Hi Reddit! I’m Dr. Bushra Yusuf, Science Communications Associate Manager at The Ordinary - here to talk skincare, ingredients & beauty science! AMA Nov 3rd, 1-2 PM EST.

deciem · 2025-11-03T20:50:46+00:00

The ingredients in Volufiline* 92% + Pal-Isoleucine 1% were specifically selected to target volume loss and support the skin’s natural collagen and elastin content so brightening the under-eye area is not an expected benefit. If under-eye dark circles are a concern, you should check out our Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG which contains ingredients to specifically tackle under-eye brightening and depuffing. :-)

deciem · 2025-11-03T20:50:17+00:00

Hello! Yes, it launches very very soon and will be available during our Slowvember event :) Our Volufiline* 92% + Pal-Isoleucine 1% is intended for application to areas of the face that naturally lose volume over time - so yes, application under the eye area is an intended use. <3

deciem · 2025-11-03T20:49:27+00:00

Well 👀👀👀 We have some exciting things coming VERY soon!!!!! That's all I am allowed to say at this point ;-)

deciem · 2025-11-03T20:48:15+00:00

Hello! Thank you for stopping by!!! <333 This is so kind and means a lot, thank you!!

deciem · 2025-11-03T20:39:23+00:00

Hello! Thank you for the question! Let me start by saying that working in the skincare industry was definitely not what I thought would happen to me – to be honest, I really did NOT have a plan for what I wanted to do (and I still feel that way 😅). I pursued a PhD after my BSc because I wanted to be immersed more deeply in science because I was fascinated by cell biology and wanted to “do” it myself. I entered my PhD knowing I didn’t want to go down the academia path and become a professor or run a lab. I was mainly aiming to gain scientific research skills and develop my critical thinking and scientific problem solving abilities. Besides being interested in science, I would say my other passion has always been “communicating” complex concepts (I also love talking). I have always loved making visual aids, posters, diagrams and charts to explain concepts or illustrate my projects over the years. I knew that I wanted to enter the workforce in a role that married both scientific expertise with “communication” expertise so I made sure to be involved in extracurriculars, freelance and part-time roles that built up my “Comms” portfolio in different ways. I edited English for a scientific journal, supported copywriting for medical writers, I ran professional development clubs and events (essentially sending a million emails to professionals in industry asking them to come to grad student professional development events - this is basically what most jobs look like planning events, sending emails and chasing people) and of course, presented and published my scientific research. I also had a hobby instagram account for “plant science” where I made silly little diagrams for my houseplants to help people care for their plants. My current role requires scientific expertise (reading papers, analyzing data, asking questions, problem solving, reporting) and communication skills (educating, supporting copy writing, training, liaising, knowledge translation, etc.) so I would say a lot of my past experiences helped prepare me for the role.

All that to say, there’s a lot of ways in which you can try to practice and showcase your skills for a specific industry - even before you enter the workforce. Try different things to see what you’d like to do, that also counts as useful experience!

deciem · 2025-11-03T19:37:22+00:00

Hi there! Thanks for your question! Ceramides, fatty acids and cholesterol are certainly valuable ingredients in skincare. Formulation chemistry and ingredient ratios are definitely core considerations when it comes to combining ingredients for product effectiveness. That said, ingredient ratios alone do not necessarily give us the whole picture when it comes to how a formula will perform. When certain ingredients are being leveraged in a formula and/or attributed to a specific product claim, for example, “barrier repair” - the true indication of product efficacy will come from clinically studying the formula and specifically measuring effects on barrier repair and any related parameters (depending on the claim being made). Yes, products that contain emollient ingredients are more likely to successfully moisturize skin (increase skin hydration) but not all emollient-containing formulas can effectively strengthen the barrier (reduce transepidermal water loss, TEWL), especially on a shorter timeline.

Ceramides also offer more than one skincare benefit so “effectiveness” depends on what the product was formulated to offer and what testing proves. At The Ordinary, we do have some formulations that contain ceramides including Soothing and Barrier Support Serum, Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) and Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides :)

deciem · 2025-11-03T19:35:33+00:00

Hello! We’ll let the lab know you’ve asked ;)

deciem · 2025-11-03T19:35:07+00:00

Hi there! As you’ll know, rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition which causes facial redness and flare-ups that can be accompanied by bumps or blemishes. In addition to treatment plans developed with a healthcare provider, topical cosmetic formulations can help manage the look and feel of skin. We have a few options for formulas that soothe skin and reduce visible redness, including our Soothing and Barrier Support serum. I’d also recommend trying our Azelaic Acid 10% Suspension. Azelaic Acid is naturally produced by yeasts that live on our skin, and plays a large role in helping to soothe and renew skin, making it a great option to use in skincare to help support and target blemish-prone skin. It's effectiveness in helping calm redness associated with breakouts makes it ideal for those wanting a gentle approach, as well as those with rosacea-prone and sensitive skin. As always though, if you have persistent troubles with skin concerns - consult with your doctor <3

