Hello all, I hope you are well!
I’ve been interested in the Selfless by Hyram range as I understand that one of my favourite brands: The Inkey List, created this line in collaboration with Hyram. Therefore the products are Fragrance and Essential oil free, Vegan and Cruelty-Free!
I really enjoyed the ”cocktail” of ingredients and actives that are well-thought out, to synergistically work together and improve in effectiveness on the skin.
And so, I purchased the range (except the all new Peptide Antioxidant Serum), and wanted to swatch and review the whole line in case you were interested! Do I approve? Watch below to find out!
There are some hits and misses, but hopefully you will see something that catches your eye!
Of Note: The Selfless By Hyram are available on their Website: LINK and at Cult Beauty: LINK
Youtube Video:
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Table of Content:
Transcript:
In this video I’m going to be swatching and reviewing the Selfless By Hyram Collection! I purchased all the products except 1 (The Peptide Serum) which was kindly sent by the company. I’ve been using these for quite a few months now and have formed some thoughts on them. I’ll be showing you swatches and comparisons as well as suggestions for possible dupes so that you can have an overall picture of whether these products would suit your skin or not!
Of note: these products are all fragrance and essential oil free, Vegan and Cruelty-Free!
I will leave links for the products below!
- So, first up is the Centella & Green Tea Hydrating Gel Cleanser!
This is a daily-use, gel cleanser that can be used both in the AM and PM.
There are two main surfactants listed on the screen now which combined; are meant to not strip the skin as much as conventional cleansers.
This has a pH of 5.5-5.7 which closely matches the skin’s pH.
In terms of Key ingredients: This contains two key soothing ingredients i.e. Centella Asiatica, also known as Tiger Grass, and Green Tea which is also an antioxidant. Glycerin is also included to try and keep the skin hydrated while cleansing (by preventing TEWL and drawing water into the skin).
Triolein, like Glycerin is also included which is supposed to provide moisturisation.
In terms of the texture; it reminds me of both the Krave Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser and the Re-wined Makeup Remover, both by Krave Beauty; as it’s got that gel, almost-jelly like texture that’s sticky when applied on the skin, so I recommend adding water first before massaging this into the skin.
In terms of the smell; this has a mix of an earthy and chemical-y scent. It’s not too strong and hasn’t been a problem when cleansing (but if you’re expecting a fragrant cleanser then this isn’t one of them).
So, does this foam up?: As you can see when water is added this does foam up into a lather. I like that it turns milky, it always makes it easier to wash off.
Does this dry out the skin?: I wouldn’t recommend it to those with dry or dehydrated skin’s i.e. those who always get a tight feeling when cleansing the skin, as this could make it feel tighter, which is what I have experienced. But if you have Normal to Oily Skin and you like foaming cleansers, then you may enjoy this.
In terms of makeup removal, as you can see it is quite effective!
So overall this is quite a basic, non-irritating cleanser. Personally, I tend to go more for oil cleansers and cream cleansers so it doesn’t fit my skin wants and needs, but if you have normal to oily skin then this could suit you!
In terms of Dupes: The Krave Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser has a similar texture and foaming capability, I personally would prefer the Geek and Gorgeous Jelly Joker which also has a close texture. But if you do prefer a more hydrating cleanser, then I would recommend the Youlief Cleansing Oil (I’ve done a video swatching and reviewing it), or the Hero Cosmetics PHA cleanser if you would also like some chemical exfoliation while cleansing.
- Now onto the next product which is the Salicylic Acid & Sea Kelp Pore Clearing and Oil Control Serum!
This is an oil-controlling serum meant to help target breakouts and prevent them, without irritating the skin and over-drying it.
Key ingredients include: an encapsulated form of Salicylic Acid which helps unclog pores and reduces sebum production in the skin and is supposed to be less irritating than regular salicylic acid. Niacinamide which also helps reduce oiliness and refines the appearance of pores, Succinic acid which should help regulate oil production and reduce the growth of acne-causing bacteria on the skin to help prevent future breakouts.
Sea Kelp is added as it’s meant to be hydrating and soothing to counteract the drying effect of salicylic acid, and supposedly helps improve the effectiveness of Niacinamide. Furthermore, Propanediol is added to help reduce trans epidermal water loss.
Texture: As you can see this is a see-through gel. It is lightweight and slightly tacky once dried down. Out of all the products in this line up; this however does have the biggest tendency to ball up and I have had layering issues with this because of that reason. So what I’ve done to try and avoid this, is to use this product at the end of my skincare routine as a spot-treatment, to avoid balling up as much as possible.
Overall I would recommend this to all skin types, in particular Oily Skins.
A Dupe is The Inkey List Succinic Acid Blemish Treatment however I do prefer the Mandelic Acid Treatment better due to the blue colour of the succinic acid blemish treatment staining my sheets. The Mandelic Acid treatment does also contain Salicylic Acid and Retinol to try and reduce breakouts and future breakouts as well, as well as help with hyperpigmentation caused by blemishes.
