A Wren Says

The first product I was prepared to try from InnBeauty Project came to me with a cracked tip. The product had been completely compromised, and who knows for how long. It wasn’t safe for me to use, nor was it a good example given how much air would have gotten in and dried out the product. This second time around, I excitedly opened the package of the Slushy, ready to try out this brand that was new to me.

I pumped the product out and noticed the soft, gel texture. I read the instructions on the box. It instructed me to apply as a serum step and then add a moisturizer if needed. After cleansing my face, I decided to do a bit of an experiment. On the left half, I applied the slushy alone. On the right side, I layered a light moisturizer on top. And then I went to sleep.

The right side of my face was noticeably better off, but both looked dry. And somehow, my skin looked no better than the couple of times I recently failed to moisturize my face after cleansing. It was ft I might as well have not bothered to put anything on at all. I went back to the packaging to learn more about the product.

Ingredient 1: Water. Ingredient 2: Dimethicone.

“Interesting. I have only noticed Dimethicone in leave-in conditioners for my hair. I don’t think I ever noticed it in my skincare. What’s it doing there?”

Let me say this. In general, I think it’s best to use a product for several weeks before you give your full opinion beyond a first impression. And I definitely disagree with the practice of reviewing products based solely on what is written in the ingredients list. However, after only having used the product once, I don’t know if I would ever use it again.

First and foremost, a listed benefit was “Instantly hydrates & plumps.” My skin was dry, so clearly this is not the product for me. The second reason is the ingredient list.

This is not to say that Dimethicone is a bad ingredient nor am I saying you should avoid products with it on their ingredient lists. Because dimethicone often works by filling in lines and coating the skin to improve texture, it would be unclear if the product was just making the skin texture “look” better or if it were truly making it better. I also don’t understand how adding an occlusive barrier at the serum step will help me, instead as a thick moisturizer in the final step. But to be honest, my real issue is more so with how high it is up on the list and what it seems to do in combination with the other key ingredients.

I have found over time that many products that hype hyaluronic acid as a key ingredient leave my skin feeling drier. Add to that dimethicone that acts as an occlusive barrier, and the combination seems to give my skin an even harder time absorbing and keeping moisture, even during this humid summer.

Maybe you are someone out there who does not at all suffer with dry or dehydrated skin. Or maybe you already use and like products that are heavy on dimethicone and find that it leaves your face looking and feeling smoother. Maybe then this product would be right for you. But based my personal experience, albeit short, I don’t think I’d recommend it. But if you have a great experience with this and what to shout it from the rooftop, please, tell me about it in the comments.