AQ Skin Solutions Active Serum is designed to erase the signs of aging and repair the environmental damage that can cause wrinkles, fine lines, sagging skin, and hyperpigmentation. The anti-aging facial serum is formulated with stem-cell-derived growth factors to promote healthy skill cell regeneration and renew your complexion, as well as a vitamins to help fight free radical damage. Like all of the products offered in our store, this anti-aging serum has been tested and reviewed by women in the TIA community. So you can feel completely sure that you’re purchasing a product that fights the signs of aging and enhances your complexion.
AQ Skin Solutions Active Serum contains a concentrated blend (over 40%) of the same growth factor proteins found in healthy, young skin. This GF technology restores cell functions to a younger state, eliminating fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. With regular use, skin looks smoother, brighter, firmer, and more radiant — and skin cell functions are restored to a younger state.
TIA Review by Marta:
AQ Serum is up there with the greats.
When Kristen did my makeup for the last few videos, she said "whatever you are doing to your skin, keep doing it." Mostly what I was doing was AQ - mornings only. I find that as long as I add in three or four nights a week Your Best Face Control, I don't need to layer a moisturizer over the AQ serum. I think that most users will find the solution less oily than BioEffect and less gel-like than ReLuma's serum. AQ is a slightly milky, very light solution. It goes a long way and, in my experience, need only be used sparingly - indeed, should be used sparingly to avoid pilling under makeup.
AQ's formula is simple: a couple of vitamins, lactic acid and glycerin with the dominant ingredient being the active human fibroblast conditioned media. AQ has a concentration of 42% of these growth factors.
For a quick primer on what this is: from progenitor cells of human fibroblast, new cells are created in a laboratory and the conditioned media is, in fact, the solution (sugars, amino acids and such) secreted in the petri dish in which the cells are grown. These proteins are what make it into our serums, and they are said to contain growth factors that stimulate skin cells to repair damage that has accumulated over the years, such as hyperpigmentation and wrinkles. AQ says that it uses a "cell sorting technology" to ensure that the formula only includes growth factors that are beneficial to the skin.
My (not especially elegant) plastic pump is said to hold enough for about 8 weeks. I would say it will last as least as long as that. I can also tell you that I will be using it to the end and will purchase a second bottle.
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51 ReviewsWrite Your Own Review
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Hi Everyone,
Does this serum last one month or two? I am using Regenica's Rejuvinating Dual Serum and I love the results but it only lasts 4-6 weeks cause of the thickness. I am thinking of switching to this or Reluma's Skin Illuminating Anti-Aging Serum. Many thanks in advance and any recommendations would be greatly appreciated! -
My nurse uses this on me after I get needled for 6-8 weeks and I use after I roll with my roller every night. 45 and loving the results!
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Question. Is there a shelf life on this product? I have some that I purchased at a discount but I'm not sure how "fresh" it is.
Thank you. -
I have been using AQ Skin Solutions for about two years and was just wondering whether it is a good idea to take a break from it periodically. I have had great results and now use it only at night. I was wondering whether I should use it even less--say a couple of times a week, or take a month off and start over. Do you have any recommendations?
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Hi Nanci, I think there is always a risk when layering too serums. Plus I think there is a law of diminishing returns. As always, you should find a regimen that seems to work for you, but I would suggest using one serum at night and one in the morning. A little moisturizer on top though should be fine.
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I just started using this at night and have been also using the mad hippie vitamin c serum with it. Because I also find it drying I pat a little Kiehl's moisturizer on top of the two serums. Should I be doing this or am I compromising the AQ Serum?
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I have been using this and the eye formula. I would like to know what is the best moisturizer to use with this. I was told not to use anything with the Retinol A in it. Any suggestions.
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Hi Nicky
I found it best to use on own at night and not under makeup. -
I have been using this for over 4 weeks onto my second bottle ..It has definitely made my overall skin texture look better and has reduced my pore sizes a little .. I have had similar effects with some other products that were cheaper but they irritated the skin more than this does .. I have used it with my sirius aurora ..what I don't like is my skin doesn't feel hydrated it feels dry ... the serum texture goes on well but .. if you put too much on under makeup by accident ..you get that crumbly effect ..The eye cream I was not so fussed with wrote a review on the eye cream page .. I will try other products as its pricey would I go back to it... maybe ... if I needed a skin boost but would have to alternate products due to dryness.. which adds more expense to your skincare regime this may work way better on skin that's not dry ..
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Hi Jan-Marie, AQ can be used with ultrasound as it is water based. However, it might not be very economical as you do need enough product to ensure that there is plenty of slip and the device glides comfortably over the skin as well as has sufficient conductivity. You might find yourself going through a bottle quickly.
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Can AQ be used with Ultra Renew? specifically, the ulrasound. I love this product!
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Hi Shannon: here are a couple of articles with suggestions for 30-somethings:
http://www.truthinaging.com/face/a-skincare-regimen-for-30-somethings
http://www.truthinaging.com/face/beauty-regimen-for-a-30-something-new-mom -
oh thanks Marta! i was searching for anti aging skin care and found your reviews on AQ.. What would you recommend for anti aging for women in early 30s then? i would like to prevent/ delay wrinkles!
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Hi Shannon, I only recommend this type of active ingredient for someone with wrinkles - it needs something to repair.
