Review (5/5): Quite happy with the whole set
I’m happy with this Shiny Leaf set of skin care serums. I’m familiar with hyaluronic acid as I use it regularly. This serum is a bit thicker than the one I used previously. I can’t say that I prefer either. It’s just different. I always apply hyaluronic acid when my face is a bit wet. Otherwise it can be drying. It does make sense to me that the directions indicate that the retinol should be used at the same time as the hyaluronic acid. Retinol can be drying on its own. Especially if you’re not used to it. I do not find this one to be drying for the most part. I am applying a moisturizer on top of both serums before bed and a moisturizer with spf on top of the vitamin c serum in the morning. Back to the retinol… I did try it on my eyelids once (being cautious not to get it in my eyes). I did get quite a dry patch on one eyelid. I do occasionally get eczema on that eyelid specifically, so there’s some sort of issue there anyway. I can’t blame the serum, but I would suggest being cautious and starting slowly if you have any skin sensitivities. The vitamin C serum goes on nicely, but this one irritates my skin for a bit after application. I get very small bumps on my face similar to what I get on my arms when I do yard work. It will itch and feel warm for a bit as well. Since it cleared up without issue the first time I tried it, I’ve continued to use it. This is my first experience with vitamin C on my skin, so I cannot speak to whether or not I have this reaction with all such serums. I suspect that I would, though. Compared to other serums I’ve purchased this set seems to be a good value for the money. I like the pump and the amount dispensed with each pump is great. The bottles are glass rather than plastic. I appreciate that as well.