In our fast-paced modern lives, using multi-tasking skincare products not only helps to save us time but also conserve our energy by streamlining our routines. Take Olay Super Serum, for example. This multi-tasking serum promises to deliver 5 benefits in just one serum, including better skin texture, more even-looking skin tone, firmer skin, smoother lines, and long lasting hydration.
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- Olay Super Serum
Olay Super Serum might be a good product if you desire to take multiple aspects of your skincare routine with fewer steps, but is this serum right for you?
To help you decide, we’ll give you all the details on the key ingredients in the Olay Super Serum formula, as well as the research that supports (or doesn’t support) their use in skin care. We’ll also share some Olay reviews so that you can get an idea of what customers really think of this product.
Is Olay Super Serum Right For You?
Before we get into the details, here’s the TL;DR if you just want to know whether or not Olay Super Serum is right for you.
- Key ingredients? Vitamin C, Peptides, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid
- Skin type? All skin types
- Texture? Lightweight serum
- Fragrance? Yes
- Cruelty free? No
- Cost? $34.99 USD for 1 fl oz (30 mL)
What Are The Key Ingredients in Olay Super Serum?
In order to determine how well Olay Super Serum performs, we’ll have to evaluate the key ingredients in this formula. Let’s get started.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C also helps fade dark spots, evens out skin tone, and increases radiance. As if that wasn’t enough, research suggests that when vitamin C is applied to the skin, it significantly reverses aging-related structural changes by influencing collagen and elastin synthesis.
It’s one of the key ingredients inside Olay Super Serum.
But our favorite Vitamin C serum is Carrot & Stick The Defence Serum. It contains 3 distinct types of Vitamin C that work together to help fight free radical damage.
Peptides
Olay Super Serum contains palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, or what the brand calls an “amino peptide”.
Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 is 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.
According to a publication in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 stimulates production of collagen types I and III and fibronectin.
Thus, the inclusion of palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 in the Olay skin care products means you may notice an improvement in skin firmness after using these products.
If you’re looking for a peptide serum, we recommend Carrot & Stick The Repair Serum. It contains 7 plant-based peptides to promote plumper and smoother-looking skin.
Niacinamide
One ingredient that this brand loves to include in their formulations, including Olay Super Serum, is niacinamide. Niacinamide is the amide form of vitamin B3 (niacin) 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, excess sebum, 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.
Sodium Hyaluronate
The final key ingredient you’ll find inside the Olay Super Serum formula is sodium hyaluronate, the salt form of hyaluronic acid.
Sodium hyaluronate and hyaluronic acid are basically the same and the two names are used interchangeably in the skin care industry. The main differences are that sodium hyaluronate is more stable, easier to formulate, and cheaper. That’s why it is common to see sodium hyaluronate on an ingredient list even though the product name might say hyaluronic acid.
Once applied to the skin, sodium hyaluronate provides the same benefits of hyaluronic acid. Those benefits include improved skin hydration, as well as a more plump complexion with fewer lines and wrinkles.
How to Use Olay Super Serum?
Always start by washing away impurities, makeup, and oils to prepare your skin for the rest of your routine. Apply Olay Super Serum, then follow with additional treatments.
Where to Buy Olay Super Serum?
Olay Super Serum and other Olay skin care products are sold on the brand’s website, as well as third party websites such as Amazon, Ulta, and more. You can also purchase Olay skin care products from drug stores like Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Target, and more.
How Much is Olay Super Serum?
Olay Super Serum costs $34.99 USD for 1 fl oz (30 mL).
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 also sells its products in stores in mainland China where animal testing is required by law.
Olay Super Serum Reviews
Olay Super Serum reviews on the brand’s website are overall very positive, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars after nearly 2,000 customer reviews.
There are many 5-star reviews for Olay Super Serum from customers who love that it
For example, one review says, “I loved this Olay Super Serum! It was great on my skin. I saw that it kept my face hydrated and gave me a great glow!”
And another 5-star review says, “ I really love this product. My skin felt so smooth, hydrated, & moisturized. You can feel the benefits of the product working on your skin but, it literally feels like there’s nothing there due to the product being lightweight. My skin tone looked amazing after using this product & I recommend that others give it a try.”
However, there are a handful of negative reviews for the Olay Super Serum, which are mostly from customers who experienced irritation and/or breakouts after using this serum.
For example, one review says, “Unfortunately, the Olay Super Serum was not a great fit for me. Not only was it irritating to my skin when I applied it leaving my skin burning for a few minutes after, it did cause me to break out. I struggle with adult acne and finding something that doesn’t irritate my skin is very important to me. I did give the serum 2 weeks to see if things got better or if I noticed other improvements but I did not.”
Our Verdict
Overall, we think that Olay Super Serum is a decent budget friendly option to tackle multiple skin concerns, however, we wish the formula was fragrance free.
Pros
- Formula contains beneficial key ingredients (Vitamin C, Peptides, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid)
- Many positive Olay Super Serum reviews
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Formula contains fragrance
- Olay is not cruelty free
What Are Some Alternatives to Olay Super Serum?
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 Day & Night Routine. This 24-hour skincare routine will defend against and help repair visible signs of aging by addressing fine lines and wrinkles.
References:
Int J Cosmet Sci 2011 Dec;33(6):483-90.
J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2010 Feb; 3(2): 22–41