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hi, im 30 yrs old this yr, and im wondering if this product is suitable for me, or is it more for mature skin?
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Hi Sheree,
Don't feel like you made a mistake in referring to the serum as a cosmetic. Most products, ESPECIALLY anti-aging products HAVE to advertise as "improvements in the appearance of". And the reason is because the FDA regulates how cosmetic products are advertised. Cosmetic products (including skincare), cannot make treatment claims because they are not drugs or medications. By law, we have to phrase our advertising in particular ways. So even for myself in answering your question, I can't say that my product is not a cosmetic, or that the results you are seeing are not cosmetic. But what I CAN do, is give you a more detailed explanation of what you are seeing, and how our science is working for you, and explain that what you are seeing is not a "mask".
You had a great and valid question! -
Thank you Pamela. And I'm sorry, I probably chose the wrong word in using "cosmetic". I know the serum isn't a cosmetic, I meant were the improvements I'm seeing actual changes in the skin or as many products and commercials say "improvements in the 'appearance' of"... Your explanation was great, thanks again!
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Hi Sheree,
Thank you so much for your comment and review! I am delighted that you are having such a wonderfully positive experience with AQ.
To answer your question, the effects of the using our product are not necessarily cosmetic in the sense that it does not contain a whitening agent or a coloring agent that changes the tone and texture. It also does not contain any ingredients that are designed to mask or create an appearance the way make-up does. And the effects are not washed off when the product wears off.
Our product is absorbed into the skin and provides your skin with the proteins that young healthy skin makes. As you age, your skin produces less of these proteins (growth factors). The growth factors are what help nourish the skin and help it to replenish and stay healthy looking. As with any aging process, when you age, your body just makes less of what it needs to remain vibrant. As a result, you have to supplement. The growth factors in our product go to supplement the ones your body is no longer making. As a result, your skin is able to behave more closely to the way it once did when it wasn't short in growth factors. The results you are seeing are a result of your skin's ability to replenish now that it has the proper nutrients and tools to do so.
As far as your question regarding whether the results are lasting, it's important to remember that we cannot stop the aging process. Even though we are able to supplement with nutrients our body no longer makes, if we stop supplementing with those nutrients, our body will still continue to deteriorate at it's own rate and not produce the growth factors that are needed to stay vibrant. And of course, as you age, your body will only continue to make less growth factors. A good skincare regimen is part of what we do to maintain a youthful looking appearance, just the way that we need to eat vitamins to supplement for what our bodies no longer make enough of.
As for deep lip lines and sagging jaw lines, I will leave that question to those who have already had experience with AQ to tell you what their experiences are with them. It would be best to have a testimonial rather than an endorsement from an AQ employee. I believe Marta has mentioned that it did help her with some of her lip lines, and another user who said it has worked well for her neck and decollete area.
Always happy to answer your questions!
Pam -
I just finished making my second purchase of this product and then proceeded to write a review and included a question which probably would have been better written here.
Can you tell me if the effects of this serum are cosmetic or are actual lasting changes in the skin? I'm also wondering if I can expect any benefit for deep lip lines and sagging jaw line? These two are my most aging concerns. Thanks.. -
Hello Lydia,
Allow me to help clarify! You have a very good question. The AQ FACE Serum includes a TGF-Beta GF that actually inhibits hair growth. So if you are using the face serum on your face, it will not cause your facial hair to grow stronger or thicker.
This same GF that inhibits hair growth has been removed from our AQ Eye Serum, because of course, it is for the eye area and we don't want to inhibit the growth of eyelashes or eyebrows. This is why our Eye Serum is effective for eyelashes and brows.
You can use AQ face serum without worry that you will grow unwanted facial hair! We've taken precaution to assure that that is not a side effect of the product!
Thanks! -
Marta, thank you for the reply. You mentioned “it works on the follicle that produces hair or lashes”. This is exactly my concern. Most women have some facial hair after puberty and it increases in menopausal women 45 years and older. The question is, if AQ serum being applied on a daily basis and as you said “it works on the follicle that produces hair” it means that AQ will 'awaken' the follicle allowing the hair to grow deeper, stronger, thicker. If this happens to eyelashes, then it should be happening to tiny facial hair that are spread somewhere on any woman’s face. Over the long run, there will be more facial hair, which is practically impossible to get rid of. I am looking for a quality firming cream to my mom who is 54. Her friend was using copper peptide cream and ended up with increased facial hair in a year.
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Hy Lydia I have been a regular user of AQ serum and promise you I have no beard or mustache. For hair growth, it works on the follicle that produces hair or lashes, it won't just make hair grow anywhere.
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I read in AQ eye serum reviews that it also promoted eyelashes growth in some users. It that is true then my question is : does AQ skin serum promotes facial hair growth? Have anyone experienced increased facial hair while using AQ? Copper promotes hair growth. I am wondering about AQ.
