Some of the Best & New
ANTI-AGING SERUMS
By Deborah Ferguson
The most important step in my daily skincare routine is including a serum.
Due to all the exciting new releases and advanced technology, it was time to try some new products. I tested received samples over a period of 5 months to see the actual, authentic results on my mature skin. I like spending time researching brands, ultimately my edit is based on a few factors; efficacy, quality, results, company ethics, and value. As serums can be one of the most expensive products to add to your skincare routine.
Serum at any age is important to use to protect your skin from free radicals like UVA damage and the daily harmful air pollutants. Not only is it ideal to slow the aging process, but I see it as an investment for the long-term health of my skin.
I’d Rather buy an expensive result-driven serum that enhances my skin’s vitality and minimizes the signs of aging, rather than overspend on Botox and anti-aging facials that have temporary effects on minimizing lines. I do support Botox, and Dysport when used in conjunction to an effective skincare routine, but not in place of.
Botanical or lab-formulated serum can be expensive, however, the long-term payoff is well worth it. I have tested 8 serums, some of which my board-certified dermatologist has suggested and some we both haven’t tried until now.
Retrouve Nutrient Face Serum
A unisex anti-aging face serum created by the iconic Jami Heidegger. Her deep knowledge of result-driven, antiaging skincare heralds from her father’s and grandfathers’ skincare brand Kiehl’s.
The Nutrient Face Serum has a light to medium texture, it absorbs well into the skin with a light residual sheen, along with a skin-plumping, lifting effect. I wear it alone with the Eye concentrate under sunscreen and foundation due to its light moisturizing effect. This serum is both moisturizing and a great skin preparation pre-makeup, ensuring a lasting stay effect with makeup. It has also been highlighted as an after-shave serum for men, to minimize redness, and sensitivity one might have to shave creams. The key ingredients of this vitamin-infused hydrating bland include THD Ascorbate (Vitamin C derivative), Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), White Tea, and Ceramide NG. As they produce their skincare in small batches using added ingredients sourced from their farm in Malibu, products sell out fast. I recommend the large and travel size (TSA approved) so one is never short of these incredible skincare products.
Lastly, I recommend for dry skin and the ultimate anti-aging overnight treatment: after using the Retrouve cleanser, apply the serum then add the Intensive Replenishing Facial Moisturizer, and the Revitalizing Eye Concentrate Skin Hydrator
SYMBIOME THE ANSWER Reparative serum
SYMBIOME is an exciting new sustainable, science-backed skincare line formulated with minimal ingredients that are sourced mainly from the Amazon Forest. Their manifesto “The things you put on your skin should be balanced and simple and retain the biological integrity of the natural ingredients that went into them. “-Vicki Levine co-founder of SYMBIOME
This revolutionary serum has regenerative exosomes and peptides which aim to create collagen reproduction, cellular regeneration, and skin elasticity.
I used 3 drops and massaged into my skin after cleansing, the light gel-like texture, absorbed immediately into my skin. The formula is so gentle and almost invisible after it absorbs. My skin felt luminous, nourished, and ready for the next layer of moisture. It’s a rich regenerative serum, activating your skin’s ability to restore itself, while reducing fine lines, and speeding the healing process of post-procedures like micro-needling and breakouts.
This serum’s six ingredients are natural, 50% is ethically sourced stem cell conditioned media.
I recommend it for all ages with dry sensitive skin.
EVE LOM Radiance Repair Retinol Serum
This new advanced retinol serum is formulated for mature skin, a gently potent product.
The serum has a luxurious oil, featherweight texture, which is immediately absorbed into my skin. I understand why this product has a lot of fans. My skill felt softened hydrated and smooth. The 1 % retinol combined with Licorice extract is not only amazing at minimizing my fine lines but great to also reduce my acne scarring, all while improving my skin’s barrier function for up to 12 hours. Another note on this amazing serum is that it doesn’t pill, so it’s great under moisturizers and my foundation.
The key result-driven ingredients: liposome encapsulated retinol, microbiome re-balancing prebiotic oat kernel ferment which reduces inflammation and is fortified with exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids work together for an overall brighter, plumper skin texture. I recommend blending a few drops into the Eve Lom the Retreat Night Cream for a maximum anti-ageing nighttime treatment. I also recommend using the Eve Lom Daily Protection SPF 50 US sunscreen during the day when using this retinol serum. This dermatologically tested, Vegan serum is ideal for mature, combination skin.
