Last Updated on December 24, 2024 by Eve Dawes
I tried 5 of their best sellers, here’s what happened
111Skin is one of those luxury skincare brands I’ve wanted to review and try for ages as it’s a cruelty-free, doctor-driven brand but it’s super expensive so I hadn’t committed to forking out for it. However, they reached out to me and asked if I’d like to try something. That’s when I went down the rabbit hole exploring all 6 of their cruelty-free skincare collections to find the right product for me. The more I read about each product, the more of them I wanted. Like their wrinkle erasing retinol patches, black diamond eye cream and face cream, and age defying eye mask.
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Who is the Founder of 111Skin | About the brand
The founder Dr Yannis Alexandrides MD has over 30 years of medical experience and more than 20 years of in-clinic practice. He founded the brand in 2012 in order to provide his clients with products that delivered what their skin needs post-surgery and he spearheads 111SKIN’s research and development. Along with his gorgeous wife Eva, who has expanded the 111SKIN brand.
111Skin have over 40 products across 6 ranges so the hardest part is finding the right collection for you. However, they do have a 3 minute skincare quiz to make it easier to get customized product recommendations. I just found it a little hard to describe my skin type and concerns from the multiple choice questions as I wanted to check more than 1 box. They do also offer a Virtual Consultation which will take longer but should be a lot more thorough and accurate.
The 111SKIN quiz actually suggested the Repair system for me but I was torn between that and the Black Diamond collection. As they’re both great anti-aging serums that target wrinkles. However, it seems like the repair collection is more for fine lines vs the black diamond being more for deeper wrinkles and more mature skin which is why I went with that.
The differences between 111SKIN repair serum & black diamond serum
111Skin Repair Serum gives a healthy glow, softens, hydrates, reduces redness and fine lines, and accelerates cellular repair by boosting glutathione. Whereas the 111SKIN Black Diamond serum sculpts, firms, lifts and tightens skin, and uses NovoRetin (a natural alternative to Retinol) which has a resurfacing action for softer more refined texture. It also reduces the appearance of age spots, and targets wrinkles to improve overall skin texture.
I ended up with the Black Diamond serum because I don’t really need to reduce redness or need help with my glow and it seems better suited to more mature skin and advanced signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines and skin laxity which are my primary concerns.
Since their products are designed to work synergistically and Blue Mercury had a 20% off Black Friday sale, I treated myself to the 111skin Celestial black diamond lifting and firming mask for instant results and to go with the serum. Serums are great for having benefits over time, but you can’t beat masks for an instant fix and they’re great around the holidays when there are so many events going on.
111 Skin review
In this 111Skin review, I’m going to review the 111Skin Celestial Black Diamond Lifting And Firming Face Mask, Black diamond serum, Y Theorem repair serum, 111Skin Repair Day Cream NAC Y²™ and Eye Lift Gel NAC y2.
111Skin Celestial Black Diamond Lifting And Firming Face Mask
I live in Vegas so my 2 main facial skin concerns are hydration and fine lines. Which is why I decided on the anti-aging 111Skin Black Diamond mask versus the other masks in their mask collection. It’s one of those masks that’s a splurge so I save for special occasions. So definitely consider 111skin masks if you’re prepping for a big event as the 111SKIN Black Diamond mask is designed to instantly tighten VS their Black Diamond serum which is used twice a day and works over time.
BENEFITS: Instantly plumps, retextures, lifts and firms.
The 111Skin celestial black diamond lifting and firming treatment mask is designed to plump fine lines and wrinkles. As well as stimulate collagen production to improve volume whilst retexturizing, lifting and firming the skin to reduce visible signs of aging.
Made from Hydrogel for its plumping effect – is the go-to for A-listers who rely on its astonishing anti-ageing results. 111SKIN
This particular mask is enhanced with collagen-stimulating properties that claim to improve volume and plumpness, promoting natural moisture retention for hydrated, healthy skin, plus the Hydrogel material is made of mostly water to support hydration.
One of the nice things about this mask is that it’s suitable for sensitive skin as it has soothing ingredients such as Carrageenan Powder, Niacinamide and Allantoin which all support sensitive skin.
Another unique feature of this mask is that it comes in 2 sections. Both are covered in potent actives but are designed to treat different areas of the face differently for targeted results. The upper mask is designed to treat frown lines whereas the lower mask is designed to help with volume and plumpness. Although I could do with the volume on all areas!
PRO TIP: So there’s no waste, I use the eye cut outs on my upper eye lids as they tend to sag and need tightening. Then I use the lip cut out under my chin to help lift that area too, as that’s a problem area for most of us.
