I’ve always loved skincare, but lately my interest has deepened. There are innovative skincare brands changing the game by making big claims and then actually following through. It’s science, but it feels more like magic.
There’s no hiding that I’m getting older, and I was ready for a serum upgrade based on what I’d seen. My curiosity was piqued by both the Naked & Thriving Renew Resurfacing Night Serum and La Mer’s Revitalizing Hydrating Serum—both are meant to help plump, soothe, hydrate, and make your skin look more radiant.
Which one did I stick with? Read on:
The one that has me waking up glowing…Naked & Thriving
Both these serums come in sturdy glass bottles and contain quality ingredients. Focusing solely on Naked & Thriving for a moment, after using this day after day I felt an “it” factor that I’ve become obsessed with.. I’d say the Naked & Thriving Renew Resurfacing Night Serum definitely does what it says it’s supposed to do.
I’ve been using the Renew Resurfacing Night Serum for about two weeks—I apply it before bed, after washing my face. My skin is already feeling more hydrated, plumper, smoother, and more refreshed. I love who I see in the mirror every morning.
Plus, the scent of Renew Resurfacing Night Serum is like your favorite delicious botanicals. I don’t really have any personal opinion on the scent of La Mer’s serum. Some reviews on their site compare it to a medicinal or chemical scent.
Ingredients that can gently exfoliate…Naked & Thriving
Naked & Thriving absorbs nicely and does not irritate my skin. I expected this. But what surprised me was its gentle blend of alpha hydroxy acids, glycolic acids. These ingredients are known to aid gentle exfoliation , helping to move dull surface skin out. I saw that I had clearer-looking, visibly smooth skin.
La Mer’s serum is deliciously hydrating, and it left my skin looking and feeling dewy, but it doesn’t make any promises to gently exfoliate as far as I’m aware, and for me that can be an important feature that would require buying an additional product.
The one that has a cult following…La Mer
Honestly, people are obsessed with La Mer. Some say, “if it’s good enough for Beyonce, Blake Lively, and Chrissie Tiegen, it’s good enough for me.” A younger version of myself might have joined the chorus, but at this point celebrity endorsements are less important than just knowing something is right for me.
The one that’s easier on the budget…Naked & Thriving
In general, high-end skincare products are going to come with a price tag. That said, just because one hypothetical product’s price is super high doesn’t mean what’s inside is the #1 best skincare out there for you.
The Naked & Thriving Renew Resurfacing Night Serum costs about $68 for a full-size 30ml (1 oz) bottle. If you subscribe, you can save 10%, bringing the cost down to about $61.20. Want to start smaller? They offer a travel-size 10ml (0.33 oz) bottle for $28. Shipping within the US is free for orders over $40, and only $5 for orders below $40.
Are you sitting down? La Mer costs upwards of $250 for a 1 oz bottle. There’s currently no discount when you subscribe. Only you, your wallet, and your personal taste can decide if you consider this a splurge or the best deal for you.
The one that’s certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny…Naked & Thriving
Naked & Thriving is Leaping Bunny Certified, which is a mark I always look for in my skincare products. It means I can be confident that they don’t test on animals or cause harm in the making of their products.
La Mer, owned by Estee Lauder, states that they do not test on animals But their fine print also states that animal testing on cosmetic products exists if a regulatory body demands it. China is notorious for requiring animal testing on skincare products, and La Mer does sell their products in China. This doesn’t mean that animal testing happens for certain, but it’s a little unclear and leaves that door open. For me, the clarity of a Leaping Bunny certification is important and provides peace of mind – but La Mer doesn’t have this certification.
My Life With Naked & Thriving
Fellow skincare lovers will know just what I mean when I say my days are better and brighter since this magic serum came into my life. Every step of my new ritual with Renew Resurfacing Night Serum, from seeing the bottle on my bathroom counter to applying it to my face, to waking up in the morning looking and feeling noticeably smoothed and plumped and fresh has led to a better, happier me.
