FYI, when a serum’s called “Immediate Effect,” you’ll know it’s a temporary solution.
Wrinkles weren’t formed in a day. They won’t disappear in 15 minutes (I wish!). But you can make them LOOK smaller in 15 minutes.
What kind of sorcery is that?
Let’s take a look at Cult 51 Immediate Effect Serum to find out:
What’s In Cult 51 Immediate Effect Serum?
SOLUBLE COLLAGEN TO HYDRATE SKIN
Collagen’s the protein that keeps skin firm. If you put it in a cream, it’ll firm it, right?
Not so fast. For collagen to firm skin, two things must happen:
- Collagen must be able to penetrate skin
- Collagen must bind to the existing collagen in your skin
Soluble collagen fits the first criteria. It’s extracted from young animals (if you’re vegan, anything with collagen is out of the question for you) before it (the collagen) is fully formed. This means it can penetrate skin better than mature collagen.
But, it fails the second criteria. According to a study on the penetration of collagen into the skin: “Even if native collagen could penetrate to the dermis, it is inconceivable that the molecules could form fibers or integrate with existing collagen fibers because the precursors for fiber assembly are soluble procollagen molecules.”
Does that make it useless? Nope. Soluble collagen can bind water into the skin, keeping it hydrated for longer. And when skin has all the moisture it needs, fine lines and wrinkles look smaller.
Related: Antiaging Ingredients That DON’T Work
HUMECTANTS TO HYDRATE AND PLUMP UP SKIN
Humectants are a fancy way of calling those ingredients like glycerin and butylene glycol that attract water into the skin and bind it there.
All this extra moisture plumps up your skin, so your fine lines and wrinkles look smaller. This happens almost straight away. But once their hydrating effects are over, your wrinkles are still there, as deep as before.
One more thing: humectants also makes skin softer and give it a lovely glow.
Related: What The Heck Are Humectants?
SILICONES TO FILL IN FINE LINES AND WRINKLES
Ah, the ones everyone loves to hate.
First things first: silicones DON’T suffocate skin. For one, you can’t suffocate something that doesn’t breathe. And skin doesn’t breathe, it perspires. Yes, there’s a difference there (you need lungs to breathe and skin doesn’t have them).
Secondly, silicones have a particular molecular structure made up of big molecules with wide spaces between them. This creates a protective barrier that keeps moisture in and still allows skin to perspire. Cool, huh?
More relevant here, silicones get in the creases of your skin, filling in your fine lines and wrinkles so they look smaller. Again, the effect is instant but temporary. Remove the silicones and your wrinkles are still there.
Related: Are Silicones Bad For Skin?
Struggling to put together a skincare routine that minimises wrinkles, prevents premature aging, and gives your complexion a youthful glow? Download your FREE “Best Anti-Aging Skincare Routine” to get started (it features product recommendations + right application order):
Texture
Yellowish, thick gel consistency that absorbs rather quickly.
Fragrance
It’s fragrance-free.
How To Use It
Morning and/or night, right before moisturiser. If you’re using an anti-aging serum (think retinol, Vitamin C, etc), apply that first.
Performance & Personal Opinion
Cult 51 Immediate Effect Serum is designed especially for your eyes and expression lines on your face – you know, those stubborn wrinkles that never seem to go away.
It works: after I put it on, I can see the skin around my eyes soften and plump up. That alone makes my crow’s feet look a little smaller. And no kidding, I like looking in the mirror and see them smaller.
But I also know it won’t last. I could use it for a year straight, it won’t help me reduce those wrinkles for real. It’s just a temporary solution.
In my book, temporary solutions are fine. After all, reducing wrinkles for real takes time. The deeper they are, the longer it takes. Can’t blame a girl for wanting something that makes them look smaller in the meantime.
Who Is This For?
Anyone who’s looking for a quick fix to minimise wrinkles.
Who Is This NOT For?
Anyone looking for a serum that can reduce wrinkles, not just their appearance.
Packaging
A white tube with a pump applicator. Sleek and practical.
Does Cult 51 Immediate Effect Serum Live Up To Its Claims?
| CLAIM | TRUE? |
|---|---|
| Initially developed for a world-renowned celebrity, Immedate Effect Serum is clinically proven to target fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles and skin imperfections in just 15 minutes. | True. But “target” can mean anything, from “reducing” to “minimising”. They’re basically saying this serum does something, but not what. |
| This sophisticated anti-ageing serum works with your skin to stimulate collagen, elastin and cellular regeneration leaving your skin feeling nourished, luminous, firmer and more youthful. | Just no. There’s nothing here that can penetrate skin deep enough to boost collagen, etc. |
| Immediate Effect Serum smoothly glides onto the skin around your eye area and is absorbed with instant results that increase cumulatively with each application. | True. |
| Clinical trials found that in just 15 mins: Wrinkle depth, size and number are significantly reduced Expression lines and creases are smoothed by an average of 39% in 6 weeks. Skin is firmer by an average of 143% in 6 weeks, and elasticity is increased. Nourishes & brightens. Hydration increases by an average of 141% in 12 hours. The appearance of dark circles is dramatically reduced. Reduces puffiness and signs of fatigue. |
This may be true, but notice they DON’T tell you how these trials were done. How did they measure the results? Did they just ask women if they thought their skin was firmer or did they measure it with scientific instruments? |
Price & Availability
£95.00 at Feel Unique and Look Fantastic
Do You Need It?
It’s a nice-to-have, not a must-have.
Dupes & Alternatives
- First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum (£30.00)
- Revolution Skincare Skin Firming Solution Stabilised Active Collagen (£8.00)
- Rodial Collagen Booster Drops Deluxe (£27.00)
Ingredients
Aqua, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat, Glycerin, Soluble Collagen, Dimethicone, Argania Spinosa Kernel Extract, Sodium Polyacrylate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Methyl Gluceth-10, Benzyl Alcohol, Caffeine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymerm, Cyclopentasiloxane, Panthenol, Sodium Cocoyl Glucamate, Trideceth-6, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Escin, Dehydroacetic Acid, Carbomer, Ruscus Aculeatus Root Extract, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Ammonium Glycyrrhizate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide
