The Beginner’s Guide To NIOD
- NIOD stands for Non-Invasive Options in Dermal Science
- 23 products are currently in this brand
- Products range from £22 to £75.00
- Save 20% when you purchase a NIOD Collection
NIOD is The Ordinary’s big sister brand and was actually created before The Ordinary. NIOD can be confusing with all the acronyms and long-winded explanations, but don’t worry; I have you covered. It’s easier to understand once you break it down than The Ordinary – I promise!
If you’re completely new to NIOD, these are the products I’d recommend first:
⭐ CAIS – Best for healthy ageing
⭐ NAAP – Best for skin texture and radiance
What’s in This Beginner’s Guide to NIOD?
New to NIOD? This guide explains everything you need to know before buying your first product.
Inside you’ll find:
✔️ Every NIOD product explained in simple terms
✔️ Which NIOD products are worth buying
✔️ How to build a NIOD skincare routine
✔️ How to layer NIOD products correctly
✔️ Nicola Kilner’s NIOD skincare routine
✔️ Affordable The Ordinary alternatives to NIOD products
✔️ NIOD product conflicts and compatibility
✔️ My reviews, tips and recommendations
Every NIOD Product Explained
If you’ve looked at the NIOD website and wondered “Where do I even start?”, you’re not alone!
With 23 advanced skincare products, NIOD can seem confusing at first. The product names are unusual, but once you understand what each one does, building a routine becomes much easier.
I’ve listed every NIOD product on this page, explaining what it does, who it’s best for and where it fits into your skincare routine.
💙 Want a quick reference? Download my FREE NIOD Product Guide PDF.
NIOD Tips for Beginners
Because NIOD products are more advanced—and more expensive than The Ordinary—it’s worth taking a little time to plan your skincare routine before buying.
Here are a few tips I’ve learnt over the years:
✔️ Don’t buy everything at once. Start with one or two products and build your routine gradually.
✔️ Read reviews before you buy. Check my reviews, the Deciem Chat Room community and Instagram to see how other people have found each product.
✔️ Start with smaller sizes for NIOD masks. If you’re trying one of the NIOD masks for the first time, the smaller size is usually the best value until you know you love it.
✔️ Buy larger sizes of your favourites. If you’re purchasing MMHC2 or CAIS, the larger bottles generally offer much better value for money.
✔️ Don’t stockpile Copper Peptide products. From experience, I’ve found that CAIS and other copper peptide formulas can gradually change from their beautiful blue colour to dark grey or black if stored for long periods.
✔️ Remember the PAO. Most NIOD products have a Period After Opening (PAO) of 6 months, so it’s better to buy only what you’ll realistically use within that time.All The NIOD Products
NIOD Products
CLICK for all the NIOD Products
- NIOD HECS, Hydro-Ester Cleaning System
- NIOD SDEM Superoxide Dismutase 3 Enzyme Mist
- NIOD SDSM2 Superoxide Dismutase Saccharide Mist
- NIOD CAIL1% – CAIL Copper Amino Isolate Lipid
- NIOD CAIS3 Copper Amino Isolate Serum
- NIOD MMHC2 Multi Molecular Hyaluronic Complex
- NIOD MG Modulating Glucosides
- NIOD FM Flavanone Mud Masque
- NIOD VM Voicemail Masque
- NIOD MC Myrrh Clay Masque
- NIOD HV Hydration Vaccine
- NIOD LBLC Lip Bio Lipid Concentrate
- NIOD FECC Fractionated Eye Contour Concentrate
- NIOD NEC Neck Elasticity Catalyst
- NIOD ELAN Ethylated L-Ascorbic Acid Network
- NIOD NAAP Non-Acid Acid Precursor 15%
- NIOD RP Re: Pigment
- Photography Fluid 8%
- Photography Fluid 12%
- NIOD Survival 0, 10, 20 & 30
NIOD HECS, Hydro-Ester Cleaning System
NIOD HECS Hydro-Ester Cleaning System – Click for how to use, layer, conflicts, size & price.
