Acne-prone skin needs special care. Even if usually the skin with acne is oily, it still needs moisture. We need to focus on making the skin barrier stronger. Axis-y Artichoke Intensive Skin Barrier Ampoule is a product that helps us with both - skin barrier and moisture. But what about pigmentation and acne? Axis-y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum is a treatment based on niacinamide, a popular ingredient loved by many people. Can this duo be the answer to your skin problems?
About Axis-y
Axis-y is quite a young K-beauty brand. According to Axis-y's Facebook page, the brand was established in December 2018. The brand makes climate inspired skincare solutions. What does that mean? Our skin has to deal with lots of danger like pollution, UV radiation (free radicals) and the change of weather and temperatures. The real challenge for the skincare brand is to make a product that will be effective, and at the same time, it'll deal with our lifestyles. All products from Axis-y contain natural plant extracts, and the brand itself believes that skincare should be personal. The company keeps a great connection with customers on Instagram which I think is crucial for beauty brands - we might not always agree, but respecting each other is better than some companies who try to bully people for saying their honest opinion out loud. All Axis-y products contain 6-1-1 Advanced Formula which should work for problematic skin as well as for people in humid climates.What's an ampoule?
The ampoule is a well-concentrated treatment in a liquid form. Usually, it comes with a dropper. We use it after essence and before serum or moisturizer. The serum is less concentrated than ampoule and it can be thicker than ampoule.What's the difference between Axis-y Ampoule and Serum?
The main difference between Axis-y Artichoke Intensive Skin Barrier Ampoule and Axis-y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum is the texture. The serum is thicker than ampoule. The scent isn't the same too and the formula is made with different ingredients. Both products do different stuff to your skin, while Axis-y Artichoke Intensive Skin Barrier Ampoule is focused on moisturizing and strengthening your skin barrier, Axis-y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum helps with acne, pigmentation and wrinkles.
Axis-y Artichoke Intensive Skin Barrier Ampoule
I've decided to try Axis-y Artichoke Intensive Skin Barrier Ampoule first. According to Axis-y, this ampoule is rich in anti-oxidants and nourishing ingredients. It protects your skin from damage, moderates sebum production, minimize pores and fine lines. I'm not sure about minimizing the size of the pores. Some people when they see that product can minimize the pores think automatically, that it can shrink them. A message to all the people who think that pores can shrink - they can't, but a good skincare routine can make them less visible.Axis-y Artichoke Intensive Skin Barrier Ampoule - Packaging
The packaging is great - Axis-y made all the products looking similar. Ampoule comes in paper packaging and inside you can see a glass bottle with a dropper. It's an easy to use formula.
Axis-y Artichoke Intensive Skin Barrier Ampoule - Texture & Scent
The texture reminds me of a liquid gel. The scent is herbal, I can feel the hint of tea tree oil.Axis-y Artichoke Intensive Skin Barrier Ampoule - Ingredients
Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Glycerin, Betaine, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Alcohol, Cynara Scolymus (Artichoke) Extract, Sorbitol, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Hieracium Pilosella Extract, Rheum Palmatum Root Extract, Althaea Rosea Flower Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Dimethyl Sulfone, Chlorphenesin, Xanthan Gum, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyglutamic Acid, Beta-Glucan, Arginine, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Extract, Hibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Arctium Lappa Root Extract, Hibiscus Mutabilis Flower Extract, Corchorus Olitorius Leaf Extract, Allantoin, Carbomer, Adenosine, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water is a hydrosol distilled from Aloe Vera leaves. It is used to calm the skin. Butylene Glycol is a moisturizer and solvent, but it's also alcohol. You see, not every alcohol in skincare is bad. Some of them have positive effects on your skin - just like Butylene Glycol which is a popular substance even in eco/green cosmetic products. Sodium Hyaluronate is a salt form of a popular Natural Moisturizing Factor - Hyaluronic Acid. Centella Asiatica Extract is an ingredient that stays in skincare trend. Lots of ingredients used in skincare have a long history of use in medicine. This ingredient isn't different because Centella is a part of Ayurveda, a traditional (or if you prefer - alternative) medicine used by people for ages. Nowadays we associate it with India. Centella is a herb mainly used in skincare for its healing properties. It speeds up the healing process, that's why acne-prone skin loves it. If you're pregnant or you plan pregnancy then try to find body care products with Centella Asiatica because it can have a positive meaning on skin elasticity as well as stretch marks.
