July 2009

 Isomers Absolutes Anti Redness Serum ($29.99 for 1 ounce). In many ways, this is a much better formulation than Isomers’ expensive Advanced Fortifying Serum with Essenskin, which for some unknown reason costs a lot more. This formulation is rich in skin-identical ingredients, has antioxidants, and helps restore and maintain a healthy skin barrier. The result is skin that’s more resistant to irritation, which reduces signs of sensitivity (assuming you’re not using other irritating skin-care products), and builds collagen—all the good stuff skin needs. This fragrance-free serum is excellent for normal to dry skin and, as mentioned, great for sensitive skin, including those with rosacea.

WORST
 Darphin Overnight Refining Lotion ($50 for 0.5 ounces).This problematic anti-acne lotion contains a host of significantly irritating ingredients, including alcohol, witch hazel and fragrant oils of lemon, sage, thyme, and lavender. None of the ingredients in this product can have the least impact on reducing blackheads or pore size, though because irritation can increase oil production, this kind of formula actually will make matters worse including causing dry skin and the alcohol triggers free radical damage.