A couple of years ago, an esthetician who did my facial told me that my skin was well-hydrated. I was thrilled to hear that. Since then I’ve been doing what I can to keep my skin hydrated. I need to get one of those electronic meters to figure out how I’m doing. Because I don’t have any way to actually measure the level of hydration of my skin, I rely on how my skin looks and feels. In addition, I am taking a layering approach to hydrating my skin by using a few different products either in combination or on their own. Over the next week or two, I’ll post about all of them.
StriVectin Hyaluronic Dual-Response Serum: What’s It Like
StriVectin sent me their new “hydration hero”, Hyaluronic Dual-Response Serum about a month ago. For me, it was love at first pump. It comes in a cool purple plastic pump container. The serum is actually a clear gel, and one pump is enough to cover my entire face. It’s lightweight and greaseless, and it dries down within a minute or two. I use it twice a day.
For me, it has no apparent fragrance though when I read through the consumer reviews, a couple of women mentioned a nice, very light scent.
What’s In It
As always, StriVectin pairs its patented molecule NIA-114 with another key skincare ingredient. Here’s a little info on StriVectin’s NIA-114: “NIA–114 is designed to penetrate the skin, delivering the vitamin Niacin to the skin’s deeper layers. … In its natural state, Niacin is water-soluble and cannot penetrate the skin barrier.” I’m a big fan of niacinamide, so that may be why I love StriVectin so much!
This time, NIA-114 is paired with hyaluronic acid. The translucent purple plastic pump container is made with two separate chambers within the outer casing so that the ingredients come together when you actually put them on your skin. So the Dual Phase in the product name refers to the pairing of the two ingredients. Here’s how StriVectin explains it:
- “Chamber 1 contains 6 unique forms of Hyaluronic to visibly plump skin with immediate and sustained hydration.
- Chamber 2 combines NIA-114 and ceramides to lock in moisture and prevent water loss.”
Product literature says that StriVectin HA Dual-Response Serum contains 6 different types of hyaluronic acid, but unfortunately it doesn’t provide any info on what all 6 of the forms are and why we need 6 of them. I am hoping that the hyaluronic acid in the product is small enough to actually get into the layers of the skin and do its job. Fortunately, the ingredients list sodium hyaluronate, a water-soluble salt form of HA that is a smaller molecule that’s better able to penetrate the skin. Because StriVectin is such an R&D oriented skincare company, I am taking it on faith that there’s a reason for 6 types of HA.
Skin Benefits
StriVectin HA Dual-Response Serum is said to visibly plump dehydrated skin. I don’t think that my skin was dehydrated before I started to use it, but I must say it feels great having it as part of my skincare routine. My skin feels like it’s getting a big drink after I apply it, and it does look plumper. StriVectin promises that the product helps the skin’s ability to retain moisture. As we head into winter and I finally break down and turn on the drying indoor heat, that benefit will become even more important to me.
I have a number of HA essences and serums that are part of my routine, but StriVectin Hyaluronic Dual-Response Serum makes the biggest immediate difference in the feel of my skin. Because of the results and the esthetics of the product itself, I like StriVectin Hyaluronic Dual-Response Serum a lot.
Although pricey at $79 for 1 oz., I think StriVectin Hyaluronic Dual-Response Serum will last quite a while since one pump covers my entire face. StriVectin often has percent off sales on the StriVectin website (and Ebates has 7.5% cash back on StriVectin too!) and they offer free shipping. It’s also available at Ulta Beauty, Macy’s, Dermstore, Saks, and Lord & Taylor. I’m a fan of a number of the StriVectin products, and because they’re more expensive than some other products I buy, I stock up during sales on the StriVectin website, events at Ulta, and during the frequent 20-25% off sales at Dermstore.
Are you a fan of Hyaluronic Acid? What are you using?
Ingredients: Aqua (Water, Eau), Isododecane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Myristyl Nicotinate, Glycerin, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Diglucosyl Gallic Acid, Ceramide NP, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-37, Ceramide AP, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Ceramide EOP, Phytosphingosine, Lecithin, Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Sucrose Palmitate, Trehalose, Urea, Glyceryl Linoleate, Tocopherol Acetate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Methyl Diisopropyl Propionamide, Pentylene Glycol, Hydroxypropylcellulose, Carbomer, Disodium Phosphate, Ethyl Menthane Carboxamide, Fragrance (Parfum), Menthyl Lactate, Serine, Algin, Isopropyl Palmitate, Citric Acid, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Pullulan, Cholesterol, Potassium Phosphate, Benzyl Benzoate, Limonene
I am a huge fan of Hyaluronic Acid-based products, and this sounds very worth trying. While it is a little on the pricy side, it definitely sounds as though this bottle will last for quite some time.
