The Ordinary - Ivyloveskincarestuff review for Pycnogenol 5%

From all antioxidant formulas by The Ordinary, I love this one the most. Why? I think it's the gentlest one, it can be used by pretty much everyone.This was love from the first drop! I have sensitive skin and as much as I enjoyed Resveratrol/Ferulic or EUK134 they would give me a weird warming sensation upon application. Not with this one! Pycnogenol is the trade name for the natural extract derived from French maritime pine tree(Pinus Pinaster). Formula, texture & colour/scent: Like all antioxidants by The Ordinary, this has an incredibly sipmpe formula - it contains pycnogenol and most of the formula is propanediol. This ingredient is used as a penetration enhancer. It has hydrating properties but it's also the reason why the texture feels slightly oily upon application. If you use this aIone, you need to wait a few minutes to absorb and the oily feeling completely dissappears. It has a signature pine scent which I find incredibly pleasing and a natural deep orange colour. Something to keep in mind as it may cause staining of your white clothing or sheets. As for the effect - I feel it really boosts hydration, my skin is prone to dehydration and I can see a difference. And it does that while fighting free radical damage and protecting existing collagen. You can use it alone, pair it with Vit C or use just a drop of it in your moisturiser. It works beautifully either way. I use it in the AM - that's how it does makes the most sense for me. Packaging: It comes in a 15ml dropper bottle which is great as you can use it up before it goes bad. I find other 30ml antioxidant formulas to be too big to finish during the PAO(6m). And it's still affordable! Conflicts: Do not use in the same routine with copper peptides.