Ceramides, cera-what?

I’ve been using this serum for about a year now, and gifting it to as many people as I possibly can. There are very few products that 100% deliver on what they promise, so finding one feels pretty awesome. It’s even more amazing when such a well formulated product is an own brand, bottom of the shelf, non-piggy bank breaking miracle in a bottle that is mostly slept on, even by the brand itself. 

This is an actual unicorn. 

Claims

“Simply Pure – Simply Effective. Simply Pure Hydrating Serum is designed to replenish and nourish sensitive skin. Enriched with calming Soothex™ and a fortifying Ceramide Blend, this hydrating formula helps to improve skin’s natural elasticity and suppleness for a smoother, more radiant complexion.”

Superdrug are really right on the claims for this little product. You would be forgiven in thinking that it wasn’t very special at all. It’s only when you look closer at the ingredient list do you realise that it is really something special.

Ingredients

Aqua, Caprylic/Capric Tryglyceride, Glycereth-26, Polysorbate 60, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Boswellia Serrata Gum (‘Soothex’), Dipropylene Glycol, Allantoin, Sodium PCA, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Lactate, Lactic Acid, Serine, Urea, Sorbitol, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid), Sodium Laroyl Lactylate, Ceramide 3, Ceramide 6 II, Ceramide 1, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Acrylates/C10-30, Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Disodium EDTA

Why I was excited to try this

CERAMIIIIDEEESSSS. -runs around excitedly-

This little serum holds in its tiny packaging a whole host of soothing, anti-inflammatory and moisture barrier repairing ingredients for an unbelievably low price. I’m not entirely sure how they did it, but Superdrug have merged three registered trademark blends to create an amazing serum.

SK-INFLUX®

INCI: Ceramide 3 (and) Ceramide 6 II (and) Ceramide 1 (and) Phytosphingosine (and) Cholesterol (and) Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate (and) Carbomer (and) Xanthan Gum

SK-influx® is a skin-identical lipid concentrate for enhanced skin moisturization and protection. It is ideal for aging skin, dry skin and sensitive skin. SK-influx is a concentrated formulation, consisting of a multi-lamellar (membrane) system resembling the structure of the lipid barrier in the Stratum Corneum. It is a concentrated mix of different types of ceramides, cholesterol, free fatty acids and phytosphingosine makes it an ideal ingredient for personal care products with unique restoring capabilities. Consequently SK-influx has a wide range of applications, such as creams and lotions of the segments: moisturizing products, aging and anti-wrinkle products, skin repair and skin protection. source.

Hydroviton® 24

INCI: Aqua (and) Pentylene Glycol (and) Glycerin (and) Sodium Lactate (and) Lactic Acid (and) Serine (and) Urea (and) Sorbitol (and) Sodium Chloride (and)Allantoin

An advanced 24 hour moisturizing complex comprised of a synergistic blend of natural moisturizing factors. It is non occlusive, so it allows skin to breathe and can be easily formulated into products. It is also non-animal derived, preservative free, cost effective, light in color, and odorless in your formulation.

SOOTHEX®

INCI:  Dipropylene Glycol (and) Boswellia Serrata Gum

A natural active from Indian frankincense with proven powerful soothing action for sensitive or over-reactive skin types. It also helps reduce irritation for sensitive skin formulations or shaving. 

For more ingredient list breakdown, read Clemmie’s Big Sister’s review of the product.

Experience & Use 

The product that comes out of the pump doesn’t look like a traditional liquid serum but more like a cream-gel moisturiser. However, it dries down very quickly, leaving the skin feeling soft. It’s kind of fascinating how quickly it is absorbed into the skin, like your skin is absolutely desperate for whatever the tube contains.

I initially tried layering it under my moisturiser, but I found it works just as well if I mix it in with my moisturiser. 

Availability

Superdrug – 50ml | £2.69

This product is really difficult to find in stock. My recommendation, get yourself a free Superdrug Beauty Card, take advantage of the card’s free click and collect and order it online to a store. Waiting for the serum to be in stock in a Superdrug is an exercise in futility.

Although the price is pretty amazing, it’s frequently is on an offer (1/3 off, half price, buy one get one free, or buy one get one half price) so I doubt that you’ll ever need to pay full price. However, if you do, at less than £3 you’re getting a total bargain.