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This Dr Sebagh serum gave my skin an instant glow

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There’s a rising number of skincare buys containing similar components to in-clinic aesthetic treatments, such as topical PDRN serums that contain polynucleotides. The latest is Dr Sebagh’s exo c booster, a new serum containing plant-derived exosomes, bio-synthesised collagen and vitamin C.

While vitamin C and collagen components are known for offering brightening benefits and supporting hydration, exosomes are said to help promote cellular regeneration and collagen stimulation. With this being the first product in Dr Sebagh’s skincare line to contain plant-derived exosomes, it is an at-home counterpart to the formula being used during the brand founder’s in-clinic aesthetic treatments.

As a 42-year-old beauty journalist always looking for straightforward buys that can help with overall skin health, this latest launch piqued my interest. With its clinical benefits claiming to range from skin rejuvenation to accelerated wound healing and reduction of inflammation, the booster is billed as a base layer to enhance the performance of any other skincare applied on top.

But could it make a difference to my skin? As a busy mum continually seeking accessible skincare solutions, I put it to the test.

Read more: We tried Kiehl’s new sunscreen in a heatwave

The exo c booster is a new addition to Dr Sebagh’s advanced ageing-maintenance skincare range (Helen Wilson-Beevers)

Read more: Renew+Me, reviewed by a beauty expert

Presented in a glass bottle with a pipette applicator, the booster has a notably pearlescent finish. This is due to its white mother of pearl component. As well as bringing a luxury vibe to the serum that is reflected in the £68 price tag, I found it adds an instantly glowy luminosity to skin.

Adding a couple of drops to cleansed skin, I used it in the morning and evening. The lightweight liquid easily spreads across skin, leaving a sheer finish. While the inclusion of vitamin C can make my sensitive skin tingle a little, there was no irritation whatsoever with this product. I saw a gently hydrating effect, rather than the serum being an overtly glossy or greasy layer. It also absorbs well into skin, with no lingering residue.

As well as the exosomes, vitamin C and collagen, the exo c booster also contains anti-oxidant ferulic acid and adenosine and glycogen which are said to support the skin barrier and help reduce dynamic wrinkles. While I’m sceptical about any claims that topical skincare can change wrinkles – due to their deep-set nature and the environmental and biological factors involved – hydration-promoting skincare that helps protect the skin barrier can temporarily improve their appearance. The serum does have a smoothing effect, which helps make the tone of my skin appear more even, too.

Because of the immediate radiance it creates, the booster is a brilliant primer underneath make-up as well as being a brightening layer to give tired skin a lift on those bare face days. While I can’t comment on changes to rejuvenation after a fortnight’s use, I’m keen to keep using the booster to see how my skin fares. It’s a great go-to for a vitamin C serum with a difference, and I’m very impressed by the fresh radiance I’ve noted so far.

Is Dr Sebagh’s exo c booster worth it?

With Dr Sebagh’s exo c booster containing a range of potent skincare ingredients, I was happy to see an immediate glow and brightness which continued with further use. While it has a premium price point, the results were noticeable and I’m keen to keep using the serum to chart any long-term improvement. I’ve seen no irritation, either. If you’re looking for a brightening serum with the addition of exosomes, collagen and vitamin C to help promote healthy skin, I’d recommend trying this product.

How I tested Dr Sebagh’s exo c booster

I spent two weeks testing Dr Sebagh’s exo c booster, applying it daily to cleansed skin. During this testing time, I looked at the product’s formula, key ingredients, skincare benefits and how it felt on my skin both immediately after application and several days on. I assessed the product, based on the following:

  • Formula: I considered the booster’s key ingredients and potential skincare benefits as well as the product’s overall texture and consistency.

  • Application: I applied the serum-style booster onto cleansed skin, daily. I noted how it felt on bare skin and underneath make-up.

  • Results: I looked at any improvements to my skin after initial application and with continued use. I continued whether there was a difference to the radiance and brightness of my skin, as well as noting whether any irritation occurred. I also considered whether I’d keep using the product long-term.

Why you can trust IndyBest reviews

Helen Wilson-Beevers is a beauty journalist who has been testing skincare products for over a decade. Within this time, she has given her honest verdict about a range of brands including The Inkey List, Perricone MD and CeraVe. As a 42-year-old with dry skin that’s prone to irritation, she’s an expert at finding the best products with anti-ageing benefits to suit sensitive types.

