u/EmotionalDamageINC

[deleted]

I didn’t buy all these products at once, this routine came together gradually as I tried to address different concerns.

Skin type and concerns:
I have oily skin, and my main concerns are textured skin, acne scars, occasional breakouts, whiteheads/blackheads and dark underarms/knees/elbows, and strawberry skin.

I live in a humid area and have used these products mainly in hot and humid conditions.

My current routine

AM:

• Neutrogena cleanser for oily skin
• Hyaluronic acid serum
• Undereye serum / cream
• Vitamin B5 moisturiser
• Sunscreen

PM:

• Neutrogena cleanser
• Multi-peptide retinol serum
• Undereye serum / cream
• 2% retinoid moisturiser

For my under-eyes, I alternate between Minimalist Kojic Acid Under Eye Cream and Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum.

For my body concerns—dark underarms, knees and elbows, visible pores and strawberry skin—I have also tried salicylic acid body wash (non-fragrant) along with The Ordinary Glycolic Acid. Unfortunately, I haven’t noticed a decent difference in my legs so far, my thigh area just above the knee used to have these tiny bumps - gone now.

I also have maleic acid in my collection for haircare, although I haven’t used it consistently enough to give it a fair review.

Usage timeline:
These products were introduced at different points rather than all at once. I have been following the complete AM and PM routine for approximately 3 months now with these set of products. Before I used Derma serums and Plum moisturiser.

Ingredients/actives used:

• Hyaluronic acid
• Vitamin B5
• Multi-peptides and retinol
• 2% retinoid
• Salicylic acid
• Glycolic acid
• Kojic acid
• Beauty of Joseon’s retinal eye serum

Texture and consistency:
The hyaluronic acid serum is slightly gel + water like - it's not a trasnaprent serum, while the Vitamin B5 moisturiser easily blends on my oily skin. The nighttime products feel rejuvenating and I haven't had any issues with the product. For the price range they are totally worth it and I feel these products are quite "nutritious" for my skin.

My experience:
This was my first time trying hyaluronic acid, and it has worked surprisingly well for my skin. I have mostly used Niacinamide or Vitamin C before. The combination of the HA serum and Vitamin B5 moisturiser during the day, along with my nighttime routine, has noticeably improved my skin. Textures, bumps, breakouts all reduced - my skin feels very smooth. For Toner I am using Plum's Niacinamide toner along with Ordinary glycolic acid interchangeably.

The sunscreen is nice and works well enough for me, although it isn’t necessarily the standout product in the routine.

Current verdict:

• Hyaluronic acid serum: Will repurchase
• Vitamin B5 moisturiser: Will repurchase
• Day and night routine overall: Working very well for me
• Sunscreen: Good/possibly repurchase
• Salicylic acid + glycolic acid: Undecided—no major results yet
• Maleic acid: Not used consistently enough to judge
• Under-eye products: Still testing

Happy to answer any questions about the products or my experience :)