description
Stress Less is designed to improve sensitive, damaged, irritated or dehydrated skin with the combination of Beta-Glucan & Madecassoside, two supermolecules with remarkable skin soothing, repairing and hydrating abilities.
Beta-Glucan is the most bioactive and valuable part of Oat with intensive skin repairing, skin smoothing & wound healing properties, while Madecassoside is one of the main active components of Centella Asiatica, a medicinal plant that has well-established soothing, wound healing and antioxidant activities.
5-5.5
pH
0.2%
Beta-Glucan
0.3%
Made-cassoside
We use 0.2% Beta-Glucan and 0.3% Madecassoside in this formula. While these numbers might not sound high, when it comes to these two actives, they are. Studies use Madecassoside from as low as 0.05% (shown to inhibit UV induced melanin production) or at 0.1% combined with 5% Vitamin C for anti-aging benefits. 0.2% of Madecassoside has remarkable barrier-supporting, skin moisturizing, as well as redness & itching reducing properties in atopic or psoriasis-prone skin. In-vivo studies (made on real humans) by the manufacturer of Beta-Glucan show that the molecule improves skin barrier recovery used at 0.05%, while its moisturizing ability is as good as that of hyaluronic acid or even greater. Used at 0.1%, Beta-Glucan makes the skin firmer, smoother and more elastic.
Geek tip: use Stress Less with C-Glow in the morning for added smart-aging benefits.
Who is it for?
Pretty much everyone, but we especially recommend Stress Less if your skin is prone to dehydration, sensitivity, redness and irritation, or you are using strong actives (e.g. anti-acne such as benzoyl peroxide or anti-aging such as tretinoin) known to dry the skin or compromise the skin barrier.
Skin Type
all skin types, especially sensitive
Skin Problem
sensitivity, irritation, weakened barrier, dehydration
Texture
silky, lightweight, non-sticky, gel texture
how to use it?
Apply a few drops to the face after cleansing, before using creams. Can be used either in the AM and/or PM.
Shelf life: 2 years from production (unopened), 6 months PAO (period after opening)
Ingredients & Research
key ingredients:
Madecassoside: One of the main biologically active components of the famous medicinal plant Centella Asiatica, also known as Gotu Kola or Cica. It has well-established wound healing, skin soothing and antioxidant activities.
Beta-Glucan: A supermolecule coming from Oat that has intensive skin-repairing and wound healing properties, while being a great skin soother and moisturizer, even showing some anti-aging benefits. It is a large polysaccharide (sugar) molecule, somewhat similar in structure to Hyaluronic Acid hence showing similar (or some claim even greater) skin hydrating properties. While the larger beta-glucan fractions stay on the top of the skin to hydrate & smooth it, the smaller fractions penetrate deeply (even into the dermis, the middle layer of the skin) showing promising anti-aging benefits.
Saccharide Isomerate: A skin-idententical carbohydrate molecule that binds to the skin like magnet and keeps the skin hydrated longer than most other humectants.
full inci list:
Aqua (Water), Methyl Gluceth-20, Saccharide Isomerate, Glycerin, Madecassoside, Beta-Glucan, 1,2-Hexanediol, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol
research:
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, Volume 27 (5) – Oct 1, 2005, Anti‐Wrinkle Therapy: Significant New Findings in the Non‐Invasive Cosmetic Treatment of Skin Wrinkles with Beta‐Glucan
Phytotherapy Research, , Volume 28 (2) – Oct 1, 2005, Skin Health Promotion Effects of Natural Beta‐Glucan Derived from Cereals and Microorganisms: A Review
Shen, Xueqing, et al. “Propionibacterium acnes related anti-inflammation and skin hydration activities of madecassoside, a pentacyclic triterpene saponin from Centella asiatica.” Bioscience, biotechnology, and biochemistry 83.3 (2019): 561-568.
Liu, Mei, et al. “Madecassoside isolated from Centella asiatica herbs facilitates burn wound healing in mice.” Planta medica 74.08 (2008): 809-815.
