I’ve Been Testing ZIIP’s New Skincare on My Sensitive Skin. Here’s What I’ve Noticed.
This post is sponsored by ZIIP Beauty, who provided their new skincare line for me to try.
If you purchase through my affiliate links and use my discount code*, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. My observations are my own!
*My exclusive code: ATOMIC will take 20% off your order site-wide at ZIIP from 11/9/26 through 12/6/26, and 10% off after the sale ends!
As if living in the desert hellscape that is Las Vegas wasn’t enough of an issue, my skin has the nerve to be dry and congested at the same time. Add my pale ghost problems to the mix (redness shows up immediately, and the texture can be hard to ignore) and you can probably see why I pay as much attention to how skincare feels as to how my skin looks afterward.
I wanted to do something about the congestion and uneven texture and still have a routine that felt comfortable on my sensitive skin, so: enter ZIIP’s new skincare line!
The full lineup consists of nine products in all; each collection has its own serum and moisturizer, and the Reset Foaming Cleanser is a separate face wash.
Collections:
Barrier Boost | Skin Health | for calming the appearance of sensitivity and supporting a more resilient-looking complexion
Spot Control | Problem Skin | for congestion, reducing the appearing of spots/blemishes and excess shine
Glass Skin | Skin Prep | for dullness and uneven texture
Pro Collagen | Anti-Aging | for fine lines and the look of firmness
What I Tested
ZIIP sent me the full skincare line, and I tried all nine products between October 6 and November 6. I gave each serum-and-moisturizer duo about a week in my usual routine and tried the cleanser during that same month. Sunscreen went on last in the morning.
A week with each collection gave me time to get to know the textures, how they felt on my skin, and how easy they were to layer. I also paid attention to the very basic question of what I wanted to put on my face again.
On the driest days, that decision was easy.
What is Different About ZIIP Skincare
“Your skin runs on a natural electric current. ZIIP has made the first skincare built to work with it.”
Skin has electrical activity of its own. The movement of charged particles called ions creates a small voltage difference across the epidermis, the skin’s outer layer.
ZIIP calls its approach bioelectric formulation, because it takes that electrical environment into account when it decides how to deliver an ingredient. Depending on the formula, that could mean enclosing an active in a protective coating, carrying it in a layer of fats called lipids, keeping it stable in the bottle, or using its charge to help it interact with a particular target.
Each serum and moisturizer is built around two actives chosen for the same skin concern. The key active is usually a familiar ingredient, like retinol or salicylic acid. ZIIP then selects a second active to support the same goal in a different way and calls the two a supercharged pairing.
In the Refresh Serum, for example, tranexamic acid is there for visible redness and uneven tone, and the second active is resveratrol. That antioxidant can break down in light and air, so ZIIP encloses it in a ring-shaped sugar called cyclodextrin to help keep it stable.
Clear Serum shows where ~charge~ comes into the picture. Its key active is 1.8% encapsulated salicylic acid, an exfoliant ZIIP chose with clogged pores in mind. The second active is Dendriclear™, which ZIIP designed with a positive charge to interact with certain negatively charged bacteria associated with blemishes. (The nerd in me loved this one.)
According to ZIIP, giving each active a role can leave room for a lower concentration of the key ingredient in some formulas. The percentages tell me how much of a specific ingredient or blend is in the formula.
Firm’s 0.2% is retinol, which ZIIP uses alongside biomimetic growth peptides for the look of fine lines and firmness. Glow’s 3% refers to its blend of three exfoliating acids, and Detox’s 4% is the concentration of niacinamide. I look at the number alongside the ingredient it refers to, and what else is in the formula. With my sensitive skin, how the product feels tells me where it belongs in my routine.
PS: In addition to their electric delivery process (see what I did there), ZIIP formulates the entire range without added fragrance. For those of us with sensitive skin, that is wonderful to hear. While I do love fragrance, flare-ups and breakouts rarely respond well to it in my experience.
My Impressions of the ZIIP Skincare Line
Right off the jump, I will just say that Barrier Boost was my favorite collection, and Clear Serum from the Spot Control collection found a regular place in my routine.