If you want a product that simply works to reduce Sebum production and help with breakouts; then the Geek and Gorgeous Porefectly Clear Serum is another good dupe that is lightweight and hydrating at the same time.
- Next up is the Mandelic Acid & Rice Bran Gentle Exfoliating Serum:
This serum should be used in the PM every other day, applying 3-4 drops on the face and neck and shouldn’t be used with retinol or any other chemical exfoliants. It aims to exfoliate the skin gently without irritation.
Key ingredients include: Mandelic Acid (A Gentle form of AHA that helps improve the texture of the skin and hyperpigmentation), PHA which is an even gentler form of AHA that is also hydrating. As well as Rice Bran which contains Phytic acid, another gentle exfoliate and powerful antioxidant, as well as the encapsulated form and therefore more gentle Salicylic Acid to help unclog pores and regulate sebum production. So as you can see this has a cocktail of exfoliants to help overall boost the texture, look and tone of the skin.
Niacinamide is also included to help reinforce the skin’s barrier and brighten the skin, as well as Biosaccharide Gum-1 which is soothing, and Annona Cherimola fruit extract is also included which is supposed to help counteract the drying potential of these chemical exfoliations; to improve this product’s suitability for sensitive skins.
In terms of the texture: This is less sticky than the Salicylic Acid and Sea Kelp Serum and is slightly runnier. It feels more like water and doesn’t seem to have the same balling up issues I had with the previous serum. This also has no scent to it. And wearing it; this hasn’t stung or irritated my skin and has helped boost the overall tone and texture of my skin.
This has been a pleasant Serum to use and I would recommend it to those with sensitive skins who would like a cocktail of exfoliating acids; sort of an all-in-one product, to improve the look and texture of the skin overtime.
Possible dupes of this product include The Ordinary’s Mandelic Acid Serum if you have dry skin as this is an oil-based product. I personally really like the Geek and Gorgeous Cheer Up Toning Solution as that also contains Mandelic Acid as well as Salicylic Acid to improve the look of pores and skin texture (Swatches and Review is on the Blog).
- Next up is the Retinol & Rainbow Algae Repair Serum
This serum can be used 2-3 times a week; applying 4-5 drops on the skin in the evening after cleansing, and this should not be used in the same routine as exfoliating products. This is formulated to be a gentle Retinol Serum; aiming to reduce the look of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and dark marks.
The Key Ingredient is: Encapsulated Retinol which allows the retinol to penetrate through several layers of the skin to the epidermis so that it can be more effective. This method of delivery helps improve the skin’s barrier function, reduce blemish-scars and improve skin shedding or exfoliation, to reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
The other Key Ingredient is a Rainbow Algae Complex which helps brighten the skin and thereby help with Post inflammatory marks on the skin. To help with skin brightening and improving the look of scars and dark marks; Tranexamic Acid has been added.
Furthermore, Triolein is included which helps moisturise the skin in tandem with Squalane and Glicerine (a humectant), to reduce trans epidermal water loss and keep the skin soft.
In terms of the texture: This is a liquid cream: For someone like me with Oily-Combo Skin, I can use this like a moisturiser without feeling too thick or heavy. Dry skins could enjoy this too. It’s not sticky or tacky, and feels like a light liquid cream on the skin.
Overall: I like this product, it’s probably my second favourite in the lineup: It’s got well-thought out ingredients, and I like that they all synergistically work together to improve each others function and overall improve the look and feel of the skin. It can be used by sensitive skins but one should space out their uses for comfort.
In terms of a Dupe: the Paula’s Choice clinical 1% Retinol Treatment is similar but still quite different. Yes it contains a cocktail of skin-beneficial, soothing and hydrating actives; but it is slightly stronger with 1% retinol and not encapsulated retinol. So perhaps once you are done with this product, you could step up to the Paula’s Choice in the next step of Retinol Treatment.
- At the time of recording this video: The brand sent me the Peptide Q10+ Ginger Daily Defense Antioxidant Serum, which is the newest addition to the brand’s lineup.
This is a daily-use serum that can be used in the AM and PM; applying 4-5 drops on the face and neck. This is meant to help defend the skin against environmental stressors, and prevent oxidative damage, as well as improve the look of the skin overall.
This can be used both in the AM and PM; applying 4-5 drops on the face and neck. It can be used under SPF and I would recommend it, to help improve photoprotection.
Key Ingredients Include: Ginger Root Extract (Which provides Antioxidative Properties, which neutralises free radicals to reduce the chance of collagen damage in the skin). Furthermore, Ginger Root Extract is also soothing along with Bisabolol. Peptide Q10TM is included which helps protect the skin against environmental stressors, aiding Ginger Root Extract and Halorubin which also helps protect the skin against damage. So overall you can see that this serum really works to protect the skin against free radicals and environmental damage which is important to help prevent the loss of collagen in the skin and to keep the skin in good shape and healthy.
