NIOD NAAP Review

Even before I became a beauty blogger, I was always enamoured by and fascinated with skincare products. I liked to read up on the different ingredients and try out new launches, especially if they claimed to have some new science behind it. Recently, I got to know about NIOD (Non-Invasive Options in Dermal Science) which is one of the brands by DECIEM – a company that proudly calls itself “The Abnormal Beauty Company” and that wants to change everything in the world of beauty. As the name suggests, NIOD seeks to give advanced skincare options so that people don’t have to resort to invasive / surgical / injectible options. While almost all their products seemed very tempting, I decided to start with the NIOD NAAP (Non-Acid Acid Precursor 15%).

NIOD NAAP Review

 About NIOD NAAP (US$ 65 / 30ml)

“NAAP is a non-acidic alternative to acid-based epidermal resurfacing. Instead of using direct acids like AHA/BHA or retinoids that are common in skincare, NAAP uses fermentation bio-derivatives and amino isolates that act as precursors to skin-compatible acids, encouraging visible radiance and surface regularity without the redness and inflammation associated with acids. NAAP was found non-irritating in an independent Human Repeat Insult Patch Test.

A suspension of probiotic bacteria purified through lysis acts as a precursor of skin-compatible natural acids. Two forms of amino isolates mimic the surface-regularizing action of retinoids without any presence of retinoids or related acids. A bio-ferment oligopeptide offers better exfoliation than alpha hydroxyl acids without irritation or inflammation. A highly-purified natural levomenol offers surface barrier support, hydration and comfort. A marine-derived exopolysaccharide increases the skin’s water-retention capacity—essential with enhanced skin turnover.”

Yes, that is all a bit technical to understand. Simply put, this serum (I choose to call it a serum) has biological ingredients that have the same kind of effect (exfoliation, hydration)  that AHAs have without any of the resultant irritation or sensitivity.

Because of the experimentation that I do with my skincare products, my skin had become a bit sensitive especially in the peri-oral area and was susceptible to reddening and peeling when I used acid based products. I was apprehensive about using NAAP so for the first couple of days, I avoided applying it around my lips. Seeing that it didn’t tingle or burn, I used it all over my face, including my undereye area as well and have been using it since a month now. 

Packaging

NIOD’s scientific approach to skincare is reflected in it’s apothecary-like simplistic packaging. NAAP comes in an amber bottle with a rubber-tipped dropper to dispense the product. While this is hygienic, it isn’t a very practical packaging considering the texture of the serum as it creates a mess around the mouth of the bottle which I have to clean after each application. Ergo, product wastage.

Texture

Since NIOD NAAP has effects similar to acids, it is recommended for use only at night. As you can see from the picture, NIOD NAAP has a thick, milky texture that feels very hydrating when you apply it. I do need to pat it in to get it totally absorbed, however. And it doesn’t have any added fragrance so don’t expect it to have a lovely floral scent. It’s just simple, effective skincare.

From the time I started using this, I have hardly used any other night cream or sleeping mask at night. Initially, I did add a night cream over this  but realised soon enough that I get adequate hydration from NAAP alone. Perhaps in winter I would need to add an extra layer for more moisture but for now, just NAAP is enough.

Ingredients

Aqua (Water), Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Bisabolol, Glycerin, Ethyl Linoleate, Hexanoyl Dipeptide-3 Norleucine Acetate, Myristoyl Nonapeptide-3, Yeast Extract, Soy Amino Acids, Pseudoalteromonas Exopolysaccharides, Lecithin, Sorbitan Isostearate, Isohexadecane, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polysorbate 60, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Sodium Salicylate, Citric Acid, Sodium Chloride, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Pentylene Glycol, Ethoxydiglycol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.

My Views

Firstly, let me confess that as with most new skincare products that I try out, I start with high expectations and magical results. That said, the rational part of me also knows that short of clinical procedures, nothing is going to totally erase my freckles or wipe out my fine lines. With NIOD NAAP, one of the most visible effects has been in the texture of my skin. It is smoother now and more refined so when I wear makeup, it goes on smoothly and gives a more flawless finish. I also feel that the scars I had from old acne breakouts aren’t as obvious as they used to be. The difference isn’t very obvious but since I am the person who scrutinizes her face each day, I can make out the difference. And there’s no sensitivity or skin peeling or discomfort that using any kind of acid based product would have.

After a month of use, I still have half the bottle left so I’m sure my skin will improve further. NIOD NAAP is a product that doesn’t claim to magically transform your skin. But what it does claim – more surface regularity, visible radiance – it does deliver and that’s what I really like about it.

Have any of you tried any products from NIOD? If you have, what other products would you recommend I should try? I am eyeing a couple of other products from them to have a complete NIOD skincare regime.