Skin Science by Mira

It’s that time of the year again. If you’re looking to stock up, pick up new products to try, or you’re looking to get some holiday shopping done then this is the perfect time. Many of my favorite brands and products are on sale and I’ve compiling a list – and I’m including reviews and who I recommend them for so you can make informed spending decisions.

Want to skip the reviews? Click here for the list.

Some links and codes may be affiliate, meaning I earn a small commission. This is always optional but helps me pay for the products I purchase for testing.

A brief note

There is a lot of pressure to spend during massive sales like Black Friday. And unfortunately, much of the skincare content shared online this time of year can encourage irresponsible spending and FOMO. I just want to take second to stress that none of these products are going anywhere and there will always be more sales.

Sales are exciting and there’s some really good deals to be found on products that I think are incredible. But that doesn’t mean we can’t still be thoughtful in our spending and take time to reflect before we checkout. Be mindful of the content you’re watching this time of year too, influencers can be helpful but many are doing this as their full-time job and they generate a lot of income this time of year.

I am not the biggest fan of sales content but many of you tell me that these lists are helpful in determining what’s worthwhile – and what you should skip – so I try to do a few per year. You’ll see that I have included mini reviews and who these products work best for to help you decide and hopefully pick up products that will work well for you. If you have any questions, comment below.

Here are some questions I ask myself when deciding whether to buy something:

– Do I already have a similiar product? If yes, does this new product have the potential to be better?

– Does this fill a missing space in my routine or replace a similar product I have almost used up?

– Does this contain effective concentrations of proven ingredients? Is the overall formulation cohesive and well thought out?

– If it’s a skincare device, does it use a proven technology? Is it likely to be effective based off the specs and/or clinical studies?

– Am I excited to try this product?

– Is this something I need right away or can I revisit this next time there’s a sale?

Some other strategies I use include: 1) going through my cart before checkout and seeing if there’s anything I can remove 2) putting my cart together and then coming back later to checkout once I have thought it over, and 3) setting a budget for myself in advance. It’s not a “deal” if you’re spending beyond your means or it’s something you don’t need.

Favorite Brands

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Stratia Skin

This woman owned, small skincare brand has been a staple in my skincare routine since owner Alli first sent me samples of what would later become their Lipid Gold moisturizer. As a day 1 customer, it’s been incredible to see a brand really take off and I believe it’s because they saw a need in the market for affordable, thoughtful formulations. When I later became a content creator, they exemplified what I look for in brand relationships – authentic, organic, and transparent. You can’t go wrong with anything they sell but below are my favorites if I had to pick just a few.

Lipid Gold Moisturizer

$21.60 with code SHOPSLOW

Light lotion texture yet has a lot of richness due to all the lipids in here. This is truly the perfect treatment product for barrier support thanks to the ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids, and niacinamide. Also important to me is the ceramide concentration, I find you need a decent amount to really make a difference for significant barrier impairment. Because they’re getting more buzz, brands occasionally sprinkle them in for marketing purposes.

Best for: all skin types, but especially anyone dealing with barrier impairment. Dry skin types can use this as a booster by adding 1 pump to a richer moisturizer while oily skin can as a stand-alone nighttime moisturizer.

Velvet Cleansing Milk

$23.20 for 8 oz size with code SHOPSLOW

This cleanser perfectly demonstrates what I look for in a cleanser for dry and compromised skin. The surfactant used not only doesn’t disrupt barrier function but supports it, the pH is low so we are preserving skin surface acidity, and added emollients and skin soothers help offset any irritancy from the cleansing process. And equally important: this is gentle and moisturizing but doesn’t leave residue.

Best for: dry and/or sensitive skin

Lipid Gold Eye Cream

$16.80 with code SHOPSLOW

Most people don’t need an eye cream – most fragrance free skincare can be used under the eyes and you only need a dedicated product there if you have very different under eye concerns compared to the rest of the face – or you need a gentler version of something like a retinoid for under the eyes.

