It’s that time of year again where the seasons are changing and my skin is rebelling from the changes. Between the very hot days, kind of cool days, and excessive wind by skin has been feeling a bit dry and flaky rather than oily the past few weeks. So I decided to pick up The Body Shop Drops of Light Brightening Serum again, as it helped my skin feel better last year.
| Amazon | The Body Shop |
Drops of Light Brightening Serum
Alternatives:
Aqua/Water/Eau, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, PEG-20, Methyl Gluceth-20, Alcohol Denat., 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Hydrolyzed Soy Flour, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Rosa Centifolia Extract /Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract, Potassium Hydroxide, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Palmaria Palmata Extract, Disodium EDTA, Propylene Glycol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Salicylic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Linalool, Parfum/Fragrance.
Butylene Glycol is a solvent, viscosity-decreasing agent and a conditioner. This helps reduce the product from drying out and works well in anti-aging products as it helps retain moisture.
Citric Acid contains high levels of Vitamin, Folic Acid and Vitamin B, as well as minerals like magnesium, calcium and phosphorus. It is an alpha hydroxy acid used in personal care products to adjust the acidity or promote skin peeling and re-growth in the case of anti-aging products.
Disodium EDTA (disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) is used as a chelating agent. It prevents ingredients in a formula from binding with trace elements that can be present in water. Studies have found that EDTAs, including disodium EDTA, as used in cosmetic formulations are safe.
Glycerin promotes skin cell maturation which can help fight effects of skin problems such as psoriasis whilst improving the appearance of skin in general. It is a humecant and helps the skin maintain it’s moisture which in turn makes the skin look healthier.
Linalool has a floral smell similar to bergamot oil and French lavender. It is a natural ingredient used for fragrancing cosmetics and skincare products.
Pentylene Glycol is used as a solvent, preservative and synthetic humectant. It is both water and oil-soluble and can have moisture-binding and antimicrobial properties.
Propylene Glycol is used in small amounts to keep products from melting in high temperatures or freezing. It also assists active ingredients to penetrate the skin.
Sodium Benzoate is used as a preservative to prevent the formula from spoiling and to extend its shelf life.
Water helps improve product consistency and spreadability, helps improve ingredient penetration and absorption.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder is great for acne-prone skin as it has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It also helps to keep the skin moisturised.
Caprylyl Glycol works as a humectant and skin conditioning agent in moisturising and emollience products. It also has anti-microbial properties which makes it great for moisturisers, sunscreens, anti-aging treatments and cleansers.
Hydroxyethylcellulose is a thickening agent and preservative which enhances the texture of a product.
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a white paste, derived from castor oil. It’s a surfactant, which helps mix water with oil so dirt can be rinsed away from skin, leaving your skin feeling nice and clean.
Potassium Hydroxide is a cleansing agent that requires a small amount of water to work and balances out the skin’s pH, so it is used in products like cleansers, sunscreens and soaps.
Salicylic Acid is often used as a chemical exfoliant, this ingredient can penetrate the skin to tackle acne by dissolving the dirt and impurities that are clogging the pores.
Sodium Citrate is a buffering agent which can be used to control the formulas pH level. It also acts as a preservative to keep the formula intact and free from contamination.
Sodium Hyaluronate is a sodium salt of hyaluronic acid that has the ability to penetrate skin and hold on to water making it a popular ingredient for anti-aging products.
Xanthan Gum is a moisturising gel produced by fermented corn sugar, that helps thicken products and aids consistency for easy dispensing of products.
Use 2-3 drops of product onto your fingertips, and gently apply all face. Gently pat and smooth serum over the skin and allow product to absorb on it’s own.
- Cleanser
- Masks and Exfoliators
- Toner
- Treatment Products (acne, antioxidant serums, acids, retinols/retinoids)
- Mists
- Serum – Use before your moisturiser, but after treatment products.
- Moisturiser
- Eye Cream
- Oil
See Skincare Routine Guide for more info.
First Thoughts
I have used this serum before so my first thoughts unfortunatley won’t be my actual first thoughts. However I originally picked this up because my skin can get very dry, and I needed a serum that would work but also not irritate eczema.
This serum is lightly scented, but colourless so I thought I could test it out to see how it would react. The formula itself is quite thin and watery (as well as being water-based!) so I felt fairly safe trying it. It being from The Body Shop as well, made me think it would be good as usually my skin fares well with their products, although I know some people’s skin doesn’t.
During Use
You can definitely feel how lightweight the formula is when using it. A little really goes a long way, as the product spreads easily over the skin. The water-base also allows for quick and easy absorption into the skin without it feelings sticky or greasy.
I love this product a lot because it also feels cool and soothing when applying it. This is a main reason why I’ve been using it since last year, because even without being in the fridge it has that cooling feel. This helps my soothe the irritated skin from eczema, and whilst the product doesn’t help heal it does help reduce symptoms.
After Use
Immediately after use my skin does have that hyrdrated boost feeling as well as a few hours later. You do need to use this everyday to keep showing these effects, so it may be a aesthetic serum rather than one that actively improves the skin. I couldn’t say for certain as I’m not a skincare professional though.
The good thing is that even if it does leave a layer on your skin, it doesn’t cause breakouts and it leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth to the touch. I love using the brightening serum to help prep my skin for makeup in my morning routine.
Would I Re-Purchase?
I have already re-purchased this one, and believe I may re-purchase again if needed.
What serums have you been using? Do you need one for long-term use?