{"id":605126983986,"title":"itk Skincare Review: Affordable Anti-Aging?","created_at":"2023-03-24T23:22:06-04:00","body_html":"\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\/\/ \u003c![CDATA[\n{\n \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n \"@type\": \"Article\",\n \"headline\": \"itk Skincare Review: Affordable Anti-Aging?\",\n \"keywords\": \"itk, itk skincare, itk skincare reviews, itk skincare review, brooklyn and bailey itk skincare, itk skincare brooklyn and bailey, is itk skincare good, stay itk\",\n \"description\": \"Our research team reviews the ingredients in two of itk Skincare's most popular products (Prebiotic Moisturizing Gel and Nightly Clarifying Serum) based on medical studies to give our take on whether the products are likely to be effective or if they're a waste of money.\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/itk-skincare-review\",\n\"author\": {\n \"@type\": \"Person\",\n \"name\": \"Calloway Cook\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/calloway-cook\",\n \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/calloway-cook\/\",\n \"jobTitle\": \"President\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"entrepreneurship, dietary supplements, herbal supplements, eCommerce, medical research\",\n \"alumniOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"EducationalOrganization\",\n \"name\": \"S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University\"\n },\n \"memberOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n }\n},\n\"editor\": {\n \"@type\": \"Person\",\n \"name\": \"Nely Aldrich\",\n \"honorificSuffix\": [\n \"M.D.\",\n \"FAAD\"\n ],\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/nely-aldrich\",\n \"sameAs\": [\n \"https:\/\/www.healthgrades.com\/physician\/dr-nely-aldrich-gf53b\",\n \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/nely-aldrich-16b99530\/\"\n ],\n \"jobTitle\": \"Dermatology Reviewer\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"skincare, anti-aging, wrinkles, acne, moisturizer, clinical research, clinical trials, hair, aging, sunscreen, soap\",\n \"alumniOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"EducationalOrganization\",\n \"name\": [\n \"University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center\",\n \"Northeast Ohio Medical University\",\n \"Kent State University\"\n ]\n },\n \"memberOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n }\n },\n\"image\": {\n\"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n\"url\": \"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/itk_Skincare_Thumbnail.png?v=1679715042\",\n\"width\": \"3500\",\n\"height\": \"3500\"\n},\n\"citation\": [\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/17147561\/\", \n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/17026654\/\",\n\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/biossance-review\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/18498456\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/32387382\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/24442052\/\",\n\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/paulas-choice-exfoliant-review\",\n\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6981886\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30287361\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/11896774\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/24471735\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30681787\/\"\n],\n\"mentions\": [{\n \"@type\": \"Brand\",\n \"name\": \"Brooklyn and Bailey\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Walmart\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Brand\",\n \"name\": \"Prebiotic Gel Moisturizer\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Brand\",\n \"name\": \"Nightly Clarifying Serum\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Brand\",\n \"name\": \"Kylie Cosmetics\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"niacinamide\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"phenoxyethanol\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Brand\",\n \"name\": \"Drama Investigator\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"peptides\"\n }\n],\n\"datePublished\": \"2023-03-24\",\n\"copyrightHolder\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n},\n\"publisher\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/\",\n \"description\": \"Illuminate Labs is the most transparent supplement company in the U.S., and is a leading publisher of research-based health information.\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"supplements, science, nutrition, exercise, health, medication, pharmaceutical, wellness, diet, weight loss, medical research\",\n \"publishingPrinciples\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/editorial-guidelines\",\n \"memberOf\": [\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"U.S. Chamber of Commerce\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.uschamber.com\/\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Certified B Corp\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.bcorporation.net\/en-us\/\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Natural Products Association\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.npanational.org\/\"\n }\n ],\n \"logo\": {\n \"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Illuminate_Labs_Favicon_48x48_7595c3cc-e27b-47b8-a4fe-edcc7ed9b29a.png?v=1666502785\", \n \"width\": 48,\n \"height\": 48\n},\n \"foundingDate\": \"2019-01-30\",\n \"sameAs\": [\n \"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/illuminatelabs\",\n \"https:\/\/twitter.com\/illuminatelabs\",\n \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/illuminate-labs-supplements\",\n \"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCpgSJAsIPb-fZ25djtTxBEA\"\n ]\n }\n}\n\/\/ ]]\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/itk_Skincare_Review_Article_Header_Image_Optimized.png?v=1679714298\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"dc\"\u003ei\u003c\/span\u003etk Skincare is an affordable online skincare brand launched by influencers Brooklyn and Bailey who have a popular YouTube channel with over 7 million subscribers. The brand is only sold on Walmart, and the products are advertised as “straightforward and simple” and free of harmful ingredients.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBut does itk Skincare contain research-backed ingredients for hydrating skin and reducing visible signs of aging? Do the products contain any questionable additive ingredients? Did the brand get copied by Kylie Cosmetics? And how do real users rate and describe the effects of itk Skincare?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eIn this article we’ll answer all of these questions and more as we analyze the ingredients in two of itk Skincare’s most popular products (Prebiotic Gel Moisturizer and Nightly Clarifying Serum) based on medical studies to give our take on whether they’re likely to be effective or if they’re a waste of money.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe’ll also share a popular YouTube video alleging that Kylie Cosmetics copied itk, and feature real, unsponsored itk Skincare user reviews.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePrebiotic Gel Moisturizer Ingredient Analysis\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/itk_Skincare_Prebiotic_Gel_Moisturizer_Ingredients_Optimized.png?v=1679714320\" alt=\"itk Skincare Prebiotic Moisturizer Gel ingredients\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe ingredients in itk Skincare Prebiotic Gel Moisturizer are shown above.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThis product does contain a number of research-backed moisturizing ingredients.