If your skin were to take a self-defence class, it’d be Caudalie Glow Activating Anti-Wrinkle Serum.
This baby is packed with antioxidants that can fight off free radicals, the nasty molecules generated by pollutants, sun exposure, and pretty much everything else that attacks your skin on a daily basis.
Plus, the squalane base strengthens your skin’s defences against harsh weather, germs, and all its other enemies.
Can anything harm it now? Let’s find out:
What’s In Caudalie Glow Activating Anti-Wrinkle Serum?
SQUALANE TO MOISTURISE SKIN
Squalene is a natural component of human sebum. It’s super moisturising… and super unstable. It goes badly quickly and makes you breakout.
But hydrogenate it (ie, turn it from a liquid to a semi-solid using hydrogen gas) and it turns into squalane. It’s way more stable and 100% non-comedogenic.
Squalane oil is super moisturising. Because it’s so similar to human sebum, your skin absorbs it straight away. It doesn’t leave a greasy residue behind.
Once on your skin, squalane strengthens the skin’s protective barrier so that moisture stays in and germs, pollutants and irritants stay out.
Related: The Complete Guide To Squalane In Skincare: What It Is, What It Does, And How To Use It
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VITAMINS C + E TO PREVENT PREMATURE AGING
Two more powerful antioxidants that fight unwanted free radicals. Vitamin C goes a step further:
- It boosts collagen production, keeping your skin firm
- It brightens skin and gives the complexion a radiant glow
But it’s when you use them together that they really shine. C + E boost each other’s effectiveness (it means they can get rid of even more free radicals) and the photoprotection of your sunscreen.
Mind you, I didn’t say they are a substitute for your sunscreen. I said they boost the protection your sunscreen gives you. There’s a difference.
Layers this combo under your sunscreen and you’ll be better protected from sun damage. Skip the sunscreen and those wrinkles will still get you fast.
P.S. Caudalie uses ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, a fat-soluble form of vitamin C that can penetrate the skin better than pure vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid).
Related: The Complete Guide To Vitamin C In Skincare: What It Is, What It Does, And How To Use It
Texture
This white serum has a lightweight, fast-absorbing texture that resembles more that of a lotion for oily skin than a serum.
Fragrance
Fresh. Minty with a hint of citrus.
How To Use It
Morning and/or night, after cleansing.
Performance & Personal Opinion
Caudalie Glow Activating Anti-Wrinkle Serum is the product with the highest concentration of antioxidants in the range. If you can only get one thing, make it this one.
The texture is so lightweight, you wouldn’t think it’s able to up your skin’s defences. But it does give your skin that little extra boost it needs (especially in winter) to stay soft and hydrated.
In the short term, it makes skin softer and smoother and a little brighter. For everything else, you need to be patient. It takes a while to see results when you use an antioxidant serum.
Antioxidants prevent, not reduce, wrinkles. And you can’t tell if prevention worked until a few years down the line.
I just wish it had a higher concentration of Vitamin C. But hey, every little bit helps.
Related: Treatment VS Prevention: What Really Works For Wrinkles?
Who Is This For?
All skin types can use it, but it’s especially suitable for young, dry skin looking to prevent wrinkles.
Who Is This NOT For?
If you’re looking for something to reduce the wrinkles you already have, this isn’t it.
Packaging
A green tube with a pump applicator. Sleek and practical.
Does Caudalie Glow Activating Anti-Wrinkle Serum Live Up To Its Claims?
| CLAIM | TRUE? |
|---|---|
| The Vine[Activ] Serum concentrated serum packed with anti-oxidant polyphenols helps to protect the skin from aggressive factors (pollution, stress, etc.) on a daily basis, visibly smoothes wrinkles and restores a new healthy glow to the skin. | True. |
| Its light and watery texture blends into the skin, leaving no sticky residue. | True |
Price & Availability
$52.00/£36.00 at Asos, Blue Mercury, Cult Beauty, Feel Unique, Net-A-Porter, Sephora, and SpaceNK
Do You Need It?
If you’re still young and are looking for a serum that can help slow down premature aging, you may like this.
[penci_review]
Dupes & Alternatives
- The Ordinary Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% In Vitamin F (£14.90)
- Zelens Power C High Potency Vitamin C Treatment Drops ($130.00)
Ingredients
Aqua, Squalane*, Butylene Glycol*, Glycerin*, C14-22 Alcohols*, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Parfum (Fragrance), Tocopherol*, Glyceryl Stearate SE*, Palmitoyl Grape Seed Extract*, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside*, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Phenylpropanol, Picea Abies Extract*, Propanediol*, Acacia Senegal Gum*, Caprylyl Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Phytate*, Citric Acid* (193/031) * plant origin
