because winter is coming
Foreword
If you have dry skin and have been on a hunt for a deliciously rich moisturizer, chances are you have heard about the Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Face Cream before. After all, it sounds like a winter fairytale. In today's post, we will discuss whether it falls short to impress or not.
Curious? Then please keep on scrolling
My Skin: dry, sensitive
About the Product
Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Face Cream (52 USD; Made in Canada) - is described as lipids enriched hydrating face cream that visibly brightens, firms, and plumps the skin.
Packaging: this cream comes in a plastic jar with an airless pump that distributes enough product for each use. From a hygienic point of view, this is great packaging, as you don't dip your fingers in the product. And you can buy refills (priced at 40 USD) whenever you run out.
Formula: this water-based formula is rich in Glycerin (occlusive layer), Shea Butter (hydration), Jojoba Oil, and other plant-based extracts that are supposed to heal and nourish the skin barrier.
☺️ PROS
Other notable ingredients are Squalane (emollient) and Japonicus Root (anti-inflammatory antioxidant) both of which are listed at the top of the ingredients list. Chondrus Crispus Extract, aka seaweed, sits right beside them and is supposed to enrich your skin with peptides and promote dewy glow.
😕 CONS
Although Skinfix highlights certain star ingredients, some of them are mentioned toward the end of the ingredients list (which means their actual content is low). Ceramides and Sodium Hyaluronate to name a few. C12-C16 alcohols (emulsion stabilizers) are on the other hand up high on the list, which is not something I am happy about. While they are considered safe for the skin, the concentration is still high for a face cream, which might cause an adverse reaction in the long run.
Vegan🌱 Cruelty-free🐇 Gluten-free🌾
Texture: smooth rich cream.
Scent: labeled as fragrance-free. Some say this formula is "smelly", however, I can't say the same about my cream. To me, it smells of absolutely nothing.
Application: the Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Face Cream can be used as part of both your AM and PM routine. You simply apply it as the last skincare step. It layers and absorbs well, leaving a dewy finish.
first impression
Skin feels hydrated and nourished.
long-term use
Over time, I started noticing unusual tightness in the cheek area, which only happens after prolonged use of a product that has a high content of alcohol in it. It creeps up slowly, but when it occurs, the unpleasant sensation of dehydration/tightness remains 24/7 and can be neutralized with oils or ointments. This is essentially why I stopped using the Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Face Cream. The last time something similar happened to me was when I used Dr. Jart Ceramidin Liquid (reviewed here).
Verdict
As much as I wanted to love this product, and initially, I did, over time I realized that the Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Face Cream was damaging my skin barrier instead of helping strengthen it. While I am not a skincare specialist, and can only judge a product based on my extensive experience of trying most of the leading/bestselling skincare I assume the high content of synthetic fatty alcohol made my skin react this way. Beware if you have sensitive skin. Unfortunately, this Skinfix product was a failure for me, and I give it C-.
More online:
sephora.com (USA)
Purchased product; full disclaimer here
