I’m From Pear Serum – Review

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The I’m From Pear Serum is formulated with 83% leaf extract from pears grown on the Baegun Mountains in Korea. In addition, it contains pear fruit, sugarcane and cocoa seed extracts, which contain a multitude of antioxidants to help protect the skin from pollution and UV damage. This gentle formula provides hydration and free radical protection making this a versatile and effective product that has the potential to proved long-term benefits to the skin.

I’m From Claim:

This serum contains 83% Wild Pear Leaves, which soothes and calms the skin as it forms a protective barrier to strengthen the skin. It has a watery, light, non-sticky texture, which replenishes moisture for dehydrated and irritated skin. Recommended for sensitive skin that needs hydration as well as a healthier skin condition.

Appearance and Scent:

The pear serum is a lightweight liquid that is slightly more viscous than water. Once applied, it absorbs quickly without any stickiness and gives the skin a boost of hydration. The fragrance-free formula has no detectable scent.

Packaging, Size, and Expiry:

The packaging is a transparent glass bottle, with a pump. The bottle contains 50ml of product and expires three years after the date of manufacture.

Cost and Number of Uses:

The cost is NZD $36.00 or USD $25.00. I have found I use one pump in the morning and two pumps at night, and estimate the 50ml product would last three months with twice-daily use.

How to Use:

After cleansing, and using a toner, dispense an appropriate amount at the essence stage and apply it over your face evenly. Once fully absorbed, follow with a moisturizer.

Application order:

Cleanser -> Toner -> Pear Serum -> Moisturizer -> SPF (daytime)
Oil cleanser -> Cleanser -> Toner -> Pear Serum -> Moisturizer (nighttime)

Formulation Science:

According to the brand this serum was dermatologically tested and found to show a 137% improvement in skin moisture, a 33% improvement in skin redness, a 4% reduction in the temperature of the skin and a 27% improvement in the skins moisture barrier.

One of the active ingredients present in pears is Luteolin, a naturally occurring flavonoid present in many fruits and vegetables.  It plays an important role in protecting the plant from UV exposure by absorbing radiation.  Therefore, it is theorized they may also act as a line of defence to the skin as well.   It is reported luteolin has antioxidant, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects.  Flavonoids including luteolin are currently being trialled as a potential treatment for psoriasis and dermatitis. The review article Luteolin as a modulator of skin aging and inflammation concluded luteolin possesses the significant potential to eighter inhibit or even reverse the signs of skin diseases like dermatitis, psoriasis, assist in wound healing and UV-induced diseases like skin cancer and ageing caused by sun exposure.

Ingredients:

Pyrus Ussuriensis Leaf Extract 83%, Glycerin, Methylpropanediol, Water, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycereth-26, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract, Pyrus Pyrifolia (Pear) Fruit Extract (0.1%), Sodium Hyaluronate, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Panthenol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Tromethamine, Sodium Phytate, Allantoin, Dextrin, Xanthan Gum

Ingredient Analysis:

Pyrus Ussuriensis Leaf Extract comes from the pear tree used for traditional herbal medicine in Korea, China and Japan.  It has been shown to be effective at treating atopic dermatitis by suppressing the immune response in animal models. A patent has been granted for the use of pear leaf extract in preventing or treating dermatitis in humans, and research is being undertaken to look at the potential as a functional cosmetic ingredient.

Glycerin is a humectant (water binder) that occurs naturally within the skin and assists in the development of immature skin cells.  This means having adequate amounts of glycerin available within the skin is crucial for those who have psoriasis or non-melanoma skin cancers.

Chondrus Crispus Extract is also known as red algae, a type of seaweed that is considered to be a valuable source of many bioactive compounds including polyphenols, flavonoids and tannins. The manufacturer SEPPIC claims it is able to form a breathable layer on the skin to provide protection from the effects of blue light exposure, pollution and environmental contaminants while preventing moisture loss. from the dermis.   

Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract comes from the leaves of the grass used in sugar production.  It acts as a humectant (water binder) that draws moisture into the skin, plumping and smoothing the appearance of fine lines. It contains polyphenols and antioxidants and has been found to slow cellular aging by preventing the breakdown of collagen in the presence of UV radiation.  This 2020 study showed that a patented sugarcane concentrate provided significant antioxidant antiaging, wrinkle-reducing and skin brightening functions.

Pyrus Communis (Pear) Fruit Extract comes from the Asian Pear and is considered an important medicinal plant that has been in use since prehistoric times.  It exhibits antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, skin brightening activity.  It is effective in wound healing action and can reduce the development of scars by increasing the cross-linking of collagen fibres increasing the strength of the skin.

Hyaluronic acid and its derivatives offer superior moisturization as the skin-identical molecules are capable of penetrating deep into the dermis and absorbing 1000 times their weight in water.  The lower the molecular weight, the deeper the molecule can penetrate the skin. Sodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid that exists as a smaller molecular size than hyaluronic acid, is more water-soluble, and is less likely to oxidize. It provides more significant moisturization as the molecule is capable of penetrating deeper into the dermis.  It is ideal for use in skincare due to its biocompatibility, consistency, and hydrophilicity (water-loving nature). 

Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract comes from the seeds of the Cacao tree which has been used for more than 3000 years due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.  It is able to downregulate immune reactions, inhibit oxidative damage and protect the skin from UV light.

Hydroxyethyl Urea is a derivative of urea, a naturally occurring component of the Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF) of the skin that has a function in retaining moisture and preserving the integrity of the skin.  Urea comprises about 7% of the NMF and is associated with the management of skin disorders including dermatitis and psoriasis. Urea has been used in dermatological therapy for over 20 years and has five main functions; to retain moisture, maintain barrier function, exfoliate, increase permeably and provide pain and itching relief to the skin.

Allantoin is a healing and anti-inflammatory ingredient derived from urea that exhibits keratolytic action (removes excess keratinized epithelial cells) and stimulates cell division and replication of epithelial cells.  This accelerates the regeneration of damaged skin and allows the skin to retain moisture and rebuild the protective moisture barrier. It acts as a moisturizing agent and is commonly found in skincare formulated for dry skin, acne, or allergies.

pH Analysis:

I got a result of pH 5.4. The Wishtrend website says the pH will be between 6.1 and 7.1.

pH Analysis:

The pH result I got when I tested the serum is within the pH range of healthy skin (range 4.0-6.0, average 4.7), however, the Wishtrend website claims this serum is formulated at a more alkaline pH (6.1-7.1), which is outside the range of healthy skin. There is always the potential for variation in pH results between different pH meters and different batches of products. This is why I personally like to test each product I use on my skin rather than rely on what the manufacturer claims. Learn why the pH of skincare products is so important here and why it is so crucial for the overall health of the skin.

Results:

I have been really enjoying this serum, especially when used after the pear soothing pads (you can read my review here). The combination of these two products has really helped hydrate and calm my skin, especially during the day when I find they provide a boost of moisture under subsequent skincare products and keeps my skin feeling comfortable. I have used this serum in multiple layers and found each layer to absorb well. The formula is calming for my skin and sits comfortably even when my skin has been irritated. Although I have only been using it for two weeks, I am already really happy with the results and will update this as I have more experience with the long-term effects of the serum.

Overall Impressions:

This is a really nice serum with a list of traditionally used, but newly researched ingredients. Although this means limited long-term data on their effectiveness in skincare is not yet available, but early studies are showing they all have skin-benefiting potential. I would recommend this serum to anyone looking to incorporate more antioxidants into their skincare routine, or who is regularly exposed to pollution or UV light, or who are looking for extra protection against free radical damage.

What I Liked:

• Contains an impressive list of ingredients
• Fragrance, essential oil and alcohol-free
• layers well with other products
• I’m From is a vegan and cruelty-free brand commitied to susitainablity

What I Disliked:

• The glass packaging is not travel friendly
• The product may have an higher than optimal pH

Disclaimer:

This product was gifted to me by Wishtrend in exchange for an unbiased review.

References: 

• Wishtrend website
• Pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating of atopic dermatitis comprising pyrus genus plant extract as an active indredient.  Patent Application, 2016.
• Evaluation of the Physiological Activity on the Skin and Identification of the Active Ingredient of Leaf Extract from Sanhyang Sandolbae (Pyrus ussuriensis) as a New Variety.  Journal of Korean Society of Food and Nutrition, 2020.
• Pyrus ussuriensis Maxim. leaves extract ameliorates DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis-like symptoms in NC/Nga mice.  Phytomedicine, 2018.
• Phytochemistry and pharmacological activity of pear (pyrus communis linn): A review. Plant Archives, 2020.
• Luteolin as a modulator of skin aging and inflammation. Review Article, 2020.
• Milady Skincare and Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary, 4^th Edition, 2015
• Allantoin – Healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Pediatrics and Family Medicine, 1981.  .Comparison of the moisture retention capacity of Tremella Polyphenols and hyaluronic acid. Science, 2012.
• Aqua (and) Chondrus Crispus Extract, SEPPIC.
• Chemical composition, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic effects of Chondrus crispus species of red algae collected from the Red Sea along the shores of Jeddah city.  Journal of King Aud University, 2021.
• Age-Deterring and Skin Care Function of a Polyphenol Rich Sugarcane Concentrate.  Cosmetics, 2020.
• Efficacy of a New Topical Nano-hyaluronic Acid in Humans. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2014.
• Biotechnological production of hyaluronic acid: a mini review.  3 Biotceh, 2016.
• Bioactive for probiotics for dermal health: function and benefit.  Journal of Applied Microbiology, 2013.
• Topical urea in skincare: a review.  Dermatologic Therapy, 2018.
• The Derm Review: Urea, 2018.
• Cocoa Bioactive Compounds: Significance and Potential for the Maintenance of Skin Health.  Nutrients, 2014.