Review: Protocol Skincare
If you want to absolutely trust the ingredients in a skincare line, make sure that it’s backed by chemistry geeks. The founder of Protocol, Tyler Gaul, a big science geek, wanted to make a skincare line that would actually and effectively work on all skin types.
With much scientific research on vitamin C and retinol products, Gaul went above and beyond to understand the differences of how other brands produce them. You can read in this well-detailed interview how Gaul came to his own conclusion of how to make the better (seriously better) versions of vitamin c serum and retinol serum.
Protocol is for beauty and skincare consumers who are serious about ingredients, results and sustainable efforts. All Protocol’s products are vegan, cruelty free and 100% recyclable through its Emptiez Recycling Program.
Here’s my review on Protocol’s 4 product line that I can say has changed my skincare routine for the better. And look for your special discount code at the end of the review.
DOUBLE ALPHA HYDROXY CLEANSER WITH GREEN TEA EXTRACT AND ALOE * 4 FL OZ * $48
☆☆☆☆☆
If I had to summarize my experience using this, it would be “this is a holy grail of cleansers.” Consider that a mic drop as it earns its 5 out of 5 stars. This is one of those products that immediately starts working hard for your skin. It pumps out thick, so in the mornings I know that a little really goes a long way. I really like the clear texture, something about that makes me feel like my skin is about to be immersed in natural, clean ingredients. And it does, in fact I have to spend at least a minute staring at how clean my face looks after every wash. Call me vain, but no lie, this cleanser absorbs all the dirt and leaves your skin so smooth and glass like, I’ve never experienced that with any other cleanser. You can also use this as a leave-on mask, this cleanser works hard for your skin.
Favorite ingredients are the two plant-based Alpha Hydroxy Acids (glycolic acid and lactic acid), which are meant to gently exfoliate dead skin cells, retain moisture, remove oil and daily dirt from your skin and provide an excellent glass-like glow.
Is it a little bit more expensive than your average face cleanser? Sure, but I plan on repurchasing in the future, because I love how I look afterwards and how it tightens my skin.
VITAMIN C SUPERSERUM * 1 OZ * $72
☆☆☆☆☆
I’ll just get to the point and state that from the first day I began using this (roughly 3 weeks ago), there was already a change in my skin tone. My darker skin tone began to minimize and by the end of the second week I noticed fewer dark spots. It took me awhile to get used to the spout (don’t forget to give it a good shake before pressing) since I’m so used to serums with droppers. My tip is to press gently at first, because it will disperse a fair amount.
If you’re a vitamin c serum newbie, then you could expect it to sting at first. But, if you’re a long-time user like myself, will realize how fast this water-based superserum takes effect and that in itself is impressive. I love how this superserum is not oily like other vitamin c serums, and that it doesn’t leave your face super sticky or smell.
This is best when applied every morning, but I love it so much that I dab a little during my night routine. With the vitamin c concentration at 10%, I never forget to apply sunscreen before leaving the house. Totally understand why beauty editors love this product, it works and is worth the price tag.
ENZYME-ACTIVE RETINOL SERUM * 1 OZ * $88
☆☆☆☆☆
My love and hate affair with retinol is the same as everyone else’s. Nobody ever tells you before using retinol for the first time that your face will feel like burning or to make sure you apply it over a moisturizer or facial oil to minimize the burning sensation. So those are my pro-tips for the retinol virgins. It’s going to suck at first, but you’ll end up loving it.
Now for the retinol die-hards, I absolutely love this retinol serum. It is a IYKYK kind of experience. Usually, every time I start using a new retinol serum, same thing always happens. My face is attacked by a new retinol and it gets angry, it itches, it burns and ruins all weekend plans. However, with this enzyme-callibrated form of retinol, none of that happened. At first, I asked myself aloud, what kind of witchcraft is this? First of all it comes out orange, which I have never seen before and perhaps that is part of the magic spell. It goes on very smoothly and doesn’t burn (keep in mind I am not a retinol newbie). Normally I apply my retinols blended into a cream, due to past experiences, but with this, I use it directly after the Vitamin C Superserum and everything has been fine.
Okay, so there is one thing. The directions advises you to wait 30 minutes for it to absorb before applying the next thing on your face. I admit that when I first read that, it seemed like the nuttiest thing to have to wait 30 minutes. But, then I started doing just that, after applying, would set my timer to 30 minutes and then would read, check TikTok or play with my dog. During the waiting period, I actually felt my skin transforming, there is no tingle, no burning, no itching it is activating as it is supposed to. The few times I was too impatient and waited 20 minutes instead, there was some exfoliating residue simply because my skin was still wet and the enzymes hadn’t fully evaporated.
My skin has felt a lot smoother since I began using this retinol serum, whatever is in those enzymes is truly magical. By week three, I’ve noticed my skin is brighter, less spots and calm if that makes sense.
HYALURONIC ACID & NIACINAMIDE HYDRATION CREAM * 2 FL OZ * $54
☆☆☆☆
This cream includes two of my favorite ingredients which are hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. Those two actively work to rid you of fine lines, dryness and provide overall moisture. I gave this cream 4 out of 5 stars not because it’s a bad product. On the contrary, it is an excellent cream, it is thick with a rich, smooth consistency which I am always looking for in a moisturizer. I was just so overly amazed by the cleanser and the serums that I needed that extra star to accentuate my newfound love for them.
All in all, this has been a very good moisturizer during the transition of winter to spring to early summer seasons. There is no fragrance, no stickiness and it absorbs into the skin quickly. Depending on your preference of coverage, a small dab of cream does go a long way, but I like to use a little more for morning routine.
My face does feel soft and smooth afterwards and I never feel like I need to reapply more than I need to. In other words, this will actually retain your skin’s moisture, instead of drying up a few hours later. This is a very good moisturizing cream that comes at a good, affordable price, yet it feels like a luxury spurge.
In all honesty, I haven’t been this happy about a skincare line in the last two years. And I would like for you to experience the same happiness as I have. The wonderful team at Protocol would like to offer an exclusive 20% off on your order. Click the button below to start shopping and change your skin forever!
