These days, skincare and beauty products that are paraben-free or organic or all-natural are more common than not. It seems that every launch of a new line offers ingredients that can change your life (or at least, shave some years off your appearance). Serums, toners, primers, misters, brighteners. It’s overwhelming when you’re trying to choose the right one for your skin. And, ultimately, there’s always a drawback: an after-smell that’s a bit too earthy, or a watery consistency that doesn’t go on smoothly, or a vague tingling sensation after application that you think is good—but you’re never really sure.

So, when I heard about a Denver-based line called Sciote—meaning “know thyself” in Latin—which was “a perfect blend of natural, certified-organic ingredients combined with the latest technology and science for visible results,” I was interested, but not overly hopeful of finding my new go-to skin regimen. Of the four skincare categories, I tried the antioxidant-rich Advanced Line (you can also choose from the Peptide + Defense, Vitium Anti-Blemish, and Vitamin C lines) designed to fight fine lines, dullness, and less than perfect skin. For a couple of weeks, I’ve been applying the Retinol Serum and Retinol Crème to my face before bed.

The first thing I noticed: the refreshing, summery scent that didn’t feel too pharmaceutical nor too botanical. The second thing: a smooth, satiny finish that seemed to absorb into my skin without making it oily or tingly or any of the other variety of sensations skin products can cause. The ingredient list in both products looks complex at first glance—antioxidants like retinyl palmitate for cell turnover and thiotic acid for reducing free radicals—but a closer scan shows that organic simmondsia chinensis is really jojoba oil, and butyrospermum parkii is really shea butter. I’m surprised how much I’ve been enjoying my nightly face care ritual.

The one drawback: The alpha hydroxy acid in the serum could elevate your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Translation: Wear sunscreen daily, which should be happening anyway.

So: Does Sciote work? Is it making my complexion more radiant, replenishing my skin’s moisture, erasing the tiny lines creeping under my eyes? I’m not sure. But one co-worker told me, out of the blue the other day, that my skin looked nice. I’ll take that as a good sign.

Find it: Aldo Celeste Studio, 1039 S. Gaylord St., 720-496-8566; Flirt Salon, 1039 S. Gaylord St., 720-570-3540, flirtsalondenver.com; Clove Studios, 1040 S. Gaylord St., Ste. 102, 720-272-7349, clovestudios.com