// This post contains affiliate links (denoted by a ‘*’) & PR items. You can read my full disclaimer here.
Over the years, I’ve tried a few Algenist travel size products and while they were fine, they never really stood out to me because a few uses just aren’t meant to deliver results, usually, you get a sense of how the product feels on the skin and whether they cause any reactions. But then the Sleeping Collagen landed on my doorstep and for the first month, I’d diligently use it every night, I started seeing results around week 3/4. I was hooked and became more intrigued by the brand. It’s like, ‘ok, Algenist you’ve got my attention!’ moment.
What’s Algenist story?
Algenist has based their brand on a single hero ingredient, Alguronic Acid from algae. As the story goes, a group of biotechnology scientists were investigating algae from a ‘renewable energy’ angle which then led them to explore the regenerating properties of algae, a new platform of algal-based technology arose. This directly gave rise to the discovery, research and development of Alguronic Acid, now Algenist’s patented and exclusive ingredient – naturally-sourced and sustainably-produced through biotechnology. Alguronic acid is used in every single Algenist formula, promise to delivering visible results such as improvement in skin health, reduction of signs of aging, firmer, smoother and more radiant-looking skin in just 10 days. Impressive, right?
What does Algenist offer?
The range contains 36 products covering full skincare routines including cleansers, moisturisers, serum and treatments etc. The Algenist website allows you to browse based on your skin types such as dry, normal, oily to sensitive or solutions for fine lines & wrinkles, blemish-prone, dehydration to lack of radiance. Most of the products can be used by all skin types.
Algenist isn’t a vegan brand however some products are suitable for vegans, so you’d need to check on the individual product. And as far as cruelty-free status goes, “Algenist does not test on animals, nor ask others to test on our behalf, unless required by law, regulation, or a governmental authority. As Algenist continues to expand and reach our customers around the globe, our support and commitment to eliminate animal testing are stronger than ever. Therefore, we are proud to share our partnership with the Institute for In Vitro Sciences (IIVS)*, a non-profit research organisation dedicated to adoption and regulatory acceptance of alternative methods to animal testing worldwide.” Note that Algenist is currently sold in China, so they can not be cruelty-free verified.
What about packaging?
Most products are packaged in open glass jar packaging while the sun-sensitive products in airless plastic materials to protect the product from sunlight. Most are in recyclable materials.
What products have I tried and what do I think?
Although I called this post a brand review, I’ve only tried a small portion from the brand however they’re enough to form my thoughts about the quality of the products. According to Algenist website, Blue Algae Vitamin C™ Dark Spot Correcting Peel is best to follow with GENIUS Liquid Collagen and GENIUS Collagen Calming Relief for better results, so I wanted to try them out as suggested. And, of course, I’ve already tried the Sleep Collagen before these which I featured in both September Monthly Faves and October Faves because I’m that obsessed. So, be sure to check them out!
All the products here were sent to me, thank you so much Algenist and their Press team for their generosity, but all opinions are mine.
Blue Algae Vitamin C™ Dark Spot Correcting Peel
This resurfacing & exfoliating peel is designed to visibly reduce the appearance of dark spots and discolouration, revealing radiance, smoothed texture, more even skin tone and a brighter overall complexion. Aside from the patented Alguronic Acid from algae, this is formulated with key ingredients including:
- Pure Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) from Spirulina: a well-known form of blue-green algae rich in essential vitamins and minerals with benefits of brightening, spot-diminishing and antioxidant.
- Phycocyanin: Potent antioxidant helps to protect against free radical damage.
- Triple-Acid Complex: Combination of resurfacing and exfoliating acids (AHAs, BHA & PHA) to refine and resurface the skin
Full ingredients: Glycerin, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Glycolic Acid, Gluconolactone, Polyglyceryl-10 Behenate/Eicosadioate, Aminomethyl Propanol, Ascorbic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Glyceryl Behenate/Eicosadioate, Oleth-5, Bisabolol, Menthoxypropanediol, Spirulina Platensis Extract, Parachlorella Beijerinckii Exopolysaccharides, Citric Acid, Azelaic Acid, Tranexamic Acid, Malic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tanacetum Annuum Flower Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Sodium Hylauronate, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Flower/Leaf Extract, OcimumSanctum Leaf Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Sodium Citrate, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax (Candelilla Cera,Cire de Candelilla), Behenyl Alcohol, Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Water (Aqua, Eau), Phenoxyethanol.
The glycerin base of this product not only helps to maintain the integrity and stability of the pure, natural ingredient, it’s also very hydrating for the skin. This probably explains why my sensitive skin doesn’t get irritated by this product. Honestly, I was a little nervous when I first started because usually the word ‘peel’ almost always implies it’s going to have some stinging sensation and it can be too strong for me. To my surprise, this doesn’t feel stinging at all, maybe on the first use, I had a very mild tingling feel but that went away from second use onwards.
The way I’ve used it so far has pretty much been following the directions which are “Massage a generous layer (4-6 pumps for the face; 1 additional pump for the chest area, as needed) on freshly washed skin (or dampened skin-water, toner, essence, or anything with a water base). Leave on for 20 minutes.” I focus mostly on my freshly cleansed face with 5 pumps which sound like a lot but actually, that’s just about a pea-sized amount. Each pump is tiny! There’s a hint of a scent that reminds me of playdough, not offputting, just a little odd and I can’t figure out which ingredients give off this smell.
I’ve now used this peel for a month, initially started once a week, then moved up to twice a week in the last couple of weeks. I can see my skin is more refined and resurfaced gradually, the discolouration from post blemish marks are fading too. I wouldn’t say they go away from one use, the effect definitely is accumulated. These days I’m getting blemishes from wearing a mask like it’s a relay, so it’s good to have this product to help to fade the old marks away as well as the newer ones. I think the newer ones fade away quicker, that’s just how it goes usually. What I’ve noticed is my skin is a lot brighter overall, I rarely used other forms of vitamin C in the last month so I’m almost certain the brightening effect is down to this product.
