Instytutum Anti-wrinkle, Brightening Serum

 

Product Description

“This powerful multitasking serum combines powerful collagen-stimulating peptides and advanced anti-aging properties with potent plant stem cells. The silky formula is infused with rejuvenating vitamin B3 and stable time-released vitamin C to visibly diminish the appearance of dark spots and wrinkles. It improves firmness, wrinkles, and pores as well as brightens the complexion. Skin is immediately intensely hydrated and rejuvenated.”

Results to expect

• Increases moisture
• Improves firmness and radiance
• Diminishes dark spots
• Reduces pore size
• Minimizes depth of fine lines and wrinkles

Key Ingredients

• Glycerin: Hydrating
• Niacinamide (vita B3): combats hyperpigmentation, stimulates collagen production, anti-inflammatory, regulates sebum production
• Squalane: Hydrating, strengthens skins barrier

All ingredients below are less than 1% in concentration

• Meadofoam seed oil: very hydrating, lightweight
• Chlorantha bark extract: antioxidant, regulates sebum production
• Vitamin C: brightening, stimulates collagen production
• Lepidium sativum sprout extract: rich in phytonutrients
• Chondrus Crispus powder (sea weed): rich in vitamins and minerals, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
• Vitamin E: antioxidant, hydrating, stimulates cell turnover
• Shea Butter extract: Moisturizing
• Retinyl Palmitate: Vitamin A, gentle version
• Psilanthus bengalensis leaf cell culture: stem cells from coffee

Unfavourable Ingredients

• Alcohol: A little more than 1%
• Silicone
• Fragrance: Mid-ingredient list

Packaging

It comes in a sleek white and silver plastic bottle with a pump contains 30 ml and retails for 180 $ on their website. I know what you are going to say now, that is expensive. Like eye-watering expensive, but I have been using it for two months now, almost daily, and I still have product left.

Texture & Smell

One pump is enough to cover my face and neck, feels lightweight, has no noticeable scent (despite containing fragrance) and absorbs easily into my skin.

Application

It does work well with any moisturizer I put on top and did not cause issues with my makeup when I applied in the morning. The place in my favorites was earned through the noticeable brightening effect it had on my pigmentation (both from sun and acne), and while I can´t say the same about fine lines since I have none, it was definitely plumping and hydrating.

My Verdict

It is brightening, and it is hydrating enough to lessen the appearance of fine lines. A number of antioxidants, minerals, and other nutrients included backs up the claim of antiaging benefits.

Would I repurchase it? Probably not as it is very expensive. Which may surprise you, reading my rave review above. The thing is, it does everything I want from a serum, the packaging is great and I did really see a difference, but a tiny voice inside my head keeps telling me: There is a cheaper alternative out there, doing the same thing. You just have to keep on looking. I would recommend it to anyone not on a budget. Hydrating, brightening and fighting free radicals, all that while looking posh on your bathroom shelf, what is not to love?