| NIOD HECS Hydro-Ester Cleaning System |
|---|
| A lipid-rich facial cleanser to purify, remove makeup and replenish hydration all in one minute. |
| Directions: Use morning and/or evening. Massage onto your dry face for a minute or so, then add some warm water and continue to massage. Then rinse. This isn´t like NIOD LVCE and you don´t really need a cloth. |
| NIOD HECS Conflicts: No conflicts listed at the moment but keep check here |
| How to use NIOD HECS HECS + SDEM |
| Size: 120ml |
| Buy Now |
| Read More about NIOD HEICS |
NIOD SDEM Superoxide Dismutase 3 Enzyme Mist
NIOD SDEM Superoxide Dismutase 3 Enzyme Mist – Click for how to use, layer, conflicts, size & price.
| A protective antioxidant face mist that prevents visible skin damage before it occurs, with SOD3 technology. This product targets Antioxidant Support, Dryness, Signs of Aging, Look of Redness, Uneven Skin Tone. |
| Directions: Use Morning & Evening directly after cleansing |
| NIOD SDEM Conflicts: No conflicts listed at the moment but keep check here |
| How to layer NIOD SDEM LVCE/SS + SDEM |
| Size: 50ml & 120ml |
| Buy Now |
| Read More about NIOD SDEM |
NIOD CAIL1% – CAIL Copper Amino Isolate Lipid
NIOD CAIL 1% Copper Amino Isolate Lipid – Click for how to use, layer, conflicts, size & price.
| NIOD CAIL1% Copper Amino Isolate Lipid |
|---|
| CAIL1% is designed to be used on its own after cleansing. It targets overall healthy-looking skin with the additional benefits of building and enhancing skin barrier function & elasticity. |
| Directions: Use PM. Apply a very small amount to the face & neck in the evening. |
| NIOD CAIL Conflicts: Check NIOD conflicts here. |
| How to layer NIOD CAIL1% LVCE/SS + CAIL LVCE/SS + CAIL + MMHC2 |
| Size: 15ml PAO 6M |
| Pro Tip: If you are looking for the most simple routine, this product is for you. |
| Read More about NIOD CAIL1% |
NIOD CAIS3 Copper Amino Isolate Serum
NIOD CAIS 3 1:1 Copper Amino Isolate Serum – Click for how to use, layer, conflicts, size & price.
| NIOD CAIS 3 1:1 Copper Amino Isolate Serum |
|---|
| A highly focused effort to maintain healthy-looking skin, this pro-repair, pro-collagen serum offers a novel approach to target all signs of skin ageing. |
| Directions: Use AM & PM. Use as the first step after cleansing. |
| NIOD CAIS Conflicts: Check NIOD conflicts here. |
| How to layer NIOD CAIS3: LVCE/SS + CAIS3 + MMHC2 |
| Size: 15ml & 30ml PAO 6M |
| Pro Tip! Don’t store this one for too long before opening. |
| Read More about NIOD CAIS |
NIOD MMHC2 Multi Molecular Hyaluronic Complex
NIOD MMHC2 Multi Molecular Hyaluronic Complex – Click for how to use, layer, conflicts, size & price.
| NIOD MMHC2 Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex |
|---|
| MMHC2 has 15 forms of hyaluronic compounds, helps the skin surface look plump, elastic, comfortable, and uniform. |
| Directions. Use AM & PM. If used separately, apply MMHC after cleansing before the application of other skin treatments. |
| Conflicts:Check NIOD conflicts here. |
| How to layer NIOD MMHC2 LVCE/SS + CAIS + MMHC2 |
| Size: 15ml & 30ml. PAO: 6M |
| Pro Tip: The 30ml is much better value than the 15ml! |
| Read More about NIOD MMHC2 |
NIOD MG Modulating Glucosides
NIOD MG Modulating Glucosides- Click for how to use, layer, conflicts, size & price.
| NIOD MG Modulating Glucosides |
|---|
| A concentrated emulsion to target signs of skin sensitivity, discomfort & irritation. This serum reduces the look of redness, itching, and irritation while helping to target stinging sensations. |
| Directions: Use AM & PM after CAIS & before MMHC2 if using the Core Regimen. If not using CAIS, apply directly after cleansing. |
| NIOD MG Conflicts: Check NIOD conflicts here. |
| How to layer NIOD MG LVCE/SS + CAIS + MG + MMHC2 |
| Size: 30ml PAO 6M |
| Read more about NIOD MG |
NIOD MASQUES
NIOD FM Flavanone Mud Masque
NIOD FM FLAVANONE MUD – Click for how to use, layer, conflicts, size & price.
