Mad Hippie. Take one look at that name and tell me it doesn’t make you smile. Ok, I have to admit that I found myself trying their products because of the name. It was just so… cute LOL 😀
A while ago, I tried the Vitamin C serum from the brand, which seemed to be quite popular. Unfortunately, I wasn’t impressed with it, and I never got round to sharing my thoughts on it. I am thinking of trying it again though, because my on the spur purchase of the Mad Hippie Vitamin A Serum has impressed me!
Mad Hippie is a natural skincare brand from the USA and I picked it up online at iHerb, during one of my shopping jaunts. Some of you have asked, and I know some of you are wondering if I’m skewing more towards natural or organic skincare these days and the answer is that I’m not consciously doing so. I’ll elaborate further in a future blog post 🙂 But when I do come across a natural product that works well, I like having that option – not because it’s natural or organic, but because it works 🙂
Now, if you didn’t know, Vitamin A or retinoids are something you need in your anti-aging regimen if you’re serious about things. It is one of those things that are proven to actually work. So while I’m not saying that these new-fangled creams, serums and potions are mumbo jumbo, if you want something that actually works on lines and wrinkles and skin firmness, look for something that contains retinol or Vitamin A or its derivatives.
I bought this serum on a whim, because it’s not everyday that I come across a Vitamin A Serum. Their Vitamin A derivative is Retinyl Retinoate. Now, I’m no expert. I’m a dabbler and I’m my own guinea pig. I cannot tell you why something works so I’ll point you instead in the direction of someone who can explain it. Nicki at Futurederm has given this same product the thumbs up, and she is qualified to explain the science behind the product so please read what she has to say.
Back? 🙂 Ok, here’s my experience with the Mad Hippie Vitamin A Serum.
If you are worried about using retinols or retinoids because of skin sensitivity, then you may like to know that I found this product to be fairly mild. However, I do have to warn that I don’t have very sensitive skin and I am what I’d call thick-skinned, so these sort of products and acids don’t really bother my skin.
Apparently, the Mad Hippie Vitamin A Serum contains a 0.3% concentration of retinyl retinoate which is pretty decent for an over the counter product. I’ve been told to try another brand that has a 1.0% concentration (which means better efficacy) so I’ll be doing that soon! But 0.3% is a good place to start if you’re new to using retinols 🙂
If you have sensitive skin, Mad Hippie recommends that you use this on alternate days or just a few times a week, until your skin gets used to it when you can use it everyday. I started out using it everyday and had no problems, but remember, I am used to products like these. Start out slow and build it up.
The other point to note about Vitamin A and retinoids is that one of the way it works to give you smoother skin is by increasing your skin cell turnover. So this can lead to higher skin sensitivity, especially to UV and sun rays. So it is usually recommended to use a product like this at night only, and to ensure that you use a good sunscreen in the day, every day. But don’t we already do? You don’t? Hmm, we need to talk 😛
The product itself comes in a bottle with a dropper style dispenser. The serum is a white creamy emulsion and there is a rather strong, distinctive sweet-metallic smell. It isn’t unpleasant, but it is very clinical. I don’t mind it though but do be warned that despite the hippie name, this doesn’t smell of weed 😛
I do note also that there is no direction on how much product to use. So, I usually err on the side of caution and use a full pump. The texture is smooth and liquid and it absorbs quite easily into my skin without feeling uncomfortable. Once it’s absorbed, I layer on my night cream or sometimes an oil depending on how I feel that day.
But what made me fall in love with this serum is how my skin reacted to it.
In about a week of nightly use, I started noticing that my skin was noticeably smoother and softer to the touch. I don’t really have a problem with fine lines and wrinkles despite my age which is a blessing, I know, but whatever little lines I was starting to notice weren’t as noticeable anymore. I still have deeper laugh lines, but I also hardly notice them much these days. Old acne scars appear a little softer now that I’ve been using this for over 2 months, and my skin just looks finer and clearer and better. If you have sun spots or pigmentation caused by sun exposure then retinol is one of those things that are proven to work to help lighten these blemishes. I can’t attest to it, but then mine are fairly ingrained.