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Slow_Cooker_Boston_Butt_Recipe

Slow Cooker Boston Butt Recipe (Instant Pot Option)

Growing up and living in the south, I’m pretty familiar with pork barbecue. I’m also familiar with the fact that most barbecue places rely on high fructose corn syrup and other non-foods in their sauce. This Boston butt pork roast recipe avoids all that and simply uses delicious, whole food ingredients for the best taste. 

Boston butt is one of the easiest cuts of pork to cut and it’s also one of the most affordable. I’ve been able to find Boston butt from pastured pork at great prices, and slow cooking this recipe makes it incredibly tender. Boston butt roast in the Crockpot is also an easy recipe on days when you’re out of the house all day and need dinner to be ready when you get home. With a houseful of kids and teens in sports that happens a lot around here!

How to Serve Boston Butt Roast

For our family, one Boston butt roast lasts for about 3 meals with all of the leftovers. It’s a tasty source of protein and tastes good on its own, or repurposed into other dishes. We’ve done barbecue omelets with the leftovers. It also tastes great in tacos or for a protein-rich salad. 

I like the roast alongside almost any kind of potato or vegetable dish. It’s also great with some sourdough bread, rice, or salad. Try it with some sweet potato fries, savory stuffed sweet potatoes, or roasted Brussel sprouts. Here’s a tip: batch cook some roasted whole sweet potatoes to pull out of the fridge for a fast meal. Throw some Boston butt roast BBQ on top and you’ve got an easy meal!

 Use leftovers for tacos, nachos, baked potatoes, lettuce wraps, or breakfast hash.

Tips For the Best Boston Butt Roast Recipe

Store any leftovers in the remaining juices for the best flavor and tenderness. If you ever need to freeze it, freeze it with the liquid too. This protects the texture when it thaws.

If there’s too much liquid for you after cooking, then there’s an easy fix. Simmer for 10–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reduces and looks glossy and slightly thick. It should coat a spoon, not run like broth.

This recipe is great for meal prepping. Use leftovers for tacos, nachos, baked potatoes, lettuce wraps, or even breakfast hash.

Slow Cooker Boston Butt Recipe

An easy slow cooker Boston Butt with flavorful spices, fruity pineapple, and smoky barbecue.

  • Thinly slice the onions and place them in the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.

  • Rinse the Boston butt and place it on top of the onions.

  • Sprinkle with spices.

  • Pour the whole can of pineapple over it. If using fresh pineapple, peel, core, and thin chop the pineapple and place over pork.

  • Add the apple cider vinegar.

  • Put the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 10-12 hours or until fork tender. Don’t open until at least 8 hours and then check for tenderness.

  • ?After cooking, shred the pork.

  • Spoon out ½ -1 cup cooking liquid and simmer with the BBQ sauce for 5–10 minutes. Pour the liquid back into the pork and stir to coat.

Nutrition Facts

Slow Cooker Boston Butt Recipe

Amount Per Serving

Calories 585
Calories from Fat 277

% Daily Value*

Fat 30.8g47%

Saturated Fat 11.3g71%

Cholesterol 167mg56%

Sodium 1196mg52%

Carbohydrates 30.9g10%

Fiber 1.9g8%

Sugar 23.9g27%

Protein 44.1g88%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Try leftovers on top of salads or in omelettes for breakfast!

Instant Pot Boston Butt Recipe

The recipe above is for slow cooker Boston butt, but you can easily modify it for the Instant Pot. 

Instant Pot Instructions

  1. Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté. Add a small splash of oil and cook the sliced onions for 3–4 minutes until softened. Press Cancel.
  2. Place the Boston butt roast on top of the onions. Sprinkle evenly with all the spices.
  3. Pour the crushed (or fresh chopped) pineapple and apple cider vinegar over the pork. Add ½ cup of water or broth to help the Instant Pot come to pressure.
  4. Secure the lid and set the valve to Sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 75 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 20–30 minutes, then release any remaining pressure.
  5. Remove the pork and shred with two forks.
  6. Turn the Instant Pot back to Sauté and simmer the cooking liquid for 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened.
  7. Stir in the barbecue sauce and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
  8. Return the shredded pork to the pot, toss to coat, and serve.

Are you a barbecue fan? What’s your secret recipe? Please share below!

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