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I was given the opportunity to review a sample of AQ Skin Solutions Active Serum and am ready to share my results. I was excited, as I have been using, very successfully, AQ Eye Serum. I did not see any results, initially, my skin broke out, but I stuck with it, as I believed that the break out was due to trying so many different products to find out what worked for my skin for my anti-aging regimen. By the 8th day, things turned around and I am very pleased with the glow that my face has, as well as how it has "calmed down". I am 57 years young, have great skin with few lines, no wrinkles, primarily marionette lines. My skin is normal, but has gotten dryer this year, so I also used YBF "Balance", once the serum dried (30 seconds, it was in my skin). This gave my face an exquisite look as if it was "primed". I do not use foundation, but a loose powder, as I like to see my skin. I wake up at 4:30 a.m. to prepare for my workday and when I arrive home at 7:00 p.m., my face is still perfect. I never touch up my make-up during the day, just never had to do it, so not part of my "ritual". I kept looking at my skin, as my friends were saying, "Your skin looks beautiful, it's so supple. What are you doing?" Honestly, I think that the AQ Skin Solutions Serum helped plump out the marionette lines, as well as my routine use of the Ultra Renew. I will be purchasing a regular size of the product. I highly recommend this for women with mature skin, even if you have few lines...jump start & get ahead of the aging process!!
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Hi Sharon,
We have had a lot of success with clients who have rosacea, even of the not so mild kind. Our formula includes a set of growth factors called Interleukins that enhance cell defense, regulate cell homeostasis, and is naturally anti-inflammatory. As a result, it actually enhances the immune function of your skin and naturally calms and soothes redness and irritation. We recommend our Active Serum to users who have rosacea to help with the symptoms.
I encourage you to give our product a try and see if it will work well for you! Please let us know how it works for you! -
Pamela, I have mild rosacea that flares up occasionally. Would I be able to tolerate the active ingredients and the lactic acid in the serum? Thank you, I am excited about a product that could firm up my starting to sag mid face.
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Hi Shalini,
I am the rep at AQ Skin Solutions and I have very very acne prone skin. In fact, I had a terrible break out and was able to treat it with our clinical treatments. I do use the Active Serum at home to maintain my results and I can say that it is very safe for acne prone skin.
Acne is caused by over active sebum glands. The sebum glands become overactive for a variety of reasons that are causing an imbalance in your skin. Our product is actually designed to help restore the balance to your skin so that your sebum glands are not overproducing as much. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that will help to reduce redness. And of course as our product is based on would healing technology, it will also help to speed up the healing of acne lesions and lighten acne scars. People with acne prone skin who have used our product have commented that their skin is also less greasy and glossy. I highly recommend it for acne prone skin!
Thanks! -
Hi Shalini, this is not an oil based product, although there is a small amount of bergamot oil (unlikely to cause a reaction). This is one of our best sellers and I cannot recall anyone writing in to report an acne breakout as a result of using this. I have sensitive, breakout prone skin and have no issues with it.
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Hi. I was interested in purchasing the AQ skin system Active Serum. However, I happen to have an acne prone skin and was wondering if it would be a safe investment for acne-prones and whether this product is oil-free.
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Hi Pamela,
I appreciate companies that really listen to their customers and I might give your bergamot-free serum another try. I've recently been looking at a serum by anteage which is based on cytokines. According to literature they play a bigger role in repair/Regeneration. Does your serum contain any cytokines? Anteage publishes the specific ones on their website as they believe there are those that are inflammatory and those that are anti-inflammatory and thus essential. -
Hello TIA Community,
I was inspired to consult my scientists as well as do much of my own research after the comments on bergamot oil. In our formulation, bergamot oil has many uses. One of which is that it is a natural preservative due to it's high anti-bacterial and anti-viral nature which makes it very useful for even acne. It is also used as an anti-oxidant as it is very high in anti-oxidant properties. As well, bergamot oil is also has very strong anti-inflammatory properties. And of course it is also used as a natural fragrance.
Bergamot in itself is also effective in fighting bacterias that cause UIT's, vaginal infections, psoriasis, and even viruses such as HIV and pneumonia. It is also found to trigger breast cancer cells to die.
However, it should only be used in dilution and in very small percentages. The amount of bergamot oil found in our products are very minimal, probably equivalent to a drop per bottle.
The main ingredient in bergamot oil that is phototoxic is Bergapten, which is found in many citrus fruits including grapefruit. It is advised that any topical application of citrus oils can cause sensitivity to sun exposure for certain very sensitive skin types. However, bergapten in itself is being used to treat certain skin discolorations that are associated with sun damage.
However, science and technology have since found ways to extract bergapten from bergamot oil for use is cosmetics. In fact, the standard now is to use bergapten free bergamot oil.
In any event, in light of this discussion, AQ has decided to create a formula without bergamot oil for those users who are more sensitive.
The lactic acid in our product serves many purposes as well. It's a mild exfoliant that removes dead skin cells from the surface to allow for better penetration of our product. Attributed to AQ's effectiveness is it's ability to penetrate and deliver the ingredients to where they need to go.
As well, lactic acid is a buffering agent that helps maintain the PH balance in products. This is also very important for maintaining the molecular integrity of our product as proteins are very sensitive to anything too acidic or basic. And lastly, lactic acid is also a humectant that helps to retain moisture on skin's surface.
I've collected some links to studies related to bergamot oil for anyone's reference if they're up for some reading and are as curious as I was.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22634580
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22465092
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21878361
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21334901
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20690896
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18045389
http://www.bioline.org.br/pdf?gm07041
Thank you TIA Community for your patronage!