| Flavanone Mud masque is great for congested and dull skin. |
| Directions: Use once a week. Clean skin with LVCE and/or water. Apply a thin layer of Flavanone Mud to the dry face avoiding the lower & upper eyelids. Leave for 10 mins then rinse thoroughly with warm water. A strong temporary stinging sensation will occur especially after the product has been rinsed off. |
| NIOD FM Conflicts: Check NIOD conflicts here. |
| Size: 50ml & 100ml PAO: 6M |
| Pro Tip: Try the 5 day accelerated method to kick start using this product! If you use numerous masks, then I would suggest purchasing the smaller size. |
NIOD VM Voicemail Masque
NIOD VM Voicemail Masque- Click for how to use, layer, conflicts, size & price.
| VM is a nighttime leave-on masque treatment that fights many of the signs associated with impaired cellular communication. VM is not recommended for very oily skin types. |
| How to layer NIOD VM LVCE/SS + CAIS + MMHC2 + VM |
| NIOD VM Conflicts:Check NIOD conflicts here. |
| Size: 50ml PAO: 6M |
| Read more about NIOD VM |
NIOD MC Myrrh Clay Masque
MYRRH CLAY (MC)
| A treatment masque that visibly firms the skin. |
| Directions: Use once a week on clean, dry skin. Apply a thin layer to the entire face. Leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. |
| How to layer NIOD MC LVCE/SS + MC |
| Size: 50ml PAO 6M |
| Pro Tip: If you use numerous masks, buy the smaller size. Read More about NIOD MC |
NIOD Cleansers, Mists & Hydration
NIOD SDSM2 Superoxide Dismutase Saccharide Mist
NIOD SDSM Superoxide Dismutase Saccharide Mist
| NIOD SDSM Superoxide Dismutase Saccharide Mist |
|---|
| A dermal treatment mist–not to be classified mistakenly as a “toner”–that acts as a fundamental daily force against oxidative stress, water loss, and the look of inflammation. |
| Directions: Apply morning and evening to face and neck after cleaning before the application of other treatments. If used as part of a NIOD regimen, apply after LVCE and/or SS, but before CAIS. |
| Conflicts: Check NIOD conflicts here. |
| How to layer NIOD SDSM2 LVCE/SS + SDSM2 + CAIS/CAIL |
| Size: 240ml PAO 6M |
| Read more about NIOD SDSM |
NIOD HV Hydration Vaccine
NIOD HV Hydration Vaccine
| NIOD HV Hydration Vaccine |
|---|
| A hydration seal for the skin that helps protect against loss of Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF), and supplements the skin’s own moisturizing factors. |
| Directions: Apply a small amount all over the face in the AM & PM after serums (ideally CAIS and MMHC) but before the application of any other creams and/or sunscreen formulations. |
| How to layer NIOD HV Cleanse + CAIS + MMHC2 + HV |
| Conflicts:Check NIOD conflicts here. |
| Size: 50ml & 100ml PAO 6M |
| Read More |
NIOD Lip Products
NIOD LBLC Lip Bio Lipid Concentrate
| NIOD LBLC Lip Bio Lipid Concentrate |
|---|
| A comprehensive treatment to improve the looks of lip colour, volume, texture, softness, and contour, combining a wide borrowing from peptide technology and biotechnology. |
| Directions: Shake well. Apply with your fingertips to both upper and lower lips twice daily for 30 days initially. Reduce application to once per day thereafter. |
| Conflicts:Check NIOD conflicts here. |
| Warnings: This product comes with a lot of warnings and must be patch tested and only used on the lip. Please read the instructions on the NIOD website. |
| Size: 15ml PAO 6M |
NIOD Eye Products
NIOD FECC Fractionated Eye Contour Concentrate
| NIOD FECC Fractionated Eye Contour Concentrate |
|---|
| Target visible ageing (both upper eyelids and lower eyelids) including the looks of dynamic lines, static lines, fine superficial under-eye lines loss of elasticity, dark circles, puffiness, and textural unevenness with positive visible results starting within 3 days and improving into 8 weeks with continued use. |
| Target visible ageing (both upper and lower eyelids), including the appearance of dynamic lines, static lines, fine superficial under-eye lines, loss of elasticity, dark circles, puffiness, and textural unevenness. With continued use, positive visible results will start within 3 days and improve into 8 weeks. |
| Conflicts: Check NIOD conflicts here. |
| Size: 15ml Once opened use within 6 months |
Neck Products
NIOD NEC Neck Elasticity Catalyst
| NIOD NEC Neck Elasticity Catalyst |
|---|
| With technologies that respect the elasticity protein—or elastin—and elastic fibres for a direct increase in the look of elasticity. |
| Directions: Use AM & PM to neck & lower face. If using HV, apply HV after NEC. If not using Core Regimen, apply after serums but before any heavier creams. |
| How to layer NIOD NEC Cleanse + CAIS + MMHC2 + NEC + HV + (heavy creams if using) |
