PerriconeMD

For $325, I really would expect much more. For this I take away one star.

DMAE is one of the four most abundant ingredients. There are insufficient evidence demonstrated that DMAE prevents cell deterioration and therefore aging. However according to newer studies DMAE may cause seriously negative reaction in skin cells. None of these studies are conclusive to date. In fact DMAE has only reported to prevent aging based on a small study by Dr.Perricone himself, the manufacturer of the brand. So the claims are not solidly supported.

There is no clear definition for the ingredient neuropeptides. Dr. Perricone claimed that neuropeptides are peptides released by brain cells as intercellular messengers. While manipulating the neuropeptides, neurotransmitters and hormones that are in the brain to help slow the aging process.

However the reality is that the size of typical peptides are too large to be absorbed through skin pores and reach epidermis. Epidermis is the layer beneath the surface of skin (dermis) and it is where collagen and elastin proteins reside. If the peptides can't be delivered there, they are simply wasted. Besides they are at the bottom of the ingredient list, which means there are not a lot of them.

The antioxidant power is impressive, with potent vitamin C and E. Besides the ingredient copper gluconate has been shown to increase superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in humans which gurad against free radical damage. Copper may also help collagen synthesis and elastin.

The main moisturizing ingredient in here is lecithin (Phosphatidylcholine). Lecithin is the natural component of living cell membrane. Therefore it is readily aborbed by skin and is excellent for skin water reservoir.

Overall this is a decent anti-aging product. But I am conservative about the real effectiveness and neuropeptides and the steep price.

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

1st ingredient		is water.
2nd ingredient		C12-15 alkyl benzoate is used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics.
3rd ingredient		butylene glycol is a humectant or humidifying and delivery ingredient used in cosmetics.
4th ingredient		is dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE). There are insufficient evidence demonstrated that DMAE prevents cell deterioration and therefore aging. However according to newer studies DMAE may cause seriously negative reaction in skin cells. None of these studies are conclusive to date.

Alcohol	Fragrance	Preservative	Allergy	Price	Color Additive	Sun Protection	Suitable Skin Type
Yes	Yes	Yes	Low-Mid	$325	No	No	All, Mature

 

Anti-oxidant		Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (vitamin C), Rapeseed sterol, Tocopherol (vitamin A), Copper gluconate, Ascorbyl palmitate (vitamin C), Rutin, Tocopherol (vitamin E), Copper gluconate
Moisturizing		Glycerin, Jojoba seed oil, Phosphatidylcholine, L-Tyrosine, Ceramide 2, Palm oil
Smoothing		Dimethicone (silicone)
Wrinkle reducing		Palmitoyl oligopeptide (Neuropeptide), Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 (Neuropeptide)
Anti-inflammatory		Avena sativa (Oat) protein extract, Zinc gluconate, Phaseolus lunatus (Green Bean) extract

Illness		Contains triethanolamine (TEA). Triethanolamine 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.
Fragrance		Should be avoided by people who are allergic to fragrance.

Emollients		Glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate, Cetyl alcohol, Tribehenin
Thickening agents		Isopropyl palmitate, Carbomer, Sodium carboxymethyl beta-glucan, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP copolymer
Preservatives		Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl glycol, Magnesium asparate, Sorbic acid
Chelating agents		(metal-binding agents) Disodium EDTA
Emulsifiers		(oil/water mixers) Glyceryl polymethacrylate, Cetyl hydroxyethylcellulose, Polysorbate 20
pH adjusters		Citric acid