PS. Gloria! As always, I am so thrilled to hear about your positive experiences with AQ! It's rewarding to hear that as time goes by, you are noticing more positive results! I have to say, after Marta mentioned that it was good for lashes, I gave it a try myself. I have noticed that my lashes are growing in faster, and filling out so that there is less sparseness in between. As well, the lashes that are growing in are thicker and stronger and don't break as easily! I've had a few of my other clients mention the lash effect as well! Bravo to Marta for taking notice!
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Elena so sorry to hear you did not have positive results on the AQ. I have been using the AQ active serum since June and the eye serum for almost 4 weeks. I was a lover of the ReLuma line and while I am still a fan of their products I absolutely love the AQ. I recently went for a facial and she asked me if I had some injections as in Restylane, Juviderm or Botox. When I told her what I was using she was shocked. Marta I also think my lashes are geting darker and or longer. I started using it on my neck and decollete and again wonerful results. It has smoothed some wrinkles on my neck and the rings are not so prominent. My face looks so smooth and I feel that it has lifted and less sagging. I also have been using the Ultra Renew the last 4 weeks 2-3 times a week. I am a redhead and I did not experience any burning problems but always use sunscreen as well. I do not go out in the sun too much though.
The only bad thing about it is I received all these wonderful products in my new Discover with Marta collection for Fall and I don't want to stop using the AQ to try them.
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i had high hopes for this product, but it failed me completely. Not only did i not see results after 2 1/2 months of diligent monthly use, but my skin became super sensitive due to the constant lactic acid exfoliation and most importantly the very phototoxic bergamot oil (still can't figure out why anyone would use it). I use a lot of sunscreen since the sun is very strong in my country (more like bathe in it), but still managed to get 2 burns on my neck (where the skin is the thinnest). And this is the first time in my life that anything caused a burn on my skin as i'm very careful with it.
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Hi Pinky,
I'm not sure where you read that AQ should not be used with certain products. The main dominant and active ingredient is Human Fibroblast Conditioned Media. Those are the same proteins that are made by your body's own skin cells, so there should be no compatibility issues with other products. I would suggest that if there are any products that would not be good for your own skin's biology, don't put it on your skin.
We do recommend that if you are combining the use of AQ with other products, make sure that AQ is applied first and allow 3-5 minutes for the growth factors to completely absorb before applying another product. The more the growth factors are allowed to absorb into your skin without interference of other products that may contain ingredients to block absorption, the better your results will be.
Also, I AQ's serum is healing and anit-inflammatory, I think it may do very well alone to help with soothing the breakouts you may be having. You may not need to combine so many products. If your skin is already prone to breaking out, the less you are putting on your face, the better.
I hope this answers your questions! -
I read somewhere (upthread, yes?) that one should not use AQ with Renova. Is there a technical reason for this that can be shared here? Is there any other type of product that should NOT be layered under or over this serum?
I ask, because I've been using AQ with Retin A, Prevage and Blue Copper. I've been putting Retin-A over the AQ (less pilling that way) and then using either the Prevage or the Copper, depending on how bad my face is breaking out (copper soothes the breakouts). -
Gloria!
That is wonderful news! I am so happy to hear that you are having great results! We do have a lot of clients who use it on their neck and to help with the pigmentation in the chest area. It works wonders. Can't wait to hear how it goes! -
I have been using the serum now for almost 2 weeks and I can honestly say I have seen an improvement in my skin. My skin has kind of taken a beating over the last few months because of losing my husband. I absolutely love the Reluma line. I think I have found a new love. I am looking into the eye serum as well. Pam I am going to start using it on my neck as well. One of the things I love is you need very little to do your whole face and neck. I will update later!
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Hi Michele,
We do not have a separate product specifically for neck firming. AQ Active Serum is designed to be used everywhere. In fact, we have several clients who've used it on their hands and arms for age spots and wrinkles, and also in the decollete area for the same reasons. They've also used it on minor cuts and burns to speed up healing and reduce scarring. I think you will definitely see improvement on your neck for neck firming. However, depending on the level of firming you need I'm not sure of how dramatic the results will be from regular topical application.
I do however recommend our dermastamping treatment for neck firming. It's done with a licensed provider and penetrates a more concentrated formula of growth factors into your skin. Also as well, the effect of microneedling will trigger your bodys' natural healing response to produce collagen and firm. I'm not sure where you are, but feel free to email me, [email protected]. I'd be happy to find you a provider in your area.
Thanks for the question Michele! -
Pamela would AQ be good for neck firming-or do you have another product?
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Marta, I am so glad to hear that you loved AQ. I have used both the face and the eye serum on an off since your first review in 2008. It is an amazing product and find myself returning to it again and again. For a 56-year old woman, my skin is remarkably elastic. After using the eye serum for a year, I stopped using under-eye concealer altogether. The skin beneath my eyes is firm and bright. I now use both products only once daily -- actually, once nightly. Do check with AQ about using the serum with other products. They advise separating the application of Renova and AQ (when I was using both products, I used AQ in the am and Renova in the pm). Best of all, the manufacturer has reduced the bundled price. And finally, I'd rather pay for product and performance than packaging, I'm sure you and your readers feel the same. Cheers! Bess.
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I've used the AQ Skin Solutions in the past (it may have had a slightly different name ... A&G?) and will say it is the only product I've ever used that made a visible difference in my skin in less than 2 weeks. People noticed and commented on the changes in the appearance of my skin. No other product has ever done that.
