We all want the miracle product that will visibly reverse signs of aging. And while there are thousands of products that claim one anti-aging benefit or another, how many can truly deliver what they promise? I decided to put this question to the test and challenge one of the most popular skincare brands on the market. Skinceuticals is quickly making a name for itself by combining scientific research, medical-grade testing and simple packaging to become one of the most trusted anti-aging brands in the beauty market. After recruiting fellow beauty lover and SkinCeuticals fan Lynn Deane, we tested three products from the skincare line, mapping out what each product claims and how it worked (or didn’t).
Hydrating B5 Gel
What it is: Daily oil-free moisturizer containing hyaluronic acid and Vitamin B5. Hyaluronic acid works to hydrate the skin while the B5 nourishes it and keeps skin looking and feeling younger. The Hydrating B Gel can be used with other moisturizers to optimize its benefits, and it works well with all skin types. $82
Pros: Great to use when skin is dehydrated, and it even has a plumping effect that fills in fine lines.
Cons: It’s not always necessary to add extra moisture to the face, so using when your skin is not really dry can create an oily look.
What it is: Night treatment combining Vitamin E, resveratrol and baicalin. Resveratrol is a potent antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals, which can cause premature aging, skin cancer and cell death. Baicalin helps protect skin against UV damage, and vitamin E, like resveratrol, helps protect against free radicals. The combination of these three ingredients is supposed to help strengthen skin, diminish visible signs of aging and firm the skin. $152
Pros: Improved skin elasticity and texture, and it works especially well when used with SkinCeuticals Metacell Renewal B.
Cons: Because it works best when paired with Metacell, it can become costly. Ideally, there would be a product that combined both Resveratrol and Metacell to get the effects of both items.
What it is: Daily treatment that combines Vitamin B3, tripeptide concentrate and 15-percent pure glycerin to combat early signs of photoaging, or prematurely aged skin due to light exposure. Photoaging can be caused by geography and lifestyle. The product is supposed to correct skin discoloration and blotchiness, improve skin firmness, deliver intense hydration and increase cell turnover. $110
Pros: Strengthened skin, a tightening effect, and reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Cons: Cost-prohibitive at $110 per 50 ml bottle. It can take a while before results are visible, so you’ll have used much of the product before seeing those benefits.