So why am I recommending this? Because formulation wise, it’s basically a richer version of the original Lipid Gold with petrolatum and added humectants like algae and peptides. This one also omits niacinamide if you’re the rare person who doesn’t get along with it or if you’re already using it in a lot of other steps. I absolutely LOVE this as an all-over moisturizer for dry skin or you can use it anywhere you’re more dry.

Best for: normal to dry skin

Bloomeffects

I started testing this brand in July 2023 and immediately it was a struggle to not share them because I fell in love quickly. Now that I have finished testing, their Black Friday sale seemed like the perfect time to finally share. They are definitely more of a splurge but if you’re wanting to treat yourself, these products are luxurious and feel like a “treat.” Everything I have used from them feels unique as well – something I look for in higher priced skincare, I want to know I can’t just easily find something similiar for less. I purchased my first order myself but the brand sent me their sunscreen.

Royal Tulip Nectar

$45.50 with code CYBERWEEK23

This looks like a jar of honey – without the stickiness. Instead of water, they use 30% glycerin – which may aid barrier support in high concentrations above 20% – with occlusive and film forming ingredients to lock in moisture, humectants like panthenol and sodium lactate, and barrier supporting emollients like sunflower seed oil and phospholipids. If you’re dry and dealing with the impact of cold weather on your skin, this is heaven. I use it as a final step at night instead of petrolatum, it doesn’t feel as heavy yet my skin is incredibly soft and hydrated the next morning.

Royal Tulip Cleansing Jelly

$20.30 with code CYBERWEEK23

I have recently fallen in love with jelly cleansing oils. You get the luxurious feel of a balm without the heaviness. Similarly, you get the convenience of a cleansing oil in terms of the packaging but no drippiness. This one is really lovely for dry skin thanks to the high concentration of glycerin and the solubilizers they use are very gentle. It reminds me a little of the Harborist Gel-Balm Cleanser Gel-Balm Cleanser (code MIRA15) but where that one is the perfect single cleanse for lazy skincare days, this is definitely a first cleanser and works well for heavier makeup too.

Note: I am omitting the sunscreen as 3-4 months in, I started to get some separation and mixing it didn’t correct the issue. I think it’s a beautiful, glowy mineral sunscreen for fair skin that offers iron oxides and water resistance. Since it’s a sunscreen though you can’t be too careful and I have contacted the brand.

Bradceuticals

Another small, woman owned brand that I have used and recommended for many years now. I had fallen in love with AnteAge, a fantastic growth factor brand that uses bone marrow derived stem cell conditioned, but couldn’t afford it. After scavenging the internet, I stumbled across the Bradceuticals serums which were on EBay at the time. There was no reviews anywhere at the time, they were that small! I reached out to them and after carefully vetting, started testing them post treatment and the results blew me away. I started recommending them in various Facebook groups and to other creators and the rest is history. Their yearly BOGO sale is eagerly anticipated and always a huge hit.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell Line

Buy 1 Get 1 Free with code BOGO2023EFXA

Their Mesenchymal line is what features the bone marrow derived stem cell conditioned media like the AnteAge products and what I recommend as it’s best for skin. I had fantastic results with the original (and you can start there first to see if you like it) but I have moved onto using the Gold post treatment as it uses twice the concentration of SCCM.

You can read more about growth factors here but the short version is that they are incredible for enhancing results and accelerating recovery when used alongside treatments like microneedling . There are topical studies and they’ve added other goodies like humectants, peptides, MAP, and DMAE – so you can absolutely use as a daily serum too. It just really shines alongside microneedling, laser, and peels.

Best for: use alongside aesthetic treatments, aging skin, and there’s emerging evidence ther shows it may be helpful for skin disorders

Regimen Lab

I was also a beta tester for them prior to them launching, just like I was with Stratia. Are we starting to see a theme here? I just really love supporting small, science focused brands who have innovative formulations. What has truly impressed me with Regimen Lab is how they continue to improve upon their products based upon evidence and feedback. And while they’re on the higher end of what I usually recommend, it’s still a steal considering how much you’re getting in these products. If you’re more of a minimalist, RL products are perfect for condensing your routine.

