Pond's Fresh Hydration Hyaluronic Acid Vitamin E & B3 review

Costco's bulk deal

I’ve seen Pond’s products everywhere for as long as I can remember. I still have this vivid memory of being seven years old at Honest Ed’s in Toronto, pointing at a jar of Pond’s Cold Cream and asking my mom what it was. But despite seeing the brand all around me — on shelves, in ads, in random stores — I’ve never actually used any Pond’s products in my life. No one in my family or friend circles uses them either, so it’s always been one of those brands I recognize… but have zero personal experience with.

packaging

That changed when I spotted the Pond’s Fresh Hydration Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin E & B3 gel moisturizer at Costco. On Amazon, one 3.4 oz (96.4 g) jar costs $19.25 — but Costco had three jars for $17.99. A deal like that? I couldn’t resist. 😅

After doing some quick Googling, I discovered people calling it a “dupe” for Clinique’s Moisture Surge Gel — which is about four times the price. If you’ve been here long enough, you already know how I feel about dupes… so yes, I was skeptical.

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You can see the big hollow hole before I even opened the product

🧴 First Impressions

• flimsy plastic container

• strong scent (reminds me of hair conditioner)

• skin absorbed it immediately

• moisturizes, but causes random bumps

• The jar wasn’t filled completely (and the plastic bends easily)

There's not a lot of product in the jar

When I opened the jar, the product looked a bit… sad. Not fully filled, and the cheap, bendable plastic didn’t add confidence. The gel itself was firm, almost “bouncy,” which made the hollow indent inside even more noticeable.

The scent is very strong — not bad, but definitely bold. To me, it had a base note that reminded me slightly of sunscreen mixed with shampoo or hair conditioner. Some people might enjoy it, but for me, it felt overwhelming.

Texture-wise, it reminded me of Neutrogena Hydro Boost, but firmer and with a more silicone-like slip. The intensity of the scent is on par with Hydro Boost as well — not the same smell, but equally pungent.

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Pond's Fresh Hydration

💧 Hydration Performance

It does moisturize — but only on already healthy skin. On dry, dehydrated, or slightly irritated skin, it didn’t do very much. It claims 24-hour hydration, but realistically… I had to reapply every 5–6 hours.

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The Science behind hydration

⚠️ The Dealbreaker: Random Bumps

This is where things went downhill.

After a few uses, I started noticing random bumps on my nose and forehead — areas where I never get bumps. The more consistently I used it, the more bumps appeared. I’m not sure if I’m reacting to an ingredient or the formula as a whole, but my skin definitely did not like something in here.

I really wanted to love this — it looked promising, affordable, and had great ingredients on paper — but unfortunately, it didn’t work out for me at all.

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product and packaging

⭐ Final Thoughts + Score

Pond’s Fresh Hydration has a nice texture and provides light moisture, but the strong scent, flimsy packaging, and unexpected breakouts make it a no for me. If your skin is extremely tolerant and you want something inexpensive, it might work… but I personally won’t be repurchasing.

Score: 3/10 (Moisturizes, but gave me random bumps 👎🏻)
Website: https://ponds.us/en-ca/products/hyaluronic-acid-vitamin-e-b3-gel-moisturizer

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream review

This is one of Kiehl's best sellers and I can see why. I am currently on my fifth jar and it is one of my favourite products. It is one of my holy grails.

There was a time I used a wrong product and my skin stung and was reacting badly. The moment I applied this facial cream, my skin immediately calmed and the stinging was gone. That is how good this product is.

This isn't only for those emergencies in need of lifesaver moments, it serves as an amazing product for daily use.

I use it on a daily basis and it has improved the condition of my skin significantly.

Product details

Price: $76 CAD for 125ml

key ingredients: Glacial Glycoprotein and Squalane

Glacial Glycoprotein

This ingredient is notable for its ability to thrive in extreme climates as it is derived from sea glaciers.  It is known to deeply hydrate, protect, and help prevent water loss from the skin. This diminishes signs of aging and retains the skin's firmness. 

Squalane

Squalane is a highly refined moisturizing oil derived from olives known for its exceptional affinity to skin. This helps restore essential lipids in the skin and protect against moisture loss.

impressions:

• very hydrating
• very "creamy"
• no scent
• works as an immediate relief as well as a long term care product
• fixed my skin barrier issues
• suitable for super-sensitive skin
• protects and restores skin barrier

cream's consistency

I am extremely impressed with this facial cream. it was love at first use and I haven't bothered to go look for other moisturizers (the only one I am interested in is the overnight mask version of this product which I plan to try and review a bit later). 

For daily use, it only takes an hour or so for my skin to reveal and recognize how good this product is. The first time I used this product, it felt as though I had previously soaked my skin in water and the layer "underneath the surface of my skin" felt very hydrated and moisturized. When I touch my skin, I could feel a bit of a watery protection layer cushioning and protecting the skin underneath my skin.

I am not a fan of slabbing creamy textured products on my dehydrated skin but every time I do, this product does not disappoint.

It has fixed my problematic skin barrier issues and has made it stronger and less susceptible to harsh dry and cold weather and climate. 

