Zelens Z Matrix: Review

I love Zelens skincare. I've been slowly working through all of their products. Z Matrix Energy & Moisture Infusion is the most recent product I've finished. Per Zelens website: "Supreme revitalizing formulation developed to infuse skin with instant moisture and energy. Fortified with a proprietary complex of high-tech ingredients and refreshing botanical extracts, this moisture-rich cream-gel boosts vitality and invigorates tired, dull and stressed skin. Leaves skin nourished, supple, silky smooth and radiant."

Benefits

• Intensely hydrates and refreshes the skin
• Helps revitalize the skin
• Enhances the appearance of healthy, vibrant and younger-looking skin

The texture is a gel creme. It's really moisturizing for a gel cream. One of the more moisturizing ones I've tried. The color is a pale pink/coral and has a minimal scent. I like using a gel cream or moisturizing gel over my serums and under my lotion during the day. I find it adds the extra moisture I need without needing to use a heavy cream. Plus if you use a lotion and a gel cream you can have two different brands with extra beneficial ingredients in addition to your serum. This absorbs fast and I experienced no adverse side effects from using such as irritation or breakouts.

I really love this product, I would recommend it as a stand alone moisturizer for oily skin types as well as a layering product for someone like me with normal to dry skin. I've been testing several products to fill the day slot for me as a gel cream/gel extra hydration product. Perricone MD Hyalo Plasma, Zelens Z Matrix and I'm now on Drunk Elephant B-Hydra. I've tried others as well but these three are in the top running for the permanent slot. Zelens is the most hydrating, Drunk Elephant the least. This does what it claims: hydrates, refreshes, revitalizes and gives a youthful feel to the skin. It retails for $180 for 50ml.

"This superior moisturizing formula contains nine potent active ingredients combined with a proprietary moisturizing botanical blend.

Pentapeptide
Mimics the activity of the enzyme aconitase, a key player in energy production occurring in mitochondria (cells' power stations). By increasing energy production in cells, this peptide stimulates cell metabolism and helps protect mitochondrial DNA from oxidative damage.

Soy peptides
Extracted from soybeans, these peptides are biomimetic to mitochondrial respiratory chain proteins responsible for the production of cellular energy. Soy peptides increase energy production necessary for a cellular metabolism and protection against oxidative stress and damage. In addition, these peptides target a mitochondrial protein Sirtuin-3 (SIRT3) and thus help preserve cellular longevity.

Multi-mineral complex
Contains three major minerals necessary for healthy skin: magnesium, zinc and copper. These minerals stimulate mitochondrial cell respiration and increase production of cellular energy (synthesis of ATP). Multi-mineral complex also demonstrates other important activities: inhibits the generation of free radicals (antioxidant activity), prevents intracellular and tissue glycation of proteins (anti-glycation activity) and improves the dialogue between keratinocytes (communication effect).

Hyaluronic acid
An important natural component of skin. Zelens uses a low-molecular weight hyaluronic acid with unique moisturising properties. Hyaluronic acid boosts skin moisture, promotes skin elasticity and fills in wrinkles to help reduce their appearance.

Sodium PCA
Sodium PCA is a naturally occurring humectant found in the skin. It supplies moisture to the skin.

Marine collagen
A native soluble collagen of marine origin. Helps moisturise and plump the skin.

Omega-6 acids
A natural, bioactive form of linoleic acid. Helps restore the lipid barrier function. Omega-6 acids revitalise dry and damaged skin.

Probiotic complex
Probiotic complex stimulates the skin's immune system and helps protect the skin against environmental stress. This complex also supplies to the skin nutritive elements from milk.

Rosmarinic acid
Extracted from rosemary leaf, this acid has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Helps improve the tone and vitality of the skin.

Zelens Moisturising Botanical Blend
A proprietary moisturising botanical blend composed of molecules extracted from 6 plants, which help boost and maintain skin's optimum moisture levels. This unique blend is composed of: Cotton (Gossypium herbaceum), Chestnut (Castanea sativa), Flax (Linum usitatissimum), Oat (Avena sativa), Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) and Shea tree (Butyrospermum parkii). You can read more about these important botanicals in the Zelens Garden. "

Ingredients:

Aqua (Water), Glycerin, PEG-8, Dimethicone, Sodium Polyacrylate, Dicaprylyl Ether, Phenoxyethanol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Tromethamine, Sodium PCA, Linoleic Acid, Benzophenone-4, Butylene Glycol, Polysilicone-11, Chlorphenesin, Disodium EDTA, Parfum (Fragrance), Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Magnesium Aspartate, Zinc Gluconate, Tocopherol, Isohexadecane, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Lactose, Milk Protein (Lactis Proteinum), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed Extract, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Extract, Polysorbate 80, Polysorbate 20, Copper Gluconate, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Nut Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Linolenic Acid, Castanea Sativa (Chestnut) Pericarp Extract, Linalool, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Soluble Collagen, Yellow 6 (CI 15985), Red 4 (CI 14700), Pentapeptide-28.