Haftek, Marek, et al. “Clinical, biometric and structural evaluation of the long‐term effects of a topical treatment with ascorbic acid and madecassoside in photoaged human skin.” Experimental dermatology 17.11 (2008): 946-952.
Jung, Eunsun, et al. “Madecassoside inhibits melanin synthesis by blocking ultraviolet-induced inflammation.” Molecules 18.12 (2013): 15724-15736.
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You know I am all about soothing the skin and gentle skincare, especially if you are on prescription acne treatments, and in two of my recent posts I talked about how beneficial Colloidal Oatmeal and Centella Asiatica Extract can be for that.
Well, the friendly people at Geek & Gorgeous must have read my mind, as one of their newest releases is the Geek & Gorgeous 101 Stress Less Serum, featuring both 0,2% Beta-Glucan, found in Colloidal Oatmeal, and 0,3% Madecassoside, found in Centella Asiatica.
Sounds like a match made in heaven? Here is my review!
Why the ingredients in the Geek & Gorgeous 101 Stress Less Serum are good for the skin
I recommend you read the post on Colloidal Oatmeal and Centella Asiatica for in-depth information, but in short: Beta-Glucan is a soluble fibre that forms a colloid film on the skin when dispensed in liquid, helping to improve the skin’s barrier function. (More info: The benefits of Colloidal Oatmeal for the skin)
Madecassoside on the other hand, a so called Centelloid, is both an antioxidant as well as a humectant and has shown in lab studies to increase collagen production, which means it aids in wound healing. (More info: The benefits of Centella Asiatica for the skin)
What the Geek & Gorgeous 101 Stress Less Serum claims
A light & silky gel formula with high amounts of Beta-Glucan from Oat and Madecassoside from Centella Asiatica to soothe and repair the skin.
Facts about the Geek & Gorgeous 101 Stress Less Serum
Prize and size
One bottle, dark glass with a dropper, contains 30 ml and retails for 10,80 € on the website here.
Texture and scent of the Geek & Gorgeous 101 Stress Less Serum
It isn’t watery, but feels like a light gel in firmness, spreads easily and has no noticeable scent.
How to use the Geek & Gorgeous 101 Stress Less Serum
While both morning and night time use is possible, I like to use it after cleansing and before I use my prescription Tretinoin at night. (More info: How to use Tretinoin with minimal irritation)
During my time in the South of France though, when my skin was exposed to a lot of salt water from swimming in the ocean, I used it during the day, after the morning swim, as extra calming step in between. (More info: Why is my skin freaking out after vacation?)
Geek & Gorgeous 101 Stress Less Serum Ingredients
Hover the mouse over an ingredient for short explanation. Read more on INCIDecoder.
Other than Madecassoside and Beta-Glucan, you get a bunch of humectants, Glycerin being the best known, and preservatives. As for the concentrations of both “actives” – I can’t say if these are the ideal concentrations, as there is simply not much data as to how much you actually need, but both have been tested at concentrations around that mark with promising results.
Does it live up to its claims?
Yes.
I feel my skin is much calmer and resistant to external irritants when I use it.
How does it compare to…
the Purito Centella Unscented Serum
Don’t fall for the 49% Centella Asiatica Extract claimed by Purito here, that does not automatically mean it has more Madecassoside than the Geek & Gorgeous version. The extract is mainly water, how much of the individual Centelloids it contains can’t be said for sure.
That doesn’t mean it is inferior either, as Puritos version not only contains the extract, but has other Centelloids as well as Niacinamide, Ceramide NP and Green Tea Extract for added benefits, but of course no Beta-Glucan. Which out of the two is more important to you is personal preference.
To be honest, both felt similar in texture as well as effect on my skin, but my analytical brain is more drawn to the precise percentages of Geek & Gorgeous rather than the extracts.
Read my full review of the Purito Centella Unscented Serum here
Would I repurchase?
Yes.
