My Shopping List NIOD & The Ordinary

I don’t think I need to make introductions… But just in case, here’s a quick introduction to the Deciem group! 😉

Deciem, still nicknamed “The Abnormal Beauty Company,” is a Canadian group that has literally revolutionized the cosmetic industry with its disruptive and transparent vision of skincare!

Founded in 2013 by the late visionary Brandon Truaxe, the group quickly established itself as a key market player thanks to its portfolio of innovative brands, including the highly sophisticated NIOD (Non-Invasive Options in Dermal Science), which offers high-advanced formulations for skincare and science enthusiasts, and of course, the famous The Ordinary, which has democratized pure actives at accessible prices.

Acquired by Estée Lauder in 2021 for the astronomical sum of 2.2 billion dollars (a striking proof of its success!), Deciem continues to shake up conventions with its unique approach: direct communication, cutting-edge formulas, and complete transparency about ingredients.

For me, until recently, it was particularly with NIOD that the group demonstrated its ability to push the boundaries of cosmetic innovation, offering sophisticated solutions based on the latest advances in dermatological research. But I must say that in recent years, The Ordinary has really impressed me with products featuring more complete formulas than in their early days, without compromising their affordable aspect, which made their brand successful!

Let me introduce the 10 products that are in my cart for this promotional time of the year, from both brands! For some, I’ve been using them for years, and I’ve even written more detailed reviews (I’ll add the links in my products descriptions). But I’ve also discovered other products more recently, and I hadn’t yet had the chance to talk about them here. Let’s fix that here today! 😉

NIOD:

I’ve talked about the brand NIOD several times before. Particularly in my article Focus on: Copper Peptides, where I went into more detail. I really appreciate this very technical brand, but I recognize that it can be quite intimidating at first glance. And their product communication doesn’t help because it’s sometimes so obscure that it can be a bit discouraging/confusing!

However, I assure you that in reality, it’s not as complex as it seems. If you make the effort to read between the lines of the complicated and convoluted ingredient descriptions in their product sheets, NIOD products are often very interesting, effective, and genuinely innovative!

Here are my five favorites, which I always repurchase during Slowvember!

NIOD Superoxide Dismutase Saccharide Mist (SDSM2):

(My dedicated review is available here: Review: NIOD Superoxide Dismutase Saccharide Mist (SDSM2))

The Superoxide Dismutase Saccharide Mist (SDSM2) from NIOD is much more than just a refreshing mist: it’s a true three-in-one treatment that acts as a daily shield against oxidative stress, dehydration, and skin inflammation.

Its concentrated yet minimalist formula includes powerful ingredients such as Superoxide Dismutase enzyme (anti-aging), North American Four O’ Clock Flower water (soothing), marine exopolysaccharides (hydrating), and malachite (antioxidant), which gives it its pretty turquoise tint.

Available in a generous 240ml format, this versatile mist can be used as an essence at the beginning of your routine and can even be enough, along with a moisturizer and a sunscreen, for an effective minimalist routine.

Its particularly pleasant mist format allows for a generous and multi-purpose application, while its antioxidant protective effect makes it a great preventive anti-aging product. In short, it’s a sophisticated and complete product that perfectly illustrates NIOD’s innovative approach to skincare!

It’s not necessarily the product I repurchase the most since I always have Korean essences to finish in my routines, but I get back to it very regularly, I really like it! 🙂

Shop it here: NIOD Superoxide Dismutase Saccharide Mist (SDSM2) (affiliate link)

NIOD Survival 0:

(My dedicated review is available here: Review: NIOD Survival 0 antioxidant serum)

NIOD’s Survival 0 is an original antioxidant serum that goes well beyond simple preventive anti-aging protection.

Its very complete formula combines an impressive collection of powerful antioxidant ingredients: purified lutein (against blue light), soothing superoxide dismutase, pycnogenol, tomato carotenoids (which give it its brown-orange color), and dimethylmethoxy chromanol, an antioxidant ingredient more effective than resveratrol according to the brand.

The price is quite affordable ($25) for a NIOD product. This serum surprises with its dual protective and soothing effect. Its rather comforting emulsion texture and spicy/aromatic scent make it a particularly pleasant product to use, ideal in the morning as a complement to other antioxidant treatments like vitamin C, for example.