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNiacinamide\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e has been shown to smooth out wrinkles and moisturize the skin in a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/17147561\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e published in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eJournal of Cosmetic Dermatology\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAloe vera leaf juice\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/17026654\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eclinically shown\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e to increase skin hydration, and is considered as one of the most effective botanical moisturizers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSqualane\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is one of the most potent skin moisturizers, as we documented in our review of another skincare brand featuring this ingredient called \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/biossance-review\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBiossance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eGlycerin\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e was shown to increase skin moisture content by around 15% when applied topically in a 2001 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/18498456\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWhile the Prebiotic Moisturizer Gel has some effective active ingredients, it also has some questionable additive ingredients.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSodium benzoate\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003epotassium sorbate\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003ephenoxyethanol\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e are preservatives, the last of which was shown to be toxic to human cells in a 2020 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/32387382\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e. This was an \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ein vitro\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e (test tube) trial which makes the results weaker than a human trial, but we still believe it’s worth noting.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eOverall we consider Prebiotic Gel Moisturizer likely to be effective for moisturizing skin, and we’re impressed by the potency of this formulation especially considering the price (under $15).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe don’t currently recommend this product due to the three preservative ingredients.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBut is Nightly Clarifying Serum better-formulated? We’ll review in the next ingredient analysis section, but first we’ll highlight a YouTube video suggesting that Kylie Cosmetics stole from itk’s founders:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDid Kylie Cosmetics Copy itk?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA popular YouTube channel called “Drama Investigator” shares some allegations about Kylie Cosmetics copying itk skincare:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/iPLBa5ixh-k\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eitk Skincare Nightly Clarifying Serum Ingredient Analysis\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/itk_Skincare_Nightly_Clarifying_Serum_Ingredients.png?v=1679714359\" alt=\"itk Skincare Nightly Clarifying Serum ingredients\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe ingredients in itk Skincare Nightly Clarifying Serum are shown above.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThis product is used to clarify skin and provide anti-aging support, and like the previous product, it contains a number of research-backed ingredients.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eJojoba seed oil\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e has a number of dermatological applications according to a 2013 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/24442052\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e. The study authors documented that jojoba seed oil has skin-moisturizing effects and propose that it may have anti-aging effects as well.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBakuchiol\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is a chemical compound derived from the babchi plant native to India. As we documented in our review of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/paulas-choice-exfoliant-review\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ePaula’s Choice Exfoliant\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e, it’s been clinically shown to reduce wrinkles. It's also a less irritating alternative to retinoids with similar properties according to a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/bjd\/article\/180\/2\/289\/6601687\"\u003emedical review\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePalmitoyl tripeptide-1\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003epalmitoyl tetrapeptide-7\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e are members of a class of compounds called peptides, and topical application of peptides has been \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6981886\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eclinically shown\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e to reduce wrinkles by 6-13%.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSodium hyaluronate\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is one of the most well-studied anti-aging ingredients and another effective ingredient choice.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThis formulation only contains two synthetic preservatives (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003ephenoxyethanol\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003esodium benzoate\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e) so we consider it better than the previous itk Skincare product in that regard.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eOverall, we consider itk Skincare Nightly Clarifying Serum to be likely to not only provide the clarifying effect that the brand claims it will, but also reduce wrinkles and visible signs of aging.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe’re highly impressed again by the potency of this formulation for its price, however we don’t currently recommend it two to the two preservative ingredients.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBut how do real users rate and describe the effects of itk Skincare products? We’ll review in the next section.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eReal, Unsponsored itk Skincare User Reviews\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA YouTube creator named “SunFloraa” reviewed various itk Skincare products and included before-and-after images:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/1nfmXaXRDME\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA TikTok creator named Jordyn Asplin shares her thoughts after using itk Skincare for 31 days:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote class=\"tiktok-embed\" cite=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@jordyn.asplin\/video\/7151231256976624942\" data-video-id=\"7151231256976624942\" style=\"max-width: 375px; min-width: 325px;\"\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\u003ca target=\"_blank\" title=\"@jordyn.asplin\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@jordyn.asplin?refer=embed\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003e@jordyn.asplin\u003c\/a\u003e ITK SKINCARE UPDATE DAY 31!!! \u003ca title=\"itk\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/itk?refer=embed\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003e#itk\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca title=\"skincare\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/skincare?refer=embed\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003e#skincare\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca title=\"skincaretips\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/skincaretips?refer=embed\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003e#skincaretips\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca title=\"nighttimeroutine\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/nighttimeroutine?refer=embed\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003e#nighttimeroutine\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca target=\"_blank\" title=\"♬ original sound - Jordyn