Overview

Within the past decade, Strivectin - which is manufactured by the cosmetic company Klein-Becker - has become noticeable due to its visibility on T.V. and in various health and beauty magazines. This aggressive marketing campaign notwithstanding, it remains to be seen whether Strivectin, the formula purportedly discovered through “dumb luck,” can actually offer any long-term anti-aging effects for the skin. Even though its clever advertising claims that Strivectin features the latest in skin rejuvenation technology, the company does not seem apt to reveal specifics about the formula’s ingredients or the science behind its results.

Featured Ingredients

Unfortunately, it is difficult to establish how Srivectin works. According to its Web site and printed material, this formula contains concentrations of peptides (protein precursors) which are meant to encourage collagen production in the skin. However, the science behind these claims has not been established, and it seems as if the research on peptides is weak compared to other natural nutrients that can encourage collagen production, including Glucosamine Complex, Regenex, Lifting Spheres and others. 

Full Ingredient List

Not Applicable. After researching the Strivectin web site, it is unclear exactly what is contained within this formula. Apparently, the product attempts to work through the use of certain peptides, which are precursors to proteins. But which peptides are used is unclear. In addition, no research is posted that specifies how long these peptides have been researched in the human body.

Web Site Description

The current web site at www.strivectin.com contains very little information about its wrinkle reduction formula. Most of the text is very general in presentation, and apparently the company has removed its FAQ section, which used to contain more detailed information about the product. Most of the web site seems dedicated to promoting the “story” of Strivectin and how to use it, rather than any convincing research.

Positives

- Product uses peptides, which are precursors to body’s own proteins

- High visibility in advertising makes the product popular

 Negatives

- Very little, if any, scientific research posted on the web site

- Formula does not make use of Lifting Spheres, which would add a firming effect

- Strivectin is rather expensive ($153) compared to similar products

Conclusion

Although Strivectin seems to be visible in the media and in retail stores due to its aggressive marketing campaigns, there is very little information available to verify its claims for reducing wrinkles and helping skin look younger. While the formula does contain peptides, there is no information to support the type or delivery of these compounds. In addition, Strivectin does not contain Regenex or other established anti-aging ingredients like Hyaluronic acid or Glucosamine Complex, which makes it a shaky prospect at best.

Overview

IQ Cosmetics has recently expanded its line of skincare formulas to include several new offers. For example, in addition to its Triple Action anti-aging system for fine lines and wrinkles, IQ also offers a kit of formula for the eyes, as well as a line of mineral-based makeup. Perhaps this is an effort to keep up with other companies, such as Dermitage, but AntiAging-Reviews.com researchers were initially concerned that this rapid expansion could dilute its focus on perfecting its initial - and quite promising - Triple Action formula. Therefore, the team decided to give IQ a second look and update this review.

Featured Ingredients

Matrixyl 3000 has an impressive amount of research behind it, rivaling other such nutrient combinations as Regenex and Glucosamine Complex for its ability to encourage the skin to begin producing more of its own collagen. Matrixyl 3000 does seem to accomplish this task with minimal side effects, even though most testing has been conducted in vitro (in a laboratory on Petri dishes). The results are encouraging, since continued use of Matrixyl 3000 does seem to help fill in wrinkles and lines. It is puzzling, however, that the makers of IQ decided to use Marine Collagen. The research team at AntiAging-Reviews.com has been far from impressed by formulas that contain Marine Collagen, since many of these products use collagen derived from shellfish, which can irritate skin allergies. In addition, science has yet to prove that whole collagen can actually penetrate the skin, making this ingredient questionable. However, IQ does contain Hyaluronic acid, which is a remarkable moisture-retention nutrient. Naturally occurring in the body, Hyaluronic acid is meant to hold water molecules and other key nutrients in the skin so that collagen and elastin can be nourished and remain strong and flexible. Use of Hyaluronic acid has been proven to keep skin smooth, soft and more resistant to the effects of aging. Various forms of Vitamin C have been added to neutralize free radicals, which result from sun exposure, air pollution and even the ingestion of food preservatives. Free radicals are believed to be a prime suspect in aging skin, so the use of antioxidants like Vitamin C does have some merit. But Vitamin C is becoming outdated, especially the synthetic forms found in IQ Triple Action. Therefore, the AntiAging-Reviews.com would like to see a future revision of the formula so that it includes botanical antioxidants like Grape Seed and Green Tea, which offer hundreds of times the protection from a more natural source. 

Web Site Description

Overall, the IQ Web site seemed quite comprehensive and easy to navigate. It includes plenty of information about the ingredients in the product, as well as a full page of customer testimonials and FAQs about the product. The before/after pictures did seem to be a bit dramatized and don’t necessarily need to be. IQ does offer a free trial of its formulas, which is what many of the leading companies do in order to give their customers the best chance to see if a particular formula is right for them.

Positives

- Features Matrixyl 3000, which is a reliable compound that encourages collagen production

- Also includes Hyaluronic acid, one of the best moisture-retention nutrients available

 Negatives

- Uses Marine Collagen, which is an unproven compound. May not fully absorb into the skin.

- Vitamin C, especially synthetic forms, may not be as powerful or natural as Green Tea, Grape Seed and other botanical antioxidants

- Does not contain Regenex or Glucosamine Complex, which are two of the leading anti-wrinkle compounds available. These would have made the formula even stronger.

Conclusion

Considering the weak cosmetic formulas on the market today, one could do a lot worse than IQ Triple Action. While this formula may not be as comprehensive as others, and while some of the ingredient choices may be perplexing, the overall effect seems to be consistent enough that most consumers will notice a difference. The AntiAging-Reviews.com research team is encouraged by the promise of this formula, but would like to see if future revisions come closer to a more lasting anti-wrinkle effect.

