Robynrose review for Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule

🌱 I received this from Skin1004, StyleKorean and Gopicky as part of a giveaway in exchange for my honest review. 🌱 🌱 Claims: Alcohol-free, Paraben-free, Silicone-free, Sulfate-free, Allergen-free, Cruelty-free, Fragrance-free, Pregnancy-friendly, Non-comedogenic, Oil-free, Eczema-Safe “Fermented centella and ceramide meet to take care of the broken skin barrier” 🌱 Key Ingredients: This formula contains 9 ingredients total 🌱 Centella Asiatica Extract - Powerhouse antioxidant and skin-soothing 🌱 Asiaticoside - One of the active antioxidants in Cica 🌱 Madecassic Acid - Active component in Cica, Anti-aging 🌱 Asiatic Acid - Antioxidant plant extract, found in Cica 🌱 Polyhydroxystearic Acid - Dispersing agent for texture 🌱 Betaine - Humectant with emerging evidence of pigment correction 🌱 Allantoin - Soothing plant extract 🌱 Panthenol (Pro Vitamin B5) - Soothing hydration 🌱 Lactobacillus/Centella Asiatica extract ferment filtrate - Fermented Cica makes the component ingredients easier to absorb by skin 🌱 Ceramide NP - Waxy substances used to lock in hydration and protect skin’s barrier 🌱 Texture: A semi-viscous milky serum without any stringy or goopy texture. It spreads and absorbs easily. This is the least finicky of the three products in terms of texture. 🌱 Scent: None. Oddly enough, there is no Raspberry Ketone in this or the cream, so maybe Skin1004 decided it wasn’t doing much? There are no fragrance ingredients. 🌱 Price: $33.75CA for 50mL or $0.67/mL 🌱 Application: While the other two products have their personalities, this ampoule gets along well with everyone. I’ve tried it over several toners and essences and underneath thinner and thicker moisturisers without any trouble. I love that it extends that hydrated, tacky (but not sticky) feeling so my skin never feels tight, itchy or dry. I’ve had some hormonal acne breakouts and I appreciate the fact that this doesn’t have any irritating actives in it while I need my chin to settle down and behave. With this and the toner, some have mentioned they feel like a layer is “on” their skin, that would most likely be from the ceramides, which form a waxy barrier that prevents water loss. It’s best to put products with ceramides close to last in order to seal in the more absorbent ingredients. 🌱 Every day: It’s not recommended to use ampoules every day due to their high concentration of irritating active ingredients; however, this ampoule does not contain actives that would cause irritation from frequent use. It contains mostly calming and skin-soothing properties. 🌱 Notes: Being an ampoule, one expects there to be a high concentration of active ingredients involved. But like the toner in this series, the Lactobacillus and ferment filtrate is second to last on the ingredient list. I am not sure at what concentration these ingredients need to be at to be effective, but keep in mind, the Mixsoon fermented bean serum is 100% ferment filtrate. This doesn’t negate the other fantastic ingredients, but I would have to do more research into fermented products to see if they are adding effective benefit to match the claims made. Labmuffinbeautyscience has a great article on fermentation in skincare on her blog, definitely check it out if you’re interested in the subject. 🌱 Packaging: The toner and cream come in plastic containers, but this one is frosted glass. I love that it’s tinted dark brown to protect the contents from UV light. The dropper is good quality, with soft black rubber and a glass rod. Your ampoule won’t expire early thanks to good packaging. The glass feels thick and sturdy enough that it won't shatter under the slighted touch, but still be careful not to drop it. 🌱 Accessibility: The bottle is not so narrow it will easily tip over. The cap could use texture bumps to help with grip, but otherwise it has average/good accessibility. 🌱 Sustainability: I appreciate that Skin1004 uses matte paper labels that can be easily removed for better recycling. Thank you! The bottle is glass, so can be recycled. This product could be refilled if refills were made available. 🌱 Overall: Fermentation seems to be the big skincare trend of 2023, and Skin1004 is getting in on it. Whether this line contains enough fermented ingredients to matter or not, this is still an incredibly soothing ampoule that will help restore tired, dull, dry skin with an all-star cast of soothing, hydrating antioxidants and humectants. It’s a good product either way!