Noble Panacea: The Absolute Intense Renewal Serum
Before I share my review of this award-winning serum, I’d like to note that I’m a huge fan of their chic refillable, sustainable packaging and perfectly measured Daily dose of product in a small recyclable packet. The Daily dose preserves the purity of the product, enabling a concentrated dose when applying Not only does this serum and their other products deliver excellent results they are the ultimate for traveling, gym beauty kit, and or keep in your bag for a refresh.
Noble Pancea was founded by Sir Fraser Stoddart a 2016 Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry. His many dedicated years of research and commitment to organic green chemistry have led to a line of result-driven products launched in 2019. The cornerstone of the brand is Mr. Stoddart’s great discovery of Organic Super Molecular Vessel ™ technology. The formula for this outstanding serum supports skin renewal, is anti-aging, aids in minimizing hyperpigmentation, and nourishes your skin. The molecules from retinol stimulate skin cell renewal, for smoother, skin, tight pores, and minimizing fine lines. The rooibos, green, white, and black teas work as an antioxidant and hydrates. This well-rounded serum is ideal for sensitive skin in which other retinol products may irritate.
The Absolute Intense Renewal Serum is one of the few serums I’ve tried where the price matches the results. The small packet contained enough serum to apply to my face and neck once a day as a night treatment.
The serum concentrate: a medium to light texture was very easy to apply with a rapid absorption into my skin. It’s nonirritating, fragrance-free, and It remained somewhat invisible on my skin and ready for their Rejuvenation Night Balm moisturizer. The results I experienced were the softening of fine lines, my skin texture was smooth, noticed hyperpigmentation was starting to diminish. Overall, a subtle, healthy glow I’ve only ever experienced after a hydrating, antiaging facial.
CHANEL: LE LIFT PRO CONCENTRE CONTOURS
CHANEL has been evolving new anti-aging skincare products over the last 3 years, all of which support the luxury experience of using their iconic products as well-advanced research into high-powered eco-conscious ingredients. Their labs have moved towards natural, botanical ingredients, and the open sky lab concept.
One of their recent 2022 launches is the Le LIFT PRO collection. The Concentre Contours is formulated in the open sky laboratory in Costa Rica. Sourcing a result-driven natural local, yet very precious ingredient Melipona enzymatic. This key ingredient is precious honey sourced from a supplier developed in partnership with Alianza Campesina Flora Nueva. Along with the key ingredient, biopolymer for the immediate tightening effect, and 2 forms of hyaluronic acid for long-lasting hydration.
I used the 3 products including the serum to experience the overall effect. My skin felt a lot more toned, tighter pores, as well as a smooth, silky feel to my skin.
I did use the suggested LE LIFT PRO massaging tool, which was quite a soothing, therapeutic experience while massaging the serum into my skin.
I do think this tool is essential for the full benefits. After this process, I applied the LE LIFT PRO CRÈME VOLUME face cream. My skin felt plumped, sculpted, deeply nourished, and hydrated.
TOM FORD Research Serum Concentrate
Considering the breaking news in Tom Ford sold his Beauty and Fashion Brand to Estee Lauder, I feel it’s somewhat urgent to share a review of this product before it’s reformulated and or deleted from his skincare product line. Tom Ford takes skincare seriously; creating his own lab adjacent to Estee Lauder labs was a reaction to not finding skincare products that met his strict requirements. He worked alongside top scientists to ensure the results were transformative. Tom Ford Research products are unisex and for all skin types. My review is based on a 2-week use of the Serum Concentrate.
I applied a very small amount twice a day targeting problematic areas with lines, under my eyes, around my mouth, and on my forehead. I experienced instant line minimizing, not an extreme result but enough to say the key rare, ingredients do guarantee results. Is it worth the high price? Yes, as the results and experience are equal to the cost. And the luxurious bottle with the magnet cap makes it, like all Tom Ford’s skincare and Perfume bottles: a collectible.
The trio of key ingredients are considered advanced and the result was driven; White porcelain cocoa, caffeine, and gyokuro. The white porcelain cacao is a very rare cocoa (less than .5% of the world’s cocoa) and was selected specifically for its caffeine and polyphenols content. These rare ingredients protect your skin from radical damage while the caffeine promotes the movement of sodium ions.
The findings and results of this formula were presented to the American Academy of Dermatology. I do hope this product will continue to be produced in the same standard Tom Ford accomplished.
“My vision is to merge breakthrough skin science with true luxury, to create transformative skincare regardless of skin type or gender.”
SkinCeuticals: Serum 20
My go-to award-winning Board-Certified Dermatologist Dr Heather J Roberts prescribed this skincare brand to include in my daily routine to prevent aging and aid in minimizing sun damage. She spoke highly of this brand as the formulas had proven results and it was as close as one using a potent, prescriptive version without any side effects.