111SKIN is known for it’s technology and ingredients and the 111SKIN black diamond mask mask uses actual Diamond Particles to help the powerful Peptides travel deeper into the skin.
The main active ingredients are:
- Triple-action Goji Glycopeptides to instantly tighten, reduce fine lines, lift, sculpt and protect the skin from everyday causes of aging.
- Centella Asiatica herb which stimulates collagen synthesis to lift and tighten your skin, plump and reduce the look of fine lines.
How use 111Skin black diamond mask:
- Start with a cleansed, dry face.
- They recommend using their Celestial Black Diamond Brightening Essence first to help your skin absorb the masks ingredients better.
- Apply the mask and leave on for 20 minutes.
- Remove the mask but do not wash off the treatment residue.
- Apply the 111Skin Black Diamond Serum which is designed to work holistically with the mask.
- Moisturize with the 111Skin Black Diamond Cream.
111Skin celestial black diamond lifting firming treatment mask Results
I love how hydrated and plumped my skin felt afterwards. I wouldn’t say it felt more volumized and the results aren’t dramatic and are only temporary. However, with it’s sparkly black diamond finish and luxury price tag it feels like a nice little self-care treat to splurge on. It’s also one of their more affordable treatments, breaking down to about $14 per mask before tax.
111Skin Black Diamond Serum
I chose this out of all of their serums as it sounded the most heavy duty and effective for wrinkles. 111Skin black diamond serum is an anti-aging serum designed for mature skin and is suitable for combination, dry, or oily skin. Since they say it takes 2 weeks to see lifted skin and improved skin firmness, I did wait 2 weeks before reviewing this to share my before and after results with you.
They describe it as a luxurious, gravity-defying serum for aging and pigmented skin that targets laxity lines, works to sculpt, and firm skin for a younger-looking appearance.
The main active ingredients are:
- A potent Microalgae Extract that helps lift and tighten skin.
- NovoRetin which is a natural alternative to Retinol that mimics its resurfacing action and slows degradation of your skin’s natural Vitamin A levels.
- 111SKIN’s proprietary complex NAC Y2 (Vitamin C, Escin and NAC) designed to promote the production of glutathione, support healthy collagen production and improve elasticity.
- Black Diamond Technology to help deliver these active ingredients.
How to use 111SKIN Black Diamond Serum
You use it both AM & PM after applying your eye cream. Luckily, at this price, a little goes a long way as you only need to use 1-2 pumps when you distribute between your fingertips. I like to start by applying dots all over my face to make sure I have even coverage and nowhere gets missed. Then I use upward strokes and drainage strokes until it’s absorbed.
Pro Tip: If you have oily or combination skin, apply the serum immediately after 111Skin essence to lock in moisture and ensure a lightweight, non-greasy feel.
I then finish with whatever moisturizer and SPF I have to hand as they don’t make an SPF.
111SKIN Black Diamond Serum results
The Black Diamond serum absorbs much better than the repair serum and doesn’t leave a sticky residue like that one does. It still doesn’t smell great but it doesn’t smell terrible like the repair serum did.
I tried Tretinoin last year every 3rd day and it still overly dried my skin out, making it look older rather than younger. So I wanted to try something less harsh this Winter and this hasn’t dried my skin out or irritated it like traditional retinoids do. I wouldn’t say it’s the best serum for hydration but my skin does feel immediately softer after applying and it creates a smooth base for makeup.
Also, I didn’t notice this immediately, but I have a couple of rough patches on either side of my eyes and I feel like they have a more refined and less rough texture now.
However, overall I’m disappointed in this. With it’s $600 price tag I had such high hopes for it. It didn’t make me feel more firm, sculpted and lifted, and it didn’t reduce the appearance of my age spots like it claimed to do.
So it’s not one I’d repurchase as I just can’t justify the price for the results I’m getting. I even asked their customer service why their products were so expensive to be able to share that with you and didn’t get a response. Non responsive customer service is a huge turn off for me, especially with luxury brands where you should be offering superior service. Personally I prefer the results from the Dior Prestige serum which noticeably plumps my skin and gives an incredible glow or Metacine which really helped refine my skins texture and shrink my pores.
111Skin Eye Lift Gel NAC Y²™
I’m not sure how much I’ll be able to see the results of the 111SKIN De-Puffing Eye Gel To Reduce Fine Lines And Dark Circles with 2 uses (which is all that’s in the sample) when it takes 2 weeks to see a 35% reduction in wrinkles and lift but we’ll give it a go. It’s $190 but thankfully a little goes a long way as you only need to use half a pump.
This hydrating eye gel is inspired by the transformative effects of plastic surgery and dubbed as “an eye lift in a bottle”. I’m not sure how hyperbolic that is! The idea is it reduces wrinkles, minimizes dark circles, lifts the eye area, improves elasticity and lifts and locks skin in place for a younger-looking appearance.