I just like that my skin looks so much better after including this Vitamin A Serum into my night routine! Now that I’ve eased into retinoids, I’m on the look out for more to try. I personally think this one is pretty good. I noticed results which I didn’t expect to, because I thought my skin was already at its optimum condition. It turned out that this serum jumpstarted it and kicked it up a gear and you know, I’ve never been happier 😀
IN A NUTSHELL
Mad Hippie Vitamin A Serum is a natural based anti-aging product containing a fairly decent concentration of Vitamin A derivative. The creamy lotion absorbs easily into my skin and regular nightly use has made my skin look and feel softer, clearer and finer. Fine lines are noticeably softened and skin feels a little firmer. I experienced no irritation at all. However, if you have sensitive skin, be sure to start out slow, using this on alternate days or just a few times a week at night, before graduating to using it everyday. Also be sure to use a good high protection sunscreen in the day to protect your skin. I am very happy with this product and I can safely say that I’ve reaped its benefits!
PROS: Natural based product, With regular use fine lines are noticeably softened, Old acne scars are softened, Skin looks finer and feels smoother, May help reduce skin damage caused by UV rays
CONS: Sharp metallic scent maybe unpleasant to some people, No direction on how much product to use each time
WHO WILL LIKE THIS: Anyone who has a problem with fine lines and wrinkles, Anyone who wants a natural vitamin A serum, Anyone who wants to try a fairly mild retinoid product
Here is the ingredient list for the Mad Hippie Vitamin A Serum if you’re interested.
While I didn’t think a lot about their very popular Vitamin C Serum, I am kind of curious to try the other products in the range. They don’t have a very big range of products, so I can see myself working my way through it at some point. You know, when I feel like trying something new again 😀
Are you using a Vitamin A or retinoid product? Have you tried anything from Mad Hippie?
Despite all the research and recommendations, I have never actually used a proper retinoid product. I did use a cream when I was battling acne many years ago but boy, the whole peeling and drying experience killed it for me. Now I’m a lot older, I really should be looking into using more retinoids, so as they say, watch this space! You know who’ll be experimenting 😉
Paris B
Mad Hippie Vitamin A Serum Price: US$32.99 RRP | US$26.39 on iHerb for 30ml Availability: Mad Hippie website or iHerb (If shopping on iHerb the discount code MPW213 gets you 5% off. It helps defray shipping costs!)
Well done you! Ever since my foray into Retinols, I’ve never looked back. I first dabbled with Verso. I then went into LRP’s Retinol. Both are very very low in % so it was perfect for my skin to adapt to. I amped it up by jumping into Sunday Riley’s Good Genes. Sorry, I don’t have the ingredients list but it works the same way. I also got COsmetic Skin Solution’s Retinol 1.0 and my skin is super happy with all the retinol I slap on periodically.
I’d been meaning to jump into the retinol pool for a while but never knew where to start. Now I know I can just ask you! LOL I plan to pick up the Good Genes serum soon and I hope it’ll work!
Now I’m tempted to try this Vit A serum! I also bought the Vit C serum and Face Cream but didn’t see any results.
I would recommend the DeVita High Performance Glycolic Acid Blend which I recently bought from iherb. This product has a gel like texture which absorbs very quickly into the skin. It does feel a bit tacky but since it’s for night time use I’m ok with it. I only feel a slight tingly effect which I like because it’s a sign that it’s working. I will use a moisturizer on areas like my cheeks if I find them feeling dry. This product helps to keep my combination, congested skin clear and smooth.
I was quite hesitant about trying the Vitamin A serum because I was very disappointed with the Vitamin C serum. It did absolutely zilch for me! But this one gave me some results albeit not overnight, so at least I know it works 🙂 Thanks for the DeVita recommendation. I’ll take a look for my next iHerb order 😀
I understand the retinol/vitamin A hype lol! I’m hooked as well. But I started using a retinol treatment product that has 1% retinol in it + vitamin C and so far, it’s amazing. Although there is slight dryness, nothing a moisturiser can’t help.
When you started using this, did you use this daily? Just wondering cause a lot of people complain about the dry-ness that retinol-products give.
I’m actually tempted to try this mad hippie serum! The ingredient list looks intriguing with vitamin A + quite a few antioxidants, most retinol product I’ve seen in the market aren’t as well formulated I find, but of course there are exceptions.
And 30ml for just 26bucks? count me in.
