Versed Review

Whether you’re looking for an everyday antioxidant serum or a more intensive anti-aging treatment, Versed offers clean formulas at drugstore prices. I’ve been impressed with Versed products over the years and will share my thoughts on the products I’ve tried in this Versed review.

This post contains affiliate links, and any purchases made through these links will result in a commission for me at no extra cost to you. Please read my Disclosure for additional information.

Versed Skincare Review

The exfoliator smooths your complexion while refining the look of pores and improving uneven skin tone.

• The formula contains black currant and raspberry leaf extract, which help balance oil production and calm inflammation.
• The 100% plant-based, biodegradable microcrystalline crystals are a safe alternative to microbeads.
• The cellulose microcrystals are uniform in shape, providing a gentle, non-abrasive exfoliation that helps unclog pores and keep skin clear.

Note that this pore polisher, which can be used 1-2x per week, should be applied AFTER cleansing and/or removing your makeup. It is suitable for all skin types, including acne-prone skin and sensitive skin.

I’m not a huge fan of face scrubs (I much prefer chemical exfoliation), but once in a while, it’s nice to use a physical scrub. This is not one of the scrubs of the past that are gritty and harsh on your skin!

The exfoliator is gentle but effective, leaving my skin feeling soft and clean without any tightness or dryness. Somehow, chemical exfoliators never provide that immediate baby-soft skin feel, but this scrub does.

I really like the citrus fragrance that comes from Cymbopogon citratus leaf oil, an oil derived from lemongrass.

If you’re a fan of face scrubs and deal with breakouts or just want a gentler physical exfoliator, give this one a try.

The toning solution contains a four-acid complex of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) plus additional brightening acids:

• 3% glycolic acid (AHA)
• 2% lactic acid (AHA)
• 0.5% azelaic acid
• 0.3% kojic acid

These acids work together to help gently exfoliate, brighten uneven skin tone, and smooth your skin’s surface by lifting away dead skin cells and other impurities.

Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is also included to balance oil, reduce redness, and refine the look of pores.

A 0.8% concentration of bearberry extract moisturizes, and 0.6% magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (a vitamin C derivative) offers antioxidant and skin-brighting benefits.

This toner has become my new favorite AM toner. Since I don’t use very potent actives in my AM skincare routine, I use this toner daily for a very light chemical exfoliation.

Keep in mind this is not an intense acid concentration, but just right for my somewhat sensitive skin. (I get a very slight tingle upon application.)

If you’re a fan of stronger concentrations of exfoliating acids (i.e., The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution), this might not pack enough punch for you. But if you have slightly sensitive skin or can’t tolerate more potent acids, this could become a new favorite.

The toner comes in an 8 oz. refill pouch that I’ll probably purchase after I run out. It’s a great deal at $3.12/oz ($24.99 for 8 oz.) vs. $4.50/oz ($17.99 for 4 oz.) for the original size.

The hydrating milk is formulated with humectants that help address dehydration and draw moisture to your skin, making it ideal for dehydrated or dry skin.

Perfect for sensitive, dehydrated, and dry skin, the toner contains coconut water and algae and bamboo extracts that are filled with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to help keep your skin hydrated and healthy.

The toner leaves my skin baby-soft and very hydrated. It’s super soothing, especially when my skin is acting up after overdoing it with retinol or other potent actives.

I like using this toner at night before acids or retinoids to prep, hydrate, and plump my skin. Is it worth a repurchase? I think so since it’s one of the more hydrating toners I’ve tried.

NOTE: I love the packaging of both Versed toners I tried. The lid pops open, and you press down to dispense the toner onto a cotton pad. Super easy and mess-free. Love it!

The rinse-off mask contains the following concentrations:

• 2% lactic acid
• 2% glycolic acid
• 0.15% salicylic acid
• 1.2% pineapple enzymes and papaya enzymes

Lactic acid and glycolic acid are AHAs that help brighten your skin tone and refine skin texture. Salicylic acid is a BHA (beta hydroxy acid) exfoliant that helps to remove dead skin cells, reduce blemishes and redness, and improve oil control.

Pineapple and papaya enzymes are rich in vitamin C and act as gentle exfoliators while helping clarify your complexion by trapping bacteria and sebum (oil).

There shouldn’t be tingling and burning, just a brighter, glowing complexion that results from continued weekly use.

The first time I used this mask, I didn’t think much of it, but the more I use it, the more I like it. It’s not super potent, as you can see from the concentration of acids, but continued use has helped refine my complexion.

I feel a slight tingle upon application that quickly goes away. My face also gets a little pink after I wash it off after about 3 minutes, but that doesn’t last long either. I see improved clarity and brightness with continued use.

This is actually the perfect formula for someone like me with somewhat sensitive skin. I can tolerate a lower concentration of acids, and this resurfacing mask is precisely that.

If you have sensitive skin, this mask may irritate your skin, so be sure to patch test for 60-90 seconds to see if your skin tolerates the product.

Otherwise, The Shortcut Overnight Facial Peel is a gentler option that may work better for you.