Wave Serum

$29.25 individually

There’s a recent trend of skipping hyaluronic acid and while there’s nothing wrong with HA, I am loving that brands are opting for more well rounded formulations rather than one more HA serums. This serum is light weight and non-sticky yet still packs a punch, using an array of ingredients that both hydrate immediately and improve hydration over time. Aquaxyl is a patented ingredient complex with water-binding sugars, ElfaMoist is an interesting synthetic humectant that claims to beat out other humectants and hydrate for 30 hours, we have tried and true glycerin at 10%, two different forms of B5 for improved moisture retention and soothing, betaine, a glucose derivative, urea to help aid water transport into the skin, and more.

Best for: all skin types needing more hydration

Level Serum

$31.50 individually

Another light weight serum with a highly effective, cohesive formulation. It’s been suggest that niacinamide and N-acetyl glucosamine may work synergistically together and they’ve taken this and build upon it with added pigment inhibitors like arbutin, licorice extract, and hexyl resorcinol. What’s truly brilliant though is that this is really designed to target multiple aspects of the pigment pathway – you have anti-inflammatory ingredients and antixoxidants to help prevent melanocytes from being activated, pigment inhibitors to disrupt melanogenesis, and niacinamide to prevent melananosome transfer (how melanin is transported to the keratinocytes). This won’t be enough by itself for melasma or sun damage but it perfectly compliments a regimen with high UVA protection sunscreen, iron oxides, tretinoin, and hydroquinone.

Best for: anyone dealing with hyper pigmentation as well as those needing an antioxidant serum without Vitamin C

C.R.E.A.M. Moisturizer

$33 individually

I am still beyond impressed at the evolution of this moisturizer. When I purchased it during their soft launch, the results were there but the texture reminded me a little of dried glue. The emulsifier they were using wasn’t the best and it didn’t have a nice spread on the skin. The formulation was improved when they did their official launch, with the cream feeling less dry and gliding better on the skin. But then they released CREAM 2.0 and it absolutely blew me away… they changed the texture completely, it’s still very rich but is slightly more gel cream like and just feels beautiful on the skin. And they did this while adding petrolatum and adding more skin soothers!

The overall formulation is just as cohesive and thoughtful as their other releases. Ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol improve barrier function over time and the concentration is enough to make a difference for even the most compromised skin. Meanwhile, petrolatum and soothing ingredients immediately address barrier impairment.

Best for: normal to dry skin, compromised and sensitive skin

Not ready to buy yet? You can get a similar deal after the sale using code MIRA15 on the Hydration Kit.

Niche Beauty Lab

This Spanish skincare brand is everything I wanted Deciem to be. Their affordable lines like Transparent Lab are budget friendly but still well-rounded with nice textures. Meanwhile, their Theramid line is more results driven but doesn’t add outlandish ingredients like some of the Niod products and prices are still reasonable. They have beautiful glass bottles and have recently begun to switch to airless pumps which I really appreciate as the old packaging made it hard to get the last bit out. They use evidence based ingredients yes but nothing feels bland or overly done which has been my gripe with The Ordinary copycats like Naturium, Minimalist, and The Inkey List.

Theramid A-Retinoate

$31.50

I had a hard time deciding between sharing this one and their Clinical Vitamin A. The original Clinical Vit A has the more researched combo of retinaldehyde and encapsulated retinol and I’ve used multiple bottles, it’s a great with the only con being slight graininess upon initial application. I decided to share this new retinoid as I have been getting questions and the formulation is an interesting one. First, we have retinaldehyde which is a promising alternative to tretinoin, performing similarly in preliminary studies but without the irritation. Then there’s retinyl retinoate, an ester of retinoic acid. Made by combining retinol and retinoic acid, there’s not much evidence but this is the only affordable option I’ve seen. And then they’ve added sodium retinoyl hyaluronate, an ester of low molecular weight hyaluronic acid and retinoic acid with little data. The texture is really nice and I love that they’ve added skin soothers like betaine and panthenol.

