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Made for sensitive skin and as a beginner’s Retinol, the Jeuneora Renewing Booster is a gentle formula that combines granactive retinoid with a lipid complex and soothing aloe vera extract to help deliver the benefits of retinol with minimal irritation.
Jeuneora Claims:
This heavy-hitting serum works hard to combat the effects of environmentally-induced skin damage and helps to protect against future signs of ageing. Our Advanced Retinol is a highly bioactive form of Retinol that supports the skin’s natural production of collagen and visibly reduces the signs of ageing, without causing irritation like some traditional forms of Retinol.
Renewing Booster also contains soothing Aloe Vera and a blend of super nourishing, botanically-sourced lipids including Jojoba, Macadamia and Olive. Paired with our Advanced Retinol, these powerful ingredients make sure this serum is active enough to get the job done, but gentle enough that it’s suitable for all skin types – even sensitive!
Appearance and Scent:
The constancy is similar to that of a gel, which makes it easily absorbed into the skin. It feels very lightweight and absorbs without any residual stickiness. The fragrance formula has no discernible scent.
Packaging, Size and Expiry:
The serum comes in a twist-open plastic container. It looks and feels elegant and the ability to twist to close the plunger makes it versatile for travelling. It also protects the formula from light and air, both of which are known to rapidly decrease the shelf life of antioxidant containing products, and is essential for storing retinoids as the conjugated double bonds are susceptible to oxidation resulting in rapid degradation of the active ingredient. The bottle contains 15 ml, which is on the smaller side for a serum, but I prefer buying smaller quantities more often so I know the product is as fresh as possible, especially in a product like this that is not intended to be used every day. Its packaging contains 20% post-consumer recycled plastic and is 100% recyclable through Jeuneora’s free TerraCycle Recycling Programme. The expiry date is 24 months from the date of manufacture.
Cost and Number of Uses:
The Jeuneora Brightening Booster retails for NZD $58.00. I estimate it would last me about 2 months with use three-time a week.
How to Use:
After cleansing and toning, dispense 1-2 drops of the serum and gently pat into the skin until fully absorbed. Only use at night, 3 – 4 times per week. If you’re sensitive to retinol or have dry skin, patch test first, use twice per week and then build up to more regular use.
It is advised not to use any AHA containing products on the same evening as using this or any other retinol containing product and always protect the skin with SPF the next morning.
Application order:
Oil Cleanser -> Second Cleanser -> Jeuneora Renewing Booster -> Serum (optional) -> Moisturizer -> (nighttime)
It is advised not to use retinol during the day as retinol makes your skin more sensitive to UV radiation and UV light decreases the efficacy of the product. Pregnant or breastfeeding women are advised to avoid all forms of Vitamin A.
Formulation Science:
Retinol is an active form of vitamin A. As we age, our bodies naturally decrease the amount of Vitamin A it can produce from carotenoids. This results in the visible signs of aging such as wrinkles and a dull complexion. Topical retinol use can replenish the levels of Vitamin A within the cells and reverse these signs of aging. Retinol increases the rate of cell turnover to reveal younger-looking skin. It also helps to build collagen and decrease the activity of enzymes that degrade collagen. It also improves the appearance of pigmentation, helps unclog pores, exfoliates and smooth skin, fine lines and wrinkles, improves skin hydration and treats acne.
Dermatologists generally recommend starting using retinol when you reach your thirties, as that is when collagen levels in the skin start decreasing.
Start with a ‘low and slow’ approach when incorporating any form of Vitamin A into your routine if you have not used it before. Start with a very small, pea-sized amount on one night, and then wait a few days to evaluate your tolerance.” If you don’t get a reaction, Carroll recommends trying it again. However, if the product makes your skin red and flaky, she suggests mixing the retinol formula with your moisturizer. Use retinol once or twice a week at first to see how your skin reacts, and gradually work up to every other day or three times a week.
Read more about how to chose the best retinoids for your skin here.
