Overview of Indeed Labs
Indeed Labs is a Canadian skincare company founded in 2010 by entrepreneur Dimitra Davidson. Frustrated by overpriced products that made big claims but showed lackluster results, Davidson sought to create effective, reasonably-priced skincare powered by science and transparency.
The Indeed Labs brand mission focuses on delivering “real” skincare results by using quality active ingredients rather than gimmicks. Their formulas combine award-winning technologies with proven ingredients like hyaluronic acid, retinol and peptides.
Over the past decade, Indeed Labs has gained recognition in the skincare community, winning multiple beauty awards and amassing over 70k Instagram followers. Their hero product – Nanoblur Instant Skin Perfector – earned them their first Beauty Shortlist Editor’s Choice Award back in 2018.
But does Indeed Labs live up to its own hype as a purveyor of real skincare results? This thorough and unbiased review will analyze the good and the not-so-good to help you decide if it’s worth adding these products into your routine.
The Good
Reasonable Prices for a Science-Backed Brand
I was pleasantly surprised that most Indeed Labs products are affordably priced between $15-$30 USD. This positions them well against drugstore brands like Olay and Neutrogena, with the added benefit of more advanced skincare technologies.
It‘s also impressive that a brand focused on scientific research doesn‘t charge the ultra-high prices of doctor brands like Skinceuticals (owned by L‘Oreal) that can run you $100+ per product.
For shoppers wanting clinical-grade results without the luxury price tag, Indeed Labs offers an appealing middle ground.
Recognized Results from Independent Testing
Indeed Labs doesn’t just use alluring marketing-speak to sell their products. Independent testing and editorial reviews back up claims of visible results.
For example, famous beauty awards like Beauty Shortlist and Attracta Beauty have consistently recognized Indeed Labs serums and treatments for visibly reducing wrinkles, brightening complexions and rehydrating skin.
Editors highlight fast-acting benefits with claims of seeing smoother, plumper and more radiant skin in as little as 1-2 hours with select products. That’s almost unheard of in the skincare world!
These awards indicate genuine innovation vs. fanciful ad-speak, giving the brand more credibility.
Layerable Formulas That Play Well Together
Skincare enthusiasts know the frustration when two products just don’t mesh well together. Formulating layers that actually complement each other is harder than it looks!
I appreciate that Indeed Labs designed their lineup specifically so products enhance (rather than hinder) each other. No matter what combination you try, you’ll get the best out of every active ingredient.
Most serums and treatments are ultra lightweight, absorb quickly, play nicely with makeup and come packed with hydrators. This flexibility makes it easy to customize the perfect multi-step routine for your unique skin needs.
Straightforward But Effective Ingredient Mixes
You won’t find any overly exotic botanicals or 100+ long ingredient lists from Indeed Labs. They leverage key ingredients – both natural and high-tech – in smart combinations for targeted results.
Take their HydraluronTM line for example. These mega-hydrators combine moisture magnets like hyaluronic acid, red algae extract and plant glycerin sources to bind water to skin for an instant plumping effect.
Their Retinol Reface likewise relies on a time-release retinoid complex to visibly smooth wrinkles without irritation. Clean, clinically-proven formulas get the job done without extra fanfare.
For those overwhelmed by 10-step routines with fancy-sounding extracts, Indeed Labs offers effective skincare in an easy-to-understand package.
The Not-So-Good
While Indeed Labs gets far more right than wrong in my book, no brand is completely perfect. Here are a few negatives worth pointing out:
Not All Products Are Vegan or Natural
Despite being cruelty-free, not every Indeed Labs formula will appeal if you strictly use vegan or all-natural products. Several serums contain animal-derived hyaluronic acid or collagen.
And a handful of products feature chemical sunscreens, synthetic dyes and fragrances. Granted, many of these ingredients are quite safe and offer consumers broad protection options.
But for those who avoid specific components, scrutinize each label rather than assuming everything aligns with your preferences.
Short Ingredient glossary
Perhaps my biggest criticism is Indeed Labs’ limited ingredients glossary. For consumers new to peptides, retinoids and other advanced actives, a dictionary to decode the ingredient label is invaluable.
Yet, Indeed Labs’ glossary covers just 21 components. That’s quite slim pickings to educate shoppers on everything found in their line. Especially compared to Sephora’s encyclopedic ingredient glossary!