Here is what appealed to me about those formulas and where I see the other products fitting in:
Barrier Boost | for dry and dehydrated skin
If you spend enough time in Las Vegas, a good face cream becomes a subject you can talk about at some length. So, it probably comes as no surprise that the hydration-focused collection was my favorite. My skin drank in both layers, and I liked getting a little extra hydration from the serum and having a properly rich cream to put on over it.
PROVEN ACTIVE | Tranexamic Acid
Targets dark spots and uneven tone
A synthetic form of the amino acid lysine helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and calm visible redness for a more even-looking skin tone.
SUPERCHARGED ACTIVE | Encapsulated Resveratrol
Brightens and calms
A plant-derived antioxidant, stabilized in a protective sugar layer to help visibly brighten, calm, and soothe skin.
On a dry morning, I like having a light serum under my face cream. By the time I get to sunscreen and possibly makeup, there is plenty happening on my face already. Refresh is the lighter of the two Barrier Boost products, so it fits in easily at the beginning.
Hyaluronic acid is also included alongside the two actives for extra hydration; dry skin and very obvious redness tend to show up together on my face, so it makes sense to have a hydrating serum with both concerns in mind.
PROVEN ACTIVE | Bio-Identical Ceramides
Supports the skin barrier
A blend of ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids that mimics the skin’s natural lipids to help replenish and support the skin barrier.
SUPERCHARGED ACTIVE | Activated Moringa
Supports the skin barrier
Calms and soothes
A Moringa Seed Extract that works with the skin’s own protective system to calm and support visible renewal (We love Moringa!! I am growing some in my yard right now.)
Repair has the creamy texture I want when my skin feels dry, and I liked it layered over Refresh. The formula blends three ceramides with cholesterol and a fatty acid. Those are the same types of lipids found in the skin barrier, and ZIIP uses them to help skin hold on to moisture. Magnesium PCA is also included for hydration, alongside the activated moringa seed extract mentioned above.
My practical tip with Repair: let it settle for a minute or two before putting on sunscreen, especially if makeup is next. It can also work as the moisturizer in a routine with a hydrating serum you already like. For me, the two Barrier Boost textures were especially good together. The serum gave me a lighter layer underneath, and the cream had the richness I was looking for.
Spot Control for congestion and excess shine
Congestion and excess shine tend to get lumped together (especially on my face). Clear is the exfoliating step for congestion, and Detox is the moisturizer for a matte finish.
PROVEN ACTIVE | Encapsulated 1.8% Salicylic Acid
Visibly smooths and refines pores
An oil-soluble BHA, encapsulated in a sugar and Niacinamide shell for gentle exfoliation with a reduced risk of irritation.
SUPERCHARGED ACTIVE | Microbiome-Balancing Dendriclear™
Visibly clears and calms
A positively charged molecule made from natural amino acids that targets spots while leaving the beneficial microbiome alone.
After my initial testing, I now use Clear Serum about once a week when my skin feels congested. What I like about having it around is that I can work it in occasionally and keep the rest of my hydrating routine familiar.
ZIIP recommends pressing it into clean, slightly damp skin and keeping other exfoliants out of that routine. I listened to them, and it seemed to work quite well.
The 1.8% salicylic acid in Clear is an oil-soluble BHA that ZIIP uses to exfoliate with clogged pores and excess oil in mind. The brand uses a sugar and niacinamide coating to help it disperse in water.
Clear also contains algae extract and Dendriclear™, an amino-acid-based ingredient with a positive charge. ZIIP designed that charge to interact with certain negatively charged strains of bacteria associated with blemishes. (My little nerd-out from earlier.)
It can be a little tingly, but it is supposed to feel that way. Definitely do not use this every day if you have sensitive skin, but I love it for a once or twice a week all-over treatment.
PROVEN ACTIVE | Niacinamide
Visibly refines pores and evens skin tone
A form of Vitamin B3 that helps balance excess oil, support the skin barrier, and even skin tone.
