Olay Regenerist Review: A Review of The 10 Best Olay Regenerist Products

Olay Regenerist is one of the most popular skin care lines by global beauty brand Olay. The collection includes the popular Olay Regenerist Micro Sculpting Cream, as well as the Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 products, Olay Regenerist Collagen Peptide 24 products, and Olay Regenerist Whip products.

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Olay defines regenerist as “an expert in the craft of regenerating (i.e. skin)”. The Olay Regenerist products are said to leave your skin looking radiant and renewed. In fact, the brand states that you should look to Regenerist when you’re “in need of a total skin transformation”.

But do the Olay Regenerist products really live up to these claims? In order to answer this question, we’ll have to review the Olay Regenerist products through a scientific lens. This means we’ll evaluate the research that supports (or doesn’t support) the ingredients that you’ll find in these products. We’ll also share some Olay Regenerist reviews so that you can get a better idea of what customers really think of these products.

What’s Inside The Olay Regenerist Products?

Here’s a closer look at the active ingredients commonly used in Olay Regenerist products. Retinol, peptides, and niacinamide make up the core ingredients for the Olay Regenerist skincare line. These ingredients should all be part of your skincare routine.

Peptides
As you age, your body’s production of collagen and elastin slows down. These two proteins are responsible for your skin’s structural support. As a result, the skin loses its natural plumpness and smoothness. 

While collagen is necessary for maintaining youthful-looking skin, the collagen protein is too large to absorb into the skin topically. That’s why applying skin care products that contain collagen won’t provide the anti-aging benefits you’re looking for.

This is where peptides come into action. Peptides are the building blocks of protein, and they are easily absorbed into the deeper layers of skin due to their smaller size. 

Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, or what the brand calls an “amino peptide”, is used throughout the Olay Regenerist line. It’s a matrikine, a messenger peptide that regulates cell activities through cell signaling. For example, when the collagen protein is degraded, matrikines send signals to fibroblasts to produce new collagen.

Since matrikines have the ability to increase the production of collagen, elastin, and other macromolecules in the ECM, synthetic peptides like palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 have been created to mimic these effects. Thus, the inclusion of palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 in the Olay Regenerist products means you may notice an improvement in skin firmness after using these products.

We recommend Carrot & Stick The Repair Serum. It contains 7 plant-based peptides to promote plumper and smoother-looking skin. It also has skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.

Retinol
Retinol is the go-to anti-aging ingredient recommended by dermatologists and skin experts. While retinol provides many benefits to the skin, it’s also known to cause side effects like skin dryness and irritation. 

You’ll find both retinol and a derivative called retinyl propionate in the Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 products.

Use retinoids at night. We recommend this retinoid oil serum. It contains Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, an ingredient that provides similar benefits with less irritation.

Niacinamide
One ingredient that Olay loves to include in their formulations is niacinamide, the amide form of vitamin B3 (niacin). In fact, niacinamide is found in all of the Olay Regenerist products, with the exception of the cleanser. 

Niacinamide is a multi-tasking ingredient that provides many benefits to the skin. For instance, a publication in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology states that niacinamide can repair the skin barrier and improve skin moisture, as well as reduce inflammation, blotchiness, hyperpigmentation, acne, and wrinkling. Niacinamide is also an antioxidant that helps the skin combat free radicals, the unstable molecules that contribute to the formation of premature wrinkles and fine lines on the skin.

What Are The Top 10 Best Olay Regenerist Products?

The Olay Regenerist collection consists of creams, serums, lotions, sun care products, eye creams, face cleansers, and more. The Olay Regenerist Micro Sculpting Cream is the most popular product from the collection. We’ll give you the details on the Micro Sculpting Cream and the other best sellers from the Olay Regenerist collection below.

What are the Best Skin Care Products of 2024?

Olay Regenerist Micro Sculpting Cream

• Anti-aging facial moisturizer that is said to visibly diminish wrinkles and fine lines starting day one.
• Key ingredients include glycerin, niacinamide, panthenol, palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, and sodium hyaluronate.
• Contains fragrance.
• Contains three parabens as preservatives.

Olay Regenerist Micro Sculpting Serum

• Anti-aging facial serum that is said to hydrate, improve elasticity, and firm skin for a lifted look, instantly diminishing the look of wrinkles
• Key ingredients include niacinamide, silicones, panthenol, vitamin E, and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4
• The formula also includes mica and titanium dioxide, which are minerals that reflect light from the face, creating the illusion of a smoother, softer, and more radiant skin tone
• Contains fragrance

Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer

• Anti-aging nighttime facial moisturizer that is said to deliver visible improvements in fine lines and wrinkles, smoothness, brightness, firming, dark spots, and pores
• Key ingredients include niacinamide, retinol, and retinyl propionate
• Fragrance-free, dye-free formula
• Jar packaging means the retinol may deteriorate over time due to exposure to air

ALTERNATIVES: Carrot & Stick The Moisturizer. It’s overflowing with potent plant proteins, vitamins, peptides and amino-collagen. 

Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Serum

• Anti-aging nighttime facial serum that is said to deliver visible improvements in fine lines and wrinkles, smoothness, brightness, firming, dark spots, and pores
• Key ingredients include niacinamide, retinol, and retinyl propionate
• Higher concentration of retinol than the Night Moisturizer
• Fragrance-free, dye-free formula
• Opaque plastic bottle with a dropper dispenser protects retinol from exposure to air

ALTERNATIVES: Carrot & Stick The Repair Serum. It contains 7 peptides for smoother, firmer looking skin.

Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Eye Cream

• Anti-aging nighttime eye cream that is sai to visibly firm, brighten, even skin tone, and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles
• Key ingredients include niacinamide, retinol, retinyl propionate, and vitamin E
• Light, silky texture that absorbs quickly
• Fragrance-free, dye-free formula
• Jar packaging means the retinol may deteriorate over time due to exposure to air

ALTERNATIVES:  If you are concerned about aging around the eyes including bags, one product we recommend is Carrot & Stick The Eye Cream.

Olay Regenerist Whip Original Moisturizer

• Anti-aging facial moisturizer that is said to hydrate, improve elasticity, and firm skin for a lifted look, instantly diminishing the look of wrinkles.
• The term “whip” in the name due to the inclusion of “Whip Technology”
• Whip Technology offers you a light formula that transforms from cream to liquid on contact for fast absorption and a breathable feel, resulting in a smooth, matte finish that leaves your skin feeling moisturized
• Key ingredients include glycerin, niacinamide, panthenol, palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, and sodium hyaluronate
• Contains fragrance

Olay Regenerist Whip Face Moisturizer SPF 25

• Anti-aging daytime facial moisturizer with sunscreen
• Includes chemical sunscreen ingredients to provide broad spectrum SPF 25 protection
• Additional key ingredients include niacinamide, palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, and sodium hyaluronate
• Contains fragrance

Olay Regenerist Collagen Peptide 24 Moisturizer

• A lightweight cream that is said to help skin look and feel visibly firmer with less noticeable fine lines and wrinkles in two weeks
• Key ingredients include palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, niacinamide, glycerin, and panthenol
• Fragrance-free

Olay Regenerist Night Recovery Cream

• Anti-aging facial cream for nighttime that is said to hydrate throughout the night to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Key ingredients include dimethicone, glycerin, niacinamide, panthenol, vitamin E, and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4
• Fragrance free

Olay Regenerist Detoxifying Pore Scrub Facial Cleanser

• A face wash designed with a lathering gel formula that is said to polish away dull skin and regenerate skin’s surface
• Key ingredients include glycerin, surfactants, and hydrated silica
• Hydrated silica particles physically exfoliate the skin and break down in the process. This unique characteristic will prohibit you from over-scrubbing and ultimately protect you from unintended damage of over-exfoliation
• Contains fragrance

Biochemist’s Perspective

Elle, our in house biochemist and skincare specialist, takes a closer look at how these ingredients work, as well as the research that supports their use in skin care.

Niacinamide

One ingredient that Olay loves to include in their formulations is niacinamide, the amide form of vitamin B3 (niacin). In fact, niacinamide is found in all of the Olay Regenerist products, with the exception of the cleanser.

Niacinamide is a multi-tasking ingredient that provides many benefits to the skin. For instance, a publication in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, states that niacinamide can help to repair the skin barrier and improve skin moisture, and may help to reduce inflammation, blotchiness, hyperpigmentation, acne, and wrinkling.

Niacinamide is also an antioxidant that helps the skin combat free radicals, the unstable molecules that contribute to the formation of premature wrinkles and fine lines on the skin.

Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4

Another key ingredient used throughout the collection of Olay Regenerist products is palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, or what the brand calls an “amino peptide”. Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 is a matrikine, a messenger peptide or protein that regulates cell activities through cell signaling.

For example, when the collagen protein is degraded, matrikines send signals to fibroblasts to produce new collagen.

Since matrikines may have the ability to support the production of collagen, elastin, and other macromolecules, synthetic peptides like palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 have been created to mimic these effects.