Asplin\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/music\/original-sound-7151231243814947630?refer=embed\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003e♬ original sound - Jordyn Asplin\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cscript async=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/embed.js\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHear From itk’s Founders\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eitk’s founders Brooklyn and Bailey have a video on their YouTube page with over 280,000 views where they explain the launch of their brand and describe the benefits of the different products:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/0bhXGPBAWBA\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOur Research-Backed Skincare Picks\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Skincare_Products_Image_Optimized.png?v=1664754145\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe recommend skincare products if they contain clinically-proven ingredients and are free of harmful additives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"http:\/\/track.revoffers.com\/aff_c?offer_id=155\u0026amp;aff_id=7240\u0026amp;url_id=2077\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnnie Mak Vitamin C Serum\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e is our top serum pick. It contains \u003cb\u003ehyaluronic acid\u003c\/b\u003e which was described as a \u003cb\u003e\"skin-rejuvenating biomedicine\"\u003c\/b\u003e in a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30287361\/\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e due to its ability to reduce wrinkles and signs of facial aging. Topical vitamin C is also\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/11896774\/\"\u003eclinically shown\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eto improve skin hydration and reduce wrinkles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInterested consumers can check out Annie Mak Vitamin C Serum \u003ca rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"http:\/\/track.revoffers.com\/aff_c?offer_id=155\u0026amp;aff_id=7240\u0026amp;url_id=2077\"\u003eat this link\u003c\/a\u003e to the product page on the official brand's website.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHydraglow is our top moisturizer pick. It features\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ebakuchiol\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eas an active ingredient which was described in a 2014 \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/24471735\/\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/a\u003e as \"clinically proven to have anti-aging effects.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the above-linked trial, topical bakuchiol reduced wrinkles, improved skin elasticity and firmness, and reduced photodamage (damage from UV rays). There are no questionable additive ingredients in this product.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInterested consumers can purchase Hydraglow at the secure checkout below:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstyle\u003e\u003c!--\n.katalys-iframe-container {\n position: relative;\n width: auto;\n height: 100%;\n max-height: 420px;\n overflow: hidden;\n }\n .katalys-iframe-container::after {\n display: inline-block;\n content: \"\";\n padding-bottom: 58.82%;\n }\n .katalys-iframe-container iframe {\n position: absolute;\n width: 100%;\n height: 100%;\n }\n @media (max-width: 660px) {\n .katalys-iframe-container {\n width: 300px;\n height: 600px;\n max-height: 600px;\n margin: 0 auto;\n }\n .katalys-iframe-container::after {\n padding-bottom: 0%;\n overflow: hidden;\n }\n }\n--\u003e\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"katalys-iframe-container\" style=\"margin-bottom: 25px;\"\u003e\u003ciframe allow=\"payment\" src=\"https:\/\/1o.io\/checkouts\/ffccd0c3-b4bc-4d88-aea3-38e8de7f1296\/#placementId=itk-skincare-review\/placementId2=HydraGlow\/placementId3=inline\" style=\"margin: auto; border: none; width: 100%; height: 100%;\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe only oral supplement we recommend for skin quality improvement is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/bulletproof.fdf2.net\/c\/3271428\/1278011\/9221\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBulletproof Collagen Powder\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOral \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003ecollagen\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e supplementation was shown in a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30681787\/\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e published in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJournal of Drugs in Dermatology\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eto improve visible signs of skin aging as well as improve skin elasticity and skin hydration\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. The only ingredient in Bulletproof collagen is collagen peptides sourced from grass-fed animals.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInterested consumers can check out Bulletproof Collagen Powder \u003ca rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/bulletproof.fdf2.net\/c\/3271428\/1278011\/9221\"\u003eat this link\u003c\/a\u003e to the product page on the official brand's website.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll three products recommended here are entirely free of harmful additives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePros and Cons of itk Skincare\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHere are the pros and cons of itk Skincare as a brand in our opinion:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003ePros:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eMany research-backed ingredients\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eGreat potency for the price\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eNo seriously questionable additives like fragrance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eVery favorable customer reviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAvailable at Walmart\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eCons:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eProducts contain synthetic preservatives \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eConclusion\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe consider itk Skincare to be one of the best, if not the best, affordable skincare lines in regard to efficacy. Their formulations contain multiple research-backed ingredients and from a potency perspective are similar to products 3-5x the cost that we’ve reviewed on Illuminate Health.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe don’t currently recommend any itk Skincare products due to the inclusion of several questionable preservative ingredients (in particular phenoxyethanol), but there are no seriously questionable additives like fragrance or artificial dyes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eOverall we consider itk Skincare to be a top affordable skincare brand but we don’t believe it competes with luxury skincare lines when considering both efficacy and purity of formulation (freedom from questionable preservatives and inactive ingredients).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eMost customer reviews we watched on this brand were highly favorable, and we expect both of the products reviewed in this article to perform as intended.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eOne YouTube creator even suggests that Kylie Cosmetics stole ideas from itk Skincare.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","blog_id":49281925193,"author":"Calloway Cook","user_id":26601750601,"published_at":"2023-03-24T23:36:35-04:00","updated_at":"2023-05-23T15:24:28-04:00","summary_html":"We review the ingredients in two of itk Skincare's most popular products (Prebiotic Moisturizing Gel and Nightly Clarifying Serum) based on medical studies to give our take on whether the products are likely to be effective or if they're a waste of money.","template_suffix":"","handle":"itk-skincare-review","tags":"_related:skincare"}