At that time, it was about $199/bottle. I don't think I ever got 8 weeks out of a bottle. Maybe 6, tops. It was very effective, but eventually I just couldn't keep spending that kind of money.
I wish I had never stopped.
In the last year or so, I've tried Reluma Skin Illuminating Anti-Aging Serum, Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Repair Moisturizer and E'shee Serum Cellular Repair (over $370 for the 3 different products) and the results were minimal at best. Nothing special, nothing visible.
I'm glad to see that AQ has brought their price point down a little closer to earth. I'm definitely going back to Skin Solutions.
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Marta and Lisa, I think you will both find that getting into a good habit of treating at night is going to benefit you overall, no matter what your routine is. i used to be terrible at it too, always falling asleep working on my computer. But not having a good night routine does more damage than not even if you are using good products in the morning. Now that I've been more diligent about it, even if it means waking myself up at 3 am to wash my face and treat it after I've fallen asleep, has made a HUGE difference. Please keep us all updated on whether I'm right or not!
PS. sorry for the not so sexy plastic bottle, but you'd rather have a sexy face right? From my inside knowledge of how expensive it is for us to manufacture this product, I can HONESTLY say, you truly are paying for the content, not the packaging. -
Hello everyone! Let me comment that we are in the process of preparing and packaging to participate in one of Marta's "Discover with Marta" collections (hoping I'm not ruining any surprises). We are planning on including both an active and an eye serum for testing. For those of you who are really curious, that would be a good opportunity to try our product!
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At this stage, all I know is that the eye serum costs $99 and looks as if it might be good for puffy eyes as well as wrinkles. Here's the ingredients list:
Water (Aqua), Human Fibroblast Conditioned Media, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Glycerin, Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone, Steareth-20, Dlipeptide-2, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Butylene Glycol, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Seed Extract, Polysorbate 20, Chrysin, N-Hydroxysuccinimide, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Aminoethylphosphinic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Extract, Lactic Acid, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Phenoxyethanol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol -
Marta, any further info on AQ's product for eyes? That sounds very exciting for firming based on the results you've seen with this serum! I've been searching for some eye magic!
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Im absolutely intrigued....I've tried your faves with no result....if you're really going to test the eye serum I'd love to help....I didn't have results with YBF correct!
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Marta, I'm glad to see that you found this effective, too. I purchased the Active serum from their website a couple of months ago, and I found that it has worked better for me than the ReLuma, which I tried last year. I'm hoarding my bottle, and am using it in the mornings only. I noticed the comment above that it's recommended to use it at night, though, so perhaps I'll switch (I do better with my skin regimen in the mornings). I do like this one quite a bit. The texture of my skin has definitely improved.
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That is a nice dream. Hurry up, science!
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Hi Pamela, I started to see results within about 2-3 weeks, by which I mean a slight, but visible smoothing of wrinkles (crows feet) and fine lines (around the lip area and a very annoying dimple in cheeks) and the skin overall felt firmer. By week five these were all looking even better and I'll report back again when I've finished this bottle.
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Marta, If I may ask, how long was it after using the serum did you begin to have noticeable results? I'm aware of how quickly our Eye Serum works, but I'd like to hear your take on the Active serum. Of course it always varies from person to person, but that feedback would be great.
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I hear you on the night versus day Pamela. I never used to use products at night at all, so I'm getting there slowly. But I will swap to evening from now on and let you know how I am getting on. Thank you for the offer of the eye serum. Perhaps we can offer a "Dare To Try It for a member of the community to review.
Dennis, my two cents are that conditioned media/growth factors are in their infancy and complex. I imagine that these formulas will get better as formulators perfect which ones will signal what. Ultimately the recipes could become highly personalized. Just a hypothesis (or dream), but exciting times. -
Intriguing and simple formula! not a horrendously bad price either. definitely wanna get my hands on some.
Do you think that formulations with conditioned media are continually improving and just going to get better? or is there a limit to what they can do? -
Marta! Thank you so much for the review! I can't say enough what an exciting experience this has been for myself and AQ Skin Solutions. Your eye serum is on the way for testing! I did want to mention that I wished you were using AQ at night rather than during the day. It is recommended by our scientific team that if you are only going to use it once a day, it is much preferable to use at night because that is when your skin is in repair mode. And as is the nature of our product as a repairing serum, that is when the skin and the serum work together the best. In any case, I am absolutely thrilled you have had a great experience with the product and can't wait to see how you fare with the eye cream!
Cheers!
- Human Fibroblast Conditioned Media
- Water (Aqua)
- Glycerin
- Polysorbate 20
- Cellulose Gum
- Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
- Tocopheryl Acetate
- Lactic Acid
- Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil
- Phenoxyethanol
- 1 2-Hexanediol
- Caprylyl Glycol
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I tried the Active and Eye serums from AQ Skin Solutions. I have to say they are the best I have ever put on my face. This is my 3rd bottle and I can't get enough. What is amazing is that the improvements does not stop. I tried many other products on this site and others I got from my doctors. Nothing have helped my skin more than AQ Products.
Just finished using A/Q Serum. While I did see a slight improvement is skin tone and skin looked a bit brighter. The produce did not dry my skin. I was hoping that I would see some type of improvement on my deep wrinkles and pour size which I did not, so for this reason I would not recommend this product if you are looking for improvement in deep wrinkles and reduction of pour size.