According to a publication in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 may stimulate production of collagen types I and III and fibronectin. Thus, the inclusion of palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 in the Olay Regenerist products means you may notice an improvement in skin firmness after using these products.

Humectants and Occlusives

You’ll also notice that Olay Regenerist products are formulated with high concentrations of humectants (like glycerin and panthenol) and occlusive ingredients such as silicones (like dimethicone).

Humectants are beneficial skin care ingredients because their structure is composed of hydrophilic or water loving. The structure of humectant ingredients help them to grab on moisture and pull it into the skin.

Occlusive ingredients work by trapping moisture in the skin. They do this by forming a thin barrier over the skin preventing moisture loss to the air or dy environments.

Retionoids

The final key ingredients we’d like to discuss are retinol and a derivative called retinyl propionate, which you’ll find in the Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 products. After being absorbed into the skin, both forms must be converted to retinoic acid before they can provide any benefits.

Retinoic acid works deep within the skin where it may help to boost collagen synthesis, increases elasticity, and repairs connective tissue. It has also been shown in research to increase cellular turnover, which helps to prevent clogged pores and also promotes smoother, healthier skin.

According to a publication in the journal Clinical Interventions in Aging, retinoic acid can minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve uneven skin tone, restore skin firmness, and shrink the appearance of enlarged pores. So if you’re looking to tackle multiple signs of aging at once, your best bet is to try one of the Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 products.

Where are Olay Regenerist Products Sold?

Olay Regenerist products are sold on the brand’s website, as well as third party ecommerce websites such as Amazon, eBay, Ulta, and more.

You can also purchase Olay skin care products from drug stores like Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Target, and more.

What Is The Olay Return Policy?

The Olay return policy states, “You will be responsible for the shipping charges to return the item(s). To obtain your refund, the item must be returned to us, unopened and in its original packaging, with all accessories, within 30 days of the date upon which we provided the item to the carrier for shipment to you.”

Is Olay Cruelty Free?

Olay is not cruelty free. Olay is owned by Procter & Gamble, a company that tests on animals.

Olay Regenerist Reviews

Olay Regenerist reviews on the brand’s website are mostly very positive. One product that has an impressive amount of reviews is the Olay Regenerist Micro Sculpting Cream. After more than 23,000 customer reviews, this product has received an average rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars.

The positive reviews for Olay Regenerist Micro Sculpting Cream mention that this moisturizer really does help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles while keeping the skin moisturized and smooth.

For example, one review says, “I am in my 50’s and have been on a constant search for something that really works to diminish my fine and deeper wrinkles over the long term. After experimenting with numerous products, I have found that this cream really does work. The big test was when I switched to another brand for 6 months. New lines appeared. The texture of my skin became coarser. I switched back to Olay. I would say that within 2 weeks, my skin improved. Within 1 month, my skin was significantly improved. This cream always gets good reviews, for a good reason. It works! Superior moisturization as well. I use it with the serum at night. Definitely recommend it!”

However, there are quite a few negative reviews for Olay Regenerist Micro Sculpting Cream from customers who did not see the results they were hoping for after using this product for months.

For example, one review says, “I have been an Olay user for years. I was sure that the Olay Regenerist Micro Sculpting Cream would live up to the standards of prior products. I have purchased a total of 12 jars (3 unused so far) and have seen NO improvement or change as promised. I do not expect miracles at my age (71) but do expect some small and positive changes. Not happening with this product.”

Our Verdict

Overall, we think that the Olay Regenerist products are a decent option if you’re trying to build a skin care routine on a budget. With that being said, some products are better than others. We recommend avoiding the Olay skin care products that contain fragrance and parabens, as well as those that are packaged in jars.

Pros

• Beneficial ingredients like niacinamide, palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, glycerin, and panthenol used throughout the collection
• Relatively low cost
• Many positive Olay Regenerist reviews

Cons

• Formulations lack innovation; the same few ingredients are used in nearly all of the brand’s products
• Some Olay Regenerist products contain fragrance
• Some Olay Regenerist products contain parabens

What Are Some Alternatives To Olay Regenerist?

If you’re looking for skincare products to address the signs of aging, we recommend Carrot & Stick. Carrot & Stick maximizes the use of powerful ingredients and minimizes the use of superficial ones, resulting in advanced skincare solutions that help promote healthy, more youthful-looking skin. We recommend The Repair Serum.

References:
1. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2010 Feb; 3(2): 22–41
2. Int J Cosmet Sci 2011 Dec;33(6):483-90.
3. Clin Interv Aging. 2006 Dec; 1(4): 327–348.