MonoDerma MonoDermoDose: Good Serums in Sealed Pods? Yes Please!

Monoderma MonoDermaDose A15 C10

When it comes to packing for traveling, one of the problems I have when packing skincare is decanting serums. When skincare products are packaged in open jars, transparent bottles or even decanted to tiny open jars, they run the risk of reducing the efficacy of the ingredients when they’re exposed to air. As much as possible, I’ll bring the full-sized bottles of serums with me when traveling, even if they’re in glass packaging and add to the bulk and weight of the luggage. But sometimes, even that can get pretty cumbersome, especially when you’re flying with a low-cost budget airline.

A few months ago, I came across an Italian brand called MonoDerma and what they produce are serums that come in tiny single-use pods, which are also known as MonoDermoDose pods. They have the E5 5% Tocopherol (Vitamin E) serums, A15 Exfoliating Anti-wrinkles (0.15% retinol) serums and C10 Lightening Anti-aging (10% ascorbic acid/Vitamin C) serums that are housed in small biodegradable jelly pods. There are 28 pods per box, which means each box will last you almost a month.

I’ve used the C10 Lightening and A15 Exfoliating serum pods and I must say, this is a very good idea to keep the active ingredients as untainted as possible. The only time they’re ever exposed to air would be when you’re breaking off a pod to use. The pods are packaged in what looks like a oral contraceptive pill case, where there are 28 secured flaps that you open to house each pod. Even though each case is quite big, it’s light and easy to pack for traveling.

I liked these so much that I’ve repurchased two boxes for future travels!

Monoderma MonoDermaDose A15 C10

Ingredients:
C10 serum: Cyclopentasiloxane, Ascorbic Acid, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethiconol, Methyl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer
A15 serum: Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Methyl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer, Polysorbate 20, Retinol

As far as serums go, I have no negative issues with them. The C10 serum tingled a little when I used it, which is quite strange given that I’ve used higher strength Vitamin C serums, but it didn’t cause any adverse effect on my skin. My skin appeared brighter and more radiant with the use of each pod. The same went for the A15 retinol serum. Even though the retinol concentration is low (I normally use 1% retinol), it was still good enough to soften my fine lines and give my skin an overall smooth and soft feeling and appearance.

Monoderma MonoDermaDose A15 C10

The only problem I have with these MonoDerma pods is that each box only lasts you up to a month, and to me, that’s not economical. Similar serums that I’ve used and are currently using normally last me at least 3 months. Having said that, this is a brilliant idea to maintain the properties of the active ingredients in each serum, preventing its inactivation by sunlight and contact with oxygen. If MonoDerma came up with one that has at least double that amount for the same price, I would sing even more praises about these serums because the pods aren’t just a good idea; the serums are very decent too.

Monoderma MonoDermaDose A15 C10

Each MonoDerma MonoDermoDose pack of 28 serum pods retail at AU$49.95. Each pod is single-use only and is enough to cover the entire face, neck and decolletage. You can save half of it for the next use if you want to, but I’d just use up the entire pod each time, to be honest. MonoDerma is available at Amcal pharmacies nationwide.

What I like about it: Each single-application pod ensures the quality of the ingredients, the serums work as well as claimed, ideal for traveling.

What I do not like about it: Each box only lasts up to a month, not economical.

Have you tried these serum pods by MonoDerma? What do you think of the idea of keeping serums in single-use pods like these? A great idea or simply gimmicky?

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11 comments… add one
  1. LeGeeque

    That’s actually very clever. Women (and men! Who am I to discriminate?) who work out frequently at gyms might find this handy too to toss a pack or two into their gym bag.

    You should start a travel series – items that are travel-friendly! Purely for a selfish reason of course – I’d read up if and when I need to travel to get good ideas πŸ™‚

    1. Tine

      I did a travel mini series early this year that lasted a week. But I know what you mean; I LOVE reading about packing for travels. I’ll be doing a post on awesome travel minis soon, so do stay tuned! πŸ˜€

  2. Mel

    Such a shame its so expensive! Because it is such a great idea. Reminds me of those Elizabeth Arden Pods
    Mel recently posted..Review: Urban Decay NAKED Basics PaletteMy Profile

    1. Tine

      Exactly! I forgot to mention the Elizabeth Arden Ceramide pods! But yes, that’s what these resemble. πŸ˜€

  3. Kate

    If my favorite skincare products have the travel version, I would go crazy over it. But most of my skincare products don’t. I bring my usual skincare along on a trip, decanting cleansers, toners to get under 100ml limit but I would lug along the full size of serums, moisturizers and sunblocks.

    Rather than trying out new products in sample sachets and risking skin irritation, I use my regular skincare products. So I always use the “same old same old” ones, I don’t get much excitement from that but at least they guarantee me good and glowing skin throughout the trip πŸ™‚

    1. Tine

      I know, right? What is it about travel-sizes that make us go gaga over them?? I’ve lost count of the number of travel-sized items I have. It doesn’t make economical sense; they’re more expensive per ml and I could easily decant them into reuseable containers but I’m still drawn to travel versions. Tsk tsk. πŸ˜›

      Me too! I used to bring sample sachets with me when traveling because I thought they would be better for traveling. Well yes they are, but there’s a chance they’d break me out. These days, I use my regular products too. The guaranteed-to-work ones! πŸ˜›

  4. Keen On Beauty

    I love the idea! I have never seen anything like that before. Although it is a bit expensive, I would still probably buy it if I had a chance. Tine, and what retinol serum are you currently using? Could you recommend me anything, which is effective, please?

    “A leave-on exfoliator I swear by!” // http://www.keenonbeauty.com

    1. Tine

      I’m currently trialing Dermalogica’s Overnight Retinol Repair that has 0.5% retinol. But in terms of effective retinol that I’ve tried and really love, I recommend Cosmetic Skin Solutions’ Advanced Retinol Creme (just Google that term), which has 1% retinol. Paula’s Choice has a 1% retinol serum too, which I have also tried but I didn’t like the consistency of the serum at all, and it’s also more expensive. I’ll be reviewing the Dermalogica one in November. Caroline Hirons recently recommended the best retinol she’s tried, which is from Dr Brandt (2% retinol!). Once I’m done with my Dermalogica retinol, I’ll be getting the Dr Brandt retinol. But to cut the long story short, Cosmetic Skin Solutions’ Advanced Retinol Creme. πŸ˜€

      1. Keen On Beauty

        Thank you so much for your recommendations! πŸ™‚ xx
        Keen On Beauty recently posted..Makeup Tips Everyone Should Know. Part 3 – Face PowderMy Profile

  5. Rosalind

    This is definitely a brilliant idea and I wish that more skincare products are in separate pods like this! Although it definitely explains the expensive price for more packaging? And I definitely do wish some skincare products come in mini versions, they are just so cute to bring around besides the advantage of being able to trial new skincare products and not needing to worry what if it doesn’t work out and needing to throw away the whole tub/jar/bottle πŸ™‚

    1. Tine

      I agree! Having said that, I can imagine the added costs to making skincare in pods like this, which would drive up the price of the product. Don’t think this factor would be that well-received within the public.

      Haha I know what you mean, and I agree! I love products in mini versions, especially makeup. It’s easier to finish skincare (if it doesn’t work on your face, it can go on your body, and so on) than it is to ever finish makeup. I’d actually be happier to pay for mini versions of makeup even though cost per ml or g would be more expensive. But it’s better than wasting it by not finishing it, no? πŸ˜›

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