REVIEW: glow by Dr. Brandt Overnight Resurfacing Serum

I've been using this serum for about 12 weeks now and can really give a thorough assessment of its effectiveness.  Usually, I try to use a product for at least 8 weeks before doing a review, but I waited 4 weeks longer with this product because I was really hoping to see some improvements to my skin...unfortunately, glow by Dr. Brandt did not deliver on what it promised.

Now, the first thing I want to address is its claim that it contains 2% - Active Retinol Time-Release Complex.  I want to address this 2% claim: I don't think it's 2% pure retinol or its derivatives, but rather it is 2% of a solution or "complex" that contains retinol.  Why do I make this assertion without any ability to test this serum? Well, first, retinol is listed quite lower down the ingredients' list, and second, I've used retinol for many years in different strengths and 2% would cause me to start peeling within a week a using it.  However, I didn't experience any redness, peeling, or any purging of my skin - nada, zip.  Third, according to PC's review of this serum, phenoxyethanol (a preservative) is rarely ever used in concentrations higher than 1% and the retinol in this product is listed WELL after that ingredient.  This further strengthens my skepticism that there is a full 2% of pure retinol in this.

The formulation - for the price of $105 CAD - is NOT worth it in my opinion. There are far better formulations out there for half the price. What is nice though is the absence of parabens, phthalates, and sulfates. 

Full ingredients list: 

Water, Glycerin, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Isoamyl Laurate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Shea Butter Esters, Triheptanoin, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Behenyl Alcohol, Methylpropanediol, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Retinol, Glyceryl Stearate, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Xanthan Gum, Betaine, Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate, Citrus Nobilis Oil, Chlorphenesin, Caprylyl Glycol, Caprylic /Capric Triglyceride, Lecithin, Glycine Soya Sterols, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Maslinic Acid, Phenylpropanol, BHT, Sodium Phytate, Dimethiconol, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Honey, Pectin, Phospholipids, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Glycine Soya Oil.

The product claims to do the following: 

"This concentrated serum is formulated with a time released 2% Retinol Complex that provides both immediate and long term release to promote radiance from within. It supports natural cell turnover to improve skin texture and tone. The appearance of lines, wrinkles, and enlarged pores is softened, revealing new, healthy skin with a youthful glow."

There are some nice moisturizing ingredients and also some repairing and anti-inflammatories, but they are all further down the list of ingredients and it is safe to assume they're not in high enough concentrations to really impact your skin, especially if you're being charged over a hundred dollars for this product.

The serum itself is light yellow in colour and continues to oxidize to a darker yellow as time goes on due to the retinol "aging".  There's a small plug that goes over the nozzle; keep that! It slows the oxidization process and therefore, increases the effective life of your retinol.  

As you can see, it has a creamier consistency than a gel but no where near a moisturizing cream. This is definitely more of a lotion than a serum consistency. 

The serum is scented with citrus oils, which to some people smells a bit bad. I don't mind it, but it certainly isn't great smelling.  Citrus oils can be irritating to people with sensitive skin, so be mindful of this if you're thinking of trying this out and you are one of these people. 

Overall, this serum helped even out my skin tone mildly, but did not help to reduce fine lines, dilated pores, or lighten any freckles, acne scars, sunspots, or really, anything else.  

I would not repurchase this one again simply because of the price, lack of outstanding ingredients, and lack of efficacy.  The only really good attribute about this is the product's pump nozzle, leading me to give it a 4/5 on that scoring category.  Everything else? No more than a 2.5/5 giving this product a final score of 10/20. :( 

	Efficacy	Price	Formulation	Design	Total
glow by Dr. Brandt Overnight Resurfacing Serum	2.5/5	1/5	2.5/5	4/5	10/20

You can purchase this product at the following, trusted e-shops:
Sephora  $105 CAD