Earlier this summer, I spent three glorious, relaxing, and indulgent weeks in Europe. During this time, self-care consisted mainly of enjoying copious amounts of great food, truly memorable outings with friends, and avoiding the constant political coverage back home. In skincare-related news, my routine did not suffer in the slightest. Why? Because my wellinsulated travel bag was full of options.
Never without my favorite cleanser and moisturizer with sunscreen, I always carefully curate my travel kit. This time, I intentionally skipped one step and ignored my every-other-day staple: an acid toner. Instead, I packed my bottle of SkinCeuticals Cell Cycle Catalyst serum, which proved to be the smartest move. In my opinion, it mimics the effects of a liquid exfoliant in every way and is much more compact for travel purposes. More below.
What is the Cell Cycle Catalyst?
• SkinCeuticals’ latest innovation
• Complements Vitamin C routines
• Potent yet gentle exfoliant
SkinCeuticals may be best known for its antioxidant serums, and this latest product complements your Vitamin C routine nicely. Cell Cycle Catalyst is a potent yet gentle exfoliant that, first and foremost, smooths out uneven tone and texture. A multi-faceted innovation, it also gives a dull, lackluster complexion a boost of energy, imparting the healthy radiance my over-forty skin strives for daily.
What’s in this SkinCeuticals serum?
• Blend of Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids (Phytic, Mandelic, Glycolic, Salicylic Acids) at 7.7%
• 1% Taurine to boost circulation and energize skin
• Glycerin for moisture and hydration
• Only 13 ingredients in total
What gives the Cell Cycle Catalyst its exfoliating properties is an expertly crafted blend of Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids. This fusion consists of Phytic, Mandelic, Glycolic, and Salicylic Acids in a 7.7% concentration. Additionally, the serum includes 1% Taurine, an amino acid that boosts circulation and energizes the skin, decreasing the visible signs of fatigue. This water-based formula also contains Glycerin, a noteworthy humectant that ensures a healthy balance of moisture and hydration. In total, the Cell Cycle Catalyst serum contains only 13 ingredients.
Application, etc.
The beauty of this SkinCeuticals serum lies in its ultra-lightweight texture. Very water-like, it absorbs instantly and layers brilliantly with your other serums and/or moisturizers. It is also suitable for daily use and can be used during the day (under broad-spectrum SPF, of course). I detect no scent and experience no tingling sensation upon application. If you’re a retinoid user, I tried it in my evening lineup under both Retinal and Aklief (Rx) and noticed no redness or irritation. For what it’s worth, I do wear a richer cream moisturizer over my retinoids. Personally, I see the Cell Catalyst formula as an exfoliant, and because of that, I usually reach for it at night. My exfoliation rules are: AM for physical, PM for chemical.
Word of advice: keep the dropper cap properly screwed on because I once lost my entire serum by accidentally toppling it over, so I’m speaking from experience.
Let’s talk results
• Smoother, more radiant skin within weeks
• Fresh, glowing, and visibly more rested complexion
• Hard-working formula with impressive results
Smoother, more radiant skin within just a couple of weeks. I’m talking fresh, glowing, and visibly more rested complexion. It’s not a miracle serum, but it’s a hard-working formula that delivers impressive results. Manage your expectations, focus on the skincare issues you need to address, and if achieving the above is part of your plan, pick up a bottle of Cell Cycle Catalyst.
$115 (30ml) at dermstore.com or skinceuticals.com
If you’re curious about the SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF formula (which happens to be one of my favorite Vitamin C serums), make sure to check out my previous blog post.