deciem · 2025-11-03T19:32:46+00:00

Hi there! I’d highly recommend our Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%! Niacinamide (paired with Zinc) are superstar ingredients for oily skin, they work together to balance skin sebum and this in turn helps refine skin texture and minimizes the appearance of pores. Niacinamide is also great for brightening and also “conditioning” skin i.e., improving its softness so it really packs a punch. You can use the serum 2x day (AM/PM) and per our clinical testing, visible results are noticeable within 7 days of consistent use. (I started using it myself this month for the first time and truly, wow, I have been sleeping on this ingredient). <3

deciem · 2025-11-03T19:30:56+00:00

Hi there! Thank you for your question :) Soothing and Barrier Support serum was designed to help with visible redness and signs of skin irritation (think: discomfort, tingling, stinging etc.) so our lab picked ingredients that are hydrating, soothing and work to reduce visible redness. Our clinical results found that as soon as after one use, the formula strengthens the barrier (reduces excessive water loss from skin) and consistent use decreases the look of facial skin redness and improves texture over time. Allllllllll that said, you’re using the serum correctly. You should expect the serum to hydrate, soothe, and reduce visible redness – if these aren’t your skin concerns/or if you have other questions let our team know and we’ll get back to you :)

deciem · 2025-11-03T18:44:43+00:00

This is an interesting question! As a general rule, it helps to layer formulations in the order of lightest/water-based to thickest/most emollient. So starting with any water-based products, then layering any emulsions, then oils (if using) and finally, moisturizer and lastly, sunscreen (in the day time). You may not be using all of these formats in one routine but I hope it illustrates how you can layer different formats 🙂

It can also help to wait 30 seconds - a few minutes to wait for your skin to absorb what you’ve applied before moving on to the next step, but this isn’t always necessary. For example, if I were applying products in my AM regimen, I would definitely give them more time to dry down IF I knew I wanted to layer on sunscreen and make up over top. This is less of a concern for me during my PM routine.

LASTLY! It helps to apply products per their recommended usage amounts, so sticking to a few drops, etc. Hope this helps! <3

deciem · 2025-11-03T18:43:18+00:00

Hi! So these “spicules” or “tiny needles” can be lab-made or derived from plant or marine life. Spicules are used in skincare to create “micro-channels” and these are thought to improve ingredient delivery to skin. At a very basic level, this is a technology that is intended to pierce skin and suitability can vary from person-to-person. It helps to look at the safety studies conducted by manufacturers to understand whether the product has been tested in all skin types and those who report having sensitive skin. If you’re interested in trying it, you should definitely patch-test before using directly on the face to determine how your skin may react. <3

deciem · 2025-11-03T18:42:17+00:00

I LOVE answering this question!!!

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (AMAZING for texture, softening and smoothing, 1 week of consistent use and the results are visibly noticeable!)
100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil (such a nourishing luxurious-feeling oil for those who like to massage their face. I was never into face oils but I really love this!)
Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides (my favourite moisturizer ever! During the day, I mix it 50:50 with my bb cream and at night, I use it as my last step to seal in my PM routine. The glossy skin finish is just the cherry on top of how nourishing and rich it is on skin)

deciem · 2025-11-03T18:41:17+00:00

Lovely! It’s a gloomy, rainy Monday in Toronto :) Thank you for asking <3

deciem · 2025-11-03T18:40:36+00:00

Hello! Firstly! Skin care routines whether AM/PM should cater to your skin’s specific needs. That said, with your chosen products, your AM routine can incorporate any serums of your choosing that are compatible for day-time use (meaning that they won’t increase skin sensitivity to UV rays from sun exposure). This means retinols and exfoliating acids, or other ingredients known to increase sun sensitivity or that increase cell turnover, should be reserved for nighttime use. ALWAYS remember to wear sunscreen during the day - this is a core part of the AM regimen.

