The majority of male owned, namesake skincare brands tend to be created by doctors, such as Dr. Nicholas Perricone,Dr. Howard Murad, and Dr. Jean-Louis Sebagh, just to name a few. Ole Henriksen is a rarity in this group. He has an eponymous skincare company, but he fell into this profession during his career as a professional dancer and model.
The story behind Ole Henriksen skincare began when Henriksen developed cystic acne while working as a show dancer in Jakarta. He found a local esthetician who not only treated his acne, but also completely transformed his skin. This transformation piqued Henriksen’s interest in skincare.
Fast forward several decades later, and Henriksen had opened his own spa, launched his own skincare line, and even became known as the ultimate celebrity skincare guru. His celebrity clientele grew to include Barbra Streisand, Cher, Madonna, Charlize Theron, and Katy Perry.
In fact, it was one of Henriksen’s celebrity clients that coined the phrase “Look at my Ole Glow!” upon seeing her radiant, youthful-looking skin in the mirror. The “Ole Glow” — pure radiance from the inside out — has become the brand’s signature.
So can Ole Henriksen skincare products really give you that “lit from within” glow? To answer that question, we’ll have to evaluate the product formulations, including the key ingredients in Ole Henriksen skincare products and the research that supports (or doesn’t support) their use in skincare. We’ll also share some Ole Henriksen reviews so that you can get an idea of what customers really think of these products.
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OUR TOP SKINCARE PICKS
| Rank | Brand | Link | |||||
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| 1 | Carrot & Stick | Review | |||||
| 2 | Formulyst | Review | |||||
| 3 | Skinceuticals | Review | |||||
| - | LifeCell Skin |
What Are The Top 10 Best Ole Henriksen Skincare Products?
Ole Henriksen sells a comprehensive collection of skincare products, everything from cleansers to toners to serums and more. Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 best Ole Henriksen skincare products.
Ole Henriksen Truth Serum
Ole Henriksen Truth Serum is the brand’s #1 best selling anti-aging serum. It’s a fast-absorbing, oil-free formula with a silky texture that is said to help brighten, firm, fight signs of aging, and deliver all-day hydration. Ole Henriksen was inspired to create Truth Serum after meeting two-time Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling and learning about his research on the effects of vitamin C on the immune system. Ole wanted to incorporate this “free radical scavenger” into his skincare philosophy. In fact, Ole Henriksen was one of the first brands to use vitamin C.
Ole Henriksen Truth Serum is ideal for those with hyperpigmentation, age spots, uneven skin tone, or dull complexion. This is because vitamin C is known to brighten the complexion and fade dark spots. As a potent antioxidant, vitamin C has the ability to protect skin from environmental free radical damage. And it even helps to stimulate new collagen synthesis, which leads to firmer, more youthful-looking skin.
Ole Henriksen Truth Serum has a citrus aroma due to the combination of many fragrance ingredients, including orange fruit extract, grapefruit seed extract, citral, limonene, and linalool. While this fragrance blend creates a pleasant scent, these ingredients contain volatile components that have the potential to cause skin irritation and sensitivity.
ALTERNATIVES: Carrot & Stick The Defence Serum contains 3 distinct types of Vitamin C that work together to help fight free radical damage. This is our favourite vitamin c serum.
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Crème
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Crème was inspired by the makeup artist must-have “banana powder’. If you’ve never heard of using banana powder on your skin, we’ll give you a quick overview. Banana powder makeup was originally developed by professional makeup artists as a setting powder with a yellow/golden tone that is flattering on all skin tones. In addition, banana powder is said to diminish the look of fine lines, absorb oil, and color correct discoloration.
In addition to the banana powder-inspired pigments, the key ingredients in Banana Bright Eye Crème include jojoba seed oil, shea butter, and two forms of vitamin C.
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum
You’ll find 15% vitamin C (3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid) combined with 5% poly-hydroxy acids (PHAs) and hyaluronic acid in this Ole Henriksen vitamin C serum. PHAs are considered a “plumper alternative to AHAs” that help even skin tone and texture through chemical exfoliation, loosening the “glue” that binds the surface layer of skin together, thereby revealing the newer, fresher skin beneath. Hyaluronic acid also helps give skin a more plump appearance by drawing much-needed moisture into the upper layers of skin.
