I have a round-up of affordable (and effective) face serums coming up soon, I promise. In the meantime, I want to share my thoughts on the latest from Olay. The Olay Super Serum is priced around $35 and boasts multiple treatment properties that address a wide range of skincare concerns. While in Canada a few weeks ago, I picked up a bottle at Shoppers Drug Mart. My thought: buying skincare north of the border can only be a perk, right? It’s not uncommon for formulas to differ slightly, a result of stringent FDA regulations.
What is it?
The Olay Super Serum is a 5-in-1 treatment and the brand’s most powerful formula to date. It delivers lasting hydrating and corrects issues such as loss of firmness, discoloration, uneven tone, rough texture, and fine lines. Having used my bottle for a few weeks now, I am a fan of the medium-weight texture (richer than most water-based serums I have tried) and how it layers with my other richer, more moisturizing formulas. Performance wise, I’m awaiting any long-term results; I’m equal parts optimistic and realistic. So far, so good.
What’s in it?
Since the new Super Serum targets 5 very specific complexion conundrums, each area of concern is addressed by an ingredient proven to correct that very issue. Vitamin C (3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid) brightens the skin, Lactic Acid (a gentle Alpha Hydroxy) exfoliates for a smoother appearance, Niacinamide hydrates and helps refine the look of enlarged pores, Collagen Peptide keeps the skin firm and bouncy, Vitamin E offers antioxidant protection and anti-inflammatory benefits, and lastly, Hyaluronic Acid retains skin hydration levels.
Yes, there is fragrance in Olay’s Super Serum but I find it to be pleasant and non-irritating (as a rule, my skin is not sensitive to added fragrance). A touch of Mica and Titanium Dioxide provides a subtle blurring and light reflecting effect. And while you will notice that pearly purple hue when you dispense the product, there’s no need to worry about any sparkle. It absorbs quickly with a very natural-looking finish–not the slightest bit shimmery. P.S. I did not notice any ingredient discrepancies among the formulas sold in the US and Canada.
How and when?
The Super Serum slots very easily into your existing skincare routine. It’s your treatment step that goes on cleansed/exfoliated/toned skin before a moisturizer and/or sunscreen. I’ve had no issues with the formula pilling and find that it works great day or night. If you’d like to use it in the mornings, you can, since the exfoliating properties of the formula are quite mild. As with Alpha Hydroxy Acid anything, it’s important that you avoid the area around the eyes during the application. Make sure to follow up with broad-spectrum sunscreen if you opt for daytime use.
Yay or Nay
At 43, I’m particular about my serums. Most days, I reach for a Vitamin C serum in the morning and a Retinoid at night. Preferably, both formulas contain Hyaluronic Acid and either one includes Ceramides or Peptides. The truth is, I rarely turn a 3-in-1, 5-in-1, or all-in-one into a non-negotiable staple in my routine. However, I’ve enjoyed the Olay Super Serum on a few getaways recently. For one thing, it hasn’t required more space in an already overstuffed travel bag. If you’re in your twenties and just developing an anti-aging angle to your routine, this Olay newness is a great place to start. If you’re an advanced skincare user and prefer to pack light, this is a multi-tasker worth keeping around.