| Conflicts: Check NIOD conflicts here. |
| Size: 50ml & 100ml PAO 6M |
| Pro Tip! This is available in 50ml & 100ml. 100ml is better value but be sure you will use it up in the recommended time once opened. |
NIOD Vitamin C Products
NIOD ELAN Ethylated L-Ascorbic Acid Network
| NIOD ELAN Ethylated L-Ascorbic Acid Network |
|---|
| This highly concentrated network complex combines a 30% concentration of highly-stable Ethylated L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) in Superoxide Dismutase’s antioxidant network Selenium and Zinc to support a strong fight against oxidation. |
| Directions: Apply ELAN to face at night-time only, avoiding contact with eyes. ELAN contains a novel solvent for optimal penetration and, while it’s oil-free, may feel slightly oily for about 1 minute after application. This feeling will disappear quickly as there is no oil in the formulation. |
| NIOD ELAN Conflicts: Check NIOD conflicts here. |
| Size: 30ml PAO 6M |
NIOD Acid (non-acid) Products
NIOD NAAP Non-Acid Acid Precursor 15%
| NIOD NAAP Non-Acid Acid Precursor 15% |
|---|
| Instead of using direct acids like AHA/BHA or retinoids that are common in skincare, NAAP uses fermentation bio-derivatives and amino isolates that act as precursors to skin-compatible acids, encouraging visible radiance and visible surface regularity without the redness and inflammation associated with acids. |
| Directions: Apply a few drops at bedtime to the face avoiding the immediate eye areas. If used as part of a NIOD regimen, apply after CAIS and MMHC but before HV. If used along with ELAN, apply after ELAN. |
| How to layer NIOD NAAP LVCE/SS + CAIS + MMHC2 + NAAP + HV |
| Conflicts: Check NIOD conflicts here. |
| Size: 30ml PAO 6M |
NIOD Pigmentation Products
NIOD RP Re: Pigment
| NIOD RP Re: Pigment |
|---|
| This formula visibly counteracts both uneven pigmentation, such as spots, and overall pigmentation issues through several pathways. |
| Directions: Use AM & PM. Shake lightly. If used as part of a NIOD regimen, apply after CAIS but before MMHC. |
| How to layer NIOD RP Re:Pigment LVCE/SS + CAIS + RP + MMHC2 |
| Conflicts: Check NIOD conflicts here. |
| Size: 15ml & 30ml PAO 6M |
Photography Fluids
NIOD PF8% Photography Fluid 8%
Photography Fluid 8%
| Photography Fluid 8% |
|---|
| Directions: Apply instead of or under a liquid foundation to balance out undesirable colour tones and skin imperfections. This formula can also be mixed with other products for subtle hue correction. |
| Directions: Apply instead of or under liquid foundation to balance out undesirable colour tones and skin imperfections. This formula can also be mixed with other products for subtle hue correction. |
| Size: 30ml PAO 6M |
| It is a novel approach to creating a foundation for skin that reflects even radiance in life specifically through the camera lens. The 8% gives a lovely light, tan glow look. See all details here. |
NIOD PF12% Photography Fluid 12%
Photography Fluid 12%
| Photography Fluid 12% |
|---|
| Directions: Apply this formula instead of liquid foundation for natural-looking radiance with a hint of translucent tan. It can also be used under, over, or mixed with liquid foundation if coverage is desired. |
| Directions: Apply this formula instead of liquid foundation for natural-looking radiance with a hint of translucent tan. It can also be used under, over, or mixed with liquid foundation if coverage is desired. You need to play around with these and find a way that works for you and your skin. |
| Size: 30ml PAO 6M |
NIOD Survival Range
NIOD S0, 10, 20, 30
| Directions: Apply to the face liberally to help support the environmental defence in the absence of material UV exposure (in the evenings). Designed for all skin tones. This product does not offer protection against UVA or UVB rays. |
|---|
| Designed for nighttime use by all skin tones. Offers no UV Protection. |
| Directions: Apply to face liberally to help support the environmental defence in the absence of material UV exposure (in the evenings). Designed for all skin tones. This product does not offer protection against UVA or UVB rays. |
| Conflicts: Check NIOD conflicts here. |
| Size: 30ml PAO 6M |
| NIOD S10, S20, S30 |
|---|
| S10 for darker skin tones S20 for medium to darker skin tones S30 for all skin tones. |
| Directions: Shake well before use. Apply to the face liberally 20 minutes before UV exposure. To maintain protection during continued UV exposure, reapply every 2 hours or after material water exposure, towel-drying, swimming, or extensive perspiration. |
| Conflicts:Check NIOD conflicts here. |
| Size: 30ml | PAO 6M |
How to layer NIOD – What order do I apply NIOD?