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I guess StriVectin’s higher price is due to their R&D including their secret sauce, NIA-114. I need to add this to my review: “NIA-114 is designed to penetrate the skin, delivering the vitamin Niacin to the skin’s deeper layers. … In its natural state, Niacin is water-soluble and cannot penetrate the skin barrier.” I’m a big fan of niacinamide, so that could be why I love StriVectin so much.
I think most of my products these days have HA in them, it’s like the hot ingredient of the year. I really need to revisit Strivectin in the future or whenever I finally run out of skincare….which judging by the amount that I currently have, it’ll be never.
Shireen L. Platt recently posted…THE FASHION CHALLENGE EDITION: THE SHIRT DRESS
I know what you mean, Shireen. There are about a million skincare products that I want to try but it’s hard to justify spending money when I have enough to open a store. That said, I went out and bought Vichy Mineral 89 last weekend based on your review 😉
Thanks for this review!! What step is this in your skincare routine? Before moisturizer, right? But is it first?
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Judy, I do a pretty complex skincare routine. So after cleansing, I use a toning spray, then HA essence, then this HA serum, then another serum, then moisturizer!
It’s so funny you mention the skin meters because I literally just bought one last night. I’ve been using a ton of serums with hyaluronic acid lately and I really do notice a difference
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That’s so funny, Man. I would love one of those meters! Glad you use yours!
This sounds wonderful. It’s a product I’d absolutely love to try. Strivectin is coming out with some fabulous products and this sounds like it’s top notch.
MarciaF recently posted…Pixi Beauty palettes you’ll love and a palette giveaway
I love HA products, and I loved this one right from the first pump. They had a big sampling program – it’s worth trying IMO
That cash back percentage is AWESOME! It looks like you get A LOT Of product too!
Brooke Pakulski recently posted…IT Movie Pennywise Makeup Tutorial for Kids
Yes, between the 7.5% cash back and their relatively frequent 20% off events, it’s downright affordable. And one pump goes a long way. Worth it, in my book 🙂
I’ve never used this type of product and at the price, I would need a sample first.
I LOVE Hyaluronic Acid!
Phyrra recently posted…Nyx Luv Out Loud Liquid Lipsticks
I love hyaluronic acid and I just started using this. I am skeptical of the 6 types of HA though. For me Strivectin can be hit or miss so I will reserve judgment on this one for a while.
Cindy (Prime Beauty) recently posted…Find Enlightened Radiance with Skinn
I said the same thing: why have 6 kinds of HA if you don’t tell everyone what the benefit is? But regardless, for me this product is a winner. Hope you have good luck with it.
These types of HA are derivatives (by altering the molecular size) because HA per se has no ability to “penetrate” because of its huge size. HA derivatives in general are great humectants hence they make good moisturizers. I would liken these derivatives to sugar which can be named in different ways (fructose, dextrose, sugar cane, etc) but basically, the main function is to sweeten any food
Thank you, Kathryne. Are there any benefits that you can see to including 6 HA derivatives?
Their reason is most likely for synergistic effects but unless there is a clinical study published in a medical journal, Anecdotally I would say no extra benefits
Thank you, Kathryne, for the extra info!
Non-greasy is always a winner in my book 🙌🏻
My skin is super dehydrated, so I will accept any help with that, hehe. Hyaluronic acid helps a lot!
Anastasia recently posted…Indulgent Travel Essentials from Perricone MD
I agree!
I have pretty dry skin, but I stick to my regular products that I know works really well and are ecological.
Helena recently posted…Reader’s Choice – KB Shimmer Leaf Of Faith
If you have a routine that works for you, still with it!
Well, this sounds pretty amazing! I love HA in products so I will have to keep this on my ever growing ‘try it’ list.
Bailey recently posted…Be Fun, Daring & Romantic | Avon BE Fragrance Collection
Very detailed review!
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I am really loving this serum! It is so light and absorbs quickly. Plus it makes my skin feel silky smooth after.
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Yes, the silicone makes it feel like a primer!