For me, it’s an excellent example of NIOD’s expertise! It’s a very sophisticated formula that delivers visible results, particularly in terms of soothing, while remaining easy to integrate into your daily routine!

I love using it in the morning, especially in winter, as it brings immediate comfort. It’s slightly tinted but doesn’t really color the skin like a makeup product would. Don’t worry, you won’t look orange with it! 😉

Shop it here: NIOD Survival 0 (affiliate link)

NIOD Copper Amino Isolate Serum 3 1:1 (CAIS3):

(More details in this article: Focus On: Copper Peptides)

The NIOD Copper Amino Isolate Serum 3 1:1 (CAIS3) is a soothing and firming serum based on copper peptides. It helps the skin maintain a firmer appearance by boosting its collagen synthesis while stimulating its healing functions, and it also has a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect.

The interest of this product is clearly its high concentration of copper peptides: 1% pure copper peptides including 1% in free form (GHK peptide/Tripeptide-1 and Copper Tripeptide-1/GHK-Cu)

Please don’t ask me to explain what that means, I’m not able to, I’m far from being a chemistry expert 😂😂😂 (but in short, it means it contains a lot of copper peptides!).

Additionally, there are other anti-aging peptides in the formula and hyaluronic acid. All this in a very liquid, water-like texture, completely blue! Don’t worry, it doesn’t tint the skin, and the product absorbs super quickly. I actually use it right at the beginning of my routine, just after cleansing my skin, preferably in the evening.

It’s been regularly part of my routine for years and I love its soothing effect, which I noticed quite quickly. And it’s really appreciable especially when, like me, you try to use more powerful but also potentially more irritating anti-aging actives, like retinoids.

As for the anti-aging effect, it’s going to be complicated for me to tell you that I’ve seen a real difference in my skin’s firmness. I know others have experienced it (you can read the super detailed review from one of my skincare heroines, fiftyshadesofsnail) but I use so many other treatments that I can’t be definitive about it.

However, I feel that CAIS3 helps to smooth my skin’s texture and I also find it more resilient when I use it, which are already very good points!

In short, I still appreciate CAIS3 enough to have been repurchasing it for years and continue to use it in my routine very regularly (despite its not-so-cheap price)!

And no, it doesn’t make me grow a beard lol (I always get this question because copper peptides have the weird reputation of making hair grow faster, so I might as well say it once and for all, this isn’t the case for me! 😆)

Shop it here: NIOD Copper Amino Isolate Serum 3 1:1 (CAIS3) (affiliate link)

NIOD Copper Amino Isolate Lipid 1% (CAIL):

(More details in this article: Focus On: Copper Peptides)

NIOD CAIL is an oily gel balm meant to stimulate skin volume and density.

Based on the principle that young, healthy skin maintains an ideal balance of glycosaminoglycans (or GAGs, skin support molecules present in the deep layer of the skin), proteins such as collagen and elastin, and lipids present on the skin’s surface, CAIL 1% has been designed to target all the skin components mentioned above to improve its volume and resilience.
In short, CAIL wants to give skin back its 20-year-old appearance! Quite a promise! 😉

CAIL targets both volume/firmness loss and the loss of fatty elements, essential for good skin health and youthfulness, without which the skin tends to age much faster. Indeed, skin that dries out is weakened skin that “wrinkles” more.

CAIL’s formula contains a particular form of copper peptides specific to the brand:
It’s Tripeptide-1 (Palmitoyl) Copper (concentrated here at 1%) which acts synergistically to restore and maintain a youthful skin appearance. Palmitoyl-GHK-Cu is a version of GHK-Cu (the one I’ve been talking about until now) with a palmitoyl group attached to the peptide structure that works to improve its lipophilic properties for better skin affinity. Because yes, skin loves fat and associating GHK-Cu with a fatty substance like palmitoyl will help it penetrate deeper into the skin layers!

CAIL’s formula also contains a selection of other super interesting ingredients such as zizanoic vetiver (which is very aromatic by the way, I love it!), a patented dihydrodiisoeugenol complex and blue algae (Aphanizomenon Aquaflo), which all work together to plump and firm the skin. It also contains squalane oil, which is great for nourishing the skin without making it greasy!

NIOD emphasizes both its anti-aging and highly anti-inflammatory and healing effects. CAIL would therefore be perfect for acne-prone skin!

