If you’ve never heard of NIOD, we bet you’ve heard of their sister brand, The Ordinary, a brand that’s been disrupting the skincare industry since its inception in 2016.
While NIOD may not be as popular as The Ordinary, this DECIEM brand has developed a cult following of skincare junkies who appreciate cutting-edge science and innovative ingredients.
If that sounds like you, you’ll want to read our in-depth review of the 10 best NIOD skincare products below.
We’ll cover the formulation details, including the key ingredients in NIOD skincare products and the research that supports (or doesn’t support) their use in skincare.
We’ll also share some NIOD reviews so that you can get an idea of what customers really think of these products.
What Are The Top 10 Best NIOD Skincare Products?
NIOD offers everything that you would need to create a complete skincare routine, including cleansers, mists, moisturizers, serums, masks, sun protection, and more. Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 best NIOD skincare products.
NIOD Modulating Glucosides
One of the brand’s most popular products is NIOD Modulating Glucosides, a concentrated facial serum that’s formulated for those prone to skin sensitivity, dryness, and irritation. It reduces the looks of redness, itching, and irritation related to dry skin, while supporting hydration, skin barrier and general dermal repair.
The key technology that this serum was named after is called Bio-Active Glucosides, a complex that acts through multiple pathways to soothe skin immediately by targeting the “cross-talk” stimulated by pro-irritant mediators. This technology also counteracts uneven skin tones caused by sensitivity and/or irritation.
NIOD Modulating Glucosides also includes a “Multi-Molecular Lipid Complex”, which is a synergistic and potent blend of Oat Synthetic Analogues, Ceramides, Purified Ginger Root and other dermal-friendly lipids to reduce signs of redness, itching, stinging and burning.
Bottom Line: NIOD Modulating Glucosides is formulated with technologies like Bio-Active Glucosides and a Multi-Molecular Lipid Complex to reduce looks of redness, itching, and irritation related to dry skin, while supporting hydration, skin barrier and general dermal repair.
NIOD Copper Amino Isolate Serum 3 1:1
NIOD CAIS 3 1:1 is the third generation of NIOD’s multi-award-winning Copper Amino Isolate Serum. This pro-repair, pro-collagen serum offers a novel approach to target all visible signs of skin aging indirectly by forming a foundation to respect skin health.
This new formula supplies 1% pure GHK peptide (Tripeptide-1), alongside 1% Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu).
According to a 2018 publication in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, it is established that GHK-Cu is able to tighten loose skin and reverse thinning of age skin, repair protective skin barrier proteins, improve skin firmness, elasticity, and clarity, reduce fine lines and depth of wrinkles, smooth rough skin, reduce dark spots, stimulate wound healing, protect skin from UV radiation, and reduce inflammation and free radical damage.
CAIS 3 1:1 also includes additional collagen-supporting peptides, Tripeptide-29, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2 and Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2.
Its base combines mono-dispersed, plant-derived glycogen, availability-enhancing Myristoyl Nonapeptide-3, and cross-linked hyaluronic acid.
Bottom Line: NIOD Copper Amino Isolate Serum 3 1:1 is a pro-repair, pro-collagen serum that targets all visible signs of skin aging indirectly by forming a foundation to respect skin health.
NIOD Fractionated Eye Contour Concentrate
This NIOD eye serum combines a whopping 28 clinical technologies to target many signs of under-eye and above-eye aging in one treatment, with positive visible results starting within 3 days and improving into 8 weeks with continued use.
While we can’t discuss all 28 technologies in this short review, we did want to highlight one of the most advanced skin technologies in this serum known as “Fibroblast Drone”.
Fibroblast Drone contains capsules that secure a pro-HA peptide within a polymer core that is surrounded by a Heptapeptide to specifically bind to targets before release. This exponentiates delivery and effectiveness. In fact, no technology today delivers the visible filling activity of this truly complex system to support Hyaluronic Acid.
NIOD FECC also features “Neuron Drone” technology, which encapsulates the well-studied Palmitoyl Hexapeptide, highly-effective against the look of expression lines, within a polymer layer that is then surrounded by a Palmitoyl Heptapeptide to behave like a drone for specific binding to targets.
These technologies, along with the rest of the ingredients in NIOD FECC, target many signs of eye aging, including the looks of dynamic lines, static lines, fine superficial under-eye lines loss of elasticity (especially upper-eyelids), dark circles, puffiness, and textural unevenness.
Bottom Line: NIOD Fractionated Eye Contour Concentrate includes an impressive 28 technologies to target many signs of under-eye and above-eye aging in one treatment.
NIOD Superoxide Dismutase Saccharide Mist
Most of the facial mists we review are good for refreshing and hydrating skin — and that’s about it. As you can probably guess, Superoxide Dismutase Saccharide Mist isn’t your average facial mist.
