I’m confused. Is Nimue Conditioner Light a hair conditioner or does skin needs a conditioner too, now?
None of these things. Nimue Conditioner Light is just a toner. I know, why not call it that in the first place? Sometimes, I wonder if brands get any kicks from confusing the heck out of us…
Rant aside, is this toner any good? Let’s find out:
What’s In Nimue Conditioner Light?
SODIUM ASCORBYL PHOSPHATE TO PREVENT WRINKLES AND BRIGHTEN SKIN
Don’t let the name scare you off. Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP) is a derivative of L-Ascorbic Acid (LAA, the pure form of Vitamin C).
Like LAA, SAP fights free radicals and boosts collagen production. It’s not as powerful, but it does convert to LAA in the skin, so you’ll see results (just more slowly).
So why use SAP instead than LAA? Let me count the reasons:
- Longer shelf life: LAA goes bad within a few weeks. SAP is way stabler and lasts you for many months.
- Less irritation: LAA can irritate skin, while SAP is way gentler and well tolerated by all skin types (even sensitive).
- Acne-fighter: Unlike SAP, LAA can’t fight acne. Studies show SAP reduces sebum oxidation (a main cause of acne and inflammation) by up to 40%! It’s also more effective than 5% benzoyl peroxide and 0.1% differin.
If you’ve got oily or acne-prone skin, this is the best form of Vitamin C for you.
Related: Types Of Vitamin C In Skincare: Which One Is Best For You?
SKIN-SOOTHERS TO CALM DOWN IRRITATIONS
The toners also contains its fair share of soothing ingredients, including chamomile and green tea. Both of them reduce inflammation, relieve itching, and calm down redness.
Green tea goes the extra mile: it also enhances sun protection of your sunscreen to keep your skin safer from UV harm.
Related: 9 Soothing Ingredients To Calm Down Sensitive Skin
Need help creating an anti-aging routine that really works? Sign up to the newsletter below to receive the “Anti-Aging Skincare Routine Cheatsheet” (it includes product recommendations, too!).
Texture
It’s a lightweight gel that sorts of foams when you put it on.
Fragrance
It’s fragrance-free.
How To Use It
Morning and night, straight after cleansing.
Performance & Personal Opinion
FYI, you don’t need a toner. But you do need Vitamin C. At least, you do if you’re serious about anti-aging. Your skin doesn’t care if it gets its fix from a toner or a serum, as long as it gets it.
Nimue Conditioning Lite works. It leaves my skin softer and brighter and, in the long run, helps me age slowly, too. It’s just a bit weird to use.
Toners usually have runny textures. This one is thicker and foamy… It doesn’t lather like a cleanser does, but it releases some foam that disappears when you pat it on.
Related: Do You Really Need A Toner?
Who Is This For?
Almost everyone can use it, but it’s most suitable for oily skin.
Who Is This NOT For?
There’s a hint of citrus extract that may irritate sensitive skin.
Packaging
A pinkish bottle with a pump applicator. Stylish and practical.
Does Nimue Conditioner Lite Live Up To Its Claims?
| CLAIM | TRUE? |
|---|---|
| A specially formulated skin treatment that gently exfoliates, hydrates and soothes. | It hydrates and soothes, but doesn’t exfoliate much. |
| Use AM and PM. After cleansing, spritz 3-4 sprays of Nimue Conditioner Lite onto damp cotton wool and wipe over the face and neck. Avoid contact with the eye and lip area. Follow with Nimue moisturiser. Avoid sun exposure. | This is the best way to use it, but you don’t need to use Nimue moisturiser afterwards. Just do your usual skincare routine. It tells you to avoid sun exposure because exfoliation makes skin more prone to sun damage, but it doesn’t really exfoliate much. Plus, wearing sunscreen on top solves the problem. |
Price & Availability
£28.00 (refill £19.00) at selected salons
Do You Need It?
If you have oily skin and looking for a Vitamin C product that doesn’t break you out, this is a good option to consider.
[penci_review]
Dupes & Alternatives
- Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum ($33.99)
- InstaNatural Vitamin C Serum ($22.00)
Ingredients
Aqua, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ethoxydiglycol, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Lactobionic Acid, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Aloe Ferox Powder, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Citrus Aurantium (Petitgrain) Leaf Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Linalool.