I found it to be a great allrounder that goes well with everything and helps my skin smoothly use my Tretinoin all year round. (More info: Can you use Retinol in the summer?)
Which skin types do I recommend the Geek & Gorgeous Stress Less Serum to?
Due to its simple and soothing ingredients list I think the Geek & Gorgeous Stress Less Serum is suitable for all skin types, especially those that are on stronger treatments and need calming products to accompany their Tretinoin or Benzoylperoxide for example.
If you want to get a vote in the next Ask Doctor Anne Topic, Ingredient Spotlight or product I review, don’t forget you can head over to my Patreon account to get more involved!
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Where to purchase: Available on their Website: LINK
Price: £9.12
Volume: 30ml
Made in: Hungary
What is it?: A Gel Serum containing high amount of both Beta-Glucan (from Oats) + Madecassoside (from Cica) to sooth + heal the skin.
What does it do?: Aims to heal Sensitive, Irritated + Dehydrated skin.
Aims to: Relieve Sensitivity, Irritation, A Weakened Skin Barrier + Help with Dehydration.
Supposedly Good for: All skin types (especially sensitive).
Note: This serum is aimed at those who have sensitised, irritated + reddened skin. It’s also good for those who are currently using strong actives (i.e. Benzoyl Peroxide (acne treatment) or Tretinoin (Retinoid) which can cause Skin sensitisation/ Damage the skin’s barrier.
What I think: I agree! I absolutely agree that (Oily + Combo) Sensitive + Sensitised Skins would like this, and those who are on heavy-duty actives and need some TLC.
- I would also recommend this to anyone who shaves their face or does microdermabrasion and wants a cooling/soothing serum to apply on afterwards!
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Vegan?: Yes
Cruelty Free?: Yes
How long does it last after opening?: 2 years from production (unopened), 6 months PAO (period after opening).
pH: 5-5.5
Packaging: Glass Bottle with a Dropper
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Directions: Apply after cleansing and before creams in the AM and/or PM. Especially when the skin is sensitised, red or dehydrated. This can be used alongside a strong Active routine such as Benzoyl Peroxide or Tretinoin (Vitamin A) which both can disrupt the skin’s barrier or dry out the skin.
How I use it: I apply this when the skin is sensitised ( as I don’t have much need/use for it when the skin isn’t irritated/sensitised). I apply this in the PM and due to its Gel-Serum texture, I apply it AFTER using a solution or extremely watery serum like the Geek and Gorgeous Cheer Up Solution or the Niod CAIS2 (extremely watery). I could not use this without a moisturiser as a cream is useful to remove any potential stickiness.
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Key Ingredients: 0.2% Beta-Glucan – This comes from Oats, and if you’ve heard anything from the Krave Oat So Simple Water Cream, Beta-Glucan (a large sugar molecule, i.e. a polysaccharide) is wound healing, skin repairing and smoothing as well as moisturising. It’s meant to be as hydrating as hyaluronic acid and penetrate the skin similarly, however with less chance of irritation, especially when the skin is sensitised (HA tends to sting if the skin barrier is compromised). 0.3% Madecassoside which is included; comes from Centella Asiatica (Cica) which helps with skin repair and provides soothing benefits.
The 0.2% Beta-Glucan and 0.3% Madecassoside are supposedly quite high for these actives as Madecassoside still works at 0.05% (reduces brown spot production) and 0.1% with a 5% Vitamin C provided smart-ageing benefits. So 0.2% Madecassoside really provides the skin with perks such as reducing redness, itchiness and helps support the skin’s barrier. G&G Claim it’s good for psoriasis + Atopic Dermatotic Skin. In terms of the 0.2% Beta-Glucan, 0.05% on human skin proved to have good moisturising capabilities (on par with HA) and 0.1% is supposed to make the skin look and feel firmer and smoother.
Note: Saccharide Isomerate is also included (similar to the skin’s structure) which is meant to be a high-efficiency humectant (keeps the skin hydrated for longer).
