This Clean Moisturizer's Anti-Aging Formula Has a Harvard-Backed Patent

And a nearly 5-star rating.

By

Kayla Greaves

Published on March 18, 2022 @ 10:25AM

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Caudalie/InStyle

I already know that there are a ton of products on the market that claim to be clean, efficacious, and offer anti-aging benefits. But how many of them are backed by a Harvard patent?

Personally, the only one I've come across is the reformulated Caudalie's Premier Cru Anti Aging Cream Moisturizer, and yes it's worth the hype. (But don't just take my word for it, check out the nearly 5-star rating on Sephora, too).

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I decided to test out the formula both in the Caribbean, where the warm weather and humidity have my skin looking its best, and in New York City in the middle of winter when my skin is most dry and prone to irritation.

After testing in polar opposite climates for around two months, I can confidently say this is one of the best moisturizers I've used in my life.

And while yes, the price tag is a little steep, just hear me out: This moisturizer has the power to knock a few steps out of your routine — I'll explain why.

Caudalie Premier Cru Anti Aging Cream Moisturizer

$119; sephora.com

First of all, Caudalie and Dr. David Sinclair of Harvard Medical School co-filed TET8™ patent, which offers technology that aids in the reduction of wrinkles as well as fine lines, diminishes the look of hyperpigmentation, improves overall skin radiance, helps to firm skin, improves elasticity, bumps up hydration, and leaves skin feeling plump. So feel free to leave a serum or two out of your routine from now on.

These benefits all come as a result of the formula, which is rich in magnolia-derived honokiol and grapeseed polyphenols to help smooth out skin and block free radicals, respectively; viniferine to even out skin tone, and hyaluronic acid, aka that girl when it comes to hydration. Oh, and there are also tightening sugars, which the brand says will give you a noticeable reduction in wrinkles in just three minutes, for up to six hours.

But let's be real here, I'm not exactly middle age, and wrinkles definitely aren't a major concern for me just yet. So I'm not going to sit here and preach about all the anti-aging benefits I saw by using the cream as a result, because for me, they were minimal. However, what I will say is that my skin was effortlessly more even-toned (hyperpigmentation is my arch-nemesis), felt smoother and plumper, and was deeply hydrated in both climates.

And I've tried a lot (and I mean a lot) of moisturizers over the years, but this one has reserved a spot on my counter — and in my checked bag.

From non-toxic makeup and skincare to sustainability practices, Clean Slate is an exploration of all things in the green beauty space. Find out what's really in your products — and what's being left out.

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