Ole Henriksen Dark Spot Toner
This Ole Henriksen toner promises to reduce the look of dark spots in as little as 7 days, while also targeting fine lines and wrinkles. The formula contains high concentrations of two alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs): glycolic and lactic acid. AHAs exfoliate the skin, stimulate the skin’s natural regeneration process, and help the skin to retain moisture. They exfoliate the skin by targeting corneocytes (dead skin cells) in a process called corneocyte desquamation. By enhancing their breakdown and increasing the separation of skin cells, the rate of cell turnover is increased, leading to smoother, more radiant skin. The only drawback to this Ole Henriksen toner is the inclusion of fragrance!
Ole Henriksen PHAT Glow Facial
Ole Henriksen PHAT Glow Facial is a clay-based mask that features the no-downtime exfoliating acids known as PHAs. While the PHAs get to work exfoliating dead skin cells, natural clays like bentonite and kaolin absorb excess oil from your pores. There’s also hydrating and nourishing ingredients, like Nordic birch sap and chia seed oil. The mask has a thick texture and transforms from light pink to white as you massage it into your skin, which lets you know that you’re activating the key ingredients. Leave Ole Henriksen PHAT Glow Facial on for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse off to see bright, glowing skin!
Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation Perfecting Moisturizer
This oil-free Ole Henriksen moisturizer has a whipped, silky texture that absorbs into the skin quickly without feeling heavy or greasy. It’s formulated for all ages and all skin types, and it can be used day and night with any product. The formula primarily consists of emollients and silicones, which help to impart a soft, smooth feel. There are low concentrations of sugar cane extract, lemon fruit extract, orange fruit extract, and sugar maple extract. The brand refers to these as “key” ingredients, but if you look at the ingredient list, they are very last on the list (meaning they are the lowest concentration ingredients in this formula).
Ole Henriksen C-Rush Brightening Gel Crème
Another Ole Henriksen vitamin C product is the C-Rush Brightening Gel Crème, a peachy-tinted gel crème that promises to instantly illuminate and deliver 24-hour hydration. Despite its weightless texture, this moisturizer still delivers hydration thanks to humectants like panthenol and glycerin, as well as lightweight emollients like caprylic/capric triglyceride and hydrolyzed jojoba esters. In addition to offering lightweight hydration, the formula includes three different forms of vitamin C (3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, and ascorbic acid) to deliver brightening and anti-aging benefits.
Ole Henriksen Glow Cycle Retin-ALT Power Serum
If you’re trying to prevent or reduce signs of skin aging, then you’ve probably heard that it’s a good idea to add a retinol serum into your nightly routine. Maybe you’ve tried a retinol product, but you’ve experienced the common (yet annoying) side effects of retinol, like skin dryness and peeling. If so, then the Ole Henriksen Glow Cycle Retin-ALT Power Serum could be a good option due to the key ingredient bakuchiol, a plant-based retinol alternative.
Research has shown that bakuchiol provides many of the same benefits of retinol — but without the irritation. The formula also contains supporting ingredients, such as Edelweiss and hibiscus flower extract, which help even skin tone and texture. Plus, its lavender tint instantly brightens to awaken a fresher, more youthful-looking complexion.
ALTERNATIVES: One of the main benefits of bakuchiol is that it provides retinol-like effects without irritation. It’s in Ole Henriksen Glow Cycle Retin-ALT Power Serum. Another retinol alternative is Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, an ingredient that provides similar benefits without the irritation. It’s found in this retinoid oil serum.
Ole Henriksen Goodnight Glow Retin-ALT Sleeping Creme
This rich, lavender-tinted sleeping crème is another Ole Henriksen product that features bakuchiol combined with Edelweiss and hibiscus flower extract. This crème has a rich, nourishing texture thanks to emollients like shea butter and grape seed oil. There are also AHAs in this formula that will help exfoliate dead skin cells and refine skin texture while you sleep. Unfortunately, like most Ole Henriksen skincare products, a synthetic fragrance blend is pretty high up on the ingredient list!
Ole Henriksen Invigorating Night Transformation Gel
This Ole Henriksen night serum has a cooling gel texture that’s lightweight and absorbs quickly. It’s formulated to promote gentle exfoliation while you sleep due to the inclusion of two AHAs (glycolic and lactic acid). These AHAs are combined with Chondrus crispus, a species of algae that’s rich in the polysaccharide carrageenan. As a polysaccharide, carrageenan has excellent water binding properties. This means it attracts and holds water onto the skin, which provides a conditioning effect.
ALTERNATIVES: If you’re looking for a powerful anti aging serum, we recommend Carrot & Stick The Repair Serum. It contains 7 plant-based peptides to promote plumper and smoother-looking skin.
