“I'm quickly becoming a SKIN1004 devotee. I purchased the Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule to serve as my night serum after using retinoid serums for the better part of a decade (most recently: retinaldehyde) that had left my skin barrier compromised.
For reference, my skin type is combination leaning towards dry. My cheeks, temples, area around my lips, jawline, throat, and décolleté are quite dry due to aging (I'm somewhere...in my 40s). My T-zone, nose, and chin do become oily, but are in need of a good dose of moisture and hydration after washing, which is necessary for my facial skin twice a day, to prevent dryness and irritation. I have fine lines in the usual areas and am not vain enough to undergo any cosmetic procedures, preferring to age naturally - which also allows me to better evaluate the anti-aging properties of skincare products.
This ampoule is advertised on the SKIN1004 website and the product packaging (although not Amazon, oddly) as an anti-aging, intensely hydrating serum that promotes the health of the skin barrier, reduces the appearance of dark spots, balances oil, and soothes acne. The serum is a white liquid with the viscosity of cream. The serum coats the surface of the skin before absorbing into it, leaving behind a soft, velvety feel. The serum comes packaged in an opaque, elegant brown bottle of a generous 1.69 oz. with a long, angled dropper that reaches to nearly the bottom of the bottle to ensure nearly all of the serum can be accessed. The collar of the bottle has a feature that narrows around the pipette and "slurps" away the excess serum as it is inserted or removed from the bottle to prevent precious drops from being lost.
To use the ampoule, I apply just four drops of it to my freshly washed, slightly damp face, throat, and décolleté before any other skincare products. Then, I wait a minute or so for it to absorb. It leaves behind a luxuriously velvety, non-sticky finish when fully absorbed. Then, I move on to the remaining steps in my simple nightly skincare routine, usually a nourishing moisturizer and, if necessary, an ointment or petroleum jelly if my skin is on the drier side.
When I wake up in the morning, my skin is calm, withoit irritation and feels well-hydrated. I've noticed some improvement in my fine lines that weren't apparent prior to using this ampoule, even with long-term retinoid use. My pores are clear and small. If any bumps (not pimples - I rarely get those anymore) developed on my skin the day before, they literally disappear overnight. This ampoule is nearly a miracle worker, and I'm replacing my previous multiple serum routine witb this single ampoule.
Since this ampoule is so hydrating and cloaking, I would advise against its use for folx with oily and acnegenic skin. SKIN1004 has some other ampoules that might be more appropriate for pore minimizing and skin calming needs. Also, use this product sparingly (start with 3-4 drops and ad a drop more at a time as needed) and on damp skin for best absorption - and to save your hard-earned cash.
I love this ampoule!
Edit, May 2024: I'm updating this review after adding retinol back into my routine for the past few months after some hyperpigmentation returned. This ampoule is excellent as a moisturizing serum to sandwich beneath a retinoid as the first step to protect and nurture the skin from potential irritation. I then layer a thick moisturizer over the retinol. Since doing this, I've had no issues with the retinol at all. I'll be upgrading to adapalene soon, keeping the ampoule as my first step.”
