This product review is way past its due date. I want to write, “I was too busy saving the world or falling in love with the wrong man.” Alas, such is not my good fortune.
I have been using NIOD products for about 45 days, and I haven’t got around to writing this review, because of how disappointed (code for shockingly ticked-off) at this range.
To remind you, this is what I have been using. The combined cost was US$ 390 (with no discount).
1) OVERALL USER EXPERIENCE
If I were to use one word to describe my experience of using the NIOD range, it would either be “frustrating” or “disappointing.”
The first two weeks were getting my skin to acclimate to the product: I would use all the products in the prescribed order, and my skin would sting. This “sting” is not a viciously unbearable kind of sting, but more a 30-minute steady-state sting. (Were I not testing these products, I would not put up with the stinging for longer than a couple of days).
After a fortnight, the stinging lessened but did not die down. It’s only after the first month that I can say my skin has stopped stinging. In my opinion, the culprits appeared to be the Hyaluronic Acid and the Re-pigment solution.
2) WHAT WOULD I BUY/MAYBE BUY AGAIN?
I pay for all my own products. So, this is as honest a review as you are going to get.
3) Sanskrit Saponins (US$ 33 for 90ml) – CLEANSER
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.
My experience of using this product: this product did cause a breakout with multiple zits, leaving visible marks on my cheek. Thankfully, this did not happen again. My skin is softer the following day if I use it twice a week. Even thrice a week is too much for my skin to handle, as it starts to feel tighter, indicating damage to my skin barrier.
I am happy to use the remainder of this product (because I pay for my products). But I ambivalent about its use. At the current of usage (a pea-sized dollop), I anticipate this product will easily last at least six months, which is excellent value for money.
4) Myrhh Clay (US$ 44 for 50ml) – FACE MASK
I quite like this bizarre yeasty brown gunk. It does impart some skin lightening (that does not last beyond a day) and leaves my skin glowing.
Please read this review for more information.. I would purchase this again.
5) Flavanone Mud (US$45 for 50ml) – FACE MASK
I am not going to be repurchasing this product because the first time I used this product, the resulting stinging I experienced was both unexpected and quite vicious.
Please read this review for more information.
6) Non-Acid Precursor 15% (US$64 for 30ml) – EXFOLIANT
The Non-Acid Precursor is an exfoliant much like AHA/BHA except its not an acid. Instead, this product uses non-acids (fermented bio-derivatives and amino acids) to remove dead skin cells (epidermal resurfacing)
The exfoliating product must work because I have not needed to exfoliate even once since I started this regime. My skin is smooth, and there is no scaliness or dryness (which you associate with non-exfoliated skin).
If you cannot use a normal chemical or physical exfoliator, this may be an option for you. However, at US$ 64, this is expensive.
7) Bio Lipid Concentrate
This product stings on application – my lips puff up a bit (as if I have consumed a minute amount of blowfish poison), but it doesn’t last more than 5 minutes and primarily occurred during the first 10-14 days of application.
The colour of my lips are NOT lighter. But I am kind of okay with that, because my lips are more supple, softer and hydrated. I haven’t been reaching out for my chapstick or other lip repair product, which are normal skincare staples for me.
I would buy this product again.
8) 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.
My experience of using this product has been nothing short of a calamity. I am a few shades darker than what I was at the start of using this product. Also, my existing pigmentation is darker. I do not believe there is any point writing more about this product – I would like to emphasize that nothing has drastically changed in my routine or diet that could otherwise contribute to my darker skin. As an Indian, I cannot tell you how much this offends me. Consequently, I will not be buying this again.
BEFORE
AFTER
9) Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid
This product has a combination of different Hyaluronic Acids (different molecular weights) in the hope that some of these will penetrate into the Dermis. (Of course they won’t) and see the blogs below for more detail.
My experience of using this product has not been great. When used on its own it stings less but when used in combination with the Re-pigment solution and/or the non-acid exfoliator, it positively stings.
(fyi – The stinging comes from the different weighted Hyaluronic Acid molecules).
On application, my skin does appear visibly softer and supple – which is what you would expect from a hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic Acid is a humectant that attracts water. But honestly, if I skip using this product, its not as if my skin misses it or that I am dying to use it again.
Overall, this is disappointing and I cannot see a place for it in my future skincare routines. Sorry.
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See also