Olay

For a name so promising, more should be delivered. The formulation is very similar to the Olay Regenerist serie of products.

The main effective ingredient promoted is the same niacinamide (vitamin B3) in Olay Regenerist serie. Niacinamide increases fatty acid contents and prevent skin from dehydration, and improve microcirculation. When eaten it is an essential nutrient required for normal metabolism. It may also be a cell-communicating factor. According to Olay’s own research, this ingredient reduces the appearance of wrinkles, skin discolorations, less redness, a reduction in sallowness, and improved elasticity. But there are no third party evidence supporting that yet.

Besides niacinamide (vitamin B3), there are peptides which may stimulate collagen synthesis.

The moisturizing and anti-oxidant content should be more potent. This product is not suitable for youth or oily skin since it has ingredient that is prone to breakouts.

What's concerning is, the ingredient triethanolamine appears early in the ingredient list, 8th out of more than 30 ingredients, which means the concentration is substantial. Used in cosmetics as a pH balancer, triethanolamine has the potential for creating nitrosamines. Nitrosamines are readily absorbed through skin and they have been proved to be strong carcinogen. Whether or not the concentrations used in cosmetics should be of concern is still a matter of debate. Better avoid if possible.

Safety alert: Cautious
review based on scientific information of the product ingredients.

1st ingredient		is water.
2nd ingredient		glycerin transports water from the environment and from the lower layers of skin (dermis) to surface skin (epidermis). It softens the skin. Glycerin is a substance naturally present in skin which helps maintain the epidermis and prevent dryness or scaling.
3rd ingredient		niacinamide (vitamin B3) increase fatty acid contents and prevent skin from dehydration, and improve microcirculation. It may also be a cell-communicating factor. According to Olay’s own research, this ingredient reduces the appearance of wrinkles, skin discolorations, less redness, a reduction in sallowness, and improved elasticity.
4th ingredient		isopropyl lauroyl sarcosinate is emollient.

Alcohol	Fragrance	Preservative	Allergy	Price	Color Additive	Sun Protection	Suitable Skin Type
Yes	No	Yes	Low-Mid	$42	No	Yes	Normal to Dry & Mature

 

Sun protection		Homosalate (UVB), Avobenzone (UVA), Octocrylene (UVB), Ensulizole (UVB)
Smoothing		Dimethicone (silicone)
Moisturizing		Glycerin, Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5, “pump” of moisture)
Anti-oxidant		Tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E), Sodium ascorbyl phosphate (vitamin C)
Skin regeneration		Niacinamide (vitamin B3), Palmitoyl dipentapeptide-7, Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4
Exfoliating		Lactic acid (alpha hydroxy acid, AHA)

Breakouts		Contains isopropyl isostearate which acts as a lubricant on the skin's surface giving it a soft and smooth appearance. But overuse will cause the thickening of the skin and it's highly prone to breakouts.
Illness		Contains triethanolamine which is used in cosmetics as a pH balancer. Like all amines, it has the potential for creating nitrosamines. Nitrosamines are readily absorbed through skin and they have been proved to be strong carcinogen. Whether or not the concentrations used in cosmetics should be of concern is still a matter of debate. Better avoid if possible. If you have to use containing products, rinse off completely and use cold water to reduce absorption.

Absorbent thickening agent		Nylon-12, Titanium dioxide, Carbomer
Film forming agents		Sodium acrylate/Sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer
Detergent cleansing agent		Isohexadecane
Humectants		Pentylene glycol
Emollients		Stearyl alcohol, Cetyl alcohol, PEG-100 stearate, Cetearyl alcohol, Cetearyl glucoside, Stearic acid
Emulsifiers		(oil/water mixers) Polysorbate 80, Peg-4 dilaurate, Peg-4 laurate
Preservatives		Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate
Chelating agents		(metal-binding agents) Disodium EDTA
Surfactants		Decyl glucoside, Ammonium polyacrylate