When you think of an anti-aging skin care routine, the first products that come to mind are probably retinol creams and peptide serums. But have you ever considered the role that lipids play in maintaining youthful skin?

Lipids like ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids make up your skin’s barrier. Think of the skin barrier as a “brick and mortar” system. The bricks are the corneocytes (dead skin cells) and the intercellular lipids represent the mortar.

Without these essential lipids, the skin barrier is weakened, just like without mortar a brick wall would be weak and unstable. The result is skin that can easily become dry and irritated, as well as prone to signs of aging like lines and wrinkles. 

Supporting your skin’s barrier is not only important for maintaining soft, moisturized skin, but also for preventing signs of aging.

What are the Best Skin Care Products of 2023?

SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 is formulated to address this issue with its optimal and patented lipid ratio of 2% pure ceramides, 4% natural cholesterol, and 2% fatty acids.

This lipid correction cream is said to help restore the skin’s external barrier and support natural self-repair, while also nourishing aging skin for improvement in the visible appearance of skin smoothness, laxity, pores, and overall radiance.

So can SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore really provide all of these benefits? To answer that question, we’ll evaluate the formulation details below, including the key ingredients and the research that supports (or doesn’t support) their use in skin care.

We’ll also share some SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore reviews so that you can get an idea of what customers really think of this product.

Is SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore Right For You?

Before we get into the details, here’s the TL;DR if you just want to know whether or not  SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore is right for you.

• Key ingredients? Ceramides, Cholesterol, Fatty Acids
• Skin type? Can be used by all skin types; ideal for dry, mature skin 
• Texture? Thick cream 
• Fragrance? Yes 
• Cruelty free? No
• Cost? $130 USD for 1.6 oz

What Are The Key Ingredients in SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore?

SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 features a patented lipid ratio of 2% pure ceramides 1 and 3, 4% natural cholesterol, and 2% fatty acids that help to restore the skin barrier and reduce signs of aging. Let’s take a closer look at how each of these ingredients will benefit your skin. 

2% Pure Ceramides 1 and 3

Ceramides are a family of waxy lipid molecules that are naturally found in the stratum corneum, aka the skin barrier.

According to a publication in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, ceramides are important for skin barrier function, and exogenously applying ceramides may help to improve skin barrier function. 

Using skin care products with ceramides, such as SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore, helps to restore the “mortar” of the skin barrier’s “brick and mortar” system. A strong, intact barrier results in skin that’s moisturized, healthy, and smooth. 

4% Natural Cholesterol

Since the skin’s natural barrier consists of cholesterol, this ingredient helps maintain proper barrier functioning by retaining moisture levels and regulating cell activity. It works to strengthen the outer structure of the skin and protect it from dehydration. Cholesterol also functions to repair skin that has been stripped of its natural lipids by things like exfoliating or applying an aggressive anti-aging treatment.

Due to its ability to strengthen and repair the skin’s natural barrier, those with delicate, sensitive, and dry skin types will likely benefit most from cholesterol-containing products like SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore.

Furthermore, since cholesterol levels in the stratum corneum decrease with age (approximately 40% by age 40), using cholesterol-containing products on aged skin could be very beneficial. 

2% Fatty Acids

Fatty acids are the final type of lipid you’ll find in the SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore formula, which further assist in optimizing skin’s overall lipid balance.

Fatty acids are particularly beneficial ingredients in a skin care product because the natural fatty acids in the stratum corneum are more susceptible to surfactant-induced removal than other lipids, according to a publication in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science.

Essential oil blend

Unfortunately, SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore includes an essential oil blend of lavender, rosemary, and peppermint oil in order to provide “a cooling, nourishing feeling”.

We’re disappointed that the brand included these fragrant essential oils due to their potential to cause contact allergies and skin irritation. 

In fact, according to a 2016 publication in the scholarly journal Dermatitis, nearly 80 essential oils have caused contact allergy.

This is because all fragrance ingredients (whether natural or synthetic) impart scent through a volatile reaction, and this natural reaction almost always causes a sensitizing reaction on skin.

Even if you don’t have a full blown reaction to the ingredient, the damage may still be occurring every day. Ultimately, this can cause mild problems for your skin in the short term and worse problems in the long term.