Rather, it’s a dermal treatment mist that goes above and beyond just hydrating the skin; it’s actually formulated to act as a fundamental daily force against oxidative stress, water loss, and the look of inflammation, all of which contribute to loss of visible skin quality over time.
One key ingredient is superoxide dismutase (SOD), which the brand derives from yeast originally isolated from grape skin with an extremely high activity of up to 55000 pyrogallol autoxidation inhibitor units per mL.
SOD is an antioxidant that catalyzes the dismutation of the superoxide free radical into oxygen and hydrogen peroxide.
Topical application of superoxide dismutase has been shown to protect cell membranes and also protect against fragmentation from free radical damage to type I collagen. Ultimately, this helps to prevent fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. Research also indicates that superoxide dismutase may help with wound healing, soften scar tissue, and protect against UV rays.
The formula also features a purified, ph-balanced extract of malachite rock, or copper carbonate hydroxide mineral. Malachite not only contributes its beautiful turquoise color to this formula, but also offers benefits by directly scavenging the superoxide radical.
Bottom Line: NIOD Superoxide Dismutase Saccharide Mist is a dermal treatment mist that contains the powerful antioxidant SOD and malachite to help prevent signs of aging.
NIOD Survival 0
Survival is a collection of what NIOD refers to as “networked protection systems”. The products in the four-piece range include technologies that help support healthy skin defences against environmental and lifestyle-related assaults, such as the superoxide radical, nitrogen radicals, carbonyl radicals, glycation and advanced glycation end-products (AGE), pollution, smog, stress, infrared and blue light.
In addition to these protection systems, Survival 30, Survival 20 and Survival 10 offer respectively mineral-only UVB and UVA protection of SPF30 (PA+++), SPF20 (PA+++) and SPF10 (PA++).
Survival 0 does not offer UV protection and is intended for evening/nighttime use, or use during the day alongside a sun protection product.
A few of the key ingredients that you’ll find in NIOD Survival 0, as well as the other Survival products, include purified lutein, superoxide dismutase (SOD), dimethylmethoxy chromanol, fractionated melanin, pycnogenol, tomato carotenoid complex, prebiotics, algae extract, and purified knotgrass.
Bottom Line: NIOD Survival 0 is intended for evening/nighttime use and is formulated to help support healthy skin defences against environmental and lifestyle-related assault.
NIOD Multi Molecular Hyaluronic Complex
As the second generation of MMHC, NIOD’s MMHC2 offers a multi-dimensional approach to topical hyaluronic supplementation by combining 15 forms of hyaluronic compounds, hyaluronic precursors, and a hyaluronic support technology in a peptide-charged delivery system.
In simpler terms, this means that MMHC2 offers water-based hydration and can help the skin surface look plump, elastic, comfortable, and uniform.
We appreciate that NIOD takes the time to educate consumers on the differences between hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate in order to explain why the inclusion of 1.0% direct hyaluronic acid in this formula is actually quite rare.
Direct hyaluronic acid offers pro-repair support far beyond basic water hydration that sodium hyaluronate offers, resulting in improvements to the elastic appearance and the general healthy look of skin.
The formula also contains a hyaluronic support system of adaptogenic water-starved clary sage flavonoids, phenylethanoid glycosides from narrow leaf plantain and several dermal amino acids. This complex system acts as a non-clogging, water-protective barrier to optimize the function of hyaluronic compounds and help support dermal water retention.
Bottom Line: NIOD MMHC2 combines 15 forms of hyaluronic compounds, including 1% direct hyaluronic acid, in order to improve skin hydration while also improving the elastic appearance and the general healthy look of skin.
NIOD Re Pigment
NIOD Re Pigment is a super lightweight, emollient solution that’s formulated to correct signs of hyperpigmentation. This formula includes a long list of various technologies so that hyperpigmentation can be targeted through several different pathways.
One key brightening technology is diglucosyl gallic acid, which is sixty times more potent than kojic acid in visibly brightening skin tone.
The patented brightening peptide Acetyl Glycyl Beta Alanine achieves extremely efficient penetration thanks to its very low molecular weight (less than 200 daltons). After penetrating the skin, this peptide works to improve skin radiance.
White Shiitake Ferment targets the appearance of dark spots starting within less than a week of use, while Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate (a patented technology formed through condensation of Azelaic Acid and Glycine) offers far better visible brightening and anti-redness activity than Azelaic Acid itself.
Encapsulated Oligopeptide-68 reduces the appearance of UV-induced pigmentation while Solubilized Tetrapeptide-30 reduces contrast between areas of varying dermal pigmentation.
The final brightening ingredient in NIOD Re Pigment — Red Evodia Fruit Derivatives — is actually borrowed from traditional Chinese medicine. It encourages radiance and evenness starting with the very first application.
Bottom Line: NIOD Re Pigment combines numerous brightening technologies into one formula, thereby offering a product that treats hyperpigmentation through multiple pathways.