itk Skincare Review: Affordable Anti-Aging?

itk Skincare Review: Affordable Anti-Aging?


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itk Skincare is an affordable online skincare brand launched by influencers Brooklyn and Bailey who have a popular YouTube channel with over 7 million subscribers. The brand is only sold on Walmart, and the products are advertised as “straightforward and simple” and free of harmful ingredients.

But does itk Skincare contain research-backed ingredients for hydrating skin and reducing visible signs of aging? Do the products contain any questionable additive ingredients? Did the brand get copied by Kylie Cosmetics? And how do real users rate and describe the effects of itk Skincare?

In this article we’ll answer all of these questions and more as we analyze the ingredients in two of itk Skincare’s most popular products (Prebiotic Gel Moisturizer and Nightly Clarifying Serum) based on medical studies to give our take on whether they’re likely to be effective or if they’re a waste of money.

We’ll also share a popular YouTube video alleging that Kylie Cosmetics copied itk, and feature real, unsponsored itk Skincare user reviews.

Prebiotic Gel Moisturizer Ingredient Analysis

itk Skincare Prebiotic Moisturizer Gel ingredients

The ingredients in itk Skincare Prebiotic Gel Moisturizer are shown above.

This product does contain a number of research-backed moisturizing ingredients.

Niacinamide has been shown to smooth out wrinkles and moisturize the skin in a medical review published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.

Aloe vera leaf juice is clinically shown to increase skin hydration, and is considered as one of the most effective botanical moisturizers.

Squalane is one of the most potent skin moisturizers, as we documented in our review of another skincare brand featuring this ingredient called Biossance.

Glycerin was shown to increase skin moisture content by around 15% when applied topically in a 2001 clinical trial.

While the Prebiotic Moisturizer Gel has some effective active ingredients, it also has some questionable additive ingredients.

Sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate and phenoxyethanol are preservatives, the last of which was shown to be toxic to human cells in a 2020 clinical trial. This was an in vitro (test tube) trial which makes the results weaker than a human trial, but we still believe it’s worth noting.

Overall we consider Prebiotic Gel Moisturizer likely to be effective for moisturizing skin, and we’re impressed by the potency of this formulation especially considering the price (under $15).

We don’t currently recommend this product due to the three preservative ingredients.

But is Nightly Clarifying Serum better-formulated? We’ll review in the next ingredient analysis section, but first we’ll highlight a YouTube video suggesting that Kylie Cosmetics stole from itk’s founders:

Did Kylie Cosmetics Copy itk?