Glycerin is one of the most popular humectants in skincare. There's a huge number of myths around glycerin like it can clog your skin. It doesn't clog your pores, but too much glycerin can make a sticky layer on the skin and even make your skin dryer than before due to TEWL (Transepidermal Water Loss). Still, it's an ingredient which we want to see in formulas. Betaine is derived from sugar beets. It's an amino acid that keeps your skin moist and you might want to use it in your haircare routine.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract is an ingredient which sounds a bit off. Have you ever tried Licorice candy? It was one of the worst nightmares from my childhood, but after many years I can't imagine my life without Licorice, but in skincare. Since I was taught British English, I usually go with word Liquorice and in this version, it sounds like a great name for rice alcohol. It's a source of flavonoids, Galabridin and Glycyrrhizin. Liquorice is a herb with a long tradition of use in herbal medicine. People believe Liquorice has antibacterial, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract in skincare can help you with pigmentation, and that's why I started to love Licorice. Is there anything better than brightening effect?
Usually, when people see Alcohol in skincare, they treat it as the worst thing that exists. The fact is that Alcohol has a positive and negative meaning for our skin. It all depends on the amount of Alcohol. One of the main reasons why companies use this ingredient in their products is better penetration of the skin, thanks to Alcohol substance gets deeper than when it's used on its own. We can't deny that Alcohol kills microorganism and bacteria. It's a long topic, but if you ever search for alcohol to sanitize your hands or makeup brushes - search of Isopropyl Alcohol in 40-70% solutions, they are more effective than 90% versions.
According to Axis-y, Cynara Scolymus (Artichoke) Extract is a good moisturizer that nourishes the skin and reduces damage made by UV rays. Sorbitol is a moisturizer which you probably know as a sweetener/sugar substitute. Hieracium Pilosella Extract has a funny name - Mouse-ear Hawkweed Extract. It is told to be an antioxidant with antimicrobial properties. It helps with inflammation and it can help with acne-prone and oily skin. I've never heard about Rheum Palmatum Root Extract before. I know rhubarb since every summer we make a cake with rhubarb and it's quite a tradition here, but Chinese Rhubarb is a new thing for me. It's an astringent.
Althaea Rosea Flower Extract is a common hollyhock flower extract. I know that people use it as a soothing and anti-inflammatory herb. Chlorphenesin is a preservative just like Ethylhexylglycerin, and Xanthan Gum is a thickener. Polyglutamic Acid is a moisturizer, just like Beta-Glucan. Beta-Glucan can be derived from yeast, mushroom (like chaga or shiitake), seaweed or cereals (oat, wheat, barley). I don't know why but Beta-Glucan to me smells like wine. Beta-glucan is an amazing humectant with soothing properties. It's great for sensitive skin.
Arginine is an amino acid, a moisturizer with antioxidant properties. Hibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract is a fruit extract of the edible plant which might work as an antioxidant. I know Arctium Lappa Root Extract from my practice with clients, we use Arctium Lappa Root Extract on acne-prone and oily skin types. It's great for acne and sebum moderation. Allantoin is a great soothing moisturizer which you might remember from the old days when Allantoin and Panthenol ointments were popular for kids. Adenosine is another cool ingredient. It speeds up the healing process and repairs the skin barrier. It's great for inflamed skin and it might have a positive effect on skin elasticity. Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil is a popular oil for acne-prone skin.
Axis-y Artichoke Intensive Skin Barrier Ampoule - My experience
I've started to use Axis-y Artichoke Intensive Skin Barrier Ampoule first, and honestly - it doesn't make any super change itself, but it's a good addition to your routine. While I was using the ampoule I had a Glycolic Acid + Vitamin C treatment. My skin reacts quite bad to Glycolic Acid - it's the most powerful AHA acid. I needed to moisturize my skin well and I guess I accomplished with mission thanks to Axis-y Artichoke Intensive Skin Barrier Ampoule. The formula is lightweight and it didn't make any reactions with GA + Vit C treatment, I feel like without this ampoule my skin would end up with lots of dry patches, but instead, it was hydrated. It won't feel heavy on your skin, it didn't clog mine, but I have to admit that instead of the ampoule, my moisturizer (not Axis-y one) started to clog my skin. If you want to see miracles then you might be disappointed because it's a simple balancing serum based on antioxidants. It protects your skin well, but it won't change your skin dramatically since it's not a one active ingredient formula. It's a support for your skincare routine to make it more effective. I look forward to using it for the summer because the formula is ideal for humid places and my city is one of such places. I expect that during the summer additional moisture in the form of ampoule will be even better for the skin than it is during the winter. Axis-y recommends adding this ampoule to your foundation (one drop is enough), they also recommend keeping the formula away from the sun which is a normal thing we should do with all skincare and remember that skincare itself won't do a lot if you won't change your lifestyle, so choose healthy meals over fast food.