Another protective dupe is The Inkey Lists Q10 Serum which is emollient; similar to the Retinol Serum.
- Last but not least; is the Niacinamide & Maracujá Daily Barrier Support Moisturizer.
This is a daily-use moisturiser which helps support Skin Health and appearance. It aims to both hydrate and moisturise the skin while evening its tone and soothe irritated skin.
Key ingredients include: Niacinamide which is Brightening, Skin barrier reinforcing, soothing and helps control excess sebum; Madecassoside is also included which provides antioxidative properties, helping to soothe the skin. Maracuja Oil is also added to help soothe the skin and prevent water loss as well as Triolein.
In terms of the texture: It’s interesting that this product doesn’t contain silicone but instead; Murumu Seed Butter which gives off the same sort of texture as this is just as lightweight as a silicone-based cream and also has that silky finish that is usually associated with silicone. And so, this texture is lightweight, layerable and pleasant; the skin can breathe, and this doesn’t seem to ball up.
Overall I would recommend this product to All Skin Types; in particular Oily-Combination and Sensitive Skin. It has been a pleasant product to use and is probably my favourite from the lineup due to how nice it feels on the skin and the inclusion of Niacinamide.
In terms of a Dupe: The COSRX Rice Mask is thicker and creamier; but it too also contains Niacinamide and is suitable for dry skins. For more oilier or dehydrated skins; the Corthe Moisture RX Gel which I did a review on; is hydrating and good for sensitive skins.
I will say that when it comes to the packaging for some of these products; it is a bit of a struggle. For instance the cleanser seems to want to leak out even with the slightest touch. Furthermore; the Serum tubes I find, are quite hard to get the juice out: I have to squeeze quite hard to get the product out and then when I do; it sort of shoots out and I lose some of the product. It takes some getting used to so just be careful for that.
So overall: I do like the gentleness of these products and that most of them suit my oily-combo and sensitive skin.
My favourite is probably the Moisturiser or the Retinol due to their lightweight yet emollient textures and ingredients; and my least favourites are the Cleanser and the Salicylic Acid; due to slightly drying out my skin for the former and balling up with the latter.
The brands motto is to be Gentle yet effective and overall I would agree! I like that thought has been put into ingredient selection and choosing ingredients that work synergistically together to improve the skin gently!
So that’s my review of the brand and what they’ve released overall! I do hope perhaps they release an SPF in the future as I would love to try that out. And that’s it for the video! If you enjoyed it then please do like this video and subscribe for future content!
I’ll see you in the next one, bye!
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Products Filmed:
The Selfless By Hyram:
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Products Mentioned:
- Cerave Hydrating Cleanser (Swatches +Review): LINK
- Krave Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser (Swatches + Review): LINK / And available from the Krave Website: LINK
- Krave Beauty Makeup Re-Wined: LINK
- Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol Treatment: LINK NOTE: There is a 0.3% Version available which is a better dupe of the Hyram Retinol Serum!: LINK
- The Inkey List Q10 Serum: LINK
- The Ordinary Mandelic Acid + HA Serum (NOTE: The product is in Water, not Oil): LINK
- The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid Emulsion (Swatches + Review): LINK – Available from The Ordinary Website: LINK
- The Inkey List Succinic (Swatches + Review): LINK
- The Inkey List Mandelic Acid Treatment (Swatches + Review): LINK
- Geek and Gorgeous Cheer Up Exfoliating Solution (Swatches + Review): LINK – Available from Geek and Gorgeous: LINK
- Geek and Gorgeous Porefectly Clear Serum (Swatches + Review): LINK – Available from the Geek and Gorgeous Website: LINK
- Corthe Moisture RX Gel: LINK
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Videos Mentioned:
(Corthe Moisture-RX Gel) NCT’s Jaehyun’s Skincare Picks (Swatches + Review):
Shinee’s Key’s Cleansing Duo! (Swatches + Review):
Hero Cosmetics PHA Cleanser Swatches + Review:
My Skin Type: I am acne prone and have slightly dehydrated combo skin. My skin is usually tight where the cheeks and eye area is and the outer parts of my face. My T zone is oily. My skin isn’t a fan of thick/heavy formulas so I opt for lightweight formulas to prevent it from clogging up. My skin doesn’t like essential oils either and I try to avoid fragrance when I can.
Disclaimer: I am a skincare enthusiast and not a skin expert. I am not qualified to give out dermatological advice. This type of advice should only be given by a medical practitioner. Upon trying / using any of the reviewed products on the blog, please follow the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings and please seek medical advice if needed.
My Skincare Regime 