A popular YouTube channel called “Drama Investigator” shares some allegations about Kylie Cosmetics copying itk skincare:

itk Skincare Nightly Clarifying Serum Ingredient Analysis

itk Skincare Nightly Clarifying Serum ingredients

The ingredients in itk Skincare Nightly Clarifying Serum are shown above.

This product is used to clarify skin and provide anti-aging support, and like the previous product, it contains a number of research-backed ingredients.

Jojoba seed oil has a number of dermatological applications according to a 2013 medical review. The study authors documented that jojoba seed oil has skin-moisturizing effects and propose that it may have anti-aging effects as well.

Bakuchiol is a chemical compound derived from the babchi plant native to India. As we documented in our review of Paula’s Choice Exfoliant, it’s been clinically shown to reduce wrinkles. It's also a less irritating alternative to retinoids with similar properties according to a medical review.

Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 are members of a class of compounds called peptides, and topical application of peptides has been clinically shown to reduce wrinkles by 6-13%.

Sodium hyaluronate is one of the most well-studied anti-aging ingredients and another effective ingredient choice.

This formulation only contains two synthetic preservatives (phenoxyethanol and sodium benzoate) so we consider it better than the previous itk Skincare product in that regard.

Overall, we consider itk Skincare Nightly Clarifying Serum to be likely to not only provide the clarifying effect that the brand claims it will, but also reduce wrinkles and visible signs of aging.

We’re highly impressed again by the potency of this formulation for its price, however we don’t currently recommend it two to the two preservative ingredients.

But how do real users rate and describe the effects of itk Skincare products? We’ll review in the next section.

Real, Unsponsored itk Skincare User Reviews

A YouTube creator named “SunFloraa” reviewed various itk Skincare products and included before-and-after images:

A TikTok creator named Jordyn Asplin shares her thoughts after using itk Skincare for 31 days:

@jordyn.asplin ITK SKINCARE UPDATE DAY 31!!! #itk #skincare #skincaretips #nighttimeroutine ♬ original sound - Jordyn Asplin

Hear From itk’s Founders

itk’s founders Brooklyn and Bailey have a video on their YouTube page with over 280,000 views where they explain the launch of their brand and describe the benefits of the different products:

Our Research-Backed Skincare Picks

We recommend skincare products if they contain clinically-proven ingredients and are free of harmful additives.

Annie Mak Vitamin C Serum is our top serum pick. It contains hyaluronic acid which was described as a "skin-rejuvenating biomedicine" in a medical review due to its ability to reduce wrinkles and signs of facial aging. Topical vitamin C is also clinically shown to improve skin hydration and reduce wrinkles.

Interested consumers can check out Annie Mak Vitamin C Serum at this link to the product page on the official brand's website.

Hydraglow is our top moisturizer pick. It features bakuchiol as an active ingredient which was described in a 2014 clinical trial as "clinically proven to have anti-aging effects."

In the above-linked trial, topical bakuchiol reduced wrinkles, improved skin elasticity and firmness, and reduced photodamage (damage from UV rays). There are no questionable additive ingredients in this product.

Interested consumers can purchase Hydraglow at the secure checkout below:

The only oral supplement we recommend for skin quality improvement is Bulletproof Collagen Powder.

Oral collagen supplementation was shown in a medical review published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology to improve visible signs of skin aging as well as improve skin elasticity and skin hydration. The only ingredient in Bulletproof collagen is collagen peptides sourced from grass-fed animals.

Interested consumers can check out Bulletproof Collagen Powder at this link to the product page on the official brand's website.

All three products recommended here are entirely free of harmful additives.

Pros and Cons of itk Skincare

Here are the pros and cons of itk Skincare as a brand in our opinion:

Pros:

  • Many research-backed ingredients
  • Great potency for the price
  • No seriously questionable additives like fragrance
  • Very favorable customer reviews
  • Available at Walmart

Cons:

  • Products contain synthetic preservatives 
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Conclusion

We consider itk Skincare to be one of the best, if not the best, affordable skincare lines in regard to efficacy. Their formulations contain multiple research-backed ingredients and from a potency perspective are similar to products 3-5x the cost that we’ve reviewed on Illuminate Health.

We don’t currently recommend any itk Skincare products due to the inclusion of several questionable preservative ingredients (in particular phenoxyethanol), but there are no seriously questionable additives like fragrance or artificial dyes.

Overall we consider itk Skincare to be a top affordable skincare brand but we don’t believe it competes with luxury skincare lines when considering both efficacy and purity of formulation (freedom from questionable preservatives and inactive ingredients).

Most customer reviews we watched on this brand were highly favorable, and we expect both of the products reviewed in this article to perform as intended.

One YouTube creator even suggests that Kylie Cosmetics stole ideas from itk Skincare.




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