This is just a guide to the order of application. If you’re not using SDSM or one of the other products, just leave it out. Copper always goes directly after cleansing and before any other water-based product.
- LVCE/SS + SDSM2 + CAIS3 + MMHC2 + HV
- NIOD LVCE/SS + SDSM2 + CAIL + MMHC2
- LVCE/SS + SDSM2 + CAIS3 + MMHC2 + Moisturiser
- NIOD LVCE/SS + SDSM2 + CAIS3 + MG + MMHC2
- LVCE/SS + SDSM2 + CAIS3 + MMHC2 + NEC + HV
- NIOD LVCE/SS + SDSM2 + CAIS3 + MMHC2 + NAAP + HV
Nicola Kilner’s (CEO of Deciem) Skincare Routine
Nicola Kilner, CEO of Deciem, shared her At-Home routine, which is what she uses. You can watch Nicola Kilner talking about her skincare routine on YouTube. She looks fantastic, especially for a mum of a one-year-old and a one-month-old. The way she talks about the products really makes you want to try them all – go watch the video, and I bet you’ll be searching NIOD NAAP :).
- Hylamide Cleanser (discontinued)
- NIOD CAIS
- MMHC2 Multi Molecular Hyaluronic Complex
- NAAP Non-acid Acid Precursor 15%
- FECC Fractionated Eye Contour Concentrate
- The Ordinary Caffeine Solution
- NIOD S30*
NIOD Conflicts & Targets
Here you can find all the products you should not use with NIOD products. The NIOD conflicts chart.
Looking for Affordable NIOD Alternatives?
Love the science behind NIOD but shopping on a budget?
Many NIOD products have excellent The Ordinary alternatives, allowing you to build a similar skincare routine at a lower price. While the formulas aren’t always identical, many target the same skin concerns and work beautifully together.
👉 Compare The Ordinary vs NIOD to discover which products are worth upgrading and where you can save money.
Where to Buy NIOD & Find the Best Discounts
Because NIOD is a premium skincare brand, it’s worth shopping around before you buy.
I regularly update the latest NIOD discounts, offers and promotions from authorised Deciem retailers, including Skinstore US and Lookfantastic, so you can save money while knowing you’re buying genuine products.
👉 See the latest NIOD discounts and offers.
How Long Do NIOD Products Last Once Opened?
Most NIOD products have a Period After Opening (PAO) of 6 months, meaning they should ideally be used within six months of opening for the best performance.
Before buying several products at once, it’s worth checking the PAO so you know you’ll have time to use everything before it expires.
👉 View the complete NIOD PAO Guide.
New to NIOD? Read these next:
⭐ Which NIOD products should I buy first?
⭐ Nicola Kilner’s NIOD skincare routine
⭐ NIOD PAO (How long products last)
Final Thoughts on NIOD
If you’re new to NIOD, don’t feel you need to buy the entire range at once.
Start with one or two products that target your main skin concerns, use them consistently, and build your routine gradually. Whether you choose MMHC2 for hydration, CAIS for healthy ageing or FECC for the eye area, NIOD offers some of the most innovative skincare formulas available.
I hope this Beginner’s Guide to NIOD has helped you understand the range and decide which products are right for you.
If you’ve tried NIOD, I’d love to hear about your experience. Join thousands of skincare enthusiasts in the Deciem Chat Room and share your favourite NIOD products, routines and recommendations.
The Beginner’s Guide To NIOD
I hope you have found The Beginner´s Guide To NIOD useful. On that note, we invite you to share your personal experiences of NIOD and how the products you used as a beginner. Join the conversation and become a part of our community in The Deciem Chat Room.
