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Is high-priced skincare really worth the cost? Here’s what we found


Elegant older woman applying face cream

Do luxury skincare products justify their significantly higher prices?  In some cases, quite possibly.

As high-priced skincare goes, The House of Dior has the crème of the crop.  The brand’s Dior’s L’Or de Vie Crème Metiers D’Arts retails for $7,500. (Granted, about $5,500 of that is for the hand-blown jar, but seriously…) If you need to take a deep breath before pressing “Add to Cart”, consider La Prairie’s Platinum Rare Haute Rejuvenation Face Cream. It retails for $1,690.

If you are looking for a “bargain,” well-known dermatologist Dr. Barbara Sturm will ship you a potent skincare duo of day cream and night cream, promising high-performance and anti-aging ingredient science for both your day and nighttime routines, for $755.

Most of us could never afford these astronomical prices and, even if we could, we probably wouldn’t spend those sums on a consumable product like moisturizer.

In this article, we consider products that cost between $100 and $400, still a high price to spend, when we consider that many effective drugstore moisturizers typically retail anywhere from $10 to $40.

Just about any moisturizer on the market (and there are thousands!) will appear to be effective, simply because it smooths the cuticles of your skin so that they temporarily lie down. However, to have any long-term effect, a moisturizer should be able to either attract water to your skin or preserve the water that is already there.

New ingredients are changing the face of skincare

You can get basic skincare in inexpensive creams as well as expensive creams.  However—and it’s a big however—there is research and there are ingredients—both costly—that are beginning to change the face of skincare.

Marine collagen

Collagen is often used in skincare products that range widely in cost. Collagen is the rope-like fibers that are woven together to form a mesh that helps keep skin visibly firm and supple. Lower-priced skincare uses animal-derived (bovine) collagen which is less costly to source and not as effective as marine collagen.

Marine collagen’s superior bioavailability (it can be utilized more easily and more effectively by the body) and environmental sustainability contribute to its premium price. The higher cost is due to factors such as the sourcing process (from fish skin and scales), more intensive extraction methods, and higher quality control standards. The best results come from topical and internal consumption.

Elemis Pro Collagen Marine Cream

Elemis pro-collagen marine cream for the faceThis super moisturizing, yet ultra-light daily anti-wrinkle gel cream helps to quench thirsty skin and increase hydration, reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and help to improve the look of firmness. Buy it at us.elemis.com and on Amazon.

Skinade 60 sachets marine collagen drink

Skincade products

Skinade is a multi-award winning, natural peach and mangosteen flavored anti-aging collagen drink containing a patent pending formulation of active ingredients. Its aim is to boost the body’s natural production of collagen and hyaluronic acid to improve skin’s appearance in as little as 30 days. Buy it at Skinade.

24-carat gold

I must admit that I was more than a little skeptical when I saw gold listed on a jar. My first thought was that anyone who falls for this marketing has to be in the “more money than brains” category.  But research changed my mind.

Gold is used in good skincare for a reason: it has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and redness, it fights free radicals, potentially slowing signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines and it may enhance skin radiance by improving blood circulation and promoting a glowing complexion.

There is also some evidence that gold boosts collagen synthesis to improve skin elasticity and firmness. Gold is introduced into skincare as flakes, or colloidal gold, which are nanoparticles, or nano gold, extremely small gold particles that achieve even deeper penetration.

Chantecaille 24 Karat Gold Firming Moisturizer

24 Karat gold firming moisturizer by Cantecaille

24 Karat Gold Firming Moisturizer is an energizing, supremely hydrating moisturizer that promotes a visible firming effect. Pure gold and botanical stem cells are boosted with peptides and micro-algae to help reduce the appearance of lines while visibly boosting suppleness for youthful-looking skin that glows. Buy it at chantecaille.com

Saffron

This rare spice comes from the purple crocus flower.  The delicate, red threads, called stigmas, are carefully hand-picked. Iran grows 90% of the world’s saffron.

Saffron is the world’s most expensive spice; 150 flowers are required to produce just one gram.  Prices for saffron range from $500 to $5,000 per pound depending on quality and origin.

So, what does this spice bring to skincare?  Saffron contains natural compounds like crocin and crocetin that help brighten the skin and reduce pigmentation. It is rich in antioxidants, helping to neutralize free radicals. It soothes irritation and redness, and enhances skin hydration, to improve texture and elasticity.

Ranavat Brightening Saffron Serum  Brightening saffron serum

Upgrade your Vitamin C to the saffron-infused super serum clinically shown to target dark spots and reduce the appearance of fine lines over time. The nourishing formula is infused with revitalizing Ayurvedic ingredients that leave skin with a healthy glow. This fast-absorbing oil-based serum is formulated for maximum potency and is suitable for all skin types. Buy it at ranavat.com or on Amazon.

Snail Mucin

Surprising as it may seem, snail mucin is a skincare ingredient that many users swear by.

Snail mucin is the natural slime produced by snails. It is rich in compounds like hyaluronic acid, glycoproteins, glycolic acid, and peptides. It provides hydrating, anti-aging, and wound-healing benefits. It helps improve skin elasticity, reduce fine lines, soothe irritation, and promote collagen production.

Biopelle Tensage Intensive Serum 50

intensive serum with anti-aging benefitsAn intensive boosted treatment serum with highly concentrated growth factor benefits, peptides and brightening agents for fast, dramatic improvement in the visible signs of moderate-to-advanced aging. Buy it at biopelle.com or on Amazon

 As an affiliate of Amazon and other retailers Blue Hare makes a commission on purchases made through qualifying links on this page at no cost to you.

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