Review of NIOD multi system brightening serum Re Pigment. Does it actually get rid of stubborn pigmentation?

Pigmentation is a bitch, to put it bluntly. Dark spots that suddenly pop up on the front of your head and don’t go away again. Who would want that? They appear like magic and will not leave without a fight.

Deciem is a brand that holds a massive armful of my trust. I’ve written about them a lot, I also moderate two Chatrooms on the subject. When NIOD, the most scientific brand under the Deciem umbrella, launched a potential cure to pigmentation I was all ears. (if you’d like to read more about my favourite subject, check out my other posts- The Ordinary Cheatsheet, Difference Between the Deciem Brands). I already use a number of actives that are meant to be effective against melasma and pigmentation. Not seeing any major results I was all in for giving Re Pigment a try.

Re Pigment is Deciem’s new release from their NIOD range which is designed to target pigmentation in a variety of ways. I’ve given it a thorough whirl and there are many close up photos. What you need to know about Re Pigment-

• £28 for 15ml or £50 for 30mls from NIOD.com
• Cruelty free
• Vegan
• Alcohol, paraben, Silicone, gluten, fragrance and nut free
• pH- 5.5-6.0
• Directions– Use after CAIS and before MMHC in a NIOD regimen. Make sure you use appropriate SPF on a daily basis.
• Ingredients- Lentinus edodes mycelium extract (white shiitake ferment), Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Propanediol, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Butylene Glycol, Acetyl glycyl beta-alanine, Myristoyl Nonapeptide-3, Tetrapeptide-30, Oligopeptide-68, Diglucosyl Gallic Acid, Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract, Algae Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Oleate, Disodium EDTA, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Pentylene Glycol, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Ethoxydiglycol, Polysorbate 20, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl glycol.
• Cosdna entry

How Pigmentation Occurs

Simply put, pigmentation is a build up of melanin where it’s not supposed to be. Melanin is produced in a series of reactions that are initiated by genes, hormones, inflammation or UV radiation. A signal goes to the melanocytes, they turn L Tyrosine into melanin and the melanin is sent up to the skin cells.

UV radiation is a big cause. If you have any pigmentation you’re trying to get rid of, the first thing you have to think is SUNSCREEN. There’s not a lot of point in struggling to make skincare gains at the same time as making backward steps. Check out my sunscreen post for tips.

Re Pigment from NIOD by Deciem- How It Works.

I’ve had a good hunt for studies on the active ingredients. Most of the actives are new and exploratory so there aren’t many studies I can read about them. That’s the genius of NIOD- absolutely cutting edge skin technology. The ingredients list shows actives at the top of the list, which is a very good sign.

Diglucosyl Gallic Acid– Aka Brightenyl or THGB. Diglucosyl Gallic Acid is converted to THGA in the skin by microbes. THGB and THGA has been studied and shown to decrease UV spots that are present, prevent future sun spots, improve general skin tone. It shows real promise and out performed other whitening agents like Kojic acid in tests. – Study on the efficacy of Brightenyl

Acetyl Glycyl Beta Alanine- Aka Genowhite- Inhibits melanin generating enzymes and hinders transport of melanin to the top layers of the skin.

Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate– Aka Azeloyl Glycine is formed by the condensation of Azeleic Acid and Glycine. Azeleic Acid is well trusted as an anti acne, skin lightening agent, this new molecule has all of it’s benefits and more. Azeloyl Glycine has more water solubility, is more effective at whitening the skin and is more effective at controlling sebum and redness. I couldn’t find any studies on it but I like the sound of it and want it on my face.

Encapsulated Oligopeptide-68– Aka Beta White works by stopping the MITF gene from signalling melanin production in the melanocytes.

Solubilised Tetrapeptide-30– An Oil soluble peptide which blocks skin cells (keratinocytes) from signalling to melanocytes to produce melanin. Studies have shown marked skin lightening results in 6 weeks of use.

Red Evodia Fruit Derivatives– a traditional Chinese medicine, known for its brightening and anti inflammatory properties.

Supporting the delivery of these actives are hydrating anti oxidant Microfiltered Klamath Lake Aphanizomenon Flos-Aquae and The lipo- oligopepeptide delivery system.

The active ingredients work on different steps in the melanin producing pathway. In this way Re Pigment offers a belt and braces approach, hitting the problem from all angles.

Re Pigment from NIOD by Deciem Review

Re Pigment comes in the  in the usual Deciem style dropper  dropper bottle. This packaging has come under some criticism as it allows air in. Brandon Truaxe (Mr Deciem) has good defence for his packaging choice. I like a dropper bottle visually, but I’m betting the product will go off more quickly than in a pump.

Luckily the 15 mls I splashed out on didn’t last long enough to go off. The texture is like a light oil. There is some stinging on application, a reassuring amount of stinging. It feels like it’s doing something. I’ve read reports of more severe stinging, but I didn’t find it that bad.

For the purposes of this review I just worked on my more pigmented right face so the 15 mls lasted longer than if I was doing my whole face. I have used it for about 4 months and the 15 mls is nearly gone. If you were to work on your whole face, 15 mls would probably last around 2 months.

My regime at this point is as follows-

AM- cleanse, SDSM, Re Pigment, Azeleic Acid, Moisturise, SPF 50

PM- double cleanse, SDSM, Re Pigment, Granactive Retinoid 5%, Moisturiser

I was really hoping for some rapid results given the price. I have some diffuse pigmentation which is easily covered with makeup. But also a couple of pretty dark patches that I’d love to be rid of. I got these after a spot I had when I was pregnant. So they could be post inflammatory pigmentation or melasma, I don’t know.

Re Pigment from NIOD by Deciem- Before and After Pics

Before I looked at these pictures, I wasn’t convinced that Re Pigment had done diddly squat. The patchy freckliness and spots are definitely still present but are breaking up and looking lighter. This is my before from back in September-

This is a side by side pic from the beginning to the end of the trial-

The largest freckle is definitely less marked in the after. The general freckly pigmentation is also lighter.

Re Pigment from NIOD by Deciem- Did It Work?

Yes! You can see the pictures for yourself that there were results. I was somewhat disheartened as I wasn’t seeing immediate or dramatic brightening. Even though I wasn’t bowled over by instant flawless skin, month on month you can see the difference.

Re Pigment is a product that is effective against the most tricky skin problem. Pigmentation is stubborn as hell. Treating it involves the investment of time and money. I’d love to see how Re Pigment performed over a year (if only it wasn’t so expensive).

Hope the before and after pictures and review of Re Pigment are of some help if you’re thinking of purchasing. Find more information at Deciem.com