Sunday, June 17, 2012

Vitamin C peel review: Philosophy Microdelivery and Murad Radiance-C


          I love a good Vitamin C peel. Vitamin C peels are usually once a week treatments that can give an immediate brightening and freshened effect to the face. Vitamin C is usually combined with physical or chemical exfoliants to get a brightening effect. They do tend to be at the pricier end of treatments, so it's important to consider what you're looking for before investing. Today I'll review the two Vitamin C peels I have in my stash: Philosophy The Microdelivery Peel and Murad Intensive-C Radiance Peel

1. Philosophy The Microdelivery Peel was my first Vitamin C peel, and is one of the most popular peels out there. It comes with two parts, or ingredients, if you will. There are two parts to this treatment: a 2oz. tub of Vitamin C peptide resurfacing crystals and a 2oz. bottle of lactic/salicylic acid activating gel. First, you use massage the crystals, which are many small particles (size of salt or smaller) in a orange colored paste that smells like orange, onto your face. The grains exfoliate and add the Vitamin C. The lactic/salicylic is a thick liquid added on top to infuse the skin with Vitamin C and provide secondary exfoliation. When you add it on top of the 'crystals' there is a nice warm sensation. This treatment really works; the physical and chemical exfoliation leave the skin looking fresh and bright. I remember my package said there were about ten uses of product, however I found that I got many more uses out if it.

2. Murad Intensive-C Radiance Peel - I received Murad's Intensive-C Radiance peel as a sample for consideration. It contrasts from Philosophy in that it is very simple to use. The peel comes in lotion form and easily applies to the face. The sensation upon application is kind of neat; it's a cold and hot feeling. It's more stimulating than the warm relaxing feel of Philosophy. The glycolic acid does the exfoliating in this product. It does not have the physical exfoliating capacity of Philosophy, but it does effectively brighten. Those with more sensitive skin might enjoy this product since it lacks the physical abrasion. Each use doesn't require too much product, so this tube should last a while.

          Both peels are nice and workable. It really depends what you're looking for. The Philosophy Microdelivery peel is a more multi-step, spa-like, and adds physical exfoliation. The Murad Intensive-C peel is more quick and easy for someone on the go; plus it has a cool icy-hot effect. Have you tried either of these products? What are your favorite peels?

Love, Dovey.

Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration by PR. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own. 

13 comments:

  1. Yay, I love The Microdelivery Peel too! It's one of the best products I've discovered so far this year, mostly because it's really instant gratification! I can't use it too often though (say once every 10 days or two weeks), as my cheeks are rather sensitive. I do think it'll definitely last more than 10 uses too, so despite the fact that it's not a cheap set, it's good value for money!

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    1. Hi Sunny - it was a lucky discovery for me too! I agree that because of the grains one can't use it too often. I'm running quite low, and it will be time for a repurchase soon.

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  2. I need to try these. Haven't used philosophy in a long time, but I remember liking their stuff.

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    1. Hi GB, I'm biased, but why not try? :)

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  3. AnonymousJune 17, 2012

    I use Philosophy Microdelivery mini peel pads which I loved for a while, I was going to swap it for the Dr. Dennis Gross peel pads, but maybe I'll pick this one up, it looks promising, love my C's. I also tried the Brazilian Peel which also had a warming sensation, like really hot! I really liked it too.

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    1. I haven't tried the microdelivery mini pads yet; it's good to hear about them! I can't imagine how a peel gets to that hot of a sensation. It sounds neat though!

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  4. I've never tried a peel! I haven't had much luck with the few Murad products I've tried in the past, but I've never tried Philosophy either. Hmmm...thanks for your reviews, Dovey!

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    1. Thanks for reading Larie! Eep, you should try one. I think peels are generally gentle (at least for me) and I don't experience actual peeling :)

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  5. AnonymousJune 18, 2012

    Great review, Dovey. I have always been interested in C treatments, ever since I first read about them in the Perricone Prescription, but I have never gotten results from them. I also do NOT like the way C treatmetns (serum, whatever) stains anything that comes into contact with my face.

    Maybe I have been using the wrong brand, or maybe the stuff I was using had oxidized. I've never tried a peel, and since that doesn't stay on the skin (no oompa loompa coloring to my shirts), I might just give this a try!

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    1. Hi Zuzu, yikes! I haven't experienced oompa loompa-ness from Vit.C. peels; if anything they tend to lighten my skin temporarily. I hope you can find a sample somehow; it would be a shame if the same effect occurred!

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  6. Ever since I realized how my skin loves being exfoliated, I tried to incorporate a chemical mask or peel into the weekly routine. But I never really sought out Vitamin C in particular. I'm not using anything now after running out of the REN Glycolactic but you've got me curious about the Philosophy set. :)

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  7. I find it very hard to find a good peel for dry and sensitive skin actually, the only one I really like and that actually worked and refined my pores is Dermalogica daily microfoliant. I could see a defference in my skin after 3 weeks. however, I wonder if it is my HG or not, still can't decide, I think I have to try here and there some more products and then decide >.<

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  8. I use the Olay Regenerist Microdermabrasion kit and find it very similar to the Philosophy one (and priced cheaper). I received a deluxe sample of the Murad Essential-C Peel from Sephora and I love it so much that I just ordered the full-size. Great review!

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