With the launch of A, B and C serum, SVR has shown that it follows global trends in the dermocosmetic market, which is reflected in a personalized, mix & match approach to the consumer, whose flagship in the Croatian market is undoubtedly The Ordinary, which is the reason brand.
So what is it about? The design of the bottle itself suggests that it is an ampoule, ie a highly concentrated serum (according to the manufacturer, “effective from the first drop”) whose application is taken from a complex eastern care routine, where it precedes “ordinary” serum (Japan), but can be used and independently or simply add a few drops to the cream. The advantage of such products is that they can be easily incorporated into almost any care routine, and the possible disadvantage is that they require a certain prior knowledge of consumers, in order to be effective and safe.
SVR vitamin alphabet (serums with vitamin A, B and C)
The first of the SVR vitamin alphabet for skin SVR A LIFT SERUM contains 0.3% vitamin A. 0.1% is free retinol and 0.2% encapsulated in liposomes with phospholipid membranes compatible with skin cell membranes, allowing gradual , the continuous release of this active substance into the epidermis.
Retinol stimulates cell renewal and differentiation (stimulates the proliferation of keratinocytes and fibroblasts) and increases the synthesis of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid.
According to the manufacturer, the serum is intended for normal to oily skin with a rough texture with irregularities and enlarged pores, and skin with pronounced wrinkles and loss of firmness. Use begins with use every three days and in case of good tolerance the interval is reduced to every other day and then used daily.
In case of redness, burning, stinging and / or peeling of the skin, it is recommended to stay at the initial interval of application, ie apply every third day (or in case of more severe side effects, of course, discontinue application). Also, as a precautionary measure, its use is not recommended for pregnant women.
The serum is applied in the morning and evening before the cream, avoiding the area around the eyes, and a few drops can be mixed into the cream. A retinol concentration of 0.3% ensures the effectiveness and good tolerability of the product at the same time, as it complies with European safety standards for cosmetic products (maximum 0.3%).
In addition to retinol, the serum contains matrixil, a tripeptide that stimulates the synthesis of the main components of the extracellular matrix and dermal-epidermal border: collagen I, III, IV, fibronectin, hyaluronic acid and laminin-5, which should enhance its effect on deep wrinkles, and 2% vitamin C (in the form of 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid) and 0.5% vitamin E, thus enhancing its antioxidant activity.
According to the manufacturer, the pH value of the serum is pH 5, 89% of the ingredients are of natural origin, added the fragrance “allergen free”, and contains preservatives BHA and BHT (although SVR states that their products are tested in an independent laboratory and have its confirmation that they do not contain endocrine disruptors, there are studies that suggest potentially adverse effects of these preservatives).
The serum has a milky watery, non-greasy and non-sticky texture and a pleasant, fresh scent. I applied it every other evening on cleansed and dry skin of the face and neck, and after absorbing it into the skin, I continued the care with moisturizer. Although I have sensitive skin, the serum did not cause me any irritations that products with retinol can usually cause (itching, redness, dryness …). All beginners in the use of retinol and those with extremely sensitive skin can safely use this product which, in addition to anti-aging action (reduction of wrinkle visibility, even skin tone, lightening of dark spots …) will provide skin and solid hydration. When using products with retinol, high sun protection during the day and limited sun exposure are mandatory.
Packaging: glass matte bottle with dropper of 30 ml
Price: 338 kn
Rating: 4.5 / 5
The second in the series SVR B3 HYDRA SERUM is intended for normal to dry, dehydrated and sensitive skin with redness accompanied by a feeling of discomfort and loss of elasticity with a feeling of tightness and the appearance of wrinkles.
This serum contains 5% pure vitamin B3 (niacinamide), which according to the manufacturer guarantees optimal effectiveness and good tolerability, even for very sensitive skin, because it does not contain nicotinic acid, which blocks its anti-inflammatory and soothing effects.
In addition to anti-inflammatory effects (reduces redness, irritation and skin sensitivity), niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier by preventing excessive TEWL (transepidermal water loss), protects DNA with antioxidant activity, accelerates cell differentiation and healing, and stimulates collagen synthesis. All of the above makes it one of the leading active ingredients in the dermocosmetic market.
The SVR serum combines vitamin B3 with hyaluronic acid of three different molecular weights (medium, high and very high) to achieve an intense hydrating effect and filling effect, or “instant plump effect”, well known to all users of products with this an almost unavoidable active ingredient. In support of the claim that this is a product suitable for very sensitive skin, the manufacturer’s data on the packaging show only 12 ingredients, of which 90% are of natural origin.
The serum also does not contain fragrance, silicones, PEG / PPG, EDTA, phenoxyethanol, which is a comparative advantage over similar products on the market. The serum can be used in the morning and evening before the cream or simply mixed into it. The serum has a non-sticky, watery gel texture, is applied to cleansed moist skin and can be used by all age groups (from the age of 20).
This is one of those products that suits almost every skin type because it provides hydration to the skin, making it soft, supple and hydrated. I used it twice a day on a clean face before applying the cream, and on extremely hot days on its own. It did not create a sticky film on my skin and the skin absorbs it well, keeping the skin soothed and hydrated for hours. Works well with liquid powder or tinted cream. Its disadvantage is the high price, although it lasts quite a long time because it only needs a few drops.
Packaging: glass bottle with a dropper of 30 ml
Price: 328 kn
Rating: 3.5 / 5
The last in the series is SVR C ANTI OX SERUM. It is intended for all skin types that show signs of fatigue, loss of natural glow, insufficient oxygenation and uneven complexion. Serum contains 20% 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid, which is equivalent to 17% L-ascorbic acid as a physiologically active form. According to the manufacturer, this form of vitamin C allows deeper penetration (due to the structure of the molecule) and is much more stable, so the product can be used 9 months after opening.
I have already written about the action of vitamin C, so I can only briefly repeat that it regulates melanin synthesis (antipigmentation action), acts as a powerful antioxidant (neutralizes free radicals and acts photoprotectively) and stimulates the synthesis of type I and III collagen.
The serum contains an extract of the plant Evodia rutaecarpa that stimulates microcirculation, and is otherwise used in traditional Chinese medicine due to its anti-inflammatory properties and (by looking at the list of ingredients) probably complex patented ingredients AQUAXYL and PatcH2O that promote hydration.
It does not contain silicones, PEG, EDTA, as in the previous two, its pH value is 5, and 74% of the ingredients are of natural origin.
The serum has a watery texture and a refreshing, citrus scent and can be used in the morning and evening, alone or mixed into a cream, while avoiding the eye area. I used it in the morning on cleansed skin, and since I started using it in the early summer, I used a sunscreen after it. This combination of products with vitamin C and creams with spf proved to be great. After a week of use, the skin was smooth, even-skinned and radiant. The serum did not cause me any irritation.
You may notice signs of sun damage after the summer: freckles, dark spots, or uneven skin tone. Unfortunately, you can’t undo the damage caused by UV rays (which is why it’s so important to apply sunscreen every day), but you can reduce the visibility of sun damage with a vitamin C serum like this.
Packaging: glass with dropper bottle of 30 ml
Price: 338 kn
Rating: 4/5