I’d love to see Indeed Labs flesh this out so first-time users better understand each formula’s capabilities.
Minimal Consumer Reviews
Surprisingly for a 10+ year brand, Indeed Labs doesn‘t have a large bank of customer reviews. Even their hero Nanoblur cream only tallies 58 Birchbox reviews. And top-sellers like Hydraluron Moisture Serum earn below 100 reviews across major platforms.
For comparison, uber-popular serums from The Ordinary tally 5x or 10x more reviews. So there’s less independent feedback to gauge personal experiences.
Relying purely on editor awards doesn’t always reflect realities from normal skin types. More widespread consumer testing could offer additional validation on product performance for common skincare concerns.
Comparing Key Indeed Labs Products
Digging deeper into the line, I analyzed some of their best-selling items to break down the pros, cons and real customer feedback:
Nanoblur Skin Perfector
The Good: Their #1 product that started it all. Editors rave how this primer-serum hybrid blurs pores, smooths skin and makes makeup glide over skin. Real before and after photos show serious fading of wrinkles and imperfections.
The Not-So-Good: The original had a sticky, tacky texture many hated. Feedback on the updated, lighter "2.0" version is still limited.
The Verdict: A game-changing primer for quick, radiant skin even under makeup. Both glitches appear resolved based on recent reviews.
Hydraluron Moisture Jelly
The Good: Ultra-lightweight water jelly that floods skin with hydration. Effects last 24 hours not just minutes like some HA serums. Smoothes and plumps skin instantly.
The Not-So-Good: Jar packaging risks contamination. A few note slight pill-ing under makeup if they apply too much.
The Verdict: Super-charged hydration without oils, great for all skin types. Use a spatula and mix with cream/serum to prevent pilling.
Snoxin Advanced Line Filler
The Good: Powerhouse wrinkle-fighting serum with 4 key peptides and antioxidants. Visibly firms, tightens and smooths skin remarkably fast.
The Not-So-Good: One of the more expensive items at $30. Results require consistent use for best results.
The Verdict: Truly advanced formulas for advanced anti-aging. You get what you pay for in dramatically younger-looking skin over time.
Collagen Booster Anti-Aging Serum
The Good: Boosts natural collagen synthesis with antioxidants and moisture binding agents for a lifted effect. Affordable starter serum.
The Not-So-Good: Isn‘t as fast-acting as the Snoxin. Collagen molecules may be too large for significant absorption.
The Verdict: Great for beginner anti-aging given the lower price. But Snoxin likely outperforms for visible results.
Is Indeed Labs Right for You?
So who should add Indeed Labs into the product mix? Here’s my take:
- Budget-Conscious Skincare Junkies: Get clinical technologies without department store prices
- Ingredient-Conscious Shoppers: Clean, cruelty-free picks for many formulas
- Anti-Aging Focused: Proven peptides and wrinkle-fighters for 3600 treatment
- Skincare Layerers: Serums play nicely together and under makeup
- Seekers of Instant Gratification: Editors confirm visible results in as little as 1-2 hours!
Conversely, the brand may not suit your preferences if:
- You strictly desire all-natural formulas
- Prefer fragrance/dye-free options for sensitive skin
- Want more extensive consumer reviews on product performance
- Need detailed education around unfamiliar ingredients
On the whole, I can recommend Indeed Labs for those seeking legitimate results without silicones,essential oils or fancy filler ingredients driving up the price.
It’s not perfect – no brand ever is – but Indeed Labs checks enough boxes around ethical standards, scientific innovation and performance payoff to deserve a spot on your vanity.
Just don‘t expect perfection across every single ingredient and formula. As with any brand, choose individual products aligned with your unique preferences.
Where to Buy Indeed Labs
Indeed Labs ships Canada-wide and to the continental USA only. Browse their full selection of serums, moisturizers eye creams and cleansers at indeedlabs.com.
Select products also sell at drugstores like Ulta, CVS, Boots, Walmart and online retailers like Amazon, and iHerb (US only). You may find discounted or promo kit options via specific stores.
Your Turn
Have you tested any Indeed Labs skincare? If so, how did they perform for you? Share your own feedback in the comments below!