• This hybrid oil serum contains camellia oil and sea buckthorn extract in the oil phase to reduce redness, moisturize, and strengthen your skin barrier.
• The water phase contains hydrating sodium hyaluronate (the salt form of hyaluronic acid) plus nourishing vitamin E and chamomile extract.

As you can see from the image, before the oil-serum is shaken, it separates into a two-toned oil phase and a water phase.

Once you shake it up, the phases mix together to create a multi-benefit moisturizing oil-serum that is suitable for all skin types, including oily skin and acne-prone skin.

You can use it in multiple ways:

• Under your moisturizer (as the last serum you apply)
• Over your moisturizer
• In place of your moisturizer

TIP: This multi-tasker also doubles as a subtle, moisturizing highlighter. Apply by patting one drop onto the top of your cheekbones, brow bone, and bridge of your nose.

I wasn’t sure about this product since I am not a huge fan of face oils because my skin leans towards the oily side.

The nice part is that it’s difficult to mess up the application since you can apply it under, over, or in place of your moisturizer.

I think this would be a great choice if you have dry skin and need an extra boost of hydration.

The formula contains 1% Granactive Retinoid, a retinoid complex that is less irritating than retinol (another retinoid) but improves skin texture and reduces the look of crow’s feet wrinkles around the eyes.

Granactive Retinoid can even help with milia, those small flesh-colored bumps often appearing around the eyes. (I can attest that Granactive Retinoid has helped my milia!)

• The eye balm also contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and squalane for nourishing the eye area. A 1% concentration of vitamin E conditions and is filled with skin-protective antioxidants.
• Shea butter and 1% black currant seed oil moisturize and protect against free radicals, while 0.2% shitake mushroom extract supports skin healing.

The balm has a rich texture that melts when applied to my skin. It has a somewhat greasy feel, which is fine since the balm should be used at night due to its retinoid content. (Sunlight can degrade retinoids).

My skin drinks up the balm, leaving the skin around my eyes feeling incredibly soft. It smooths and firms my eye area, although I haven’t noticed an improvement in my hard-to-treat dark circles.

I think this is another Versed product that would be ideal if you struggle with dehydrated or dry skin around your eyes.

It’s perfect for mature skin, too, especially if you’re looking to treat fine lines, loss of elasticity, and dull skin.

• The gel cream contains sodium hyaluronate, a form of hyaluronic acid, plus aloe leaf juice to hydrate your skin.
• Green tea extract provides antioxidant protection and has even been shown to help with acne.
• A blend of squalane and jojoba seed oil locks in moisture. These oils are noncomedogenic, which means they won’t clog your pores.

The moisturizer has a lightweight texture that absorbs quickly without leaving any residue or greasy feel. It hydrates my skin nicely without making it feel heavy or weighed down.

I think this fragrance-free moisturizer is an excellent choice for someone with a combination or oily skin type who wants lightweight hydration that doesn’t leave any greasy residue. It’s super affordable, too.

If you have dry or dehydrated skin, this might not be moisturizing enough, though, so you might want to check out Versed Skin Soak Rich Moisture Cream instead.

Encapsulated retinol is formulated in a protective outer layer that disintegrates slowly, delivering a steady dose of retinol over time to renew the surface of your skin.

The slow-release formula limits the irritation, flakiness, and dryness that often comes with retinol, making it a great choice for sensitive skin.

This body lotion is also enriched with 2.5% cocoa butter, 1.0% squalane, and 0.01% vitamin E to moisturize, nourish and protect your skin.

The retinol lotion firms your skin, brightens dull and discolored areas, and smooths skin texture, making it ideal for crepey skin on your chest, knees, and elbows.

This is a lightweight yet hydrating formula that absorbs quickly and leaves no greasy residue. My skin feels nicely hydrated, and I experience no irritation, flakiness, or dryness thanks to the gentle formula.

NOTE: Be sure to apply a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher when using the lotion to protect your skin from sun damage.

Related Post: Drugstore Retinol Guide

• This mineral sunscreen also contains moisturizing actives like grapeseed oil which provides antioxidant protection, and nourishing cupuacu butter, which is two times more hydrating than shea butter.
• Sodium hyaluronate and sodium PCA support extended hydration.

I love the fact that it’s more than just a sunscreen lotion. It’s formulated with antioxidant and hydrating ingredients that make it a nice body moisturizer, too.

Drawbacks? Depending on your skin tone, you may notice a white cast.

Versed notes that, unlike other body sunscreens, you won’t notice the sunscreen on your skin. Although I did notice it on my skin, it does feel lighter than other body sunscreens.

I like this clean-rinsing formula and thought it did a great job of removing my makeup. At first, I couldn’t get past the strong clove-like scent. The scent of eucalyptus is nice, but the clove oil made it smell very medicinal to me.

Maybe it’s just because I love balm cleansers, or maybe it’s because the cleansing balm has truly grown on me, but I’ve really started to enjoy using this cleanser.

The size of this drugstore cleansing balm is a little smaller (2.3 oz) than some of the other cleansing balms (3.88 oz) I use, so keep in mind that you may go through a jar of this quicker than others.

