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Grown Alchemist is yet another good-looking Australian skincare brand that I’ve been lusting over for a while. Well you know how much of a sucker I am for apothecary style packaging. At one point I considered selling a kidney for the postage costs but there’s no need as the ecochic, botanical meets biochemical line has made its way to our shores and I’ve been trying out a few products.
All Grown Alchemist products are made without parabens, petrochemicals, silicones, artificial fragrance and other irritants. The majority of ingredients are from natural sources or certified organic. If you have any sensitivity issues, be aware that the preservative Phenoxyethanol is used in their formulas so be sure to patch test or avoid accordingly.
Grown Alchemist Detox Serum Antioxidant +3 Review*
Packaging wise there is a definite resemblance to my beloved Aesop. So yes I have a type. The Grown Alchemist bottles don’t just look good though, they serve a purpose. The recyclable amber glass helps to protect the contents from contamination and sunlight.
To be honest I’ve never used a specific detox serum before. So why the need now? Frankly London is beautiful but filthy. A recent King’s College research study ranked Oxford Street, due to super high levels of nitrogen dioxide, as being the street with the highest levels of toxic air in the world! (above Mumbai and Delhi). Without any scientific tools I see the state of my clothes after a day walking around London and on public transport so just think of all that gunk on your skin. Have you noticed how much fresher people living in the countryside look?
The Grown Alchemist Detox Serum Antioxidant +3 contains tri-peptides and antioxidants, designed to combat various environmental stresses on the skin such as pollution and UVA/UBV rays, which contribute to skin ageing. The +3 refers to the fact that this serum doesn’t just protect against free radical damage from oxygen, but also carbon and nitrogen. Most skincare tends to only focus on oxygen free radicals. Side note, every time I type free radicals I think of that song.
I have been using the serum morning and night immediately after cleansing. It has a soothing light floral smell and I like how it makes my dry skin feel when I dab it on. It’s comfortable and not screeching for moisture or oil. Texture-wise this is nothing like what I typically expect from a serum. It is very liquid and lightweight like a toner, I would say it’s like a boosted hydrasol. I like the idea of adding a layer of protection with a serum so will carry on reaching for this to help fend off City Grey Face.
One bugbear I have is that Grown Alchemist’s website only lists active ingredients not the full ingredients list. Most annoying – what if you’re allergic to something? Anyway here is the ingredients list of the detox serum from the box:
I’ve be reviewing the other products once I’ve properly test and will report back. Do you use a detox serum?
Grown Alchemist Detox Serum Antioxidant +3, 30ml, £29 www.grownalchemist.com
Wonderlusting 
I’m curious to read your review! Also what caught my attention is the fact that I’m not sure about the difference in the causes for oxidative stress. From all I know, oxidative stress is oxidative stress, period. Do they back up this claim? Any further reading?
Good question – I wondered the same when I read the claim. No they don’t go in to detail and their copy gives me a headache so I did my own research.
Yes you are correct oxidative stress IS oxidative stress….reactive nitrogen species cause nitrostative stress so I didn’t use the proper scientific terms. By virtue of oxygen being the most abundant element on earth I guess it’s the one it makes sense to concentrate on but the different free radicals do behave slightly differently and attack different things. Also oxygen seems to get a bit Bonnie and Clyde with carbon and nitrogen reactive species 😉
The terms i took from the Grown Alchemist site to research were reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species, reactive carbonyl species. International Journal of Cosmetic Science was helpful. Clearly I’m no Madame Curie but from my very very very very basic understanding I was satisfied they are not talking out of their backsides 🙂
Sorry to be late, work, life, gasp!!!
You explain it much better than what the brand seems (?) to offer. I presume they maybe make their message sound “more simple”, like those companies that claim to not be carrying “chemicals” because they think it’s what customers might understand better.
No need to apologise – i know how that goes! Anyway hope all good.
“Chemical-free” is a phrase i can’t stand and see ‘natural” brands using far too often. I definitely agree that there is a tendency to keep things simple. Also trying not to stereotype but marketing folk who write the copy aren’t always scientifically minded so the message reflects that.
Apologies for needing clarification but are you saying that the serum does contain ingredients to minimise the effects of nitrogen and carbon as well as oxygen? This serum has a lot of similar ingredients to my moisturiser so I’m wondering if it really is different than a standard antioxidant serum/moisturiser.
Hi no need to apologise, questions always welcome! Yes it contains ingredients that target nitrogen and carbon not just oxygen. Dimethylmethoxy chromanol and Diaminopropionoyl Tripeptide-33 are the key so if your moisturiser/serum already contains those you’re set! The aloe vera, panthenol & niacinamide provide extra hydration so as I have dry skin I need the extra serum under moisturiser in any case at this time of year.
That’s a gorgeous looking product! On the hunt for a serum as my SoPhyto total protection serum is running low, this might be it.
And Oxford Street is more toxic than Mumbai. I will go once a month in full Hazmat gear.
Love your photos, xxx
It seems we need it! I was also shocked when I read the stats on how many deaths air pollution contributes to.How did you find the Sophyto? I need to take another look since they reformulated xxx
Agreed, skin gets super filthy after day out in central. Sometimes I feel like I need a triple cleanse lol. This sounds like a very useful serum to have. Never new there was a plant version of lactic acid? Always thought it was from milk, will have to do some research xx
I really notice the difference if I don’t go out compared to how filthy I am when I do! I remember being told that soy sauce and kimchi contain lactic acid so in plants I think it’s produced by fermentation but I’ll have to research too. xx
I absolutely love another of their serums, I might have to give this one a go! x
http://beautifulbedlamblog.com/?p=802
Have just read your review – I think I’ll try that. I love camellia and rosehip oils so it sounds perfect! x