Recently, I received an innovative idea in skincare to try out: Exuviance Illumination Duo.
Exuviance is a brand that has recently come onto my radar screen. However, the two doctors who started the brand discovered the skincare benefits of glycolic acid, and they invented the glycolic peel. Woo hoo! That got my attention, big time.
Now, I am all about vitamin C. I’ve been using 3 vitamin C serums in succession over the past year, and I love them. Vitamin C has been clinically shown to brighten skin and reduce hyperpigmentation, and I’ve seen results for myself. In addition, it helps address signs of aging by strengthening the skin’s matrix to help increase firmness and smooth wrinkles.
So what is new about Exuviance Illumination Duo? It’s two products that work in tandem to reduce the signs of aging: Exuviance Evening Restorative Complex and Exuviance Vitamin C+ Antiaging Booster.
Exuviance Vitamin C+ Antiaging Booster is the 100% pure active formulation of vitamin C, and it comes as a powder. I have never seen that before!
At bedtime, I shake a small amount of the powder (usually about 2-3 shakes, and Exuviance provides a measuring spoon if you want to be exact) into my hand and mix it with the Exuviance Evening Restorative Complex cream and apply as usual. So unique!
Exuviance promises the following benefits:
- Evening Restorative Complex is clinically proven to improve overall skin texture, tone, and appearance
- 90% saw smoother skin after 4 weeks of using Exuviance Evening Restorative Complex
- Vitamin C+ Antiaging Booster amps up the effects of the Evening Restorative Complex, helping to fade the look of dark spots while improving firmness and smoothing wrinkles
Let me tell you a little bit more about each of the products in the duo.
Exuviance Evening Restorative Complex is a gorgeous, rich cream that comes in a pump to protect the effectiveness of the ingredients. Just a little bit of the cream goes a long way. It is very luxurious. Although it is an American brand, made in the US, for some reason, it signals European luxury to me. Maybe it’s the well-made packaging, the pale aqua (my favorite color) shade of the cream itself (that matches my Milani Mint Crush Nail Lacquer),
and the light floral fragrance that make it seem like it’s from somewhere else.
On the scientific side, Evening Restorative Complex contains state-of-the-art ingredients, two of which are new to me:
- Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) Gluconolactone in Evening Restorative Complex decreases lines and wrinkles, evens skin tone and improves roughness and texture.
- Lactobionic Acid – a potent antioxidant – inhibits wrinkles from forming, plumps and firms the skin, and enhances clarity.
In addition, Evening Restorative Complex contains the more familiar antioxidants – vitamins A, C and E – along with botanicals to deliver anti-aging benefits without dryness or irritation even to sensitive skin like mine.
What about Vitamin C+ Antiaging Booster? And why is it a powder, you ask?
As a powder, Vitamin C+ Antiaging Booster does not contain water or any fillers. Instead, it is 100% active ingredients:
- vitamin C
- Aceta-C, Exuviance’s patented ingredient that enhances the natural anti-aging action of vitamin C, making it work harder.
Got it!
Exuviance is sold at Ulta which is where I was first introduced to the brand. You can also buy it on exuviance.com. The price for the Duo is $77, while it would be $120 if purchased individually. Exuviance Illumination Duo includes: Exuviance Vitamin C+ Antiaging Booster, 0.35 oz, Exuviance Evening Restorative Complex, 1.75 oz.
I have only been using Exuviance Illumination Duo for about a week so it is too soon for me to see results that are specific to these products. They recommend using the product for 4 weeks to see results. But because of the reputation of the brand’s well-respected cosmetic dermatologists and the uniqueness of the products themselves, I am eager to see what will happen.
As I mentioned earlier, Exuviance Evening Restorative Complex is a rich cream, appropriate for nighttime use. I think I will love it more once the cold, dry winter is upon us when I prefer to use a heavier cream. The only thing I wish I could change is the fact that it has a light floral scent. I prefer unscented facial skincare products, but fortunately the scent disappears once it’s on my skin so it’s not a deal breaker .
As those of us in the Northern hemisphere head toward fall and winter, it’s time to think about changing our skincare routines toward a different kind of protection that can help undo any damage from spending more time outdoors in the sun during the summer. Also, I know many of us have been using vitamin C serums, and it is fascinating to learn that the powder form of vitamin C, amped up with a super-antioxidant, is available. Check out Exuviance Illumination Duo!
Ingredients
Vitamin C+ Antiaging Booster: Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Gluconolactone, Acetyl Cysteine, Zinc Gluconate, Arginine.
Evening Restorative Complex: Aqua (Water), Gluconolactone, Propylene Glycol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glycerin, PEG-100 Stearate, Lactobionic Acid, Octyldodecyl Myristate, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, C12-15 Alkyl Ethylhexanoate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ethoxydiglycol, Palmitic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Stearic Acid, Dimethicone, Ceteareth 20, Tocopheryl (Vitamin E) Acetate, Ascorbyl (Vitamin C) Palmitate, Retinyl (Vitamin A) Palmitate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower Extract, Algae Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Echinacea Purpurea (Coneflower) Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caprylic/Capric/Stearic Triglyceride, Xanthan Gum, Steareth-2, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Extract, Ammonium Hydroxide, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Phosphatidyl Choline, Polyacrylamide, Octyldodecanol, Disodium EDTA, Myristic Acid, Laureth-7, Disteareth-100 IPDI, Methylparaben, Chlorphenesin, Parfum (Fragrance), Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxyisohexyl-3-Cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde, Butyl Phenyl Methylpropional, CI 42090 (Blue #1), CI 19140 (Yellow #5).