Best for: sensitive skin and retinoid beginners

Theramid Azid

$27.30

This is the first product from NBL that I really fell in love with and I’ve used multiple bottles now. Azelaic acid is mainly studied at 15-20% and until recently, you needed a prescription to get those strengths. This is not only 15% but had a really nice, light lotion texture with a 1% ceramide blend and soothing ingredients like oat to offset irritation. A gentle but effective option.

Best for: acne, redness, and rosacea but consider a 20% for hyper-pigmentation

Transparent Lab Ceramide Repair

$14.70 for 30 ml

This is the perfect example of why overall formulation wins over individual ingredients. I like the Theramid version with 3% ceramides and I thought I would prefer it over this one since I find 2-3% to really be the sweet spot for barrier repair. But this one has such a nice milky, hydrating texture that I just find myself reaching for it so much more. It’s the perfect budget option. In addition to a 1% ceramide and cholesterol blend, you also get ectoin, phytosterols, and lecithin.

Best for: all skin types

Skin Actives Scientific

I discovered this brand over 7 years ago thanks to Reddit and I think it’s a testament to their products that they remain in rotation. Well formulated skincare doesn’t go out of style. They really focus on antioxidants, something I really love as I think they aren’t discussed enough. They have a more conservative approach to skincare as well which I find to be an important perspective.

Vitamin C 20%

$19.50 with code HOLIDAYSHOP25

The very first product I tried from them, this antioxidant serum is really something special. They take the established combination of C, E, ferulic acid from Dr. Pinnell and his research for Skinceuticals, using a slightly lower pH for added penetration of the Vitamin C. There’s glycerin and emollients like pomegranate oil that make this really nice for dry skin. And then they’ve just packed this with additional antioxidants, something I just don’t seen in most Skinceuticals dupes.

Best for: dry, mature skin, and anyone wanting to protect skin and prevent premature aging. Likely too much if you’re oily.

Rejuvenating Antioxidant Serum

$37.50 with code HOLIDAYSHOP25

After falling in love with their Vitamin C 20% and then the Alpha Beta Exfoliant, I discovered the Antioxidant serum. It became a favorite as a secondary antioxidant step during summer or when my skin was under more stress as well as anytime I needed a break from ascorbic acid. They recently released this new version and I have it say, it’s even better. The texture is lighter and more cosmetically elegant. It still has C derivative MAP and is packed with antioxidants but this new version adds enzymatic antioxidants like superoxide dismutase. I also love that they’ve growth factors and honeybee defensin to help repair as well as protect.

Best for: sun-damaged skin, anyone looking for antioxidant protection, those who can’t tolerate ascorbic acid

Experiment Beauty

This small skincare brand has started to get a lot of buzz but I had actually purchased their mask thanks to my friend Cho back before they had any skincare. I was initially hesistant to try their serum but I had been loving the 15% glycerin serum from Niche Beauty Lab and decided, why not? I have to say, I have loved everything they’ve released and I think it’s impress that everything they release feels new and interesting in such a saturated market.

Super Saturated

$21

I have no idea how they created a serum with 30% glycerin that isn’t a sticky mess. I would suspect it’s the sodium polyacrylate and polyacrylate crosspolymer-6, they likely form a non-sticky gel and adding a low concentration of an emollient (like the squalane) seems to help cut some stickiness too.

But anyway, what you’ll probably find more interesting is that alongside the 30% glycerin (which makes this intensely hydrating and great for barrier function) we’ve also got diglycerin, film forming ingredients like polyglutamic acid, some of my favorite skin soothers like allantoin and bisabolol, and niacinamide which further aids the anti inflammatory and barrier supporting benefits. Intensely rich and hydrating, you only need a single pump (if that) and I apply on damp skin for spread.

Best for: dry skin types and anyone who wants very concentrated skincare

Buffer Jelly

Just like with their Super Saturated, I was hesistant to try this one. I had been hoping for a moisturizer and I also felt like this was an attempt at something like Stratia’s Lipid Gold but without all the ceramides and cholesterol I really love. I am so glad I tried it anyway though because this is entirely different! While you can use it as a booster like LG, it’s unique in that it makes moisturizers richer. I can add a couple drops into any moisturizer and it’s instantly better suited to dry skin. If you’re oily, I think you could get away with adding a single drop to a serum and using as your moisturizer.

