Get Snakey With Planet Skincare

A while ago I mentioned in passing that I'd been trialling a moisturiser containing snake venom. Before you start imagining that I was up at the aZoo milking our slithery friends, worry not. A new beauty ingredient is making waves, and it's called Sy-nake, synthesised venom from the Temple Viper snake. I wrote a feature about the ingredient for the Sunday Tribune yesterday, and one of the products I mentioned was Planet Skincare's Anti-Ageing Daily Moisturiser.

I've been using it on and off for a couple of months, mostly at night as the lack of SPF means I'm keener to use it when I won't be subject to UV rays - but of course, you can use it with a separate SPF product too. It's very similar to Elemis' Pro Collagen range in texture and smell, and that's thanks to the incredibly moisturising ingredients it contains, in addition to the snakey stuff.

I like this product a lot - it feels luxurious and soothing, but it does tingle a wee bit, meaning you can feel the actives working. Sy-nake is designed to mimic the effect of Botox, but as the Botox molecule is way too big to penetrate the skin unless put there by hypodermic means, naturally you won't get the same effect. You will get a treatment for your whole skin though, and therein lies the advantage. So this is a good buy if you'd like an anti-ager that's moisturising and effective for your entire complexion - oh, and take a look at that blingin' pot too!

The only Irish stockist is Queen, on Dublin's Aungier Street, where a jar will set you back €65. If you'd rather buy online, then head to Planet Skincare.