The most important thing about any skincare routine is that it works hard. And that’s exactly what Brandon Truaxe had in mind when creating the science-driven brand, NIOD.
As a part of the Deciem umbrella – which also owns The Ordinary – NIOD is all about results. The ground-breaking brand is driven by a desire to improve your skin’s overall health, without distracting you with pretty – but potentially misleading – packaging; that’s why the bottles and product names have a scientific, clinical feel.
By this point, I’m sure you’re wondering, what does NIOD stand for? The name is an acronym for Non-Invasive Options in Dermal Science. But what does this mean for your skincare regime? It means that your skin benefits from cutting-edge technology without you having to go under the knife or turn to injects.
NIOD marries science with skincare, so they don’t shy away from using complex language. But don’t worry if scientific names go over your head, this edit explains all you need to know about NIOD’s cult products – while revealing my top choices – in a quick, easy read.
So if you’re a fan of The Ordinary and you’re looking for a brand that takes science-driven skincare to the next level, read on…
1. The Serum For Tired, Ageing Eyes
Top Benefits: Reduces dark circles, puffiness and fine lines.
Who’s It For? NIOD’s Fractionated Eye-Contour Concentrate is designed for those who suffer from dark circles and puffiness (don’t we all?) It’s also perfect for anyone trying to minimise signs of ageing.
What Are The Results? This eye serum works to firm, smooth and brighten the eye contour by addressing signs of ageing in both the under-eye and above-eye areas.
What’s The Science Behind It? NIOD has certainly done the hard work for us because this eye serum showcases no less than 28 clinical technologies to leave you bright-eyed and bushy tailed.
The star ingredient is Methyl-Glucoside-6-Phosphate, which increases the look of firmness and elasticity in just eleven days.
The serum improves the appearance of elasticity in the upper and lower eyelids using a Darutoside Complex; this complex also helps reduce the look of folds in the upper eyelids – a spot that’s often forgotten about when it comes to anti-ageing eye care.
It even helps those of us who struggle to get a full eight hours’ sleep each night, as the Eye-Contour Concentrate rebalances the look of pigmentation, so dark circles are eased. And to top it off, the concentrate reduces the look of under-eye puffiness.
2. The Skin Health Booster
Top Benefit: Maintains the skin’s health.
Who’s It For? NIOD’s Copper Amino Isolate Serum 2:1 can be used to benefit all skin types as it aims to boost skin health, but it’s particularly good for those who are trying to prevent signs of ageing.
What Are The Results? NIOD’s vibrant blue serum uses copper to improve your skin’s overall health. In doing so, the serum promotes a smooth, even and radiant complexion.
What’s The Science Behind It? This innovative serum adopts a new approach. Rather than addressing current signs of ageing, it builds a foundation for healthy skin by tackling cell imbalances at the source, so your complexion looks healthier and more youthful.
The hero ingredient, copper tripeptide GHK-Cu, is a naturally-produced peptide that encourages collagen production – the most abundant protein in the body, which is responsible for firmness, elasticity and plumpness. But sadly, the body’s natural production of GHK-Cu drops by 60% by the time we’re 60; this is where this formula comes into its own as it steps in to tackle this process.
The lightweight serum is a multitasking saviour; it also helps to reduce the appearance of pores, improve skin texture and even out tone.
3. The Glass of Water For Thirsty Skin
Top Benefits: Plumps and hydrates dehydrated skin.
Who’s It For? The Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex is perfect for those with dehydrated or ageing skin.
What Are The Results? Hyaluronic acid is a naturally-occurring ingredient that helps the skin lock in and retain moisture – and this formula has 15 forms of HA to help intensely hydrate and refresh skin. Why? Hydrated skin means a plump, comfortable and fresh-faced complexion!
What’s The Science Behind It? NIOD features an incredibly rare, direct form of hyaluronic acid (1.0%). This very active, raw form of HA is included to support skin repair so that it looks healthy, bouncy and youthful.
