Review Evolve Organic Beauty Hyaluronic Serum 200

Hyaluronic acid has been a buzz word in beauty for some time but you may be thinking what exactly is it and how can we benefit from this ingredient in our skincare. When researching hyaluronic acid I asked Andy Millward, a Facialist, Aesthetician and Beauty Writer for some guidance and he kindly pointed me in the right direction. I now understand that hyaluronic acid naturally occurs in our bodies, it is abundant in our dermis and a molecule can hold 1000 times its own weight in water. Hyaluronic acid is included in skincare as a humectant to help hydrate skin. When your skin is hydrated it will feel plump and fine lines and wrinkles are temporarily improved so it makes sense to include in formulations. I think most of us desire these results in our skin especially as we get older.

Not all hyaluronic acid is the same and it’s classified by three sizes of molecular weight – High (Large), Medium and Low (Small). Larger molecules are too big to penetrate so work on the surface of skin as oppose to smaller ones which hydrate deeper.

I read articles that suggested hyaluronic acid decreased with age but LabMuffin says 

"It’s been thought that decreased hyaluronic acid levels led to the thinner and drier look of aged skin. However, the research currently suggests that the amount of hyaluronic acid in the skin doesn’t actually decrease with age, but it does redistribute with both natural and environmentally-induced skin aging."

I wanted basic knowledge of hyaluronic acid so that I could better understand the purpose and benefits of Evolve Organic Beauty Hyaluronic Serum 200. The website explains that Evolve uses Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid and there is 200mg per bottle. The serum is formulated with rose water, aloe vera, pomegranate, glycerine and konjac root powder. It’s a clear formulation which feels similar to a gel but once applied to the skin it’s a liquid almost like water. It’s a unique texture in comparison to my oil based serums. The instructions tell you to follow with moisturiser or other Evolve treatments and I have been doing that. My skin definitely benefits from layering face oil or cream over an application of hyaluronic serum.

I’ve had my Evolve Hyaluronic Serum for about 9 months but I remember not opening it for sometime as I was finishing up other products. I haven’t been reaching for it as often as I thought I would and that’s very interesting to me. There have been times when this product feels drying on my skin and that’s the part that was confusing me. I thought this serum would be the answer to all my dry skin problems but in truth it’s a superficial fix. I think this is partly due to the fact that I am prone to eczema. Andy explained "our natural barrier function comprises of lipids and water (in a bi-layer structure). You are prone to eczema so your bi-layers are naturally compromised meaning TEWL is increased and it’s harder for your skin to retain moisture." Eczema truly is a pain to manage and even when clear of the condition your skin is still compromised because the natural function to retain moisture isn't there.

I found the following quote to also be of personal interest.

"There’s some debate on how low molecular weight hyaluronic acid can act as an inflammatory signal and therefore be harmful, but it’s important to remember that inflammation isn’t always a bad thing. Studies on skin and skin cells have found that low molecular weight hyaluronic acid can improve the skin’s ability to repair itself, its defense against microbial attack and help with conditions like seborrheic dermatitis. Hopefully there’ll be more research into its effects on normal skin too." - LabMuffin

I have small patches of seborrheic dermatitis on my face but I'll be honest with you, I've not seen improvement when continually using Evolve Hyaluronic Serum. 

This is the part where I sit on the fence because the Evolve Hyaluronic Serum is a pleasant product but truthfully I’m unlikely to replace my empty bottle. I’m more than happy putting Hyaluronic Acid on my skin via the Daily Defence Moisture Mist. It feels better, more refreshing and non-drying so I can only guess that perhaps a super concentrated dose of Hyaluronic Acid isn’t the answer for my skin. 

As a side note, if you are vegetarian/vegan you should research the hyaluronic acid in your skincare because there are two main sources – fermentation (made by bacteria) and rooster combs. Evolve Organic Beauty is a Vegan brand so you can trust their hyaluronic acid is ethically sourced.

You know from past reviews that I adore Evolve Organic Beauty, as well as the Daily Defence Moisture Mist I use the Daily Renew Cream and Nourishing Hair Elixir but I don’t think the Hyaluronic Serum 200 is my hero product. 

Have you tried Evolve Organic Beauty Hyaluronic Serum 200? What are your thoughts on this product?

Sarah x