This well-researched Serum 20 is a vitamin C anti-Aging formulated with a precise concentration of 20% Vitamin C. Neutralizing free radical damage that contributes to your skin aging, along with premature aging caused by free radicals from UVA/UVB.
As Dr. Heather J Roberts is known for her research and consulting for brands such as Neutrogena on formulas for safe, effective sunblock, etc., she brings a well of knowledge on how to protect one’s skin from long-term sun damage. I trust her suggestions and could not review serums without including one of my long-time favorite brands.
The serum is a very light liquid, it was easy to apply 3-4 drops onto my face and neck area in the morning, it immediately absorbed into my skin. The extra added benefit of this serum is that once absorbed it can’t be rubbed or washed off, it maintains its efficacy for 72 hours.
There wasn’t any piling or film left on my skin in fact my skin felt tighter and ready for a layer of moisturizer and Sunscreen. The minimizing of lines and discoloration on my face and neck from sun exposure in southern California are some of the many benefits this serum delivers. It contains the highest percentage of L-ascorbic acid that can be absorbed into the skin. I recommend for all skin types, but especially for oily skin. As the formula helps heal breakout scarring.
Revive: Moisturizing Renewal Hydrogel/ Targeted 4D Hydration Serum
This is my first experience trying the Revive brand created by
Dr. Greg Brown a noteworthy plastic and reconstructive surgeon. His many invested years researching the healing process of burn victims led him to formulate skincare products that have highly potent ingredients targeting anti-aging, healing, and recovery.
The Moisturizing Renewal Hydrogel has a unique 4D hydration process which is delivered to your skin via a light gel formula of small bubbles that are enriched with 4D hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, and cucumber extract.
Their Formulas unlock the power of Bio-Renewal Technology which refers to skin identical, ethically created Epidermal Growth Factor peptides.
A Cutting-edge science researched and awarded the brand with the goals of transforming, restoring, and renewing your skin to a more nourished, healthier condition.
The Gel Serum is one of the lighter serums they have available. When applied it had a slight tingling, cooling effect. I felt the bubbles melt into a hydrating gel that set well into my skin, leaving my skin with a dewy, moisturized feel and texture. It did not pill or feel as though it would rub off, instead, it worked as both a nourishing anti-aging serum and a light moisturizer. This is ideal for my daytime skincare routine as I avoid layers of products. Once I apply a serum, I add my sunscreen. This serum is a definite line minimizer and a deep hydrator.
Vintners Daughter: Active Botanical Serum
A multi-award winning serum I was quite excited to try, did not disappoint. First, the sustainable high-quality bottle; once opened my senses exploded as the rich natural botanical scent was like experiencing the ultimate aromatherapy scent one could only dream of.
The serum formula includes 22 essential oils sourced from small international sustainable farms diluted in nourishing carrier oils (Grape seed and hazelnut). These nutrient-rich botanicals balance, soothe, nourish, and plump the skin.
The main carrier of Grape Seed Oil has antioxidants called procyanidins which are known to neutralize free radicals that cause discoloration, skin sagging, and fine lines, while the dandelion and calendula ensure a calming, soothing quality.
Carrot seeds, Lavender, Nettle, and Lemon support cellular turnover, While tamanu, frankincense, rose, and turmeric help filter free radicals such as sun damage, acne scarring, and other skin issues.
Each entire Botanical is extracted in a traditional, long process called Phyto Radiance Infusion (like wine making) to ensure they have the maximum nutrients. The founder of Vintners Daughter; April Gargiulo has a family history and background in winemaking and agriculture. Her goal with this serum is to reduce the number of products we use, supporting the brand’s manifesto to minimize environmental impact.
While trying this serum at night after cleansing, I applied 3-4 drops on my hand to warm it and massaged it into my face and neck area. The star ingredients worked immediately on my skin. My skin was deeply hydrated, and luminous, and dark spots and lines minimized in less than three weeks. It worked well as an anti-inflammatory as well as a skin brightener. I look forward to trying their other skincare products as this serum will remain in my main evening skincare routine.
Product notes:
-Suitable for all skin and daily AM and PM use
-100% natural ingredients, formulated without added sulfates, parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrance, PEGs, or SLSs
-Vegan, Cruelty-Free
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Thank you:
Retrouve, Symbiome, Noble Panacea, CHANEL Beauty, TOM FORD Beauty, SkinCeuticals, Vintners Daughter, & Revive Skincare
Transparency Disclosure
All Products I review are sent to me as samples from brands and agencies unless otherwise stated. Reviews and links to buy are not Affiliate driven.