Score: 10/10

Website: https://www.kiehls.ca/en/skincare/view-all-skincare/ultra-facial-cream/622.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjwtsCgBhDEARIsAE7RYh1kCP1B8X1kBK5Az4170a7dHBJe-Z6xc8MsNGnuxvAucoDNy6JQrxcaAo6ZEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds#start=4&cgid=face-moisturizers

Question: what are Softeners, Emulsions and Essences

Who here has been confused many MANY times about emulsions, softeners and essences? are they the same thing? or how different are they? Are there any equivalents? How are they different from our normal toners, serums, moisturizers? For those who enjoy using products from Asia, you will find terms like Emulsion, Essences and Softeners, and they can certainly be quite confusing.

I have been confused quite a few times, I recall several times when I was in Asia shopping for skincare products. I felt so out of place, so in order to know what I want to look for and what I need I did some research. Let me share with you some of my findings and hopefully they will help you "decode" these terms so you can find what you are looking for when you are shopping for Cosmetics in Asia (or looking for something in an Asian brand).


(see how Softeners, Emulsions and Essences are different/similar to Toners, Moisturizers and Serums)


Softeners: Softeners are usually confused with being Toners... they look similar BUT they do different things, a softener is used to moisturize (hence the name "Softener") while a toner is to clean and balance pH (I will write a post later about Toners). The steps to using Toners and Softeners are these are --> Toners, Softeners, Moisturizers. I guess there aren't real equivalents to Softeners.

(Softeners are usually found in Asian skin care products, they can be called "moisturizing lotions" but look like toners)

photo credits: www.productreview.com.au

Emulsions: Emulsions are similar to moisturizers but they are a lot lighter. In Asia, Emulsions are translated as "milk cream" to describe it's consistency (like milk). It is also more richer at the same time. Because of the weather conditions in Asia (mostly humid), a lot of women use emulsion as a daytime moisturizer.

image source: www.barneys.com

In Asia, they are very precise with naming their products, most people confuse Emulsions with Creams, they are similar as they are both moisturizers except emulsions are lighter and creams are richer and much thicker. This is why people usually use emulsions as a daytime moisturizer and creams as a night moisturizer. (This is usually why most emulsions have UV protection, while most Creams do not). 

image source: www.barneys.com

For those who have dry to very dry skin, they have the option to use both an emulsion and cream in the same routine. This will not "ruin" or "over saturate" your skin. However, the best way is to use Emulsion then cream though as this will create a much stronger moisture boost (because of its richness).




Essences: Essence is another word for serum, they are the same thing. Like serums, essences are used after toners and before moisturizers. 

photo credits: sk-ii.com

Essence or serums are concentrated forms of nutrients that are made so that your skin will immediately absorb it when applied, this helps fix "deeper" skin problems.

I am writing a post on serums (link will be posted here when it is done)


So, keep in mind Softeners, Emulsions and Essences can be used in the same skincare routine. Please read my other blog post to see how using Emulsions (moisturizers) and Essences (serums)  together can help enhance your skin.

Question: Difference Between Serum and Moisturizer

photo credits: Clinique.com

 I have always wondered what are the differences between serum and moisturizer.They both "seem" to do similar things, yet Serums tend to costs so much more than moisturizers. I always thought serums were a concentrated moisturizer. After starting to use more skincare products, I was determined to learn about the differences so I know what it was I was putting on my face. I have found the answers and I want to share them with you. I will try to keep this post as short and as simple as I can.

First, to make things clear, serums and moisturizers are meant to be used together. You can't "choose" which one to use. If you just use one, you aren't making use of the product to it's fullest capabilities. In fact, you will be wasting the product since you can not utilize it fully. (Although, I do not recommend those who are 24 and under to use serums since your skin is able to produce the nutrients needed already (unless you have really bad terrible skin), over nourishing your skin can cause your skin to "stop" helping itself... and the formula might be too strong for your skin and end up making the condition of your skin even worse). If you feel you need one, I recommend you to go visit the store and ask if there are serums that are more suitable for younger skin)

photo credits: lancome.com

Serums are to enhance your skin-care routine and it is much more concentrated (you should never put too much on, once you put serum on your face, your skin will immediately absorb it all, so don't "over saturate" it, not having reside on your face is good, it means your skin has absorbed it all. Serums are very different than other creams/moisturizers/lotion. This is one of the reasons why a small bottle costs so much, and you can still "afford" it, a little goes a long way...) A 50 ml Serum can last you 5-6 months. 

If you read the "types" of serums and moisturizers you will notice their differences between the two immediately.


Serums tend to focus on a really specific skin problems e.g. wrinkles, discolorations, renew skin, etc. If you notice, these are "deeper skin problem.

Moisturizers are, well, used for moisturizing. (for oily skin, to rehydrate dry skin) These are solving the more "surface" part of the skin. They are also meant to "protect" you from environmental/climate factors (e.g. air pollution, UV rays, dry weather, hot weather etc) which prevent your skin from being healthy.

photo credits: http://lacedinleather.com

Remember: Moisturizers are meant to seal nutrients and prevent moisture from evaporating while serums are the nutrients to replenish your skin. 

When you use Moisturizers and serums together, you are putting nutrients into your skin (which are penetrating the depths of your skin, and the moisturizer seals it, making sure the serum can work properly, while protecting your skin from dryness and climate factors which can affect the skin (e.g. pollution).

(I will make a post that talks about serums since I realized there are a lot of things that need to be covered)