In case that wasn’t enough, NIOD also uses 14 other variations of ultra-hydrating HA, including a Mushroom-Derived Hyaluronic Complex. Acting like a cool glass of water for dehydrated skin, this complex offers 400% more surface hydration than hyaluronic acid. Say hello to fresh, glowy skin!
4. The Skin Soother For Irritation
Top Benefit: Soothes and calms skin.
Who’s It For? The Modulating Glucosides serum is ideal for those with sensitive or reactive skin as its gentle formula reduces the appearance of inflammation and irritation.
What Are The Results? This twice-daily liquid emulsion soothes skin, so your complexion looks less angry, and feels comfortable and calm. It eases redness, targets stinging sensations and also supports skin hydration.
What’s The Science Behind It? The silky-smooth Modulating Glucosides blends natural ingredients – like Tasmanian pepperberry – with powerful complexes to immediately cool stressed skin.
I like to think of this as an ice pack for irritated skin because it features a Bio-Active Glucosides complex to soothe the complexion and even out patchy skin tones caused by irritation.
The formula also features an impressive Multi-Molecular-Lipid Complex to ease the appearance of redness and burning. What’s more, it aims to limit further irritation as plant cells from the Marvel of Peru plant help build the skin’s natural tolerance to aggressors; this acts just like a shield for the future.
Finally, as even the most sensitive skin needs a dose of moisture, the serum helps protect the skin’s natural surface barrier to keep skin comfortable and hydrated.
5. The Shield Against External Aggressors
Top Benefit: Skin is protected against UV rays and pollution.
Who’s It For? Suitable for all skin types and tones, Survival 30 is made for everyone; we all need protection from harmful UV rays!
What Are The Results? There’s a reason this daily SPF is called Survival 30; it fights a range of natural aggressors that attack your skin day in day out, including blue light, stress, pollution, and UV rays – which all contribute to premature ageing. Survival 30 helps your skin stay healthy, so your complexion also looks healthy and youthful.
What’s The Science Behind It? Survival 30 uses silicone-dispersed mineral filters – zinc oxide and titanium dioxide – to limit sun damage. It features SPF 30 protection against both UVA and UVB rays, which otherwise lead to photoaging, skin damage and sunburn.
The viscous liquid targets damage caused by blue light emission and increases elasticity using purified lutein, while purified deep-sea algae forms a barrier between your skin and damaging daily pollution to keep the early signs of ageing at bay.
Plus, there are a number of clever ingredients that prevent and reduce the look of photo damage – one of the main causes of premature ageing.
6. The Defence Against Water Loss
Top Benefit: Prevents water loss to keep skin healthy and hydrated.
Who’s It For? NIOD’s Hydration Vaccine is another skincare item targeted at those who are trying to prevent skin ageing (so, that’s all of us!) But it’s also incredibly beneficial for those with dry skin as it offers a refreshing burst of hydration.
What Are The Results? This nourishing, orange-hued facial treatment visibly hydrates your skin, helping to create a youthful, dewy radiance, while moisturising mango butter leaves silky smooth, supple and non-greasy.
What’s The Science Behind It? This ‘vaccine’ targets dehydrated, dull and lacklustre skin at the source. Rather than overloading the skin with oils that may simply act to hide signs of dehydration, it works to protect against the loss of Natural Moisturising Factors; this is the skin’s natural answer to hydration, which works just like a dam to keep moisture locked in.
The formula also cocoons the complexion in a breathable film derived from blue algae to protect skin from physical water loss. Using this clever ‘vaccine’ means that preventing water loss is almost 100% achievable.
I love the science behind the Hydration Vaccine and the way that it supports the skin to keep your complexion nourished and hydrated; I like to think of it as a ‘shot’ of hydration for your skin.
Over to you…
What other NIOD products do you think are must-haves? Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram we love a recommendation!