SUPERCHARGED ACTIVE | Triple-Pathway Peptide
Visibly clears and calms
A peptide developed using computer modelling to target excess oil, clogged pores, and irritation at the same time.
There is a particular kind of Vegas nonsense in having dry feeling skin that can still manage to get shiny. The appeal of Detox for me is the texture; buttery at first and more like a light gel cream as it spreads, with a matte finish. I could see using it on a day when I want a face cream and am skipping exfoliating.
Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, is in the formula at 4%. ZIIP uses it for the look of excess oil and uneven tone. The formula also contains a probiotic ferment complex made from a bacterium originally found in hyssop leaves. ZIIP uses its Triple-Pathway Peptide with oiliness, clogged pores and visible redness in mind.
Ultimately a very nice cream, but if I had to only pick one, I would reach for the Repair moisturizer.
Glass Skin for dullness and uneven texture
When my skin looks a little blah, the Glass Skin collection is what I would reach for. Both products are aimed at radiance, and they have very different textures. Glow is the light, leave-on exfoliant, while Illuminate feels like a properly luxurious face cream.
PROVEN ACTIVE | Gentle Peeling Complex (AHA/PHA/DCA) 3%
Smooths and brightens
A balanced 3% blend of AHA, PHA and DCA that gently exfoliates, hydrates, and visibly smooths skin texture.
SUPERCHARGED ACTIVE | Lectroglaze™
Visibly refines pores and smooths texture
Supports the skin’s microbiome beneficial bacteria, helping increase luminosity and defend against oxidative damage.
Glow was pretty strong, I felt! The serum feels light going on, which is useful to know if you are thinking about how it layers. How an exfoliant feels on my skin is a separate matter.
The 3% is the combined blend of citric acid (AHA), gluconolactone (PHA) and succinic acid (DCA), which ZIIP uses for dullness and uneven texture. There is also the Lectroglaze™ mentioned above, and, not to be outdone, the Vitamin C+ is gold-stabilized and includes glutathione alongside it to help with stability. Science!
I think of Glow when dullness and surface texture are my main concerns. Clear gets my attention when I am more focused on congestion. Glow felt strong enough on me that if my skin is already feeling reactive, I am more comfortable reaching for Barrier Boost.
PROVEN ACTIVE | Encapsulated Apple Complex
Visibly smooths and brightens
An encapsulated Apple Extract that gently exfoliates, brightens, and helps reduce the appearance of dark spots.
SUPERCHARGED ACTIVE | Charged Multi-Mineral Complex
Brightens skin and boosts glow
A complex of Magnesium, Zinc, and Copper paired with molecules the skin can also use for energy, helping visibly improve brighten and smooth skin.
One interesting detail in Illuminate is the upcycled apple extract, which ZIIP carries in tiny lipid capsules it calls exosomes. ZIIP includes it for mild exfoliation and a brighter look. There is also a pomegranate ferment that the brand includes for its exfoliating enzymes.
Both ingredients are worth paying attention to if, like me, you keep track of how many exfoliating products you have going at once. A magnesium, zinc, and copper blend is also included for radiance.
Illuminate and Repair are both rich creams, which is something I like about them. What I want from them depends on the day. If my face feels dry, I prefer the barrier support and moisture retention that Repair is made for. If my skin looks dull and I still want a proper cream, Illuminate is appealing for that reason. ZIIP lists it for morning and evening use.
Pro Collagen for visible fine lines and firmness
Pro Collagen is for those interested in fine lines and the look of firmness, and the serum and cream work on different schedules. Firm is the evening retinol option, while Bounce can fit into a morning or evening routine.
A week with Firm gave me a sense of the texture and where it fits in my evening routine. For changes in firmness or fine lines, I would need more time before reporting back, but I do genuinely think that results are there to be had.
HERO ACTIVE | 0.2% Retinol
Smooths lines and wrinkles
A stabilized form of Vitamin A that helps visibly improve lines, firmness, and skin texture.
SUPERCHARGED ACTIVE | Biomimetic Growth Peptides
Firms and boosts elasticity
Mimics proteins naturally found in the skin to help trigger visible skin renewal.
