have an amazing day my friends!

Lots of love,💛