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Our Rating:
Truth in Aging has introduced me to something that could be an expensive habit but might be worth the money. I was sent BRAD (yes, Brad) Biophotonic Skincare’s Ultra Elastin Sculpting Firming Cream Complex to test. I still can’t sort my way through its unclear claims, but I can tell you that my face and neck do feel firmer, brighter, and very happily hydrated since I started using it about four weeks ago.
I did guess right away that the line hailed from Los Angeles and immediately adored the notion that this “cult” brand (says Vogue) was originally designed around the needs of — and sold to — the oxygen and moisture deprived private jet traveler set. So, it’s not so surprising that 1.7 ounces of Ultra Elastin (50 ml) sells for a stunning $195 (in the shop)!
I cannot tell you what biophotonic means in this context. I know photon means light, but of course this is a line of topical preparations. Turns out that the sleek and attractive jars are fashioned of black glass not just to say they’re from LA. The “special density Miron glass, which blocks the spectrum of visible light” exposes the ingredients to “only life-giving violet rays that protect and improve [their] quality.” Hmmmm. Mark’s recent review of BRAD’s Ultra Elastin Lift gave more credibility to this notion.
The second claim has to do with something called “bio-fermentation”: the BRAD website says that it uses this process to “give BRAD’s high-potency ingredients increased values, allowing them to be more easily absorbed and resulting in instantly transformed skin that continues to improve with daily use, irrespective of aging body chemistry.” Wow! I’ve taken several detours around biochemistry sites but I still can’t tell you what the brand means by formulating using oxygen or why these products work differently or resist oxidation compared with those ingredients synthesized in other ways.
The key ingredients are a very solid list of vitamins, natural oils, herbs, extracts, and butters, antioxidants, and something called multi-peptide bioferment, perhaps the BRAD secret. Glycolic acid is the third ingredient — presumably that explains the brightening; MSM doesn’t get much respect from TIA and was a bit of a surprise. Propolis and Coenzyme Q10 are relatively prominent.
I have used it mostly as a night cream — though there’s no reason not to use it in the mornings as well, especially if you’re feeling particularly ancient, as I was earlier this month. And when I have, I’ve found it an excellent base for makeup. The cream is unscented, surprisingly light-textured for its heft, and absorbs beautifully. I’d say that it’s improved my skin’s tone and texture, kept my face and neck looking smooth and well-hydrated, and even, I think, provided some firming. It is definitely expensive (more expensive than anything I’ve used before) — but for the most part, I’ve skipped the use of serums while using the Ultra Elastin, so it may be a bit of a two-fer for some people. I’m not sure I’ll use it year-round, but I do think I’ll return to it when I feel I need help dealing with the winter elements.
January 30, 2016
by Zavier
Can't make much sense of the story being told here... and of course, marketing is everything. As someone who has tried many products (as my ever search for youthful skin), I've come across some good and not so good products. So, this Saturday morning, I got up bright and early so i could hit the gym and get my day started right. While I had my morning coffee, I sat with my laptop and decided to search for new anti-agin creams and came across BRAD. I was drawn to the packaging, but was not (I'm not) convinced of their "story" of why is this pretty black jar:
"Special Density Miron Glass, Which Blocks The Spectrum Of Visible Light” Exposes The Ingredients"
Well, CHANEL LE LIFT ALSO comes in a pretty density black jar/glass... so, it must be good..? is that is? the ingredients are also just as good for your skin...
Therefore, I am not sold on this marketing idea of how to 'mold' the consumer into thinking this is a good product. Although I will tell you now before I go on, that I have yet to try this product, BUT as I research and learn about WHY I should try BRAD's products, I had way too many questions that are unanswered.
I consider myself and educated consumer, and try to research before I try something, and if I do buy it and the results are not as expected, I return the product. It should be that simple.
The other important factor are the ingredients. And I am also not so convinced that this is a worth $195.00 . But then again, I am also a victim of fashion and have belts that are worth three times that price. (My anti-agin cream is ALMOST $195, but I am not here to promote my facial cream)... so, although I understand that I am not saying you should not buy this product, I am saying be an educated consumer and research products, ingredients, try new things and if all fails, BOTOX will not ! hahaha ^_^
January 18, 2015
by Sheila
Just began using this product and I can say so far so good. I'm not sure if this is meant to be a night cream or not, but since it is winter time, I am taking Marta's advice and using it night and day. ..for now. Since it has the glycolic and lactic acids, I have to be careful not dry out my skin too much..
I was impressed with this line, because I am always looking for cutting edge and interesting absorption properties. Of course, someone that does his homework on anti-aging doesn't hurt either. So far, it is speaking to my skin's needs. I needed a booster.
November 9, 2013
by Marja
Quite a surprise, this product. By surprise I mean that I, also, cannot make much sense of the story/marketing side, let alone of some of the (long!) INCI list.
But, it does do something. Something good.
For sure an item I am placing on my wishlist.
FYI: my 2 cents are based on a sample, which came with the b-box from Marta's
February 27, 2013
by VickyL
Wow, one product has all those ingredients? Too bad they had to use phenoxyethanol - my face does not like that preservative.
Oh well, my pocket book can't quite match that price tag.
January 3, 2013
by Marta
Thanks Emily - as you know I am a glass half full kinda girl (just a friendly challenge in the bad pun department)
Have You Tried BRAD Biophotonic Ultra Elastin Sculpting Firming Cream Complex?