NIOD MMHC = Best Hydration Serum?

I have reasons to believe that NIOD Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex, aka NIOD MMHC, is the best hydration serum available right now.

Hydration serum is a tricky thing. Yes, the basics we need are just a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Me being a skincare nerd means I want to find an even better routine for my skin.

The NIOD MMHC is a product I have been using on and off for the past two years. Why? Because honestly this is an expensive product (30€ / 15ml, 45€ / 30ml). Given that there are so many other (and cheaper) hydration serums – and the fact that I might get away without using any, I would like to see if I can switch to other products.

What Is NIOD MMHC2?

MMHC2 is the second generation of MMHC. The formula offers a multi-dimensional approach to topical hyaluronic supplementation by combining 15 forms of hyaluronic compounds, hyaluronic precursors and a hyaluronic support technology in a peptide-charged delivery system. It offers water-based hydration and helps skin surface look plump, elastic, comfortable and uniform.

Deciem NIOD site

Their selling point is the 15 forms of hyaluronic acids. Each has its unique properties, sources, and how it should affect the skin. Whether 15 compounds make this product 15 times more effective than others with one type of hyaluronic acid remains to be seen. To see what are the different 15 forms, check out the description on the NIOD MMHC site.

This product’s consistency is very light, easily spreadable, easily absorbed, giving the feeling of hydration without any stickiness.

I also tend to use the term NIOD MMHC & MMHC2 interchangeably in this post. NIOD MMHC is discontinued and upgraded as the MMHC2, and this product is sometimes referred to as MMHC (the bottle labeled Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex – without the ‘2’).

If you’d like to read another explanation of NIOD MMHC ingredients, head over to Beauty and the Biome. There you will also find links to papers related to Hyaluronic Acid.

Why Do I Need a Hydration Serum?

It started last winter when I rediscovered my skin analyzer. I could feel my skin’s texture is less elastic but I thought it was just the weather. When I used the analyzer, it showed that my skin has low hydration (~20%) and high oil (~45%), apparently putting on oils for moisturizing might not be the best solution for me.

At this point, I could try to find a new moisturizer that works better for my skin or introduce a hydration serum into my routine. I prefer to do the latter because it meant I could play around and adjust my skincare routine according to how my skin felt that day.

Also, full disclaimer, I happen to have an unopened bottle of NIOD MMHC in my skincare stash/backup (that I almost forgot about).

Why is NIOD MMHC the best hydration serum (for me)?

Upsides of NIOD MMHC

At the point of writing this post, I have been using NIOD Multi-Molecular Hylauronic Complex for seven weeks in my morning and night routine. NIOD MMHC2 is the best hydrating serum because:

1. It delivers. NIOD MMHC boosts my hydration level. I rarely get low hydration reading from my skin analyzer. Sometimes I still get non-optimal results for my forehead, but the texture+hydration+oil level for my cheek is perfect.
2. Easy to apply. The formula is impressive. While The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid + B5 is sticky, NIOD MMHC2 is not. It absorbs quickly and leaves the skin feeling hydrated.
3. NIOD MMHC layers well with other skincare and makeup, even the high maintenance ones like Beyer & Sohne Dayshade SPF 50. The Dayshade typically piles like crazy whenever used with other hyaluronic acid serums, even the one from the Beyer & Sohne. I have yet to find a product that pills with NIOD MMHC, except when I put too much moisturizer and oil afterward.

Downsides of NIOD MMHC

To be fair, though, this product didn’t come without downsides. The first big one is the price. It’s hard to want to pay 45€ for 30ml when you can find a cheaper hyaluronic acid serum (The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is 6.80€ for 30ml).

Based on my usage (2-3 drops mornings and evenings), the product will last me around 21 weeks – roughly five months, which isn’t that bad (but still!).

The second downside is I can’t seem to wear this as an only moisturizer. Last summer, I did that, and I had flakey skin. This time around, I use it as a booster, adding it to my previous routine.

Conclusion

After a lot of searching, I can say NIOD MMHC = best hydration serum. I couldn’t find cheaper alternatives (yet) and so I will keep using it and repurchase.

As a reference, here are my current morning and evening routine:

Have you tried NIOD Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex? Are you tempted to try it now?

Please note that this review is not sponsored in any way. We buy products ourselves, with our own money, and don’t accept exchanging goods, or money, for reviews. We are completely independent, and our reviews reflect that.