I love Exuviance, and am giving this duo a go myself. The peel pads they make are amazing too! I agree with you, it does feel like a Euro-luxe brand! I think it smells like gardenia, in a good way. Love the nails! 🙂
Amber recently posted…Signature Fragrances – Deja Vu and Lola Perfume Oils
I’ll be eager to read your review, Amber, of this duo! I’m assuming the peel pads are glycolic acid? I’d love to try them too 🙂
I have to try this duo! Great review!
Leelo R recently posted…Birchbox UK August 2014
I’m enjoying them, and the Evening Restorative Cream is perfect for colder weather
I NEED to try this duo!
Phyrra recently posted…Anastasia Maya Mia Peach and Deep Brown Tutorial
You should!
Sounds like a promising duo!
XO, Noelle recently posted…OCC Unknown Pleasures Lip Tars for Fall/Winter 2014 – Swatches & Review
I’m eager to give ’em more time, Noelle, to look for results!
On my to test cue, I can’t wait to see what the hype is about 🙂
NORAH recently posted…The Gnarly Whale Green Tea Eucalyptus Toner Review
Let me know what you think, Norah!
What a great review, this sounds wonderful!
Brooke @ Blushing Noir recently posted…Summer Beauty – Sultry Eyes that POP Tutorial #WalgreensBeauty
Thanks, Brooke! I am enjoying using them 🙂
Exuviance is a great brand. Actually a powder form of Vitamin C is the most stable & that is really important! I’d love to try it, my aging skin loves Vitamin C!
Yes, thank you for the info, that’s why they seemed to indicated about the vitamin C. I’m hoping it will make a difference with continued use!
I need to try these they sound great!
Leigh recently posted…Kryolan Dermacolor Camouflage Creme Makeup Review, Photos and Swatches.
Take a look at them at Ulta, Leigh!
I’ve seen another powder like this somewhere online before!
Miranda recently posted…How to Save Water in Your Beauty Routine
This is my first experience with vitamin C powder. I wonder what the brand was that you saw?
This stuff sounds so nice! I have to share this brand with my coworker!
Brittany recently posted…Makeup Wars: Anastasia Beverly Hills Maya Mia palette review + tutorial
Absolutely! spread the word, Brittany 🙂
The scientist in me LOVES the mixing! This product and the line sound ab fab! Great review!
Ashley recently posted…Too Faced Melteds Fall 2014
Oh, I’m glad to hear that you think the mixing is a good thing! I’m enjoying it so far. Hoping for good results
Awesome review! I need to try this out!
Ange recently posted…Sally Hansen Color Foil Swatches
Thanks, Ange! check it out at Ulta!
Great review! I’m so jealous – they ran out of this before I could try it. The peel pads I got instead were pretty good, but they smelled like a home permanent! lol. I love that the Vitamin C is a powder, I’m curious about that!
Nidia – Lit From Within recently posted…Two Old Purples A New Way
Thanks, Nidia! I was lucky to get it, but I’m curious about whether the peel pads are glycolic acid? The vitamin C powder is cool but a bit hard to shake out of the bottle. I’m curious to see the results over time 🙂
Great review! I’m intrigued to try this set!
Kath TheFabZilla recently posted…Tarte Limited Edition (Fall 2014) Amazonian Clay Eyeshadow Palette V1 :: Review, Swatch, FOTD
Thanks, Kath! check it out at Ulta on your next trip!
I am so intrigued by this brand!
Just the fact that the two cosmetic dermatologists who discovered the benefits of glycolic acid started the brand is enough for me!
I’ve been using this and am so far impressed
Sheila recently posted…You’ve Come A Long Way, Carmex! A Look At New Carmex Lip Balms
I’m looking forward to your review, Sheila
this sounds pretty cool
You should check ’em out at Ulta, Laura! Quite innovative
Vitamin C is soooo important. I use it as often as possible.
Kimmi @ The Plastic Diaries recently posted…Imperial Leather – Blue Lagoon Limited Edition Bodywash Review
Yes, I do too. However, I was told that it can make skin sun-sensitive and not to use it during the day.
I have been testing this duo out myself the last week and it’s so exciting for me to read first impression results from someone else. I am not gonna lie, I was a bit freaked when I seen it out of the box. lol
Honeygirlk recently posted…Bioque Rejuvenating Day Cream
I’ll be curious to read your review, too, Honey. The Evening Restorative Cream will be good for my dry skin especially this winter. In your warm climate, I’m eager to see what you think
I would love to try a bit of this brand
Betzy Carmona recently posted…7 Day Sleek & Chich How To with Marco Peña
I was happy, Betzy, to get a chance to try it out. I’m curious about the vitamin C in powder form.
I love Exuviance products, especially their peel pads. Great review!
Anastasia recently posted…My Labor Day Sale Picks: Beauty, Fashion, and Accessories
Does it say how many pumps to the powder?
Filipina, the vitamin C powder is not a pump. The set includes a small measuring spoon that you can use, but I shake it about 3 times and then just mix the powder in the a generous pump of the Evening Restorative Cream.