I find it remarkable that this serum, along with a moisturizer has begun such a noticeable improvement in my dry, dehydrated skin after only a few weeks of use. Skin feels so smooth after cleansing and no flaky dry skin anywhere. Now I know what glowing skin looks like . Almost can't believe this because in the past I've used so many good products and never experienced this particular improvement, especially in a short time period. When I look at myself in the mirror, my skin looks youthful, and my pores are less noticeable, and some wrinkles are softening. And, it feels good on my skin. My skin feels hydrated and a bit firmer. Here's the remarkable thing for me - before using AQ, my face always seemed dry and after any serums, I would layer on 1-2 moisturizers AND a facial oil in order to keep my skin looking and feeling moist! I use the AQ and a good moisturizer and that's the perfect combination for me. Flabbergasted and very happy. Can't wait to see what my skin looks like over the long term.
Can I use aq active serum for scars acne?
This product goes on smoothly and absorbs quickly. I do like it but I do not see much improvement in texture or firmness of my skin.
I ordered this and gave it an honest shot due to its cost. I have to say- as one with visible pores, some acne scarring and a huge scar on my face from 2009, this product definitely helped me with all the areas I wanted to see improvements on. I am finally getting to the point that I am comfortable with wearing only a moisturizer to work and in the daytime. That has been my goal and to appear to look younger even with my hectic stressful life. I will definitely purchase the product again. I am also one to try new items that come out as technology and awareness becomes more advanced. Any and all recommendations that come across here I take seriously and purchase if I can. Thanks for everything.
This does not agree with me, unfortunately. I expect it's the Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, which causes dermatitis in many people, me included. I don't break out in a rash from it so much as just looking slightly sickly and my eyes get puffier. So I can't use it.
What an expensive error. I wish I had bought Reluma instead, which is great on my skin.
after reading all the glowing review, I gave in and ordered the AQ serum. i treated my marionette lines for 8 days and felt, they responded well. Unfortunately, my skin reacted with redness and itching. I still miss the effect of that serum and feel, its was really doing something against the first lines
The bottle says one drop is enough for the entire face and neck, but I always end up having to use at least 2-3 drops since surprisingly it does NOT go a long way as it dries quickly on skin. It has not restored firmness (which was my main goal), but it has made my overall skin tone very luminiscent and healthy. For firmness and lines I'd go for MitoQ or YBF control.
Hi Tish, yes it plays nice with makeup. As with most good serums a little goes a long way. As a general point, when serums pill under makeup, it is because too much has been applied.
Does this product play nice with makeup and/or sunscreens? Also, can it be used with a moisturizer with glycolic acid? I don't want to cancel out AQ's effects.
Hi Stacie, they don't exactly cancel each other out. Any heavy duty exfoliator (which is what retinol is) will cause your skin to try to recover the sebum that has been removed. As it is busy doing this, it will slow down the rate at which the skin is able to make use of the growth factor actives. The best thing is to use them at different times - growth factor in the morning and retinol at night. Better still keep the retinol down to a few times a week rather than every day.
Hi Marta - I have a question. My skin care provider recommended using a growth factor lotion like this one in conjunction with my retin-a, but you mention below that the two cancel each other out. Why is that?
I have loved using AQ skin Solutions in the past (I have used this and the eye serum) and I am thinking of coming back to it again as I seem to remember Pamela saying it got rid of that peach fuzz fine hair on the face in post meno? Also how does it help with pigmentation? Which ingredient does this?
I love the AQ serum so much because of the way my skin looks! Its great for firming & lifting along with improving on the overall texture. Ill be ordering another bottle very soon.
I use AQ Skin Solutions Active Serum and have gotten good results. The serum is light, dries quickly, and gives my face a dewy, radiant glow. I've only been using it for about a month so I can't say I've really noticed a difference in fine lines, however I do find it firming. Great product, would definitely purchase it again.
Hi Sarah, AQ is a great serum for wrinkles and collagen replenishment. The manufacturer does not makes claims that it will help with adult acne. And I would not recommend it for that other than helping repair acne scarring. I would recommend blue LED light as there is clinical research supporting that this treats and prevents acne. There's more information here: https://www.truthinaging.com/truth-vitality-lux-renewhttps://www.truthinaging.com/review/blue-light-may-defeat-your-acne
This is a question.
My Facial therapist has recommended AQ face serum for my adult acne. From what I have read, it seems that AQ is for skin tightening and pigmentation.
Would you know if it works for acne?
Thanks
Pamela,
is there an additional benefit of using AQ "Face" vs "Eyes" on under-eye skin? Can AQ "Face" be used under eyes just as effectively as "Eyes"?
thank you!
Hi Sandra,
There is no negative effects of using this product alongside Retin-A for acne. In fact, if you ARE using retin-A for acne, this would be a good compliment in that it will help your skin to heal faster from the exfoliation of the retin-A. However, do note that if you are using retin-A, or retinoids or glycolics for the purpose of anti-aging, these two products contradict the effects you're trying to achieve. Again, there's no danger combining the products, however, when using for wrinkles and aging skin, they sort of cancel each other out. If you need to use retinoids, I would alternate them. One week of AQ and another of that. Or use retinoids maybe once a week. I hope that helps!
