Have you noticed it yet? You know, those fine lines gathering around your eyes, your mouth, even your forehead?
What about those spots on your skin that seem slightly darker than the rest?
Maybe you’ve noticed how your skin doesn’t seem quite as bright, your skintone not quite as even?
Yep.
That’s ol’ Father Time busy at his work. But thanks to science and medicine, we have been given some pretty effective and pretty powerful weapons. And for many years, Retinol has been one of the best.
Since Retinol has been around so long, the science of it is both proven and stable. The bad news is that since many formulations of Retinol can be harsh and drying, not all products using Retinol (and there are a lot of them) are both effective and gentle.
So when we heard the buzz about one of the latest Retinol creams to hit the skincare market, Monica’s Beauty 2.5 Retinol Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid, we decided it was time for a closer look.
Click here to buy this product from Amazon!
OR Use Promo Code VIPFREESHIP for FREE SHIPPING at SHOP.MONICASBEAUTY.COM
Contents
What is Retinol and what is it used for?
To understand why Retinol can be so effective against the signs of aging, you need to first understand what it is.
There are two terms you might hear: Retinol and retinoid. What’s the difference?
Very simply, a retinoid is a chemical compound related to Vitamin A, and usually obtained with a prescription, while retinol is form of vitamin A that naturally occurs in the skin, and can be purchased over the counter (OTC). A prescription retinoid will contain a higher percentage of the active ingredient (retinoic acid) than an OTC retinol, and will also likely be much more expensive, but definite results can still be seen with many OTC retinol products, and their efficacy has been well documented.
Both retinoids and Retinol are used to speed cellular turnover in the skin, unclog and tighten pores, boost collagen, reduce fine lines, and even out discoloration.
Your skin cells contain “retinoid receptors” that work to maintain and regulate the function of healthy cells. As you age, and expose your skin to sun and environmental damage, these functions decrease, and thus damage appears in the form of acne, wrinkles, and discoloration. Regular, consistent use of a retinoid/retinol product helps to stabilize these functions again.
Uses for Retinol creams:
Acne – By increasing the cellular turnover rate, Retinol helps to unclog pores of dead cells, excess oil, and bacteria commonly associate with acne.
Wrinkles and Uneven Tone – Retinol helps to not only bring new, smooth skin to the surface through increased cellular turnover, but they also help increase the production of collagen, a natural protein in the body that acts as the main structural component of the skin, providing firmness and shape.
Skin discoloration – Retinol also helps in lessening the appearance of sun spots, acne scars, age spots, and other areas of hyperpigmentation through increased cellular turnover and increased blood flow to skin. As the discolored areas are pushed to the surface, they can be removed through exfoliation, allowing smoother, clearer, new skin to be revealed.
Click here to buy this product from Amazon!
OR Use Promo Code VIPFREESHIP for FREE SHIPPING at SHOP.MONICASBEAUTY.COM
Product and Claims
So there’s no wonder why so many products rely on Retinol to pack a punch.
But the trick is, it must be balanced in the right formulation, and often include other skin-boosting ingredients, for it to be truly effective… such as Hyaluronic acid. And Monica’s Beauty Retinol Moisturizer does.
As found on the Monica’s Beauty product page:
Retinol is the #1 dermatologist recommended anti-aging ingredient. Long known for its ability to diminish the appearance of fine lines and deep wrinkles from collagen depleted skin, retinol is also a powerful antioxidant, interrupting the free-radical damage process that causes accelerated skin aging. Retinol can also help minimize the appearance of pores, help manage acne and eczema, and can also help brighten skin and improve discolorations.
Complementing this wonder ingredient is the powerful hydrating action of vegan hyaluronic acid, phospholipids, jojoba and shea butter. The end result, just younger looking skin!
Ingredients and Application Recommendations
As found on Monica’s Beauty product page:
Ingredients – (97% Natural/71% Organic) Organic Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera), Organic Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower Oil), Isopropyl Palmitate (Palm Oil), Pentylene Glycol, Phospholipids, Retinol, Polysorbate 20, Potassium Phosphate, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide, Glyceryl Stearate,Cetyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba Oil), Wildcrafted Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea), Wildcrafted Resina Propoli (Propolis), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexyl Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid. Nut-free formulation.
Instructions for use, as found on the Monica’s Beauty product page:
Apply to clean skin after toner and serum. Apply small amount in light circular motion to face and neck. Best results when used at night, due to retinol being sensitive to sunlight and UV (best when packaged in dark or airless containers). Use twice weekly or more often based on skin tolerance as minor irritation can occur during initial use. If significant irritation occurs, discontinue use.
Reviews
While Monica’s Beauty is relatively new to the skincare scene, we were able to find several reviews on the 2.5 Retinol Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid. And we were pleasantly surprised to see very positive reviews overall.
Consumers seemed to really love the overall feel of the product on the skin and how quickly it is absorbed. But the highest praise came from the effectiveness of the product. Many cited that their skin not only seemed to show fewer wrinkles and improved texture, but also seemed significantly more hydrated.
The only complaints we could find on the product centred around consumers with either highly sensitive or severely oily skin. Both those concerns though were addressed by using the product only 2-3 times per week as opposed to nightly.
Overall though, the vast majority of reviews we found on Monica’s Beauty Retinol Moisturizer were very positive.
Overall Rating
Of course we love the use of Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid, since we know that they are hands-down two of the most stable and effective anti-aging warriors available. We also like the use of more natural/organic and soothing ingredients incorporated alongside the more powerful engineered components, like Vitamin E, Aloe Vera, Jojoba Oil, which help to balance out and lessen the irritation factor that Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid can sometimes have on more sensitive skin.
The product also definitely appeals to a broader consumer base, since it is not only a treatment cream, but also a moisturizer. As skin ages, those fighting the skincare battle will be well aware of the need for both, since treatment alone can dry out the skin, often making it appear even more dry and damaged. So, Monica’s Beauty seems to have delivered a very smart two-pronged approach to a very common skincare problem.
The formulation itself seems to be smooth and easily absorbed, and the packaging ensures that the light and air sensitive Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid active ingredients remain safe and stable when not in use.
The only real “negative” we could find with Monica’s Beauty 2.5 Retinol Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid wasn’t much of a negative at all. The company as a whole has only just recently come into production…but every long-standing skincare archetype company has to start somewhere, and we know as well as anyone that what matters is your ingredients and your science. Since Monica’s Beauty seems to have both those on lock, given time, we are certain that the brand and its products will become gold standards in skincare.
Our rating: 4.7 (out of 5)
Click here to buy this product from Amazon!
OR Use Promo Code VIPFREESHIP for FREE SHIPPING at SHOP.MONICASBEAUTY.COM
Peggy says
When will you 2.5 retinal moisturizer be in?
Monica says
Hi Peggy
Thank you for your interest in our Retinol Moisturizer.
The product is now back in stock at Amazon and in our official store 🙂
Let me know if any questions!
Sincerely,
Monica
keri says
Hi Monica can I find the cream anywhere in South Africa?
Monica says
Hi Keri
This product is only available for sale in the US as of now 🙁 I will let you know ASAP if it comes available in South Africa.
Have a great day 🙂
– Mon
Chanelle says
Hi Monica.
Please let me know as well. Such a pity it is notavailable in South Africa 🙁
Regards
Chanelle