11Skin Eye Lift Gel NAC Y²™ ingredients:
- A precise blend of NAC Y²™ targets the skin around your eye for protection against free radicals.
- Argireline which has an expression-freezing effect.
- Caffeine to to de-puff and brighten.
How to use 111SKIN Eye Lift Gel:
You use their eye lift gel every morning and evening after cleansing and BEFORE serum:
- Distribute half a pump between your ring fingers.
- Gently pat the product onto the skin from the outer corner in.
- Glide upwards and outward over your brow bone until fully absorbed.
- Do not rub under the eyes.
- Follow with serum.
- Moisturize.
11Skin Eye Lift Gel NAC Y²™ results
I didn’t really get to see results with just 2 applications but it glides on nicely and leaves skin hydrated. I couldn’t feel an expression freezing effect but I could feel it tightening without being uncomfortable. It’s one I’d been willing to try again for longer to see if I get better results over time.
111SKIN Repair Serum NAC Y²™
The 111Skin Repair Serum NAC Y²™ is another luxury serum from this brand which has won lots of anti-aging skincare awards and in their words “future-proofs your skin to combat early signs of aging”. It’s designed to plump and smooth skin and give it a healthy glow. This serum is supposed to restore healthy skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines, whilst hydrating your skin.
How to use 111SKIN repair serum
Like most serums, you use this every morning & evening.
- After cleansing & applying your eye cream, distribute 1-2 pumps between your fingertips.
- Apply to your face and neck in an upward motion without dragging your skin.
- Tip: 111SKIN recommends applying their essence beforehand to promote an effective delivery of active ingredients.
11SKIN Repair Serum NAC Y²™ results
My skin did feel immediately softer and more hydrated but it was the smell and the sticky residue that I couldn’t get over. Luckily, my makeup still went on fine on top of it as I was worried with how tacky my skin felt. I only had a sample so I didn’t get use it for long enough to see if it helped to build my skin’s resilience and accelerate cellular repair over time.
111Skin Repair Day Cream NAC Y²™
111Skin describes their Repair Day Cream as the ultimate moisturizer. It’s suitable for most skin types (combination, dry, mature, sensitive) and designed to smooth, firm and hydrate.
Ingredients:
- NAC Y²™ to defend your skin against day-to-day aggressors and strengthen your skin barrier.
- Yeast Extract which forms a functional barrier to protect against external aggressors.
- Multiple Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid for hydration.
How to use 111Skin Repair Day Cream NAC Y²™
Every morning and evening:
- After applying your eye cream and serum distribute a pea-sized amount between your fingertips .
- Apply to your face, neck and décolletage using upwards, circular motions until fully absorbed.
111Skin Repair Day Cream NAC Y²™ results
Much like with the Repair serum, my skin did feel immediately softer and hydrated but this also left a sticky residue. It’s another product I only had a sample of so I didn’t get use it for long enough to see if the results improved over time.
111Skin review conclusion | Pros, cons, is it worth it?
Here are my final thoughts on the pros and cons:
The Pros
111skin products are free-from parabens, paraffins, silicones & sulphates and backed by clinically proven results. The Black Diamond face mask is my favorite product I’ve tried from their skincare line but I still don’t know if I’d buy it again at this price point when I feel like my Foreo and TonyMoly masks work just as well.
The Cons
Let’s start with the price. I know it’s a luxury skincare brand but they couldn’t justify the prices when I asked. I was expecting a long answer about the ingredients and clinical trial results. Instead I got crickets.
Also, there’s lots of steps in their recommended skincare routines, like the essence and booster that really drive the price up even more and create a 5 or even 6 step skincare routine if you include SPF vs a 3-4 step skincare routine. One of the things I liked about Metacine was that is was expensive but it’s only a 2 step routine.
Also, the smell of their serums is not good! The Repair collection was the worst but even Black diamond serum isn’t pleasant. It fades away quickly luckily but it’s still not what I want to smell on my face.
Lastly their customer service was hit and miss. Sometimes I’d get very vague answers like when asking about the difference between 2 products and other times I’d get no reply at all. So I’m not sold on 111Skin. Maybe I’d try a different face mask but there’s no way I’m spending nearly $3000 forking out on the full skincare collection. Especially when that much would cover an in office treatment like lasers, or multiple sessions of radiofrequency skin tightening and microneedling which would provide much more dramatic results for less.
Try 111SKIN for yourself
If you’ve been wanting to try 111SKIN for yourself these are the products I tried, plus some more I looked at and might consider in the future like some of their eye patches and masks.
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