Facial serum is a vital step in every woman’s skincare regimen. Especially when it includes my two favourite wrinkle-busting ingredients—retinol and niacinamide. For the month of September, I have been trialling a brand-new serum from Farm Girl by Sarah-Jane, a wonderful, clean beauty brand that I’m very excited to introduce to you.

About the Brand

Sarah-Jane Malins, a facialist and founder of Farm Girl, runs her business from her late Grandfather’s apple farm in the beautiful countryside of Essex. She offers bespoke facial treatments using all-natural, cruelty-free and vegan products. In keeping with the family tradition, the Farm Girl logo is the same as her Grandfather’s from 1949!

About the Serum

After hearing her clients’ common skincare concerns, Sarah-Jane wanted her latest product to tackle ageing, uneven skin, large pores and hyperpigmentation. So, she created a formula that pairs two active skincare ingredients that are well known to do exactly that! Both retinol and niacinamide promote cell renewal, enhance collagen production, support the skin barrier, reduce pore size and improve texture.

Ingredients

• Aqua (Water)
• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
• Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A)
• D-Panthenol (Vitamin Pro B5)
• Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E)
• Glycerin
• Phenoxyethanol
• Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid)

*This serum is also vegan, fragrance- and preservative-free.

Star Ingredients

Niacinamide

Studies show that 5% niacinamide concentrations reduce the signs of premature ageing and help to balance oily and acne-prone skin. Here’s how it can benefit your skin:

• Stimulates collagen production
• Increases ceramide synthesis—ceramides keep your skin moisturised
• Lightens hyperpigmentation marks and evens the skin tone
• Controls excess oil and minimises pore size
• Soothes eczema, acne and other inflammatory skin conditions
• Protects against environmental damage from UV rays and pollution

Retinol

Another scientifically proven skincare ingredient, retinol is a type of retinoid (Vitamin A). It is considered the ultimate anti-ageing treatment, reported to visibly reverse the signs of ageing. Here are the skin benefits of retinol:

• Stimulates skin cell quality and turnover
• Increases the production of collagen
• Improves skin texture
• Diminishes fine lines, wrinkles and acne scars
• Minimises large pores

My Results

The first thing I noticed about Farm Girl’s Retinol & Niacinamide Serum is that the superstar ingredients are at the top of the list. Always a good sign! Many anti-ageing products list the important ingredients towards the bottom, which may mean the concentration is too low to be effective.

This is a gentle, non-drying formula and I didn’t experience any irritation, which is a common side effect of retinol products, especially in sensitive skin types. This serum is not going to lift old acne scars and hyperpigmentation marks like a prescription-strength retinoid. However, it did improve my skin tone, texture and hydration. I would definitely purchase this serum to keep in my repertoire!

How to Use It

Because retinol can cause photosensitivity, it’s best to use this serum in your evening skincare routine. Apply to freshly cleansed skin, after toner and before other serums for optimal results.

*Follow with Farm Girl Facial Oil and a night cream.

Farm Girl by Sarah-Jane | Retinol & Niacinamide Serum | 30ml | £48

Written by Gabrielle Richens for Luxuria Lifestyle London and International