Niod Modulating Glucosides… Gluco…what? Since when do you need a chemistry degree to buy skincare? Like, would you even pick it off the shelf if you had no idea what it did? Probably not. And that’s a shame. Because, if you have eczema, rosacea, sensitive skin that gets all red and irritated easily or just upgraded your retinol fix, Niod Modulating Glucosides is your new BFF. It soothes signs of irritation, like redness, itching and discomfort. About time, isn’t it? Here’s how it works:
- Key Ingredients In Niod Modulating Glucosides: What Makes It Work?
- The Rest Of The Formula & Ingredients
- Texture
- Fragrance
- How To Use It
- Packaging
- Performance & Personal Opinion
- What I Like About Niod Modulating Glucosides
- What I DON’T Like About Niod Modulating Glucosides
- Who Should Use This?
- Does Niod Modulating Glucosides Live Up To Its Claims?
- Price & Availability
- The Verdict: Do You Need It?
- Dupes & Alternatives
Key Ingredients In Niod Modulating Glucosides: What Makes It Work?
MODULATING GLUCOSIDES TO SOOTHE SKIN
What the heck is this new skincare sorcery? Modulating glucosides are old friends, like green tea and rosemary, joined to a glucose module. Studies show that together they can reduce inflammation and help treat inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea.
Let’s take a closer look at them:
- Caffeyl Glucoside: A stable version of caffeic acid, a powerful antioxidant that also has anti-inflammatory and photoprotective properties.
- Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside: A bioengineered version of EGCG, the polyphenol antioxidant in green tea. It’s more stable and easier to formulate with than pure EGCG but still retains all its awesome antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Gallyl Glucoside: A form of gallic acid derived from oak leaves. It has both antioxidant and soothing properties.
- Rosemary Glucoside: A bio-available version of rosemary acid, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory superstar in rosemary. It works by inhibiting inflammation pathways and protecting the building blocks of your skin’s barrier (think collagen and hyaluronic acid) from enzyme attacks.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg, my smart friend. 🙂
Related: How Green Tea Helps You Fight Wrinkles, Sun Damage And Inflammation
SKIN SOOTHERS TO CALM DOWN IRRITATIONS
Modulating glucosides are the stars of the show, but there are plenty more soothing ingredients in Niod Modulating Glucosides that can reduce inflammation. Let’s take a look at a few of them:
- 4-T Butylcyclohexanol: It reduces stinging and burning within 3 minutes! It works by intercepting the irritation signal before it can reach the neuro-receptor.
- Bisabobol: This is the stuff that makes chamomile so soothing. It has powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
- Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid: A synthetic copy of Avenanthramdes (the soothing active in oats), it reduces redness and itching.
- Tasmania Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract: This plant has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that soothe itching and burning.
I could go on but I don’t want to overwhelm you.
Related: Why Chamomile Is A Godsend For Irritated Skin
SKIN-IDENTICAL INGREDIENTS TO STRENGTHEN YOUR SKIN’S PROTECTIVE BARRIER
When skin is irritated, it usually means its protective barrier is damaged here and there. Those little cracks in your skin’s shield let moisture evaporate (drying it out) and allow germs and other enemies in (irritating it more).
That’s why all those soothing goodies alone aren’t enough. Your skin also needs bandaids to patch up the holes.
In skincare lingo, they’re called skin-identical ingredients: because they’re identical to the building blocks that make up your skin’s protective barrier, they can easily fill the cracks and heal your skin.
Niod Modulating Glucosides has its fair share of skin-identical ingredients. I’ll mention just a few cos I don’t want this to turn into a boring science lesson:
- Amino acids: Glycine, seline, histidine & co moisturise your skin and help it heal faster.
- Glycerin: A moisture magnet that attracts water from the air into your skin, keeping it hydrated.
- Squalane: An oil found naturally in your sebum. It absorbs quickly, boosts its hydration and strengthen your skin’s barrier. The best part? It doesn’t give you pimples.
Related: Why You Should Add Amino Acids To Your Skincare Routine
SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE TO FIGHT WRINKLES
Last one, I promise! (Gosh, Niod Modulating Glucosides is so packed with goodies, I could go on forever). Superoxide dismutase deserves a special mention because it’s the most powerful antioxidant out there. Really.
Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is an antioxidant enzyme (an enzyme that acts like an antioxidant) that destroys superoxide radical, the worst type of free radical ever. If you want to keep wrinkles off your face, you want this stuff in your skincare routine.
Just don’t use it alone. The more antioxidants you use, the more types of free radicals you destroy. Thankfully, this serum is packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients that double up as antioxidants, so you’re covered.
Related: Is Superoxide Dismutase The Most Powerful Antioxidant Of All?
Struggling to find skincare products that don’t irritate your sensitive skin? Download your FREE “Skincare Ingredients To Avoid” cheatsheet to find out what the most common culprits are and cut them out of your skincare routine:
The Rest Of The Formula & Ingredients
NOTE: The colours indicate the effectiveness of an ingredient. It is ILLEGAL to put toxic and harmful ingredients in skincare products.
- Green: It’s effective, proven to work, and helps the product do the best possible job for your skin.
- Yellow: There’s not much proof it works (at least, yet).
- Red: What is this doing here?!
- Aqua (Water): The main solvent in the formula, it helps other ingredients dissolve. Plus, it’s hydrating.
- Isodecyl Neopentanoate: A synthetic emollient with silicone-like properties that moisturises skin and helps actives better penetrate skin.
- Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride: Derived from coconut and glycerin, it moisturises skin without clogging pores.
- Pentylene Glycol: A humectant that binds water into your skin to increase its level of hydration. It also helps active ingredients better penetrate skin.
- Propanediol: It’s mainly a solvent that helps active ingredients better penetrate skin. But it also has hydrating properties.
- Hexyldecanol: A non-fatty alcohol that moisturises skin.
- Butylene Glycol: It hydrates skin and enhances penetration of active ingredients, so they work better and faster.
- Tetrasodium Tetracarboxymethyl Naringeninchalcone: Derived from the soothing antioxidant naringenin chalcone, it can, according to the Swiss manufacturer, reduce redness and improve rosacea. I’m giving it a yellow rating only because I’m waiting for independent studies to confirm skin.
- Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone: A synthetic molecules that mimics antioxidant paradol, it can increase the levels of hyaluronic acid in the skin to make it plumper, soothe irritations, and fight wrinkles. Keep in mind, these claims only come from the manufacturer so far, hence the yellow rating.
- Cetylhydroxyproline Palmitamide: A pseudo ceramide that strengthens the skin’s protective barrier, helping it better withstand environmental aggressors and keeping it soft even in winter.
- Palmitoyl tripeptide-8: A peptides with soothing properties. I haven’t seen enough independent proof it works yet, though.
- Sodium PCA: It’s a humectant that helps your skin retain moisture, so it stays softer and suppler for longer.
- PCA: An amino acid-derived ingredient that functions as a humectant and deeply hydrates skin.
- Sodium Lactate: It hydrates skin and adjusts the pH of skincare products.
- Mirabilis Jalapa Callus Extract: It protects skin from environmental damage.
- Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract: A key ingredient in Korean skincare, it has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Curculigo Orchioides Root Extract: A plant extract with antioxidants and soothing properties that slow down premature aging and reduce irritations.
- Isochrysis Galbana Extract: A type of algae with powerful antioxidants and wrinkle-preventing properties.
- Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Sterols: They have moisturising and antioxidant properties.
- Stearic Acid, Dextran, Isoceteth-20, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6,
- Xanthan gum: It thickens the texture of skincare products.
- Tocopherol: A form of Vitamin E, it has antioxidant properties. It also acts as a natural preservative to help skincare products last longer.
- Propyl Gallate: It stabilises vitamins and oils, preventing them from going bad too soon.
- Tromethamine: It adjusts the pH of skincare products.
- Dehydroacetic Acid: A preservative that kills mold and fungi, preventing your skincare products from being spoiled.
- 1,2-Hexanediol: Another preservative that helps the serum last, and be safer, longer.
- Benzyl Alcohol: One of the gentlest preservative available, it helps your skincare products last longer.
- Phenoxyethanol: A synthetic preservative that inhibits the growth of germs and bacteria in your skincare products.
- Caprylyl Glycol: It’s a humectant that hydrates skin.