Axis-y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum
Have you ever seen a serum in a tube form? I didn't, but Axis-y likes to create products that are not so obvious in the form. It's a unique conception.Axis-y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum - Packaging
In a paper box that fits the entire line's aesthetic, you can find a tube with applicator. It's not a common packaging of any serum. It's quite a revolutionary packaging.
Axis-y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum - Texture & Scent
The texture reminds me of lightweight but thick gel with tea tree scent, but it's probably rosemary oil not tea tree in this case. It's a well-concentrated formula.
Axis-y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum - Ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Propanediol, Erythritol, Butylene Glycol, Squalane, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Malpighia Emarginata(Acerola) Fruit Extract, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Chlorphenesin, Arginine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Carbomer, Glutathione, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Disodium EDTA, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Allantoin, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil
We've got here many similar ingredients as in Axis-y Artichoke Intensive Skin Barrier Ampoule. Niacinamide is a miracle ingredient, it does lots of great work. Having problems with dark spots? Try Niacinamide! Acne? Niacinamide will be good for you too! Problems with skin barrier? Solve it with Niacinamide! Wrinkles? You might want to try Niacinamide as well. Sensitive skin might find Niacinamide bit problematic when it's mixed with Vitamin C or used in the same routine as Vitamin C, but I can't deny Niacinamide is a skincare treasure! Sodium Hyaluronate is a salt form of a popular Natural Moisturizing Factor - Hyaluronic Acid.
Propanediol is a solvent used in green skincare. Squalane is an amazing oil, similar to what's in our skin. I like to recommend it because skin reacts the best to this oil. Usually, it's made out of olive oil or amaranth. According to Axis-y, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract brightens the skin. Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract helps with blemishes and inflammation. Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract should brighten the skin according to Axis-y Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract is a sea buckthorn fruit extract. People believe that sea buckthorn is a source of Vitamin C just like Malpighia Emarginata (Acerola) Fruit Extract. Glutathione is an antioxidant which popularity has grown lately. It is used for the brightening properties, but I didn't read any research on this topic if it does work or not. Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil is an oil with antiseptic properties. It is recommended for acne-prone skin, but sensitive skin might not be a fan of this oil. It gives the scent to the formula.
Axis-y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum - My Experience
My experience with Axis-y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum is limited. It's a formula that can be a good addition to your current skincare. It shouldn't burn your skin unless you're mixing niacinamide formula with other treatments like acid treatment or vitamin C and when your skin is sensitive - so a patch test is a must. It's surprising how this formula can be a bit moisturizing and at the same time, it can brighten your skin. I tried it on my chest on the days when I don't use azelaic acid treatment and I feel like it makes my skin hydrates - my skin is not as tight as before. I'm sure you are wondering what do I want from tight skin. Isn't tight skin better than skin that isn't firm anymore? I'm not talking about firmness, but a dry feeling which makes your skin so tight that it hurts. Axis-y recommends to use Axis-y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum as a sleeping mask. I love how universal every Axis-y product is and in how many different ways and combinations you can use it. Once I'll see more results I'll edit this review and add photos so you can see if it brightens the dark spots because it does do work on the skin and I can see the difference - my skin looks brighter and it isn't as dull as before.
Where to get Axis-y Artichoke Intensive Skin Barrier Ampoule & Axis-y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum?
Both products are available at Axis-y's website. Axis-y Artichoke Intensive Skin Barrier Ampoule costs $25 for 30 ml bottle, while 50 ml tube of Axis-y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum costs $22. You can also get a mini glow set that contains Quinoa One Step Balanced Gel Cleanser (check the review on Kherblog), Daily Purifying Treatment Toner (check the review on Kherblog), Artichoke Intensive Skin Barrier Ampoule and Axis-y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum for 7$ or grab The 611 Skincare Routine Set that contains full-size versions of products such as Quinoa One Step Balanced Gel Cleanser, Daily Purifying Treatment Toner, Artichoke Intensive Skin Barrier Ampoule, Axis-y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum and Cera-Heart My Type Duo Cream (check the review on Kherblog). This set has ampoule and serum miniatures + a sample of the product which just got released - Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen for 99$. You can expect to see a review of Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen soon.Axis-y collection is interesting - it's based on antioxidants and ingredients good for your skin. No matter if you like clean formulas or not you should enjoy this brand. I'm sure that Axis-y will surprise us with more products in the future and I hope that this brand won't change their concept.
Let me know what makes you interested the most about this duo.
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*** This post was made in collaboration with Axis-y, even though it still shows my personal opinion on the topic and product**
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