Algenist Skin Care — A Fountain of Youth in a Jar?

Everyone likes skincare that works, but some skincare is just more luxurious, more high tech, and has more unusual ingredients than some of the others. Algenist skincare is formulated with alguronic acid, an algae extract claimed to have major anti-aging benefits for the skin that are similar to those provided to microalgae cells.  The alguronic acid works the way microalgae cells do, with the ability to protect and regenerate themselves, even in in harsh environmental conditions. The idea is that alguronic acid can also provide those same benefits to the skin, including increasing skin smoothness, decreasing fine lines, and minimizing wrinkles *with proper and regular use, of course.  It can be used for anyone who is worried about aging, or whose skin is already showing signs of aging. This all sounds pretty wonderful.

But back to reality. Biotechnology isn’t inexpensive and neither are Algenist products.  For example, a  full sized, 1 fl. oz. serum purchased on it’s own, is $95.00,while  a 4 oz. cleanser is $25.00,  and a 2 oz. moisturizer is $90.00 –and that’s just for starters.  One way around this if you love the idea of luxurious, high tech, unique skincare, is to try one of Algenist’s  “value-priced” skincare sets.   A trio of great Algenist skincare treats is $98.00 if you can get your hands on the limited edition Regenerative Anti-Aging Solution Set. This set features Algenist’s best selling Concentrated Reconstructing Serum (30ml glass dropper bottle)  plus a deluxe travel size Gentle Rejuvenating Cleanser (1.5 fl. oz. flip top tube ) and a Regenerative Anti-Aging Moisturizer (o.5 fl. oz jar)for a complete anti-aging skincare solution.  These three products use alguronic acid and a combination of  peptides, vitamins, and antioxidants to help your skin look younger, smoother, firmer and more radiant. The set is good for all skin types; Dermatologist tested, Non-comedogenic; Hypoallergenic, and not tested on animals. In addition, in case you are wondering, all Algenist products are made without: Parabens; Sulfates; Synthetic dyes; Phthalates; GMOs or Triclosan. I like that the ingredients in these products are listed and available on the Algenist web site:

Do the products work?  It depends.  Like every skin care item you’ll ever consider, be it drugstore or diamond-encrusted, the  key to success with skincare is to find the products that work best for your type of skin and skin issues, and then use them properly and regularly. The best skincare in the world won’t give you the look you want, if the products aren’t used properly or aren’t right for you. In the case of the Algenist Anti-Aging Solution set I tried, it was lightweight, and pleasant smelling. The serum seemed nice, and the moisturizer was really hydrating and lovely to use. That,despite the fact that I despise jars into which you have to stick your fingers (exposing the product to contaminants, not to mention making your fingers messy.)  Neither the moisturizer or the serum made me break out, and for me, that’s a big plus.  The cleanser was nice, but you are supposed to lather it into the skin for 1-2 minutes.  I’m betting lots of busy people barely remember to wash their face, let alone wash it for two minutes (which seems like an eternity if you actually time it).

The bottom line is that the Algenist products I did try made a nice first impression, but  I didn’t have enough of the products to truly test them for a long time.  Based on what I read about Algenist there’s no reason why these products wouldn’t be great, but when I check the unretouched photos on the Algenist web site, the “afters” didn’t impress me very much.  Their studies only seem to be based on the results of 100 women, and that’s not a huge sample.  So I’m not sure that Algenist is a vertible fountain of youth, but they definitely are worth trying.  If you are devoted to your skin and use the products for about two weeks (until you should start to see some visible results),  and you have the cash to spend, you will probably agree that they have potential!