The serum is lightweight, and ZIIP uses 0.2% retinol, a vitamin A derivative, for the look of fine lines, uneven texture, and firmness. The brand also includes Biomimetic growth peptides modeled on proteins found in skin, as well as Cica-PDRN, made from small pieces of DNA sourced from the Centella Asiatica: the cica plant.
ZIIP directs you to use Firm at night and follow it with moisturizer. They also recommend patch testing and introducing it slowly if your skin is sensitive and wearing sunscreen during the day. As someone whose skin has strong opinions about certain actives, I appreciate knowing exactly where a retinol belongs in the routine.
I am saving this one for my mom, but I suspect I will need it in a few years, hehe.
PROVEN ACTIVE | Encapsulated Collagen Peptide
Firms and boosts elasticity
A six-chain amino acid, designed to mimic damaged human collagen to help support firmness and elasticity.
SUPERCHARGED | Argireline® Amplified Hexapeptide
Visibly smooths expression lines
A six-chain amino acid that helps soften expression lines caused by facial movement.
Bounce feels soft and light and just glides right on. I enjoy a cream with some substance to it, and the texture works for me in the morning. It can also fit during evenings when I decide to skip retinol. That flexibility is a good reason to give Bounce a look if you are mostly interested in a moisturizer.
The collagen peptide is enclosed in a lipid capsule, another example of how ZIIP handles delivery; it aides with the look of firmness. Argireline® Amplified, another peptide, is also included for softer-looking expression lines. The formula also includes Marine Samphire Bioactive, an extract of rock samphire (also called sea fennel) for a smoother, more radiant look.
As far as my own first impressions go, I would say the texture was the part that stood out. Another delightful moisturizer.
Reset Foaming Cleanser | Built around the skin's electrical activity
Gluconolactone (PHA)
Gently resurfaces and exfoliates
A polyhydroxy acid, larger than an AHA for longer, more gentle exfoliation.
Citric Acid (AHA)
Refines texture and brightens
A mild alpha hydroxy acid to gently exfoliate and brighten.
Succinic Acid (DCA)
Balances and smooths
A dicarboxylic acid used for to gently exfoliate and reduce oiliness.
Reset was fine, as cleansers go! It starts as a water-based gel and lathers into a light foam, helping to cleanse away makeup, sunscreen and the day’s buildup. The part I paid attention to: the exfoliating ingredients. It has gluconolactone (a PHA), citric acid (an AHA) and succinic acid (DCA).
If your skin is sensitive to exfoliants, those acids can make Reset a tricky fit, even in a rinse-off step. If I am already planning to use Clear or Glow, I keep that in mind when choosing a cleanser. Given a choice of where to spend my money, I am putting it toward Barrier Boost first.
PS: If your skin barrier is compromised, or you have eczema or dermatitis, ZIIP advises skipping Clear Serum, Glow Serum and Firm Serum. Check the individual directions and patch test new formulas.
These got an upgrade too: stay tuned for my experience with the new and improved ZIIP Halo Gels!
Conclusion
After a month with all nine products, I keep coming back to the Barrier Boost Refresh Serum and Repair Moisturizer. My skin drank in both, and a light serum under a properly rich cream is exactly what I want on a dry Vegas morning.
Clear Serum rounds out my favorites. I reach for it about once a week when my skin feels congested, and I want to feel that tingle. Woo!
Thank you again to ZIIP for sending this fabulous line; I am thoroughly impressed! Although I honestly expected nothing less of a company that made my favorite microcurrent device.
ZIIP Black Friday offer
If you have been eyeing anything from the launch, Black Friday is a good time to buy it.
ZIIP’s skincare offer is currently live, and my code: ATOMIC gives you 20% off site-wide from November 9th through December 6th, 2026.
This is, in my opinion, the best deal on all things ZIIP you’ll find for the year.
Let me know if you snag anything and what you try; I would love to hear which products catch your attention! I sure had fun trying them all out.
Happy self-caring!
Xoxo
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