Can I use this product along with retin-a I'm using the retin-a for acne
This serum has always delivered as a wonderful wrinkle reducer. I have used it on and off over the last few years. Each time I start using it again, I wonder why I stopped in the first place
When I use it regularly, I see an overall improvement in my skin. It tackles wrinkles, sagging and discoloration. It's non-irritating, absorbs quickly and works great under face cream, sunscreen or makeup
This is a wonderful product. It soaks in easily and has given my face an overall "better" appearance. I have been using this for about two months only in the morning. I cleanse, tone, apply this serum and wait a few minutes (my usual thing to do after applying serums) before moisturizing and applying sun screen. Considering the price of many serums out there, I didn't find this to be an unreasonable price point, and imagine that I will continue with its use after this bottle is finished.
I LOVE AQ Serum for the face. I have tried 4 different serums, but having gotten my glow back, with no make up on at all, I'm sticking with it until I need something else, or this no longer works for my skin. It is absolutely fantastic. Worth the price, as I don't have to use much. After second month of using is regularly, my skin looked amazing! My husband, who doesn't ever notice things like that asked me if I had gone to the dermatologist and had something done.
I didn't realize how much this product had been working for me until I stopped using it for about 4 months or so. Sometimes when I am using several things, I do not always accurately discern which of them is most effective, and I only targeted this one after I discontinued it's use. My skin was definitely plumper and firmer and brighter when I was using this product. Also, I have a pet peeve about bottles and this one is easy to use and I did not find that product got wasted from the bottle design. I just ordered another one and look forward to its arrival!
Hi Kim,
As Marta will tell you, using this product in conjunction with Retinol usually will counteract any anti-aging of the products. The Growth Factors in AQ will go to heal the excessive pealing instead of build more collagen. You can definitely use it instead of a retinol formula and use the retinol formula less frequently. This should help to calm your skin from the irritation and redness that you've had with retinol and help to balance your skin back out. Also, our formula already has vitamin C and Vitamin E in it. You would just need to add a good moisturizer. I'm sure Marta could make some good recommendations!
Pamela Xiong
I just started using this product, so mine is a question: can you use this with retinol, or are some of you using it instead? I've had lots of peeling and irritation, even with the most gentle retinol formulas, so I'm looking for anti-aging alternatives.
What about this product, plus a C & E serum?
Thanks!
Hi Mary,
I apologize that I did not see your comment earlier. I love the new TIA layout, it's much more mobile friendly, but I'm not able to see anymore when someone has left a question regarding our products unless I manually perform a search.
In any case, let me answer your question! Prolonged contacted of the active serum with the hairline could potentially cause those follicles to weaken. I have never heard it reported, but speaking from a scientific point of view, the potential is there. My solution to that would be to apply the AQ Eye Serum around the hairline. the Eye Serum can actually help to strengthen and improve the hair follicles there as we have seen it improve for the eye area, and this should keep things in balance if not even improve the health of the hair there.
I hope this helps!! Please feel free to continue to ask questions! and thank you for your patience with me as I manually search and look in on your comments every not and then to make sure I'm properly replying to them!
Pam
Hi,
Not a review, but a question.
Pamela said "Allow me to help clarify! You have a very good question. The AQ FACE Serum includes a TGF-Beta GF that actually inhibits hair growth. So if you are using the face serum on your face, it will not cause your facial hair to grow stronger or thicker. "
I was wondering if that could inhibit hair growth at the hairline at the top of the forehead (causing a slight recession of hairline), as serum often gets slightly wiped into the hairline when applied.
Thanks!
I'm always skeptical of trying new products, especially those connected with high prices but I was beyond pleased with this product and didn't realize how much so until I ran out. My skin looked brighter within a very short time and the reddness from the broken capillaries in cheeks was greatly reduced. I felt and saw the difference in my skin but as I said didn't realize how much until I ran out of product. I've been out for three weeks and my skin doesn't look the same. I don't plan on ever running out again!
Where have you been all my life, AQ? It is my "go-to" brand when I am worn out reading labels and just want results. You know it is good when it is constantly sold out.
Hi Dina
We recommend AQ for 40-somethings onwards. Human conditioned media - the growth factors that are the key active - need wrinkles to repair. They don't prevent aging that doesn't yet exist. For sagging, we recommend LED light/ultrasonic: http://www.truthinaging.com/treatments/ultra-renew-combines-ultrasonic-with-led-for-skin-lifting-and-firming
And for age prevention, we recommend products with plenty of antioxidants. You could look at BRAD, La Vie Celeste, Sevani lines
Hi! Not a review (sorry) just a question. I'm very keen on trying this product but I'm not sure what age group this product is recommended to? Would it be a good product to use to prevent premature ageing and correct initial signs of the cheeks dropping? Or do I need something else? I was recommended a product called Jyunka but after reading reviews of AQ I'm on the fence. Any advice would be much appreciated! Thank you.
I have been using AQ skin and eyes for about 4 weeks now. I can't see a noticeable difference in my eyes (crepiness above, dark circles, puffiness underneath) but I do notice a definite improvement to my facial skin. Enlarged pores have clearly diminished, skin is smoother and looks healthier. I will continue with the eye serum to see if results appear there, too.
Marta,
Thanks so much for reviewing andoffering this product. This is the first product I've used with growth factors and I have been more than amazed at the results after just shy of 4 weeks use. The changes it has made on my
chest area have just been shocking to me and those changes I noticed within two weeks. It has made the skin on my chest smooth and radiant replacing what was becoming an aging, sun damaged mess!