NIOD Lip Bio Lipid Concentrate
There’s no question that big, pillowy lips are trending right now, but we understand that not everyone wants to undergo an invasive procedure in order to achieve this look. If that sounds like you, NIOD’s Lip Bio Lipid Concentrate could be worth trying out.
This comprehensive treatment is said to improve the looks of lip color, volume, texture, softness and contour with its array of lip support technologies.
Most of these technologies are peptide complexes, such as Palmitoyl-KMO2K-Sugar-Ester Peptide Bio-Complex, Lipid Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 Complex, Lipid Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 Complex, and many more.
While all of these technologies have their own unique mechanism of action, they ultimately work to increase lip volume, hydration, suppleness, and firmness.
Bottom Line: NIOD Lip Bio Lipid Concentrate contains multiple peptide complexes that work to increase lip volume, hydration, suppleness, and firmness.
NIOD Photography Fluid
NIOD Photography Fluid is basically the makeup equivalent of Photoshop; it disguises imperfections like enlarged pores, uneven texture, and discoloration, giving you a healthy glow within seconds.
The serum-like fluid is formulated with a wide array of light refracting prisms, tone and hue correctors and topical photo-finishing technologies.
Specifically, we noticed that the formula contains high concentrations of several different silicones, such as trimethylsiloxysilicate, hexamethyldisiloxane, cyclopentasiloxane, and dimethicone.
Silicones are multi-tasking ingredients that provide many benefits. For instance, you’ll notice that this serum has a soft, silky texture that glides on skin effortlessly, and you can thank silicones for that.
Additionally, silicones help to “blur” the look of fine lines and wrinkles, minimize the appearance of pores, and create a matte finish to keep shine at bay. They also help even out skin texture and allow makeup to go on smoother and last longer.
And you can thank mica and titanium dioxide for the instant dose of radiance created by NIOD Photography Fluid. Mica and titanium dioxide are minerals that add a shimmering effect and reflect light from the face, creating the illusion of a smoother, softer, and more radiant skin tone
Bottom Line: A serum-like fluid that combines silicones with light-reflecting minerals in order to disguise imperfections, creating a healthy, radiant glow.
NIOD Non-Acid Acid Precursor
If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional products for exfoliation — think AHAs, BHAs, and retinoids — then NIOD NAAP could be right for you.
The formula includes fermentation bio-derivatives and amino isolates that act as precursors to skin-compatible acids, encouraging visible radiance and visible surface regularity without the redness and inflammation associated with acids.
Ultimately, the precursors in this formula act like acids and offer the same benefits without causing irritation. A few of those benefits include softer skin, smoother texture, and a healthy glow.
Bottom Line: An alternative to traditional products for exfoliation that uses acid precursors to gently exfoliate, thereby promoting softer, smoother, brighter skin.
What Are The Key Ingredients in NIOD Skincare Products?
You may have noticed from our descriptions of the best NIOD skincare products that there isn’t just one key ingredient that’s used throughout the product line. Rather, the brand uses a wide variety of cutting-edge ingredients and technologies.
In fact, the key ingredients in NIOD skincare products are some of the most innovative ingredients we’ve seen — you won’t find many skincare brands using these advanced technologies.
At the same time, some NIOD uses tried-and-true ingredients in their products, such as silicones, jojoba seed oil, bisabolol, glycerin, squalane, and sodium PCA, just to name a few.
How Much Do NIOD Skincare Products Cost?
NIOD Skincare products are priced in line with higher-end drugstore brands, such as Olay and La Roche Posay. For example, NIOD Modulating Glucosides costs $28 USD for 30 mL, while the NIOD Copper Amino Isolate Serum costs $60 USD for 15 mL.
Where to Buy NIOD Skincare Products?
NIOD skincare products are sold on the brand’s website (deciem.com), as well as several third party online retailers, such as skinstore.com, beautybay.com, and more.
What is The NIOD Return Policy?
All DECIEM brands, including NIOD, offer a 365-day full refund policy.
Is NIOD Cruelty Free?
Yes, NIOD is cruelty free. DECIEM and NIOD do not test on animals and do not ask others to do so. For this reason, none of their brands or products are sold in stores or conventional retailers in mainland China, since such sales require animal testing for registration purposes.
Is NIOD Vegan?
While the majority of the NIOD skincare products are suitable for vegans, this is not a 100% vegan brand.
Our Verdict
Overall, we think that NIOD skincare products represent excellent options if you appreciate cutting-edge science and innovative ingredients.
Pros
- Formulas combine innovative ingredients with tried-and-true ingredients
- Formulas are fragrance-free
- Many positive NIOD reviews
- NIOD is cruelty free
- 365-day full refund policy.
Cons
- None
References:
Int J Mol Sci. 2018 Jul; 19(7): 1987.
