Have you heard of RY.com.au?

The RY in question stands for "recreate yourself" and it's easy to do just that with this Australian-owned beauty site offering cool brands at affordable prices which is, of course, totally my jam.

(Side note: my four-year old daughter, having gone through a phase of saying "that's my jam, Mum" has now switched it up to "that's my Vegemite". I KNOW, SO CUTE)

Parental pride aside, when RY got in touch to see if I was interested in trying out some new goodies from The Ordinary - a skincare brand by Deciem - I was most intrigued. My friend and occasional Almost Posh contributor, Bridie, said their hyaluronic acid serum was the business so I was keen to have a go.

Can we just take a moment to admire that sleek minimalist packaging and dropper tops that makes it look almost medicinal? You know it means business because medicine = science and science = results. If you browse through the range, you'll see lots more sciency words like peptide, retinoid, phosphate, matrixyl, magnesium, zinc and other elements found on the periodic table. Here's my totally scientific experimental research findings:


The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 30ml

Now, I have to admit, the thought of voluntarily putting acid on my face seemed a little crazy. Nevertheless, I applied the drops as directed prior to moisturiser and other cream-based products - flinching as I anticipated the burn . . . nothing. It was like thick water and smelt about the same, and I worked it easily into my face.

They say: "Hyaluronic Acid (HA) can attract up to 1,000 times its weight in water. This formulation combines low-, medium- and high-molecular weight HA, as well as a next-generation HA crosspolymer for multi-depth hydration. This system is supported with the addition of Vitamin B5 which also enhances surface hydration."

WHAT DOES THAT MEAAAAAN?

It boosts the effects of moisturiser.


The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% 30ml
This sounds like an ingredient you might find in cheap lollies and actually, it's not tooooo far away from the mark because it's basically derived from Vitamin C.

They say: "Vitamin C is an effective antioxidant, brightens the skin tone and reduces signs of ageing. In its pure form, Vitamin C is unstable in water. Ascorbyl Glucoside is a water-soluble derivative of Vitamin C. It is much more stable in water but it is less potent than direct L-Ascorbic Acid. Being more compatible with water allows for a very pleasant serum texture. It is considered a gold standard of Vitamin C derivatives due to its high stability and comfortable use, but it's impossible to achieve extremely high L-Ascorbic Acid potency with this solution."

I say: It's a brightening serum that can reduce the signs of aging and also felt comfortable to apply to the skin alongside the acid.

This solution comes in an apothecarical brown bottle designed to protect it from UV rays.


The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil 30ml

To be honest, I'm not keen on rose hip oil; in my previous experience, it either smells rampagingly organic or leads to milia seeds, neither of which I enjoy. However, in the name of science, I gave it a crack. The smell wasn't as strong as other brands but it did have that slight cold-pressed scent and was a yellow colour.

They say: "This formulation uses 100% pure Rosehip Seed Oil that is both cold-pressed and organic. Rosehip Seed Oil is rich in linoleic acid, linolenic acid and pro-vitamin A, all of which degrade when the oil extraction process involves heat. While cold-pressed extraction is complex, it preserves all of the quality of this important oil which has been shown to reduce signs of photo-ageing and many other skin conditions."

I say: "Can reduce the signs of ageing".


The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA 30ml

This tube of whipped fluffy moisturiser is light, non-greasy and a little goes a long way - all things I enjoy in a moisturiser.

They say: "NMF are made up of multiple amino acids, fatty acids, triglycerides, urea, ceramides, phospholipids, glycerin, saccharides, sodium PCA, hyaluronic acid and many other compounds that are naturally present in the skin. This formula offers non-greasy hydration that acts as a direct topical supplement of impaired NMF components. It contains 11 amino acids, phospholipids, alpha/beta/gamma fatty acids, triglycerides, sterols and sterol esters, glycerin, ceramide precursors, urea, saccharides, sodium PCA and hyaluronic acid. It offers immediate hydration and lasting results with continued use."

I say: "A nice moisturiser that keeps my face feeling hydrated".

I can't recall ever really noticing dramatic differences when switching up skincare but I have to say, after using these products as directed for three weeks, my skin looked less craggy, more even, smoother and brighter. I do believe there may be some re-purchasing in the future.

Have you tried anything from The Ordinary or ordered from RY.com.au? How much of the periodic table do you know off by heart?

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I was kindly sent these goodies from The Ordinary thanks to RY.com.au. All images, opinions and epidermal experiences are my own and authentic. For more information or to work with me, please see my PR & Media policy.