Full Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Methyl Gluceth-20, Saccharide Isomerate, Glycerin, Madecassoside, Beta-Glucan, 1,2-Hexanediol, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol
NOTE: The Incidecoder have a full ingredient breakdown HERE
Texture: Definitely a lightweight, smooth, gel-like serum that lightly hydrates the skin. It’s easily spreadable and doesn’t take ages to absorb/dry down. This isn’t sticky as long as you don’t apply too much (common with all the Geek & Gorgeous Serums I’ve tried so far), and the same goes for balling/pilling up – I would not encourage using facial oils with any type of gel as it tends to ball them up.
This has a transparent look. It’s a gel-like serum (doesn’t immediately run down the hand but it would if I tipped my hand further).
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Easy to spread.
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Does this Sting if the Skin has been Irritated / Sensitised by Shaving/Heavy Retinol Use?: No! One of the few products that doesn’t sting 🙂
Summer or Winter?: Can be used in both seasons as it’s lightweight enough to use in Hot Weather too.
Layerable?: It seems to be fine but I would not recommend it under or on top of facial oils (It would cause this to ball up). Also, I don’t recommend using too much product to avoid any potential balling up.
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Video Swatch:
Hopefully you can see the texture!
Fragrance?: No added Fragrance and/or EO – This also smells of nothing.
Good Under Makeup?: As long as I use a few drops, I can use this under foundation.
Will I use until Completion?: Yes! This has been fab as a skin rescuer when the skin has been irritated / sensitised so I will keep using this.
How long have I been using this?: Just over 2 Months.
How Long will that take?: I’m halfway through. This is because I only tend to use this if the skin is sensitised/irritated (so not everyday), therefore I don’t get through this as fast. So this may take another 2 months to complete.
The Effect?: Soothed and Mildly Hydrated Skin! Definitely helps reduce the redness of my irritated skin and reduce stinging!
And in terms of the hydration – Because I use this if/when the skin is irritated or sensitised, I tend to minimise my routine to avoid any irritation, so I’m happy that this provides some of that much-needed hydration while soothing the skin, as I’m unable to use Hyaluronic acid-containing products when the skin is irritated/sensitised and have to avoid products containing Niacinamide etc. Even using toners can sting, due to swiping with a pad; so this 2-in-1 serum that’s both hydrating and soothing can help cut down a routine, which is needed when the skin is sensitised.
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£2.00
What I like:
- No added Fragrance and/or EO
- Lightweight
- Fast Absorbing
- Hydrating
- Soothing
- Doesn’t sting when the skin is sensitised
- Reduces my Skincare Routine Steps when the skin is irritated and I can’t use products containing actives or Hyaluronic acid due to being both hydrating + soothing
- High % of Soothing Actives (Madecassoside + Beta-Glucan)
- Cruelty-Free
What I don’t like:
- Layering issues (can feel sticky / ball up if too much is added)
- I don’t tend to use this unless my skin is irritated/sensitised (I drift to other active and smart-ageing products like the CAIS or the Cheer Up Solution)
- Not as intensely hydrating as I thought it would be, but it is good enough!
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Overall Rating and Conclusion: 4/5 – A much-needed serum for when my skin is irritated/sensitised. It is one of the very few products that do not sting/tingle/itch when my skin is sensitised and red. A drawback is the slight tackiness + potential of balling up if I apply too much product (this is a common thread with most Geek & Gorgeous Serums) but it’s definitely manageable; I simply reduce the application amount! (However if you don’t like gel textures, then I recommend the Skin1004 Centella Ampoule or the I’m From Mugwort Essence). Also, this is a product I find that I only use when my skin is irritated and not when my skin is in its regular condition, however I do reach for this when my skin is irritated and it does not let me down!
Would I purchase?: Yes! I think this is a great S.O.S product for when the skin is irritated/sensitised.
Dupe?: Other great products for Sensitive + Sensitised Skins are: Skin1004 Centella Ampoule (Water texture) + the SVR Sensifine Aqua Gel + The I’m From Mugwort Essence (also a water texture).
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.
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