Texture
Yellow in colour, Niod Modulating Glucosides has a lightweight texture that sinks immediately into the skin without leaving a greasy residue behind.
Fragrance
It’s fragrance-free. I like that. Fragrance may make products smell good, but it’s the most irritating ingredient used in skincare. I’d rather use a product that doesn’t smell like anything at all than one that irritates my skin. Just saying…
How To Use It
You can use it morning and/or night, right after cleansing. The closer to clean skin, the better.
Packaging
A dark bottle with a dropper applicator. It’s sleek and easy to use, but it’s not the biggest bottle. It runs out pretty quickly.
Performance & Personal Opinion
I’m lucky I have resistant skin that rarely gets irritated so I can’t personally vouch how well Niod Modulating Glucosides treats eczema, rosacea or just a bad case of itching or irritation. (I know, I’m not the best person to review this. I just wanted to try it cos the science behind it is SO fascinating).
But, I’ve recently upped my dose of retinol and that usually means some peeling and flaking. Well, Niod Modulating Glucosides made the transition much easier on my skin. I’ve had no dryness. No redness. No irritation. Just a little peeling, but nothing compared to how bad it was in the past.
I’m definitely keeping this at hand in case my skin gets a sunburn or an irritation (touch wood!). If you have sensitive skin or your skin is always red, get yourself a bottle and make it a part of your daily routine.
What I Like About Niod Modulating Glucosides
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing texture
- Fragrance-free
- Soothing, calms down irritations
- Helps reduce redness
What I DON’T Like About Niod Modulating Glucosides
- Bottle is small, so you’ll have to buy it again often
- It’s not the easiest product to get, especially if you don’t live in the UK
Who Should Use This?
Anyone experiencing any kind of skin sensitivity, irritation, and redness. If you have resistant skin that never gets irritated, you don’t need this. Although, you could keep a bottle at hand in the summer, just in case you get a sunburn or if you’re planning to up your retinol dose.
Does Niod Modulating Glucosides Live Up To Its Claims?
| CLAIM | TRUE? |
|---|---|
| Modulating Glucosides is a concentrated emulsion to target signs of skin sensitivity, of discomfort and of irritation. | True. |
| This serum reduces the looks of redness, of itching and of irritation, while helping to target stinging sensations. | True. |
| The formula respects skin integrity and supports hydration, skin barrier and general dermal repair. | True. |
Price & Availability
The Verdict: Do You Need It?
If you’re experiencing redness, sensitivity, eczema, or any other kind of inflammation, this is a must-have for you. It works better than anything else I’ve ever tried.
Dupes & Alternatives
- Paula’s Choice Calm Redness Relief Repairing Serum ($44.00): This serum has hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin, ceramides to trap moisture in, and plenty of soothing ingredients that can calm down redness or irritation. It’s not as effective as Niod for redness, but it’s a good alternative if you can’t get your hands on that. Available at Cult Beauty, Paula’s Choice, and SpaceNK.
Ingredients
Aqua (Water), Squalane, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol, Hexyldecanol, Bisabolol, Butylene Glycol, Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside, Rosmarinyl Glucoside, Caffeyl Glucoside, Gallyl Glucoside, Tetrasodium Tetracarboxymethyl Naringeninchalcone, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone, 4-t-Butylcyclohexanol, Cetylhydroxyproline Palmitamide, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Palmitoyl tripeptide-8, Superoxide Dismutase, Sodium PCA, PCA, Arginine, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Aspartic Acid, Sodium Lactate, Mirabilis Jalapa Callus Extract, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Curculigo Orchioides Root Extract, Isochrysis Galbana Extract, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Sterols, Stearic Acid, Dextran, Isoceteth-20, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Xanthan gum, Tocopherol, Propyl Gallate, Tromethamine, Dehydroacetic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Benzyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol.
Oh boy! I was just about to purchase Survival 0 and planned to try Modulating Glucosides during winter, but now I don’t know anymore… I really didn’t realize that Modulating Glucosides can be considered as an antioxidant serum, thought just that might be calming for sensitive skin. Would it be a good antioxidant serum for daytime use? I currently use Missha Time Revolution ampoule as my daytime serum. I’ve gone through few bottles of it and while I’m still enjoying it, I’m tempted to try these Niod serums.
