The green beauty movement may have started as a somewhat grassroots community focused on basic, natural ingredients, but as popularity
and demand have grown, I’ve noticed a definite shift towards an amalgamation of those original green beauty tenants and more scientific approaches and ingredients. One thing I've been asked repeatedly is for product recommendation for affordable natural "active"
skincare and with the slogan, "More Actives. More Results." and a price point
that tops out at around $35 USD/$45 CAD, Mad Hippie Advanced Skin Care more than fits the bill. The
company’s dual focus on safety and efficacy means that products are made with
clean ingredients and are packed full of anti-aging actives that deliver proven results. Each product is formulated to contain several active
ingredients that complement one another and work together in synergy.
I’ve best testing out Mad
Hippie’s Vitamin C and Vitamin A Serums for the last few months and I’m finally ready to give my full take on these two
products: feel, performance, and results.
Keep reading for all the details!
The
Vitamin C Serum combines a skin-brightening blend of vitamin C, vitamin E, and
ferulic acid. There’s been a
considerable amount of research done on the compounding antioxidant effects of
these three ingredients and you may recognize the trio from certain well-known
mainstream products.
For
its vitamin C component, Mad Hippie’s serum uses sodium ascorbyl phosphate, a
stable, water-soluble, and bioavailable form of vitamin C that has, in addition
to standard vitamin C brightening and anti-aging properties, been linked to anti-acne
benefits. Mad Hippie’s serum also includes konjac root, rich
in minerals and nutrients and known to promote softer, smoother skin, and hyaluronic acid, a potent humectant and skin
hydrator.
The
Vitamin C Serum is a clear, lightweight serum that absorbs into the skin very
quickly. I noticed right away, after just
a few days of use, that my skin looked brighter and felt better hydrated. Vitamin C neutralizes free radicals and promotes
collagen production, and with more prolonged use, I noticed my skin becoming smoother,
softer, and more even to the touch. I
don’t have much discoloration or hyperpigmentation to target at this point, so
I can’t speak to results in that area, but I like the serum and will continue
to use it. With clary sage, grapefruit,
and chamomile, the serum has a floral/citrusy aroma. I find the scent a little bit perfumey, but it doesn’t
linger, so I have no real complaints.
I’ve
been curious about the world of retinols since turning 30 earlier this year,
but I’m still just dipping my toes in. Mad Hippie’s Vitamin A Serum, which balances that retinol component with moisturizing and soothing ingredients, sounded
perfect for a newbie like me. The serum uses
hydroxypinacolone retinoate (HPR), a newer form of vitamin A that works to
reduce the appearance of wrinkles and discoloration, but isn’t as aggressive or
irritating as other forms of vitamin A. The Vitamin A Serum also includes a vegan phytoceramide
to boost moisture retention, hyaluronic acid to plump the skin, and aloe vera
and oat beta glucan to soothe and reduce surface inflammation.
The
serum is white in colour and has a milky consistency. It feels lovely and smooth on the
skin, and is surprisingly
moisturizing too. Mad Hippie recommends
waiting ten minutes between the Vitamin A Serum and any following products, and I
definitely feel like I can use a lighter hand with my moisturizer or oil after using
the Vitamin A Serum. The serum, which
includes sweet orange essential oil, smells like a blend of citrus and
something more medicinal. Again, the
scent is non-obtrusive and doesn’t linger.
Retinoids
promote natural cell turnover, so it’s not uncommon to experience a purging or
flaking period when first starting out, but I experienced no breakouts, dryness,
or irritation from the Vitamin A Serum. As
the directions suggest, I started out slowly, using just a few drops of the serum every
second night, and gradually transitioned to using it a little more
liberally every night. I wake up
with skin that’s hydrated, plump, and super smooth and even. I’m aware that retinoids can take many months
to show results, but I do think my fine lines already appear slightly
softened. I plan to continue to use this
one too and will share another update in the future.
The Bottom Line
I’ve
enjoyed Mad Hippie’s products in the past and the Vitamin A and C Serums are no
different! The company pairs these two
serums with their face cream (which I also really like!) as a skin firming routine
for targeted firming and hydration, and I think the two serums really do make a
wonderful day/night duo.
Have
you tried Mad Hippie? What are your
favorites from the line?
PR
Sample
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