Its texture is a bit particular: a kind of oily gel that transforms into oil when it comes into contact with skin heat.

An application tip: you don’t need to apply a lot (a small pea-sized amount is more than enough) and you need to massage it well and let it absorb for a few minutes. Contrary to what you might think with its initial texture, it absorbs very well and doesn’t stay on top of the skin’s surface!

I usually use it in the evening, towards the end of my routine. 🙂

On my skin, CAIL is really soothing, very quickly (in one night, it really reduces irritation for me). And I also feel that it helps my skin better tolerate all my anti-aging actives, making it more resilient.

In short, I love it, and I’ve been using it very regularly for years!

Shop it here: NIOD Copper Amino Isolate Lipid 1% (CAIL) (affiliate link)

NIOD Modulating Glucosides:

A product I haven’t done a detailed review of yet, even though I use it very regularly! The serumModulating Glucosides isn’t really like other serums, and shouldn’t be confused with a simple soothing treatment!

What we have here is a true restorative treatment that works deep within the skin barrier, like a kind of architect that would come to rebuild and strengthen your skin’s foundations when it’s weakened (or threatening to be).

The formula is super interesting with its complex of soothing glucosides (which gives the product its name), combined with peptides that help the skin find its natural balance. And as a super bonus, there are also actives that durably consolidate the skin barrier (oats, ceramides, ginger…). Because sensitive skin definitely needs its barrier to be strengthened!

In terms of texture, it’s quite comfortable: an emulsion neither too light nor too rich, which absorbs very well and doesn’t leave a sticky finish. You can use it either daily as a preventive product if your skin tends to be easily weakened, or as a deep restorative treatment over several months to rebuild a weakened skin barrier.

I use it mostly in the evening, as a complement to my anti-aging routine when I feel my barrier needs to be strengthened, and it really makes a difference! Right now, for example, I’ve decided to increase the concentration of my tretinoin, and I’ve reintroduced Modulating Glucosides into my routine. In just a few days, my skin has become more resilient and less fragile, it definitely helps!

Shop it here: NIOD Modulating Glucosides (affiliate link)

The Ordinary:

I had to reduce my The Ordinary selection a bit because their products catalog is huge, and I have many favorites from them. This article was going to be WAY too long!

But here are five The Ordinary products that I repurchase very regularly and/or that have impressed me more recently.

The Ordinary Soothing & Barrier Support Serum:

(More details in this article: Focus on: ceramides)

The famous pink The Ordinary serum! And probably one of the brand’s most complete products.

Usually, The Ordinary offers products based on one, or maximum two ingredients. But here, it’s a more complex formula that addresses multiple issues of sensitive and/or sensitized skin.

In this pink serum, you can find ceramides, but not just that! There’s also soothing and antioxidant Centella Asiatica, soothing, purifying, and antioxidant niacinamide, reparative vitamin B12 (which gives the product its pink color), soothing bisabolol… and more! It’s a really sophisticated and complete formula.

It’s therefore quite a soothing serum, with a creamy texture without being heavy at all on the skin. I can use it in the morning in summer, so it’s really not greasy! It absorbs very well and leaves the skin calmed and repaired in the long term.

If your skin is very dry, it probably won’t be enough if you’re looking for lots of comfort; but combined with a more emollient cream, it will be perfect! 🙂

It’s definitely a product that I regularly repurchase since I discovered it!

Shop it here: The Ordinary Soothing & Barrier Support Serum (affiliate link)

The Ordinary Balancing & Clarifying Serum:

The Ordinary’s Balancing & Clarifying Serum is a real nice surprise! If the brand hadn’t sent it to me to try, I’m not sure I would have bought it myself, and yet! Not only has it convinced me, but I intend to repurchase it.

Don’t be fooled by its “anti-acne” claim, this serum is much more versatile than it appears! 😉

Its formula is super well-designed: it combines purifying and sebum-regulating actives with soothing ingredients that ensure it absolutely doesn’t dry out the skin (yes, really!). Its texture is very lightweight, which makes it a perfect product for summer or combination skin that doesn’t want to be suffocated by a heavy texture.

I particularly appreciated its smoothing effect on pores and its gentle purifying effect. It’s also hydrating and helps to strengthen the skin barrier. My skin isn’t particularly acne-prone right now, but it still loves it! It gives a real fresh boost to the complexion without being harsh.