Maria, a lot of anti-inflammatory ingredients also have antioxidant properties so they do double duty. If you want to fight both inflammation and free radicals, then you can use this during the day. 🙂
Can I combine with C E Folic ?
Ops. C E Ferulic
Tatiana, yes, you can.
Hi Gio, is this a good product to use after professional peeling ?
I have sensitive skin planning to have a professional peeling to get rid of my dark sposts. What do you suggest?
I would love to know your routine after peeling, have you write about it?
Tatiana, I haven’t written about my post-peeling routine yet. Usually, I just use the same products as always, I just lay off retinol and exfoliation for a few days. But yes, this is a great product to use after a peel, especially if it’s left you with a little redness.
Hi Gio – keep forgetting you do a blog as well as the emails, just got your email today with this product on and have just ordered it for my redness … I was just wondering though, I’ve also just got the EUK 123 and it is very difficult to apply on it’s own as it’s so grainy and difficult to spread, I’ve been mixing it into a Missha repair serum but I know you shouldn’t really mix with other products (especially acids/vit V) – do you think I could add my EUK drops to this modulating glucosides product? I hate it when one product messes up your whole routine lol. Loving your emails, keep them coming, will report back as to whether this reduces my redness.
Best wishes
Renata
x
Renata, I hope it’s been working well for you so far. It’s the best product to soothe redness I’ve found so far. 🙂
Mmm, if you have to mix actives, it’s best to mix them with more basic products, like a hyaluronic acid serum or a moisturizer without retinol/acids/actives.
Is there any info on Niod NAAP on this site? Trying do decide if it’s worth the price tag ?
Sharon, I haven’t tried NAAP yet but it’s on my to-review list. Check back soon!
Hi.
I’m on my second bottle of this and have found it really helpful in reducing the persistent redness and inflammation from which I’ve suffered for five years now. (NHS dermatologists are unanimous that I do not have acne, allergies or standard-issue rosacea but my skin had for some reason become hyper-sensitive and slow to heal.) Anyway this, used with a few drops of The Ordinary’s borage oil twice a day, has made a noticeable improvement over the course of two months. Excellent for me.
Fiona, thanks for sharing your experience. So glad it’s working well for you. It’s a miracle in a bottle, isn’t it?
Thanks for the tip! The review is great too, of course. Off to buy all 3 now…
JB, glad you enjoyed it.
Do I have to incorporate another Ordinary product with this one? I read somewhere you are “supposed to.” Thanks! : )
Tracy, I’m not sure I understand the question? This is a great serum for sensitive skin, but you should still use cleanser and sunscreen at least. Not necessarily from The Ordinary.
I’ve been using this morning and night for a few months now, in conjunction with a bunch of other NIOD, Hylamide and The Ordinary products. I haven’t found it to reduce the flakiness/peeling I get around my nostrils or on either side of my chin when I use Glycolic or Lactic acid there. They’re the only sensitive areas of my skin, everywhere else you can throw acid at it and it’s fine, but god forbid I get some acid around my nose, it peels for at least a week. I’ve even tried putting it around my nose to act as a barrier when applying acids to the rest of my face, but that didn’t seem to help at all.
I’m also applying it as direct by NIOD – After CAIS and before the Hylauronic complex.
I’ll be finishing the bottle soon, I’m interested to see if there’s any changes once I stop using it.
I suffer from Perioral Dermatitis (PD) under the nose bridge which appears as a scaly and tiny red bumpy rash. My dermatologist explained that with PD basically the out barrier of the skin is broken which is causing it to by scaly. However, no itching or any other issues. it has been a constant battle for me as it goes away and then comes back. Do you think this product might help with my condition?
Also, would it be safe to use during pregnancy?
Ali, this can help soothe the redness and irritation, but it won’t repair your broken protective barrier. Yes, it’s safe during pregnancy.
I have sensitive skin and about twice a year I have a flare up of Rosacea which can be tough to treat. I have been using NIOD’S MG Serum for over a year. I have a brand new bottle waiting for me for when I use up my current bottle. It works great for me and is one of the very few products I use when I have a flare up. I love it. It does exactly what it promises to do.