How to Use SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore?

Apply a small amount of SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore between fingertips, warm and melt the cream in circular motions. Apply once or twice daily to the face, neck, and chest. If using in the morning, apply after your serum and before your sunscreen. If using SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore with a retinol at night, apply after retinol application.

Where to Buy SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore?

SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore and other SkinCeuticals skin care products are sold on the brand’s website (skinceuticals.com), as well as third party online retailers, such as Dermstore, LovelySkin, Amazon, and more.

In addition, SkinCeuticals products are sold by dermatologists and estheticians. The brand’s website has a locator so you can find a skincare professional near you that sells SkinCeuticals products.

How Much is SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore?

SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore costs $130 USD for 1.6 oz.

What is The  SkinCeuticals Return Policy?

The SkinCeuticals return policy states, “If for some reason you are not satisfied with your SkinCeuticals.com order, you can return it in its original packaging with the original packing slip within 30 days of purchase date. We do not process exchanges at this time.”

Is SkinCeuticals Cruelty Free?

SkinCeuticals is not cruelty free. SkinCeuticals is owned by L’Oréal, a company that tests on animals. L’Oréal does not conduct animal testing on their products or ingredients, nor ask others to test on our behalf, except when required by law. Since L’Oréal products are sold in China, they must test their products on animals by law.

SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore Reviews

SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore reviews on the brand’s website are overall very positive, with the product receiving an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars after more than 1,700 customer reviews. 

There are many 5-star reviews for SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore from customers who love that it hydrates skin while also improving skin texture. 

For example, one review says, “I’ve been using Triple Lipid Restore for about one and a half years. It has made a huge difference in the texture and the overall appearance of my skin.”

And another 5-star review says, “This is the BEST moisturizer I’ve ever used! Seriously so hydrating, and can totally see/feel the difference! It’s pricey but with my dry skin I feel like it’s worth it! It’s such a nice product and feels like it actually lives up to the labeling.”

However, there are a handful of negative reviews for the SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore from customers who experienced breakouts after using this product. Others comment that it’s simply not worth the price. 

For example, one review says, “This broke me out like crazy. I’ve always had the occasional breakout, but this gave me tiny closed comedones ALL over my cheeks, chin, and neck. Even if I liked it there’s not very much product in the container and it’s way over priced.”

Another 1-star review says, “I’ve been using this for a month and haven’t seen any difference. It’s very thick and not worth the money. Very small jar packaged to look like more is in there. Disappointed.”

Our Verdict

Overall, we would recommend SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore if it wasn’t for the essential oil blend in this cream, which has the potential to cause skin sensitivity reactions. 

Pros

• Formula contains a good blend of lipids (ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids) that help to restore the skin’s barrier function
• Many positive SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore reviews

Cons

• High cost 
• SkinCeuticals is not cruelty free
• Formula contains essential oils, which have the potential to cause skin sensitivity reactions

What Are Some Alternatives to  SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore?

If you’re looking for skin care products to address the signs of aging, one brand we recommend is Formulyst. Formulyst maximizes the use of powerful ingredients and minimizes the use of superficial ones, resulting in clinically advanced skin care solutions that help promote healthy, more youthful-looking skin.

One example is Formulyst Ideal State Moisturizer, a nourishing face cream that’s formulated to address the vulnerabilities of mature skin. Powerful complexes containing peptides, vitamin A and ceramides help skin look firmer and tighter, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Neptune kelp, hemp seed oil, hyaluronic acid, shea butter and vitamin E provide hydration at a deep level. Reishi mushroom, ginseng extract, kakadu plum extract and gotu kola contribute adaptogenic and antioxidant properties that help combat environmental stress and promote a brighter, more even-looking complexion.

Another brand that balances the power of plants with cutting edge science is Carrot & Stick. Not only is Carrot & Stick good for your skin, it is also good for the environment as the formulas skip harmful chemicals commonly found in skincare products.

References:
de Groot AC, Schmidt E. Essential Oils, Part IV: Contact Allergy. Dermatitis. 2016;27(4):170-175. doi:10.1097/DER.0000000000000197
​​Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, July 2014, pages 177-184
Int J Cosmet Sci. 2013 Aug;35(4):337-45..