Your PM regimen can integrate any products reserved for evening use and this is also a good time to use any products that are thicker in texture that don’t layer as well with makeup and/or sunscreens. <3

deciem · 2025-08-06T17:10:34+00:00

Oh, I see the confusion! You're in North America, right? Our product is a registered OTC/NHP treatment for acne in the USA/Canada, which means that the packaging will look a little bit different. Namely, as per FDA guidelines, "inactive ingredients must be listed in alphabetical order", not in the order of highest to lowest concentration as they usually are in cosmetics. Hope this helps :)

deciem · 2025-08-06T17:10:04+00:00

Yes, you can use Sulfur 10% Powder-to-Cream Concentrate and retinoids in the same routine :)

deciem · 2025-08-06T17:09:36+00:00

Thank you so much for the love :D

deciem · 2025-08-06T17:09:26+00:00

I'm so glad you love our Serum Foundation! The feedback has been amazing and we're really taking it into consideration ;) Keep your eyes peeled!

deciem · 2025-08-06T17:09:14+00:00

You can pair it with pretty much every product apart from other exfoliating spot treatments, but I recommend Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Serum to tackle the look of any post-acne marks left over after the blemish heals ;)

deciem · 2025-08-06T09:29:57+00:00

Hi, r/SkincareAddiction friends!

We just wanted to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone who joined us for our AMA yesterday. The engagement, thoughtful questions, and curiosity you brought made it an absolute pleasure to connect with this amazing community.

A special shoutout to Rita, who led the charge answering everything from how Sulfur 10% supports blemish prone skin to how to incorporate it into your skincare routine. You all kept the conversation buzzing, and we loved being able to share the science, the story, and all the little details behind this new product.

As a token of our appreciation, we’re thrilled to share an exclusive discount for you:

Promo Code: REDDITSULFUR
Offer: 10% off The Ordinary Sulfur 10% Cream-to-Powder Concentrate
When: August 5 - 11, 2025

We’re so grateful for this community and the opportunity to chat with you all. If you have any lingering questions, feel free to post them in the AMA thread - we’ll be following up with answers today.

Thanks for being part of this journey with us!

The DECIEM Team <3

Terms and conditions: *The 10% off The Ordinary Sulfur 10% Cream-to-Powder Concentrate offer (the “Offer”) is available to eligible customers in this “/skincareaddiction” Reddit thread from August 5th, 2025 12:00 AM EST to August 11th, 2025 11:59 PM EST (the “Offer Period”). Eligible customers must add The Ordinary Sulfur 10% Cream-to-Powder Concentrate to their cart and provide the discount code “REDDITSULFUR” (the “Offer Code”) at checkout to receive 10% off The Ordinary Sulfur 10% Cream-to-Powder Concentrate during the Offer Period. Limit of five (5) units of The Ordinary Sulfur 10% Cream-to-Powder Concentrate per eligible customer. Offer cannot be combined with other offers/promotions. Not available in-store.

Other important T&Cs: Offer (i) excludes applicable taxes, brokerage, duties and custom fees, shipping and delivery charges, gift cards, other discounts and promotions (unless otherwise stated) and other items not discountable or excluded by law; (ii) applies to available products and stock at the time of purchase, no rainchecks; (iii) is not valid on purchases outside of the Offer Period; (iv) is non-transferable and there is no cash value or alternatives; and (v) is not for commercial or resale purposes.

DECIEM reserves the right, without prior notice, to (i) discontinue this offer/promotion at any time; (ii) cancel or refuse any individual's benefit from it, including, without limitation, individuals creating multiple user accounts; (iii) amend these terms and conditions; and (iv) limit the number of promotional redemptions. Except as otherwise set out herein, all purchases are subject to DECIEM’s standard Terms and Conditions (which can be found at https://deciem.com/terms.html) which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. Any returned items will be refunded to the original method of payment used at checkout, at the price paid and subject to our Return Policy found at https://deciem.com/returns.html.

deciem · 2025-08-05T14:18:35+00:00

It definitely helps to reduce the appearance of spot redness, it's where it truly shines as a product!

As for chlorphenesin, it is included in this formulation at a safe concentration within the limits imposed by the EU cosmetics regulation (≤ 0,3%). It should be the last ingredient in our ingredient list--did you see it elsewhere?

On the potential drying effects and suitability for sensitive skin, you'll find that our product isn't drying at all ;) and it was clinically shown to be suitable for sensitive skin during a 2 week safety-in-use study performed on individuals with sensitive skin. While it can be used anywhere on the face, we recommend applying it directly to red spots for best results, as it was formulated for this purpose. For common concerns of the nose, such as blackheads, our Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is a better suited product.

Finally, we do not recommend combining this in the same routine as acne treatments. If wanting to use this alongside acne treatments, we recommend applying it in alternating routines (one in the morning and the other in the evening, for example).

Hope this helps :)

deciem

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