The petrolatum and squalane help lock in moisture and we’ve got some less common barrier focused ingredients like sterols and individual fatty acids (not just in plant oils). We’ve also got some oil soluble forms of ingredients like green tea, panthenol, and green tea that work nicely with the skin soothers in Super Saturared.

Best for: all skin types but mostly dry

Favorite Retailers

Don’t want to order from multiple websites? Here’s some of my favorite retailers that are having sales!

Amazon

Because there’s so many products and the deals are constantly changing, I won’t be listing out all my recommendations. Instead, you can find my list of recommendations here which I will be keeping updated. I went through my orders and previous lists and this list is really focused on solid skincare products that I have used and recommended fo a long time and that everyone will love.

YesStyle

I have used this K-Beauty retailer for close to a decade and have always been impressed by their selection and prices. StyleVana is another retailer I’ve used but while their prices tend to be a little lower, customer service can be hit-or-miss. Like with Amazon, I have compiled a list of favorites here and you can pair coupon code 2023BF with reward code YSMIRA5 to save extra on top of the sale.

Skin Beautiful RX

Owned and curated by esthetician Leah Parks, this is the only retailer I purchase professional lines from as Leah consistently offers discounts and does a great job offering products I actually end up really enjoying. I don’t recommend a lot of high priced brands but here’s a list of the few that I really think are worth the splurge and you can save 30% with code BF30. If you’re on a budget, there’s many other options though!

Truth Treatments:

• Retinol Gel Balm

AnteAge:

• Serum and MD Serum
• MD Brightener
• Microneedling Solution
  

Le Miuex:

• 24 Hour Age Defying Cream
• ISO Cell Solution

Osmosis MD:

• Rescue

Favorite Products for Skin Concerns

Want to know what to buy for your skin type or skin concern? I’ve made it really simple for you.

Dry Skin

• Stratia Velvet Milk Cleanser
• Experiment Super Saturated
• Regimen Lab CREAM

Oily Skin

• Cosrx Good Morning Low pH Gel Cleanser
• Isntree Green Tea Serum
• Cosrx Green Tea Gel Cream
• Hero Cosmetics Sunscreen

Acne Prone Skin

• Humane BPO Wash
• Differin Gel

Mature Skin

• Sana Soy Milk Wrinkle Care Night Cream
• Dermatica Tretinoin formulation (code as MIRATEN)
• Estrodiol cream from a trusted provider

The Minimalist

• Prequel Skincare for face and body
• Skin Actives Vit C for 2 step morning routine with sunscreen
• Stratia Night Shift for an all-inclusive nighttime moisturizer

Skincare Device Junkies

• NEWA Radio Frequency (code MIRA10)
• Laduora Velve (on sale for 40% off)
• Laduora Duo (on sale for 40% off)

Gifts and Sets

• Regimen Lab The Kit
• Stratia Skin AM Routine OR PM Routine
• Torriden Sheet Masks

What I’m Skipping

This is in no way to put down anyone who happens to love these. I just think it’s important to share what I’m not buying or what I don’t recommend. You may have different “skips” and that’s okay!

Gimmicky devices like MediCube, Droplette, Nebulyft. Medicube devices almost all use EMS which is an unproven modality for skin and they don’t disclose much info on specs or studies. Droplette has zero independent research and have made many conflicting, questionable claims. And there are many devices like Nebulyft that refuse to disclose their supposed studies.

Overpriced influencer brands like Drmtlgy. Basically anything with a high price tag for a very simple product and that only really blew up because of influencers. I believe Drmtlgy is also white label.

Sciencewashing anything. OneSkin and Adipeu are perfect examples, there’s minimal quality research at best yet they use a lot of misleading marketing and other tactics to appear credible.

Anything that I am not excited to use. This probably seems obvious but I am giving myself permission to not test anything of obligation (like a new release a lot of people are excited about) unless I’m truoy interested.