Overview

Bellaplex has emerged as a leading product on the Internet, due to the fact that it makes a lot of information available about the ingredients in the formula. While some of these ingredients are shown to be beneficial for the skin, others are inconsistent at best, which is why AntiAging-Reviews.com has given this product a mixed review. That being said, Bellaplex does seem to have enough of the right kind of ingredients that researchers suspect that most customers will notice benefits when using the formula. The company seems to get most of its customers by enticing them with a free sample as well as a free subscription to a select group of magazines.

Featured Ingredients

Matrixyl 3000 has an impressive amount of research behind it, rivaling other such nutrient combinations as Regenex and Glucosamine Complex for its ability to encourage the skin to begin producing more of its own collagen. Matrixyl 3000 does seem to reduce wrinkles with minimal side effects, even though most testing has been conducted in controlled laboratory environments, where results can be controlled. This may or may not reflect how an ingredient will actually perform in real human skin. That being said, continued use of Matrixyl 3000 does seem to help fill in wrinkles and lines. Argireline is an amino acid complex that is supposed to mimic the tightening effect caused by Botox and other artificial injections. By reducing facial contractions, Argireline theoretically helps reduce many of the stress-caused wrinkles and lines that appear with age. However, clinical tests suggest that it required 15 days of constant use (as much as 3 times a day) to reduce wrinkles by 60%. There may be other compounds, such as Regenex and Glucosamine Complex, which actually may produce better results in a shorter amount of time.  Collagen. Researchers at AntiAging-Reviews.com tend to be skeptical of products that contain collagen, since many of these products use collagen derived from shellfish, which can irritate skin allergies. In addition, science has yet to prove that whole collagen can actually penetrate the skin, making this ingredient questionable. Hyaluronic Acid is a remarkable moisture-retention nutrient. Naturally occurring in the body, Hyaluronic acid is meant to hold water molecules and other key nutrients in the skin so that collagen and elastin can be nourished and remain strong and flexible. Use of Hyaluronic acid has been proven to keep skin smooth, soft and more resistant to the effects of aging. 

Web Site Description

Bellaplex does have a thorough Web site, with plenty of information about the ingredients in the formula. The site also includes several pages of testimonials, which is impressive. But some of the photo quality is inconsistent, suggesting that either the formula has mixed results or that some effects have been added to make the photos more attractive. In addition, while the web site pushes a free sample offer, we found that you do not actually get a free sample to keep, but rather will have to pay full price once the free trial period has passed.

Positives

- Hyaluronic acid is a proven skin compound that helps retain moisture and keep the skin soft.

- The web site contains a large amount of information, especially on the research behind the ingredients.

 Negatives

- The use of collagen is questionable, since science has not confirmed that the skin can absorb it

- Matrixyl 3000 and Argireline may not be as powerful as other nutrients in other formulas

- The free sample is actually a free trial - some customer may feel tricked into the continuity program

Conclusion

Bellaplex seems to be an above-average formula. While some of the ingredients have solid research behind them, AntiAging-Reviews.com researchers remain skeptical of any product that claims to deliver whole collagen to the skin. A better method seems to encourage the skin to produce more of its own collagen, which is what ingredients like Regenex and Glucosamine Complex can do.

Overview

Murad actually manufactures and distributes several cosmetic formulas. Recently, it has been publicizing its newest member in the line, called Murad Day Reform. This product is designed to use in the morning after cleansing. Murad Day Reform is meant to strengthen skin while reducing wrinkles and exfoliate away dead skin so that new skin can surface. The formula features a unique mixture of natural botanical extracts along with several synthetic ingredients.

Featured Ingredients

Retinol - This is a synthetic form of Vitamin A, which is an antioxidant that is important to maintaining vision and bone health. It may impact the immune system and encourage production of growth hormone, which is why it is included in this formula.  Salicylic Acid - This synthetic chemical is usually featured in products that treat acne and similar types of skin breakouts. Although it is a top choice for that use, it seems to be out of place in a product claiming to reduce wrinkles, since no research has been done on this property.  Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry Seed) - This botanical contains concentrations of many types of beneficial Omega oils, which can promote an antioxidant function to protect the skin. But Raspberry Seed has mostly been tested on those with skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, making it another curious choice for an anti-wrinkle formula. Morinda Citrifolia (Noni) - The extract of this Pacific Island fruit has been touted as a cure for everything from arthritis to cancer. While it does seem to boost immune health and promote antioxidant protection - which may be good for the skin - the AntiAging-Reviews.com research team is not aware of any research showing how Noni may promote anti-aging for the skin or affect wrinkles in any way. 

Web Site Description

The web site for Murad Day Reform only gives the most basic information. Most of the ingredients are not discussed in very much detail, and not testimonials are posted so that visitors cannot see how this product has worked for others.

Positives

- Contains some intriguing natural antioxidants, which may protect the skin

- Although it may not work on wrinkles, it could help those with acne, eczema, psoriasis and other types of rare skin conditions

 Negatives

- Very sparse web site with little information

- No customer testimonials available

- Does not contain proven anti-wrinkle compounds such as Glucosamine Complex or Regenex

Conclusion

For a product that claims to be the first step in a daily system towards reducing wrinkles and promoting younger looking skin, Murad Day Reform simply seems to fall short. Although the ingredients in the formula seem relatively safe, they do not really seem to be the best choices for wrinkle treatment, since they have been tested mostly on other types of problems. At the best, this formula will help provide some protection against sun and pollution. At the worst, those looking to reduce their wrinkles will feel as if they are wasting their money on this rather mild product.