Available: £80/45ml
GENIUS Liquid Collagen®
One of Algenist’s best sellers, this unique vegan formulation is designed to deeply replenish and condition skin, enhancing its youthful glow and radiance, all that in just ten days! In addition to their patented Alguronic Acid, other key ingredients include:
- Exclusive Active Vegan Collagen™: High concentration vegan collagen (the highest concentration of plant-based collagen on the market) that helps to strengthen & condition the skin to visibly improve texture & suppleness.
- 13,000 beads of Microalgae Oil: Rich in rich in Omega 3,6 & 9 and a natural source of Vitamin E to deeply hydrate, nourish and protect skin from free radical damage
*Vegan collagen is a new innovative technology created by binding together corn, soy and wheat protein fibres resulting in vegan amino acids that structurally mimic collagen that allows for a functional equivalent to animal-derived collagen.
Ingredients: Collagen (Vegan)*, Water (Aqua, Eau), Propanediol, Isononyl Isononanoate, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Betaine, Pentylene Glycol, Dextrin Palmitate, Collagen Amino Acids (Vegan)*, Parachlorella Beijerinckii Exopolysaccharides, Chlorella Protothecoides Oil, Helichrysum Stoechas Flower Extract, Cylindrotheca Fusiformis Extract, Niacinamide, Tocopherol, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Adenosine, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Palmitic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Carbomer, Sodium Lactate, Amodimethicone, Homosalate, Polysorbate 20, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Octocrylene, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance (Parfum), Limonene, Beta-Carotene (CI 40800).
This slightly sweet-scented serum comes in a dropper bottle which works fine but I secretly hope it’s a pump, who doesn’t? With this type of dropper button (in fact, most droppers work the same way) you need to make sure to remove the dropper from the bottle, then push the button all the way down while inserting it back into the bottle, release the button to allow the dropper fill up. I typically use about half a dropper which equates to a little over a pea-sized amount and it’s more than enough to cover the entire face. This applies beautifully on the skin, sinks in right away. There’s no sticky or tacky feel, you can apply moisturiser right away.
Originally, I intended to reserve to use only alongside the Blue Algae Vitamin C™ Dark Spot Correcting Peel but I enjoy it so much that I’ve also incorporated this into my morning routines, especially after I had retinol the night before. I just love how hydrated and nourished my skin feels without any heaviness whenever I use this serum. My skin looks so plump and firm, with a gorgeous youthful glow.
Available: £90/30ml
GENIUS Collagen Calming Relief
This is a concentrated yet gentle treatment that is specifically formulated to treat mild skin discomfort. It is for all skin types, including skin showing signs of sensitivity or those in need to combat dryness, tightness and the look of redness associated with rough, dry skin. This also contains Active Vegan Collagen™ and Alguronic Acid like the products mentioned above, other key ingredients include:
- Calendula extract: Anti-inflammatory, calms the skin and reduces discomfort caused by skin aggressors
- Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil: Rich in minerals and vitamins A, E and D, highly nourishing and moisturising
- Beta-Glucan and Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid: Found in Oat, they have wound healing properties, great for soothing the skin and reduce signs of irritation
Ingredients: Water (Aqua, Eau), Collagen (Vegetable)*, Squalane, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Dimethicone, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Palmitic Acid, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Stearic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol, PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Parachlorella Beijerinckii Exopolysaccharides, Chlorella Protothecoides Oil, Beta-Glucan, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Enteromorpha Compressa Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Extract, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Tocopherol, Collagen Amino Acids, Bisabolol, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Silybum Marianum Fruit Extract, Coelastrella Vacuolata Oil, Watanabea Reniformis Oil, Citric Acid, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Propanediol, Ceteareth-20, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Pentylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Ethyhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, 1,2-Hexanediol, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Sodium Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol.
If you’ve followed my blog for a while, then you’d know I have mildly sensitive skin, I’m very cautious not to use over-active products, just in case they irritate my skin. Because of that, I always have some calming relief products on hand, this is now in my arsenal that I can rely on. I’ve been using this after the Blue Algae Vitamin C™ Dark Spot Correcting Peel and the GENIUS Liquid Collagen as a preventative measure. It’s worked so well for me, even though I’ve mentioned earlier that the Dark Spot Correcting Peel doesn’t feel stinging but it’s always good to follow up with a soothing product to make sure my skin isn’t overstressed and have red patches. Aside from that, I’ve also used it whenever my skin got so dehydrated and red patches would start appearing, this cream sorted the issue out.
A pea-sized amount is enough for the entire face or use a tiny amount if it’s just for a small area, it’s very emollient but not greasy. It’s a lovely fragrance-free cream that glides on the skin effortlessly and absorbs quickly.
Available: £55/40ml
GENIUS Sleeping Collagen®
As mentioned above, I’ve featured in this amazing night cream in both September Monthly Faves and October Faves. So, be sure to check them out over there!
Available: £88/60ml
My final thoughts
Overall, I’m very impressed with what Algenist has to offer, it’s very unique that their products are infused with unique ingredients such as alguronic acid and microalgae oil alongside with other good skin-repairing and antioxidant ingredients. When it comes to collagen amount, it’s apparent that they are very high in the ingredients list, unlike some others which tend to have only traces amount and still boost its collagen claim.
I can’t deny that this range is on the pricey side but the products I’ve tried so far have all delivered results and I’d be happy to purchase them with my own money when they run out. I’m also very curious about the rest of the range and can’t wait for an opportunity to explore further.