Versed Stroke of Brilliance Brightening Serum

• Contains vitamin C, niacinamide, and licorice root.
• Brightens and reduces discoloration.

Versed Stroke of Brilliance Brightening Serum is formulated to brighten your skin, so it is not surprising that it contains Vitamin C. The serum contains a stable form of ascorbic acid in a water base.

Versed does not disclose the percentage of Vitamin C in the formulation, but keep in mind that vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate) is the 10th ingredient in the list of ingredients.

A reader kindly informed me, and Versed confirmed that the serum contains 0.5% vitamin C, 1.0% Niacinamide, and 2.0% licorice root.

Licorice root is a plant-based extract that can help with discoloration and inflammation.

Palmaria palmata extract is another plant-based extract that is found in dulse, a type of algae. This extract contains vitamins and minerals and has antioxidant benefits. It also helps to brighten the skin.

Niacinamide is a star product all on its own. Niacinamide, a form of Vitamin B3, has an arsenal of skin benefits, especially for dull skin.

Versed Stroke of Brilliance Brightening Serum sinks right into your skin. It’s not tacky and works well with the rest of my skincare routine.

I use it in the morning, and makeup applies nicely on top of it. I haven’t noticed any major changes in my skin yet, but this is a lower-priced facial serum with a nice mix of antioxidants, including Vitamin C.

Versed The Shortcut Overnight Facial Peel

• Contains a combination of lactic acid, glycolic acid, and retinol.
• Exfoliates dead skin cells, suitable for sensitive skin.

Versed The Shortcut Overnight Facial Peel is my favorite product in the Versed skincare line. The peel contains a blend of lactic acid, glycolic acid, and a retinol (vitamin A) ester.

I’ve discussed how much I love lactic acid skincare products in this post on Sunday Riley Good Genes drugstore alternatives. Lactic acid products simply work well with my skin.

Glycolic acid reaches a deeper layer of skin than lactic acid, so those with sensitive skin may experience some irritation from products including glycolic acid.

I am sensitive to glycolic acid, but this product did not bother my skin at all.

The lactic and glycolic acids work together in this overnight to exfoliate dead skin cells, so in the morning, you may find your skin smoother and brighter.

The retinol ester Retinyl Palmitate is a lower-strength retinoid that is known to be less irritating than retinol. Allantoin, rosehip, and vitamin E soothe the skin.

I have been using this Versed skincare product two times a week, and I’ve noticed my skin has been brighter and smoother every single morning after I use it. I am currently loving this product!

Related Post: The Beginner’s Anti-Aging Skincare Routine

Red kaolin clay helps with exfoliation, and turmeric is for balancing and brightening your skin.

The one thing that stood out to me after using the mask multiple times is that the mask is as described: creamy and non-drying.

I expected to get that tight feeling on my face after the 10-15 minutes you wear the mask, but instead, it dried smoothly on my skin without any dryness at all.

I can’t say that I noticed immediate tightening or brightening after using this mask, but it is a nice non-drying balancing clay mask.

It is formulated with encapsulated retinol, which delivers retinol to the deeper layers of the skin without irritation. It also contains arophira and bakuchiol, both of which are plant-based retinol alternatives.

Bakuchiol is one of my absolute favorite anti-aging ingredients for its gentle but effective properties. You can read more about this ingredient in this post about the benefits of bakuchiol.

Anti-inflammatory chlorophyll also has antioxidant and antibacterial properties and contributes to the creamy serum’s pretty pale green color.

Retinol + Bakuchiol

This retinol serum intrigued me because of the combination of encapsulated retinol and bakuchiol. I’ve used and loved both ingredients, but never in the same product. I’m glad I gave it a try because it’s definitely a winner.

If I had my choice, I would only use cream-based serums, and this is a lovely one at that. It is thick and non-sticky and absorbs into my skin easily.

I follow with a moisturizer, and when I wake in the morning, I get the same results with this product as I do with my other favorite over-the-counter retinoid: smoother and brighter skin with improved skin tone and texture.

I experience zero irritation with this product, and for that reason alone, I would repurchase.

Related Post: The Inkey List Bakuchiol Review

About Versed

The Versed lineup is simple yet effective, with a focus on effective products formulated without extra packaging and conventional retail markups.

The Versed range of skincare products makes it easy for everyone to access the benefits of clean beauty – their products are created without any of the bad stuff like sulfates, parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, or dyes. Plus, all Versed products are vegan and cruelty-free.

Versed formulates their products with a focus on transparency while taking responsibility for their impact on the planet.

Versed Review: The Bottom Line

While I wouldn’t say Versed products are the most potent on the market, they are affordable and advanced formulas made with clean ingredients.

Many of their products contain low concentrations of effective actives like exfoliating acids and retinol, so if you are somewhat sensitive to these ingredients (like me), Versed may be a good skincare brand for you.

I love how Versed includes the main active ingredient concentrations of the products on their ingredient list, so you know exactly what you’re putting on your skin.

Ultimately, if you’re looking for an affordable, clean skincare line that won’t cost you a fortune, Versed is worth a try!

Thanks for reading!

Like This Post? Pin It!