In short, it’s one of those The Ordinary products that proves products can be effective without being too harsh and stripping on the skin. A great discovery that could appeal even to normal skin that’s just looking for a little purifying boost! 😉

Shop it here: The Ordinary Balancing & Clarifying Serum (affiliate link)

The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion:

The Ordinary’s Retinal 0.2% Emulsion clearly deserves a proper review where I explain in detail what retinal is and why it’s super interesting, but I have planned a more detailed article on the subject later, so I’ll give you a summary that I hope will be helpful to give you an idea of this product! 😉

I’ll start with an important clarification: this product is NOT for retinoid beginners! If you’ve never used them before, it won’t be for you, there are other less potent products more suitable for you.

But if you’ve been using retinoids for a while, don’t want to take the leap to tretinoin, but still want to try a more concentrated product, the Retinal 0.2% Emulsion might be approppriate for you.

Personally, I decided to try it as a transition product alternating with my tretinoin to get my skin used to daily retinoid use (basically, I wanted to level up with my tretinoin, to be able to apply it every day).

Even though my skin is already well used to retinoids, I was rather impressed by this product! Its formula is very nice: 0.2% retinal (which is a vitamin A derivative slightly less powerful than tretinoin but still quite effective) formulated in a very gentle emulsion to minimize irritation as much as possible.

I particularly loved its lightweight texture that absorbed super quickly into my skin. And most importantly, zero irritation on my skin despite regular use!

So OK, the brand recommends not exceeding two uses per week (they’re playing it safe!), but personally, I think you can use it more often if your skin tolerates it well. The only downside? The bottle might empty faster… 😅

Now that my skin tolerates tretinoin every day, I won’t continue using it on my face. But it will be super useful on the back of my hands and/or on my décolleté, which are already starting to show signs of aging, unfortunately! 😉

Shop it here: The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion (affiliate link)

The Ordinary Squalane + Amino Acids Lip Balm:

The Ordinary’s Squalane + Amino Acids Lip Balm is a lovely, super cute lip care!

Its formula relies on squalane and amino acids (as its name suggests!) to nourish and repair the lips without that greasy and sticky effect we all hate. The texture is super pleasant: it melts on the lips while protecting them effectively. You need to reapply regularly, but it’s something I love to do anyway, and it leaves a very pretty slightly glossy effect.

And honestly, we need to talk about its packaging! This small compact round tube is just adorable and super practical to slip into your bag. A real plus when you know that The Ordinary’s packagings are usually rather… let’s say, functional! 😆

In short, it’s a lip balm that does the job without fuss. It hydrates well, protects properly, and it’s cute too. What more could you ask for? 😉

Shop here: The Ordinary Squalane + Amino Acids Lip Balm (affiliate link)

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Inulin Body Lotion:

The body care range was released recently, and among the three products that are part of it, my favorite is clearly the Natural Moisturizing Factors + Inulin Body Lotion!

If like me, you hate waiting ages for your body lotion to absorb before getting dressed, you’re going to love this! 😀

Its texture is just perfect: very fluid, it spreads and absorbs in the blink of an eye. No more clothes sticking to your skin if you try to get dressed before your body cream isn’t fully absorbed! But don’t be fooled by its light texture: this lotion really hydrates the skin very well. And I can confirm this with my dry skin that lets me know when a product isn’t enough by being super itchy. Here, no issues of that kind. It stays comfortable all day!

The formula includes Natural Moisturizing Factors (or NMF for short!), these components naturally present in our skin that help maintain good hydration. Inulin, a prebiotic, helps strengthen the skin barrier while glycerin and squalane provide comfortable hydration without a greasy effect.

I particularly appreciate that it’s fragrance-free, which makes it a perfect basic for everyone. The formula is effective without frills, in typical The Ordinary fashion! 😉

The only small downside is that the size is really too small for a body care product… I finish it way too quickly for my taste!
Quick message to The Ordinary: a maxi size version would be really appreciated! 🙂

Shop here: The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Inulin Body Lotion (affiliate link)

I hope this selection will help you to make your choice in the fantastic products catalog of the Deciem group!

For me, their products remain staples that I enjoy having in my routine. And I always take advantage of November to restock! 😉

And you, which Deciem products do you repurchase the most?