Have you ever wondered why serums are so popular? I can't remember a single skincare routine in my feed that doesn't contain these handy products for extra skin nourishment. I prefer to think of them as a skincare supplement that complements the main skincare course; therefore, you can never have enough of them! Usually, I like to mix and match, switch, and experiment with formulations, varying the textures and ingredients. So, today we are trying Elizavecca Witch Piggy Hell-Pore EGF Special Ample, because it's supposed to be very special for the skin. Let's take a look!
About the Elizavecca Witch Piggy Hell-Pore EGF Special Ample
The formulation of this serum is centered around its star ingredient – an EGF, aka the Epidermal Growth Factor*. The product claims to tackle a wide range of concerns, from visibly minimizing pores to regulating sebum production. To tell the truth, the EGF (specifically rh-Oligopeptide-1) sounds absolutely novel and unexpected to me, so we are going to dissect it a bit later. But, basically, like most Elizavecca serums, Hell Pore EGF Special Ample aims to hydrate, revitalize, and smooth out the skin.
- Where to buy?
You can get an ample on the official Elizavecca website here, or find it on Amazon. You'll get 50 ml / 1.69 fl oz. of the product in a single bottle.
Packaging:
The cardboard box, as usual, is the real star here: it features a purple and white design with the Piggy mascot appearing from a bottle. Piggy is, of course, a little witch wielding a magic wand. I assume it's a skincare wand, nonetheless!
When it comes to the actual product packaging, nothing new here, but an oldie and a goldie glass bottle with a convenient dropper. I believe that nothing can top this design – a perfect packaging for a viscous liquid like an ample. It is the same classic Elizavecca packaging as we all saw with the Hyaluronic Acid 97% and Marine Collagen serums.
Texture and Scent:
The texture is the same (maybe a bit thicker) as the iconic Hyaluronic Acid 97%. It is clear, silky, and, once applied onto the skin, melts onto its surface. And, the best part is the non-sticky residue. Finally, a non-sticky ample, a real pleasure for the skin. The scent is sweet and quite strong, but it quickly disappears after the application.
Ingredients:
The most crucial element of any skincare product lies in its formula. Let's take a deep dive into the main active ingredients in the Elizavecca Witch Piggy Hell-Pore EGF Special Ample, starting with the top three. First, Glycerin, an excellent humectant renowned for its hydration and moisture-retention capabilities, is a seriously underrated ingredient for dry skin. Next, we have Arginine, a powerful amino acid that functions as a skin-conditioning agent and can support collagen production. This is a very popular, almost classic, ingredient in many of Elizavecca's products. Wrapping up this opening trio is Allantoin, which helps to soothe and heal the skin, keeping pesky irritations at bay.
The Elizavecca EGF Special Ample is further enhanced with a blend of plant extracts, including White Willow Bark Extract, Oregano Leaf Extract, Hinoki Cypress Leaf Extract, Soybean Ferment Extract, Cinnamon Bark Extract, and Scutellaria Baicalensis Extract. Most of these offer antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that contribute to healing and calming the skin.
What Is EGF, AKA the Epidermal Growth Factor?
Unfortunately, the EGF is at the very end of the ingredient list, which means there's only a very small amount of this ingredient in the formula. But still, let's try to understand what this magic ingredient in the witch's brew is.
So, the Epidermal Growth Factor is a protein that plays a pivotal role in the body's natural cellular processes, particularly skin health. Naturally present in our skin, EGF acts as a powerful signaling molecule, communicating with skin cells to stimulate growth, proliferation, and differentiation. Essentially, it tells cells to regenerate and repair, which is why it's crucial for wound healing and maintaining the skin's overall integrity and youthful appearance.
As we age, our body's natural production of EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor) decreases. This slowdown leads to slower cell turnover and a reduction in crucial skin components like collagen and elastin. In skincare, bio-engineered or plant-derived versions of EGF are incorporated to help replenish these diminishing levels, aiming to revitalize the skin by promoting new cell growth, improving elasticity, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and enhancing the skin's natural repair mechanisms for a smoother, firmer, and more radiant complexion.
How to Use Elizavecca Witch Piggy Hell-Pore EGF Special Ample?
First things first: always start with a clean slate. After you've cleansed and toned your face thoroughly, you're ready for the magic. Grab that dropper and dispense 2-3 precious drops of the ample right onto your fingertips.
Now for the application: gently pat and massage the serum into your skin. Start from the center of your face and work your way outwards, making sure it's spread evenly. Don't forget to show a little extra love to any areas you're particularly concerned about – whether it's pesky fine lines, dry patches, or if you're simply aiming for improved elasticity and bounce.
Give the ample a moment to fully absorb; you want your skin to drink it all in before you move on. Once it's settled, you can follow up with your favorite moisturizer or face cream. For best results, make this a regular part of both your morning and evening routines. Consistent use is how you truly nourish, rejuvenate, and restore your skin's natural vitality.
My Experience:
I love experimenting with skin ampoules. Thanks to Elizavecca, I was able to try quite a large number of their various skincare ampoules, and none of them disappointed me. As I already mentioned in the intro, I try to think of them as skincare supplements. They won't substitute your main skincare routine, but will come in handy when your skin feels slightly under the weather and needs a boost of hydration and plumpness. Most of them work similarly; the Hell-Pore EGF Special Ampoule also hydrates and revitalizes the skin without overwhelming it.
I also like using it underneath my DIY eye patches. Similarly, it can be used underneath the reusable sheet mask or as a pre-nourishment for further treatment. The serum is going to act as an additional booster to your favorite skincare products.
Final Verdict…
Hydration: 👍👍👍👎(10/10)
Texture: 👍👍👍👎(9/10)
Overall: 👍👍👍👎 (9/10)
Unfortunately, you need to use this serum frequently for at least a few months to see visible results, but I'll share with you my current thoughts. So, just like its texture, the action of the Elizavecca Hell-Pore EGF Serum is very similar to a hyaluronic acid: it provides an immediate smoothing and hydrating effect. When applied overnight, the next morning, it delivers a wonderfully plump sensation to the skin.
Who would love it? Everyone with dry and sensitive skin. This serum does an excellent job of moisturizing the skin, nourishing it from the inside. With frequent use, it's supposed to smooth out fine lines and improve the skin's elasticity.