I lol-ed at the smell like weed part haha
Ooh which one are you using Robert? 🙂 It’s great that you’re started on retinols early. Yep, I used this daily and it’s not drying at all. I think it’s the whole package of ingredients that helps keep it from drying out the skin, but it feels lovely and comfortable. I think it’s a pretty good product and I do like it a lot. As you said 30ml for 26 bucks, what’s there not to love? 😉
Hmm, the only 1% retinol product that I have found so far is from Paula’s Choice. On my third bottle, and so far so good. Really like most of their products although some don’t agree with me.
Ah we can’t get PC skincare here 🙁 But a friend has told me that Cosmetics Skin Solutions does a 1.0% Retinol serum too and it’s much cheaper and works. So maybe you can try that too? 😀
I get so excited when you review a natural brand . I heart green beauty brands ..will wait for your post . I am so eyeing this product but my parcel always get taxed when order from iherb..so many things I want to buy 🙁
Oh dear I’m so sorry to hear you get taxed on iherb purchases 🙁 It’s such a great resource for green products, since you are a fan! I’m personally not a fan, but I don’t mind using a green product if it works 😉
Hi paris,
Thanks for this good “lobang” again. I have not ordered from iherb.com before. Will look around to see what else are good, so that i can add it into the cart.
On a separate note, may i check if you ever heard/ use of this serum- Sunday Riley Good Genes Treatment (available from net-a-porter)? This serum seems to have rave reviews. But i’m kinda unsure if i want to get it. ( costs more than US$100 for 30ml). OMG…. :p
Hey Anne, there are a few things I buy from iHerb – Mrs Meyers candles are nice if you like scented candles, and if you take supplements then they are fairly affordable on iHerb too. Or if you want some makeup brushes, Real Techniques and Ecotools are available at very affordable prices 🙂
As for your question, yes I’ve heard of Good Genes and I’ve been lusting after it for a while LOL! My friends have tried it and love it so I just know I’m biting that bullet very soon. But yes, so expensive!!!
Hi! Just wondering. Do you test these new products/serums in tandem with the ANR, which I believe I have read somewhere is your holy grail serum? Just thinking perhaps that’s why this or that product seems to work well on your skin–maybe they work better when layered on top of another serum or product that you are already using?
Hi Rafa, that’s an interesting question! I actually don’t. I haven’t been using ANR for a while regularly because I’ve been testing anti-aging serums for a while. Sometimes when I do, it’s occasionally and yes, it’s my holy grail for when I want to give my skin that boost it needs. But when I test products, I usually do them on their own. So my anti-aging serum gets replaced, or my hydration serum is replaced by the new product etc. 🙂 Sometimes, products do work better in tandem with something else. But because I knew I was trying a retinol product, I wanted it directly on my bare skin (well, after toner and lotion anyway) so I reap the most benefits 🙂
Ooh, this sounds like a nice baby step into retinoids! I’m going to look this up – thanks, Paris!
Hope you’ll like it Larie! It was lovely for my skin – not sensitive nor drying at all!
Off to snatch a bottle! You are my iHerb enabler. 😉
I hope it works for you Lisa! IHerb is such a fun place haha!
Thanks for putting this on my radar! I shop at iherb all the time and if you say this works, I\’m going to try it! I have sensitive skin so will start slowly. I\’ve been also thinking of using retinol- based products as my skin is getting more \”mature\” but I know I cannot take complex formulas like Estee Lauder\’s Advanced Night Repair.
It does for me! I hope it will for you too and it’s a nice way to ease into the world of retinoids 😀
Robert, what is the specific name of the Retinol + C product by Paula’s Choice, please? I can’t find a product with that combination on that website. Thnx.
Can I use this after the Pixi Glow Tonic?
I do 🙂 I usually tone with Glow Tonic, then spritz on some facial mist, apply a hydrating toner sometimes, and then this serum, followed by a moisturiser. So far so good!
Hi Psris,
I understand from some friends that Malaysians cannot buy or import skincare/supplements from iHerb due to some Malaysian regulations. How do I go about because all the products you review are tempting =)
Thank you in advance
Hi there, I have heard of people having problems but truth to tell I haven’t had any myself. I keep my orders small and opt for regular air mail. It takes about a month to arrive but it usually pops up without any issues. I had used dhl without problems either but I have heard of those who had their packages detained by customs or the pharmaceutical board although the latter was released with just a warning letter. I’m afraid I can’t help much except to say this. Make a small order (under rm400) opt for regular airmail and pray! 😉