I am curious if these results are cosmetic or are actual changes in the skin. I've just purchased a second set of the duo face serum/eye cream as I'm hoping with long time use I could see some improvement in my jaw line and some rather deep wrinkles around my lips that I've developed from years of chewing on the inside of my mouth. (amazing how you twist your mouth up to perform that habit!)
Wow! Love this stuff! I was using TNS essential serum before, but hated all the naughty ingredients in it. I am so happy to have found this website and this product! After a month of using this my skin looks terrific, wrinkles are fading and years are disappearing of my face. I can also see tremendous improvements in the texture and radiance of my skin. I must have desert island product for me!
Hi Nanci, I checked in with AQ and they confirmed that they do not conduct any testing on animals
Marta,
I am considering using this after reading these reviews. What I can not find on this or AQ's website is whether they are cruelty free (no animal testing). Can you help me with this?
This is the first product I have ever used that I can say is 100% worth the money. I am 65, have extremely fair skin. I have taken good care of my skin but was beginning to develop those fine lines from the cheek bone down. I have been using AQ serum for about five weeks. Any problem with fine lines is gone. I have increased elasticity in the skin in my cheeks and jaw line. As a plus, the crows feeet around my eyes are significantly less noticable.
I have almost every product on your
"What's working for me now list"
:-) My favorite so far is AQ and hydropeptide :-)
Gloria! I vote for AQ!
@ Deb, I did use the Skin Medica TNS Essential Serum for a few months, I can say it does work but then I discovered the TIA Community and looked further into the some of the ingredients. I was then looking for alternatives. I tried Reluma and I got better results and better ingredients and a better price. Skin Medica is a good line if you don't mind the nasty parabens that are in there. I do still love the Reluma but I too feel my skin needs a change so I will be trying the AQ, for a bit or the BioEffect. Can't quite decide on which one though. Any thoughts
Wow! This really works. After only 10 days I've noticed a difference. Others must agree. Sunday when I went to register for a 12K race, they asked me if I were in the 40-44 age group--as you remember I almost qualify for the 70-74 (soon!) group. Of course a great lifestyle doesn't hurt. Thanks!
I have been using this for 1 week now and it is definitely as good or better than the Reluma. It could be that after using the Reluma for 6 months my skin needed a change but noticeable was firming and fine lines diminished. This ,at night, then waiting for 5 minutes, then adding Clinque moisture surge intense on top has resulted in a almost smooth face and plumped up lines in the morning mirror. I am age 62 .
Marta, I am so glad to hear that you loved AQ. I have used both the face and the eye serum on an off since your first review in 2008. It is an amazing product and find myself returning to it again and again. For a 56-year old woman, my skin is remarkably elastic. After using the eye serum for a year, I stopped using under-eye concealer altogether. The skin beneath my eyes is firm and bright.
I too tried Reluma last fall and while it worked well enough it made me break out. This usually means there is something in the formula that bothers my super-fussy skin.
I saw the mention above regarding TNS Serum as a similar/alternate product. Strangely, someone also just pushed TNS on me too. But having very similar ingredients to the AQ, and three nasty parabens, I went for the AQ. I'll try to weigh in once I have tried it...
Hi Deb, I haven't personally tried Skin Medica, but they have had some mixed reviews. Here are a couple of links to our reader reviews (with useful comments from the community):
http://www.truthinaging.com/face/reader-review-skinmedicas-tns-essential-serum
And the comments after this review, compare it to ReLuma (ReLuma, which is similar to AQ wins):
http://www.truthinaging.com/eyes/skinmedica-tns-illuminating-eye-cream-reviewed-and-rejected
Hope this helps
Not a review...just a quick question. The salon is go to is pushing Skin Medica's Essential Serum as being the best in serums. At $250 for one ounce, I am sceptical. Especially, after reading your review Marta and those of your readers. Does anyone have experience with the Skin Medica serums and can you compare the two for me. Thanks in advance.
I’ve used the AQ Skin Solutions in the past (it may have had a slightly different name … A&G?) and will say it is the only product I’ve ever used that made a visible difference in my skin in less than 2 weeks. People noticed and commented on the changes in the appearance of my skin. No other product has ever done that.
At that time, it was about $199/bottle. I don’t think I ever got 8 weeks out of a bottle. Maybe 6, tops. It was very effective, but eventually I just couldn’t keep spending that kind of money.
I wish I had never stopped.
In the last year or so, I’ve tried Reluma Skin Illuminating Anti-Aging Serum, Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Repair Moisturizer and E’shee Serum Cellular Repair (over $370 for the 3 different products) and the results were minimal at best. Nothing special, nothing visible.
I’m glad to see that AQ has brought their price point down a little closer to earth. I’m definitely going back to Skin Solutions.
Marta, I’m glad to see that you found this effective, too. I purchased the Active serum from their website a couple of months ago, and I found that it has worked better for me than the ReLuma, which I tried last year. I’m hoarding my bottle, and am using it in the mornings only. I noticed the comment above that it’s recommended to use it at night, though, so perhaps I’ll switch (I do better with my skin regimen in the mornings). I do like this one quite a bit. The texture of my skin has definitely improved.