You might have heard rumors that sodium benzoate and Vitamin C form a carcinogen. Without careful examination, this looks like a story worthy of the front page of The New York Times! Vitamin C and sodium benzoate, a preservative, will together form benzene, which has been associated with cancer. For the ultra-scientific, benzene is associated … Read more
After noticing the warm hospitality a couple of vitamin C derivative-based serums received on my skin, I figured it was finally time to take the plunge and test out the ‘big brother’ himself. Isntree Hyper Vitamin C 23 Serum was a no-brainer purchase in this category, mainly for the positive reviews across all the media platforms … Read more
We are definitely in a time of hype and innovation in skincare. While I consider myself one of those too excited to see what innovations are being rolled out by major brands and indie companies alike, my skincare choices and routines are pretty basic. So I’ve been so happy to see all of the skincare … Read more
Vitamin C is one of the best skincare ingredients to incorporate into your skincare routine, mainly for its anti-aging, skin-lightening, and UV-protective properties. Until recently, most vitamin C-containing skincare products were formulated with L-ascorbic acid, the pure form of vitamin C. Although L-ascorbic acid is a highly effective skincare ingredient, its caveat is that it … Read more
Niacinamide and vitamin C are the most widely studied and effective skincare ingredients. They both have multiple benefits for your skin, particularly regarding antiaging and hyperpigmentation. Many people fear using niacinamide and vitamin C in their skincare routine. This is because some believe that using them simultaneously renders them both ineffective due to them canceling … Read more
Now that I am a pushing-30-grown-up-woman-child, it’s high time I get my nutrition right. I’ve been trying to binge on vitamin-rich veggies at least once a week, but the rest of my days belong to leftover spaghetti or something equally glutinous. Now and again, I remember to pop a multivitamin. But to forget to put … Read more
If I had to pick public enemy #1 in my never-ending quest towards good skin, I would say that my most vicious battles thus far have been with evening out my skin tone. Treating hyperpigmentation is most effective when addressed with a multi-faceted approach, and there is no magic ingredient. You want to: There are steps … Read more
This past week, I’ve encountered many people asking about AM skincare routines, especially “anti-aging” routines. While I’m not sure I’m on board with “anti-aging” as a concept (although I am on board with more specific goals, like “wrinkle-smoothing”), I have a sense of what people are getting at when they say it. Typically, they mean … Read more
Over the last few years, the buzz for vitamin C regarding anti-aging has been insane! Even with this craze, many people don’t know what vitamin C is or does in skincare. I was running out of vitamin C serum. I discovered this vitamin C serum with over 21k reviews on Amazon, making it one of … Read more
This might sound a little weird, but cleansing is my favorite step in my skincare routine. It’s refreshing and awakening, especially when you have oily skin and live in a warm climate. I have tried numerous cleansers, and gel cleansers are my favorite, as they are less stripping than foam cleansers. But in the rare … Read more
Garden of muses
Welcome, skintellectuals, to the Garden of Muses!
A science-based skincare magazine covering everything from ingredient spotlights, reviews, skincare guides, and routines to busting myths, finding dupes, and breaking down trends.
Our passionate and knowledgeable editors review their beauty crushes.
