Olay is known for its effective, science-backed formulas that feel far more luxurious than their drugstore prices imply—and it seems like any time the brand introduce a new product, it instantly becomes a fan favorite. The latest offering that’s been racking up five-star reviews? Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Moisturizer ($30).
Launched in the back half of 2021 as part of the Olay’s Vitamin C + Peptide 24 line, the moisturizer quickly became a best seller thanks to its stacked roster of actives. Its superpowers? Brightening, plumping, and fending off fine lines and wrinkles.
First up on the ingredients list (which should be pretty obvious, based on the product’s name) is vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that defends against free-radical damage from environmental aggressors. While derms will tell you that you should be slaterhing the ingredient onto your skin 365 days year, it’s extra important during the warmer months, when you’re likely spending more time outdoors exposed to UV rays and pollution. “It protects our skin and decreases the chances leading toward precancers and cancer,” says board-certified dermatologist Dhaval G. Bhanusali, MD FAAD. Additionally, because it can help to fade dark spots and even out hyperpigmentation—two more fun side effects of sun exposure that are increasingly common in the summer—its worth adding to your regimen from now thorugh September.
The moisturizer also has amino peptids (which, again, should be obvious), which derms have previously referred to as one of the “highest-tech” ingredients around. These molecules are small enough to penetrate the top layer of the epidermis, and once they’ve made it beneath the surface they kick collagen production into high gear to leave your complexion plumper, smoother, and firmer overall.
What really makes the formula so special, though, is an ingredient that’s not name-checked on its label: A proprietary niacinamide complex that supports an important biological process in your skin called autophagy. Often referred to as “cellular cleanup,” autophagy breaks down any dead or damaged cell parts to get them out of the way and ensure your skin is functioning properly. As you get older, this process slows down and can lead to visible signs of aging including wrinkles, dryness, sagging skin, and dark spots—which is where Olay’s autophagy-boosting formula comes in.
In addition to these anti-aging effects, “Niacinamide is [also] a potent anti-inflammatory, and has been used to help with pigmentation and even acne,” says Dr. Bhanusal. “It can help calm the skin or even help with the tolerability of other ingredients,” he adds.
On Olay’s website, the moisturizer has garnered more than 5,000 five-star reviews. One user says it gave them “total hydration and glow,” while another writes, “I saw results in under a week!! I am in love with this product and find it works good, if not better than a prescription to even skin. The only difference is it’s less expensive than a prescription. Thank you, Olay scientists!” Well+Good’s senior beauty editor Zoë Weiner tested the formula for herself, and notes that she “loved the cool, whipped-jelly texture,” and “noticed that [her] skin looked brighter both instantly after [she] applied it and over time.”
To see what all the hype is about, shop it for yourself above.
For more intel about the importance of vitamin C, check out the video below.
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