I love this serum. Bought it along with the Fresh Herb Calendula Tincture toner and have been using it for the past 2 months. I use it every night and in the morning I wake up with soft hydrated skin. It's really helped my skin to become more hydrated and refined. Definitely give it a chance if you haven't tried it yet. Regarding the prickling feeling, I've never felt it, at most all I've felt was a slightly tingly feeling. I think it helps that I layer in hydration before the serum with FTE, toner and essences.