“Would you like to check out our cleanser, too? It’s designed to complement the serum.”
“No, thank you,” I politely decline. “I don’t need a cleanser now. Just the serum.” My voice is firmer now. I’ve made it clear the discussion’s over.
Inside me, I’m just rolling my eyes. Do SAs think I’m stupid? That you and I can’t see it’s all a ploy to get us to spend as much money as possible on stuff we don’t need? *sighs*
I know they want you stick to just one brand – their brand. And, sometimes, that’s a good idea.
But, most of the time, that’s just SO boring. How am I supposed to choose between Paula’s Choice, Drunk Elephant and The Ordinary?! Me wants them all.
Other times, it’s just dangerous. Sticking to one brand may damage your skin. Yes, really.
So, what’s a girl to do? Should you choose boredom and pick all your skincare products from one brand or freedom and mix and match at will?
Here are the pros and cons:
The Case For Using Only One Brand: Products Are Formulated To Work Well Together
Like all myths, this one has its grain of truth, too.
Some ingredients don’t work that well together. If you use a glycolic acid exfoliant from one brand and a retinol serum from another, you may end up with a bad case of irritation.
In theory, brands know what combinations to avoid. So, when they create an anti-aging or anti-acne line, they make sure all the products play nicely together.
Related: Mix And Match: The Skincare Ingredients You Should Never Use Together
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The Case Against Using Only One Brand: Not Every Product Will Suit You
Just because all the ingredients play nicely together, it doesn’t mean the products will play nicely with your skin. Huh?
For example, that serum may do wonders for your skin but the moisturizer in the same line be way too rich for your skin type and make you breakout.
Not to mention how many irritants (hello alcohol and fragrance) find their way in skincare products these days.
Sadly, it’s not uncommon to find a line that features – let’s say – a gentle cleanser, an alcohol-laden toner, a state-of-the-art serum, and a moisturiser packaged in a jar that will spoil all the goodie inside.
Every line has one (or two) duds. Or simply products that aren’t formulated for your skin type. If you insist on using them, your skin won’t be happy!
Related: Skincare Ingredients I Avoid (Warning: This List May Surprise You)
The Bottom Line
Research and experiment. Figure out what your skin needs, learn what ingredients don’t do well together, and look for products that satisfy all your criteria. Remember, your skin doesn’t care what brand you use, it just wants something that suits its needs!
Very sensible advice! I used to buy all from the same line, but now I know better. I really try to research and buy the very best I can afford.
Laurie, you’re a smart lady! That’s definitely the best approach. 🙂
Great post with very good advice.
Unfortunately, my inner OCD self has been responsible for many purchases of single brands in the past and I have encountered the problems that you mention.
While it is true that if I like a product I am more predisposed to try others from the same brand, it is also true that I have become more cautious 😉
Tirurit, I’m sorry to hear that you’ve encountered those problems. I think it’s normal to be more predisposed to try products from brands that have worked well for you. I do that too as well. But it’s always best to do your research beforehand, just in case. I often regretted it too when I didn’t!
This was super informative, thank you so much!
http://www.diamants-au-chocolat.blogspot.ie
Ayisha, my pleasure! Glad you found it useful.
Thank you, Gio! I always learn from you <3 I didn't know that glycolic acid didn't play well with retinoids. Very important to know!
Allison, my pleasure! I like to use glycolic acid in the morning and retinoids at night, so that I get the best of both worlds. But using them together is a no-no. 🙂
I read on Paula’s Choice website that is actually not true. no real science behind it. Here is where I read that :
http://www.paulaschoice.com/expert-advice/beauty-buzz/_/six-retinol-myths-busted#exfoliants
Rorie, thanks for your comment. This is one of those issues where opinion is divided. Even if they don’t completely deactivate each other, both ingredients are quite strong and can cause irritations. If your skin can tolerate it, go for it. I’ll keep using them separately.
I also don’t rely on one brand in particular..though i always check ingredients ..:) nice post..
Anubhuti, me too. Checking ingredients is the best way to figure out how the product will work for you. 🙂
I always try different products but only after reading there review properly as it may be dangerous to use without reading all about the products 🙂
Poonpo, I agree, Checking reviews is so important. 🙂
I used think skincare had to all come from the same brand but now I find what products I really like and see if they work together. Also some skincare ranges have way too many products that I would never use!
Annette, I agree. Some ranges are way too big and are products that aren’t really necessary. Mixing and matching is definitely the best option.