Review: Algenist Skincare A Happy Accident

Algenist was born out of an unexpected biotechnology discovery. Scientists in San Francisco Ca, were focused on developing microalgae based renewable energy solutions when they discovered Alguronic Acid, a powerful compound responsible for regenerating and protecting the microalgae cell.

When tested, alguronic acid demonstrated significant anti-aging benefits out performing hyaluronic acid, retinol and Vitamins C & E. That is a BIG discovery beauties! And perfect for us over 40 ladies–it addresses all the skincare issues we have–loss of collagen, elasticity, wrinkles, dull skin, rough skin texture, loss of skin tone.

Algenist Concentrated Reconstructing Serum ($95) – I’m not sure I like the name…do I need reconstructing?  Probably. My assessed value has diminished with age, I’ve lost some insulation in the attic, my anchor bolts are loose and my face could use some spackle and a good sanding. Okay then I’m in!

The Key Ingredients are:

• A high concentration of Alguronic Acid: increases cell regeneration and elastin synthesis.
• Tetrapeptide-21: boosts collagen synthesis and reduces wrinkles.

• An algal-based alternative to retinol (vitamin A): increases skin density and reduces wrinkles.

Algenist Concentrated Reconstructing Serum is just as notable for the things that are NOT in it:

• Parabens
• Sulfates
• Synthetic dyes
• Phthalates
• GMOs
• Triclosan

The serum is meant to be used twice a day (morning and evening) on face neck and even chest. It’s much thicker than a normal serum, which is why (according to me) it takes much longer to absorb. After cleansing, I apply the serum, go out to the kitchen, take my vitamins and make my first cup of tea—this takes maybe 3-5 minutes. By that time, the serum has absorbed and I move on to applying the Algenist Regenerative Anti-Aging Moisturizer. The serum does contain dimethicone (silcone) and it is the second ingredient so if you are sensitive to silicones, you may want to skip it. The silicone is responsible for filling in lines and wrinkles and making the skin look smoother.

 The serum does have a slight scent—very pleasant and it doesn’t linger. Using this along with the moisturizer has made a world of difference in my skin. The texture is smoother, my skin is well hydrated—I would even say plumper. My deep lines haven’t disappeared but the overall look of my skin is softer, brighter and more youthful. It hasn’t made a difference in my brown spots either, but I have my Kate Somerville ExfoliKate for that. Of course I didn’t notice the effect until I quit using it and went on to something else. Just recently I was testing a makeup primer and decided to “go commando” and not use any serum or moisturizer—just the primer. I swear my lines were waaaay more noticeable and my skin looked dry. Everything else was the same except I skipped my Algenist. I close my case.

 Full ingredient list: Water/Eau (Aqua), Dimethicone, Isononyl Isononanoate, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydroxyphenoxy Propionic Acid, PEG-100 Stearate, Niacinamide, Algae Exopolysaccharides, Tetrapeptide-21, Beta-Glucan, Algae Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Malus Domestica Fruit (Apple) Cell Culture Extract, Inula Crithmoide Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris (Bamboo) Leaf/Stem Extract, Glucosamine HCL, Pisum Sativum (Pea) Extract, Ergothioneine, Cetearyl Alcohol, Lecithin, Sorbitol, Xanthan Gum,  Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Ceteareth-20, Sclerotium Gum, Propanediol, Sodium Hydroxide, Hexylene Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Disodium EDTA, 1,2-Hexanediol, Benzoic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Citral, Fragrance (Parfum), Phenoxyethanol.

Algenist Regenerative Anti-Aging Moisturizer

Also formulated with alguronic acid, the moisturizer had Vitamin C to boost radiance and reduce wrinkles, apple cell extract to stimulate cell regeneration and bamboo extract to increase firmness and improve texture.

What I love about this moisturizer is that it’s lightweight but deeply hydrating. I hate the feeling of  a thick cream on my face—I just want to wipe it off. I do wish this absorbed a little faster, but the results are worth the wait. I noticed a real boost in moisture in my skin without oily break though midday. After using both the serum and the moisturizer for about 6 weeks, I can honestly say my skin is looking really, really nice. I have NO blemishes at all—no clogged pores, dry patches, etc. I think my skin may be a little firmer too but honestly it’s hard to tell this soon. It does look more toned though—does that make sense? I did use additional products such as cleansing oil and a scrub every week, but still my skin hasn’t looked this flawless in a long time. I am totally thrilled!

The packaging—the serum comes in a pump jar and the moisturizer in a jar. You need very little of each product. I’ve been on this regimen for probably six weeks and have used  ½ of the serum and maybe ¼ of the moisturizer.

Full ingredient list:  Water/Eau (Aqua), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Pentylene Glycol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Sorbitan Stearate, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, DI-C12-15 Alkyl Fumarate, Algae Exopolysaccharides, Malus Domestica Fruit (Apple) Cell Culture Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris (Bamboo) Leaf/Stem Extract, Tetrapeptide-21, Pisum Sativum (Pea) Extract, Enantia Chlorantha Bark Extract, Alaria Esculenta Extract, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Biotin, Glucosamine HCL, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Ergothioneine, Oleanolic Acid, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Stearic Acid, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Lecithin, Mannitol, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Disodium EDTA, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Aminomethyl Propanol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol

If you’re interested in learning more about Alguronic Acid, check out the FAQ’s on the Algenist website.

Good skincare is not cheap and neither is the Algenist line. However, they have a new “Wrinkle Reduction Discovery Set” which includes deluxe travel sizes of Gentle Rejuvenating Cleanser,  Concentrated Reconstructing Serum, and Regenerative Anti-Aging Moisturizer for only $45—this is ideal for trying out the line!

Algenist can be purchased on the website, www.algenist.com or at Sephora and sephora.com 

 Bottom Line: I’m elated at how soft, hydrated and smooth my skin is! I honestly think I look slightly younger—I’ve erased at least two months of my age–haha. It looks like I’ve had a long restful vacation—if only! Those of you who are  allergic to silicones or just trying to stay away from them will need to consider that if/when trying the Concentrated Recovery Serum. Ideal for the over 40 woman, Algenist targets all the skin issues we are battling!

Prime Beauty Grade: A