Turby and John

Today I’ll be reviewing the second step/product from , which is the .

Ingredients (provided at sophyto.com)- “aqua (spring water), *alcohol denat, *chlorella vulgaris (green micro-algae) extract, glyceryl caprylate, glycerin, levulinic acid, *aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice powder, *guar gum, xanthum gum, sodium hydroxide, benzyl alcohol, phytic acid  *Organic, 96% of the agricultural ingredients are produced organically”

The preliminary report I created for this product in the Cosmetics Database gives it a hazard score of 3. The only ingredient with a hazard score above a 2 is benzyl alcohol.

Here’s what Ishtar, Sophyto’s medical bio-esthetician, has to say about the EWG’s database/ratings-

“While it is a useful tool it’s not perfect or entirely accurate as it doesn’t take into account the concentrations of the ingredient that are used, whether the ingredient comes from a GM-Free source and/or any independent studies carried out on a particular ingredient by a trustworthy/independent party (EWG does not test any formulas so they can’t tell exactly if a company’s claims are true or not).
For example, lecithin is listed as moderately toxic despite the fact that it is known to be a safe emollient. Yes, it is derived from soy and it is also a penetration enhancer but the rating is the same whether it comes from a GM-Free source or not, or whether or not toxic ingredients are used along with the lecithin.
We feel it is important to note that customers should not rely only on the information provided by EWG; and if and when in doubt, it is always advisable to contact a company and ask them to provide studies which speak to the safety of their formulas. Please rest assured that all of our products have been clinically tested as being safe for even those with the most sensitive skin and any ‘questionable’ ingredients that the EWG deems unsafe have all been used at concentrations that are far lower than those permitted by the certification bodies we subscribe to – Soil Association and QAI/NSF – and are perfectly safe for daily use.”

Interesting (and comforting), right?

Some great things about this product:

1. It’s free of parabens and artificial fragrance/colors.

2. It contains organic ingredients.

3. It’s cruelty-free and vegan.

Product Description(provided at sophyto.com)- “A pearl-colored serum that combines organic desert lily aloe and emerald green micro-algae to help brighten the appearance of dull and UV-damaged complexions. Naturally derived micronutrients from a marine superfood helps support the skin’s own regenerative power to encourage health and radiance. AWARD FINALIST “Best Eco Beauty Finalist” 2011 CEW Awards. Always guaranteed to be free from artificial fragrance, colors, fillers and parabens. pH 4.7 for normal skin range.”

Price– around  for a 30 ml bottle.

Performance– After cleansing with Sophyto’s Natural Glycolic Foaming Cleanser, I left this product on my face for around 5 minutes. Since I’m the worst at waiting patiently, I either did it in the shower when I could occupy myself with shaving or just before bed so I could floss my teeth while I waited. Toning and moisturizing followed. I can honestly say that my skin was mega soft and increasingly clear while using this product. The website suggests using it for 12 consecutive weeks for optimum results, and I ran out of my little tube in a little over 2, so maybe I should use this treatment for a bit longer before forming a definitive opinion.

Scent– The scent reminds me a little of seaweed, but it’s pretty faint.

Rating– 8/10. I subtracted 1 point for the the benzyl alcohol and another since I’m not sure that I used the product for long enough to achieve its maximum benefits.

Filed under: health and beauty, natural products, product review, skin care
Tags: cosmetics database, face mask, marine peptide brightening treatment, natural products, product review, skin treatment, sophyto