Ingredients:
Water/Aqua, Polysorbate 20, Propylene Glycol, Dimethyl Isosorbide (and) Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (Retinol A), Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Jojoba Oil/Macadamia Seed Oil Esters, Squalene, Phytosteryl Macadamiate, Phytosterols, Tocopherol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA.
Ingredient Analysis:
Dimethyl Isosorbide (and) Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (Retinol A) is the trademarked ingredient also known as Granactive Retinoid. According to the manufacturer, Grant Industries Ltd, it is one of the most bio-available, non-prescription forms of Vitamin-A that decreases the effects of UV induced skin damage and helps clear acne-related symptoms. It is composed of an anhydrous (water-free) matrix containing 10% of the pinacolyl ester of all-trans retinoic acid in a delivery solvent.
Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice has been used by many civilizations throughout history for its ability to soothe, calm, hydrate and heal the skin. The gel substance found within the leaf includes a variety of over 75 active ingredients. I can help heal wounds, moisturize the skin and promote collagen production. It is also especially effective in treating acne.
Jojoba Oil/Macadamia Seed Oil Esters, Squalene, Phytosteryl Macadamiate, Phytosterols, Tocopherol. This patented complex is known as L22, a combination of lipids that was formulated to mimic the oil ratio naturally produced by young skin. The manufacturer, Floratech claims L22 is able to improve the recovery of skin barrier function and increase elasticity, firmness and hydration.
There is no added fragrance which helps eliminate the potential for irritation when using retinoids.
pH Testing:
I got a pH result of 5.1.
pH Analysis:
The pH of this serum is within the pH range of healthy skin (range 4.0-6.0, average 4.7), and within the manufactures pH guidelines for formulating with retinol derivatives. Learn why the pH of skincare products is so important here.
My Experience:
The magic of retinol doesn’t happen overnight – you have to have patience. In my in-depth retinol spotlight (read here), I highlight three clinical studies that show it takes at least six months to notice a difference and even longer to really see all the potential benefits of retinoids. In the meantime though, I’m enjoying how the Jeuneora Renewing Booster is making my skin look and feel, and how easily it fits into my existing routine. My skin has felt smooth throughout my use, and I have experienced no irritation or dryness, although my skin is accustomed to retinol use.
Overall Impressions:
Overall I think this would be a great retinol serum for beginners as well as those with sensitive or easily irritated skin. Its hydrating formula minimizes the risk of dryness, and there are zero irritating ingredients added. A little goes a long way, and the texture is very spreadable. All I need is two full pumps, for my whole face and decolletage. I also appreciate that this formula contains a more stable retinol derivative and is packaged in air and light-proof packaging. If you want to try retinol for the first time, or a looking for a gentler, non-irritating formula this is a good choice. It contains a well-tolerated retinol derivative and is formulated with hydrating and skin-repairing ingredients to keep your face nurtured while retinol gets to work on any imperfections you may have.
Things I Liked:
- A great retinol product for beginners
- Effective and gentle for sensitive skin
- Packaging protects the formulation from light and air
- Travel-friendly packaging
- Packaging is fully recyclable
- Jeuneora is cruelty-free and vegan
Things I Disliked:
- Small product size (15mls) means a higher carbon footprint
Disclaimer I was gifted this serum from Jeuneoa. I was not paid for this review.
Sources:
- Jeuneora website www.jeuneora.co.nz
- Floratech website www.floratech.com and www.Lipids22.com
- Evaluation of aloe vera gel gloves in the treatment of dry skin associated with occupational exposure. American Journal of Infection Control, 2003
- Aloe vera: A short review. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 2008
- Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 2006
- Photoaging and the skin. The effects of tretinoin. Dermatologic Clinics,1993
- Effects of tretinoin on photodamaged skin. A histologic study. Archives of Dermatology, 1991
- Sustained improvement in photodamaged skin with reduced tretinoin emollient cream treatment regimen: effect of once-weekly and three-times-weekly applications. Journal of American Academy of Dermatology, 1997
- Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety. Clinical interventions in aging, 2006
