NIOD product test – the beginning

My next test run is meant to be NIOD skincare. If you have not heard of NIOD, I am not terribly surprised. It is the elitist, hideously expensive (and arrogant) answer to the Ordinary. NIOD stands for Non-Invasive Options in Dermal Science and quite frankly, the impression I get from their dull website is they don’t really want to sell you anything.

Both the Ordinary and NIOD are owned by the same parent, DECIEM, but unlike the Ordinary, nothing on this website is cheap (or cheerful). The Sanskrit Saponins cost a whopping US$ 60 for 180ml.

The philosophy of the brand is admirable: it appears to be a minimalistic approach to face care coupled with providing a (confusing) array of information. It wants you to take charge of your skincare routine. NIOD have a very helpful start kit called NIOD kit 1.

Naturally, that’s not at all what I decided to buy. I bought these instead.

In case, you are wondering what the hell these are, trust me, you are not alone. I frequently ask myself this about my existence and all those brown lipsticks I am programmed to buy. From NIOD’s website, these are the functions of said products (from L to R going clockwise):

1) Sanskrit Saponins (a cleanser) (US$33 for 90ml)

Sanskrit Saponins, “is a viscous and intense cleaning balm for the face formulated. It is a highly-concentrated, very-unrefined Ayurvedic plant surfactants. SS contains no surfactants, sulphates, oils, esters or micellar technologies. It is pH-balanced. And it also contains, amino acid, Arginine, in saponins from the Ayurvedic plants shikakai and sapindus mukorossi.”

Directions for use: Once every other day in the AM or the PM

2) Myrrh Clay (a multani mitti or Fuller’s earth mask) (US$ 44 for 50ml)

Myrrh Clay is a clay mask. It contains very purified myrrh, isolated polyphenols of strawberry leaves and concentrated Wu Zhu Yu within a Multani mitti base. This product gives visible tightening on use.

Directions for use: Use once a week on clean, dry skin. Apply a thin layer to the entire face. Leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. 

3) Flavanone Mud (a face mask) (US$ 45 for 50ml)

This is a glowing face mask, that uses a “very refined dispersion mechanism” that allows a very thin layer to be applied on the skin. One 50ml container is designed to last 18-25 treatments.

Directions for use: to accelerate the effects of the mask, use Flavanone Mud once a day for the first five days followed by once a week. The mask is meant to be applied on clean skin. Wash and dry your face applying a thin layer on the entire face. Leave on for 10 minutes and rinse off with warm water.

3) Non-Acid Precursor 15% (a chemical exfoliant that is not an acid (US$ 64 for 30ml)

The Non-Acid Precursor is an exfoliant much like AHA/BHA except its not an acid. Instead, this product uses non-acids (fermented bio-derivatives and amino acids) to remove dead skin cells (epidermal resurfacing)

Directions for use: Apply a few drops at bedtime to the face avoiding the immediate eye areas.

4) Re-pigment (skin lightener) (US$45 for 15ml)

This is a skin brightener that is designed to target hyper-pigmentation. It uses a derivative of Azelaic Acid (finally a product that does. See Skin Ingredient focus: Azelaic Acid)

Directions for use: Shake lightly. Apply serum to face AM and PM. If used as part of a NIOD regimen, apply after before hyaluronic acid. Avoid unprotected UV exposure when using this formula.

5) Lip Bio-Lipid Concentrate (lip brightener and conditioner) (US$69 for 15ml)

This is , “comprehensive treatment to improve the looks of lip colour, volume, texture, softness and contour.”

Directions for use: Shake well before use. Apply with your fingertips to both upper and lower lips twice daily for 30 days initially. Reduce application to once per day thereafter. Avoid the eyes and the surrounding skin. Wash hands after application

6) Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex (hyaluronic acid serum) (US$ 41 for 15ml)

This is a hyaluronic acid serum and has 15 forms of hyaluronic compounds. Finally, a product I can use (and then rate). See my blogs: Hyaluronic Acid Part 1 and Hyaluronic Acid Part 2

Directions for use: If used separately, apply MMHC after cleansing before the application of other skin treatments. Apply a small amount to the entire face twice daily. 

How long will the product test last?

After spending about US$ 390 on these products – I have 2 re-pigment bottles – I am unsure how long 15ml of anything will last. I do feel like a fool (a feeling that I am becoming more accustomed to). Anyway, watch this space and I am sorry if you are a big fan of this line, but for now the price tag is annoying me.

Obligatory before photo