Fine lines and wrinkles are tricky aspects of aging. They can add a mature touch that evokes a sense of wisdom, but that doesn’t mean wrinkles are always wanted, especially when they start appearing early. Then it becomes a quest to stop them, prevent them, fix them, and make them disappear.
That’s what I was looking for when I tried Dr. Brandt’s Do Not Age Transforming Pearl Serum.
What is it?
Dr. Brandt’s Do Not Age Transforming Pearl Serum is an anti-aging potion that smooths, firms, and lifts the skin. It is a lightweight formula that works with every skin type to even the skin tone and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face, neck, and décolleté.
Pros
When I first tried this serum, I immediately fell in love. It completely reversed some of the effects the weather had on my skin, like the dryness and flaking, while it continued to impress me over time.
When the bottle is pumped, the clear liquid and suspended pearls form a thin, milky liquid. This serum applies super smoothly and absorbs quickly into the skin. It stays in place throughout the day without moving to the hairline or into the eyes, and it doesn’t disrupt makeup for always flawless foundation.
This serum is also great because it immediately hydrates my skin while still feeling lightweight. It’s not greasy or oily at all, and it makes my face feel fresh and plump. The added shimmer from the pearls also gives me a glowing complexion that brightens up my whole look.
As far as effectiveness goes, I like that this serum helps tighten my pores to a noticeable degree and minimizes the appearance of the fine lines around my eye and mouth. It has a slight lifting effect once it’s dry, and it smooths out my skin’s texture for a “blank canvas” kind of look and a more youthful radiance.
It also evened out my skin tone. I still have some dark under-eye circles, but those are genetic and won’t go away with any topical solution. It even added some pink to my cheeks, giving me a healthy and “naturally flushed” complexion.
More than just the visible effects, I love the way this serum makes my skin feel. It feels like it’s hydrating and nourishing my face: It feels good, and it feels luxurious. Also, it doesn’t have an overpowering scent. It’s relaxing—not perfume-like or overly floral, but not medical either—so while the effects are visible, the serum itself is not noticeable.
This serum works great with other skincare products, too, whether they’re from Dr. Brant or a part of an established routine.
Lastly—not that this should be a deciding factor in skincare—this serum is aesthetically stunning. The glass bottle is hefty and clear with shiny silver accents, and the suspended pearls look like real pearls with their gorgeous iridescence.
Cons
Starting with the more minor concerns, I need to circle back around to this serum’s texture. While it is lightweight and thin, it also feels a little slimy or snotty, which can be off-putting if it’s not expected.
Also, this serum isn’t oily or greasy, but it can be sticky when overused. I only need one pump for my whole face and neck (a small amount goes a long way), but I noticed if I apply it too thickly or use more than just the single pump, it leaves a somewhat sticky feeling behind.
Since this serum tightens the skin, it can make your face feel like it’s dry. I always use a moisturizer and sunscreen with this serum (as you should with any skincare routine), which helps alleviate that overly tight feeling. While any moisturizer works, Dr. Brandt does have a Time Reversing Cream from the same anti-aging line and a Whitening Cream that primarily works to even the skin tone.
I have somewhat sensitive skin, and while I haven’t had any issues, those who are more sensitive than myself might notice slightly red or irritated skin, but nothing extreme like itching or peeling. This formula does use alcohol, which can dry out the skin, and it’s also lightly fragranced, which can cause irritation (though usually only in larger proportions). While the skin might need an adjustment period, anyone with exceptionally sensitive skin should start with a patch test.
A more pressing issue is that this acts more like proactive skincare than reactive. This serum has noticeable effects right away and whenever you use it, but the effects don’t last long after discontinuing use. It more “pauses” the aging process rather than completely reversing it (which, to be fair, is nearly impossible to expect from a topical treatment).
It also works better on pores and fine lines than on heavy wrinkles, though it does lift and smooth those to a decent degree as well.
Lastly, and most importantly, this is an expensive skin treatment. While one bottle itself is a big investment, that’s still what I think it is: an investment. As I mentioned before, I only use one pump for my whole face, so this one bottle lasts me for months. Plus, we always offer our premium products at an unbeatable discount, which helped me justify my purchase.
Alternatives
For a product with similar effects and fun, unique packaging, there’s Elizabeth Arden’s ADVANCED Ceramide Capsules. These single-dose capsules contain a lightweight Daily Youth Restoring Serum that holds in moisture and restores ceramide lipids. However, this formula is also slightly greasier and doesn’t absorb as well.
For a night serum, Estee Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair – Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex II also hydrates and firms the skin. However, some people find it can cause acne, redness, dryness, or irritation more often than Dr. Brant’s serum.
La Mer’s The Regenerating Serum minimizes fine lines and wrinkles, but this formula is more expensive, and it makes the skin more matte than the “glowing” effect of the Pearl Serum. Biotherm’s Life Plankton Elixir Anti-Aging Serum is less expensive, but it also has a stronger scent and can dry out already dry skin.
For a product that’s more of an exfoliator than a serum, SkinCeuticals’ Retexturing Activator gets rid of dead skin as it hydrates and minimizes lines and wrinkles.
Verdict
In the end, I would give this product 3.5/5 stars. It works well for me, but as a preventative measure and to hide current concerns rather than as a permanent solution. However, it feels great, gives my complexion a healthy glow, and minimizes my skin insecurities.
I’m going to keep using this serum until it runs out, and I know I’m going to spring for a replacement as soon as it does.
Check out all of Dr. Brant’s Do Not Age products to boost the anti-aging effects and get visibly smoother, healthier, and younger-looking skin.
For questions, concerns, or article ideas, feel free to reach out to our eCosmetics Beauty Editor directly at beauty@ecosmetics.com