Is Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Right For You?
Ole Henriksen Truth Serum is the brand’s #1 best selling anti-aging serum. Whenever Ole is asked which of his products he absolutely cannot live without, he always says Truth Serum. But before purchasing Ole Henriksen Truth Serum, we recommend reviewing these important factors to consider:
- Key ingredients? Vitamin C (sodium ascorbyl phosphate)
- Skin type? Recommended for all skin types
- Texture? Silky serum
- Fragrance? Yes
- Cruelty free? Yes
- Cost? $24 USD for 0.5 fl oz
What Are The Key Ingredients in Ole Henriksen Skincare Products?
You’ve probably already noticed that there’s one key ingredient that’s used again and again throughout the Ole Henriksen skincare collection, and that’s vitamin C. We’ve already touched on some of the benefits of this vitamin, but let’s dive into some research about the skincare benefits of vitamin C.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects your skin from environmental free radical damage. This is important because the harmful effects of free radicals occur as direct chemical alterations of the cellular DNA, the cell membrane, and cellular proteins, including collagen. Damaged collagen manifests as signs of premature skin aging, including wrinkles, lines, and sagging skin. Therefore, the Ole Henriksen vitamin C products should help prevent signs of aging.
Furthermore, research suggests that when vitamin C is applied to the skin, it significantly reverses aging-related structural changes by influencing collagen and elastin synthesis. Specifically, vitamin C serves as a cofactor for enzymes that are responsible for stabilizing and cross-linking the collagen molecules.
According to the Indian Dermatology Online Journal, clinical studies have shown that the topical use of vitamin C increases collagen production in both young and aged human skin. Once again, by increasing the amount of collagen in the skin, signs of aging will be diminished and the skin will appear more firm.
Vitamin C also helps to promote a brighter complexion with fewer dark spots and a more even skin tone by inhibiting melanin synthesis. Melanin is a pigment that gives our skin color, but too much of this pigment can lead to undesirable dark spots called hyperpigmentation. Vitamin C decreases melanin formation by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme that is required for melanin synthesis.
How Much Are Ole Henriksen Products?
Ole Henriksen products are priced at a mid point range, with all products selling for under $100. For example, the Ole Henriksen Truth Serum starts at $24 USD for a half ounce, the Sheer Transformation Perfecting Moisturizer is $30 for a 1.7 ounce jar, and the Banana Bright Eye Crème is $39 for a half ounce jar.
Where to Buy Ole Henriksen Skincare Products?
Ole Henriksen skincare products are sold on the brand’s website, as well as numerous third party online retailers, such as Sephora, Amazon, Walmart, and more.
What is The Ole Henriksen Return Policy?
The Ole Henriksen return policy states, “If you are not completely satisfied with your OLEHENRIKSEN purchase or gift for any reason, you may return it for a full refund within 60 days of the original purchase date without paying return shipping or handling fees.”
Is Ole Henriksen Cruelty Free?
Yes, Ole Henriksen is cruelty free. The brand does not test finished products or ingredients on animals, and neither do their suppliers or any third-parties. Ole Henriksen also does not sell their products where animal testing is required by law.
Our Verdict
Overall, we think that Ole Henriksen skincare products are formulated well, although we wish the brand would leave the fragrance out of their products!
Pros
- Products are formulated with evidenced-based ingredients (vitamin C, AHAs, PHAs, hyaluronic acid, etc.)
- Ole Henriksen is cruelty free
- Many positive Ole Henriksen reviews
Cons
- Most Ole Henriksen products contain fragrance
What Are Some Alternatives to Ole Henriksen Skincare Products?
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.
References:
Br J Dermatol 2019 Feb;180(2):289-296.
Nutrients. 2017 Aug; 9(8): 866.
Indian Dermatol Online J. 2013 Apr-Jun; 4(2): 143–146.
Donna M Newell Original review: Jul 07, 2018.
I was introduced to the C-Rush brightening for face and eyes at Sephora (I use all their products). My beauty guide was amazed that I was 63 and looked in my 40s but said she could make me appear even younger. She used your products and I bought them. Three weeks later, after using the creme under make up and at night, I, for the very first time using any new product, can actually see for myself the astounding results!!! I will purchase ALL your products. I love how they feel and they work well under my Sephora makup. I have a full time job as a sales represenative, over the road, for an international paint company. I am a color expert and my appearance has to be perfect. Thank you for helping me continue to look like the 30 & 40 year olds that surround me.