Let’s compare some Ole Henriksen Serum options! In a battle between the Truth Vitamin C serum and the Glow Cycle Retin-Alt Power serum, who comes out on top?
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While I’ve come a long way in developing an anti-aging skincare routine that really works for me, I’ve struggled to find my favorite serum.
My biggest skincare concern? Hyperpigmentation.
Finding a serum that addresses sun and age spots has become somewhat of a new mission in my life. And, after striking out with several others, my search turned to Ole Henriksen. After all, their Dark Spots toner was a game-changer that completely transformed my skin’s texture. Then there’s the fact that basically every beauty editor out there raves about the Vitamin C Truth serum. Maybe it would be just what I needed?
Ole Henriksen Serum Comparison
When looking at Ole Henriksen’s serum lineup, I knew a battle of the serums was in my future! The Truth Serum of course caught my eye but so did the Glow Cycle Retin-ALT Power serum. Both of these Ole Henriksen serum options are loaded with ingredients that could potentially target hyperpigmentation. They also both have strong reviews! But which is better?
A 4-Month Test Cycle
When it comes to a facial serum, time and consistency are key in determining how effective the product really is. With that in mind, I set up a 4-month test cycle where I’d try out these Ole Henriksen serum options and determine which one worked better for my skin. Because of its popularity, I started out by using the Truth Vitamin C serum every night for two months. Then, I switched to using the Power serum for the following two months.
Well – my testing period has come to an end and I’m finally ready to spill the beans with you! Just how did my Ole Henriksem serum test go? Keel reading for the full scoop, below!
SHOP THE SERUMS
Ole Henriksen Truth Vitamin C Serum ($12 – $74)
Ole Henriksen Glow Cycle Retin-ALT Power Serum ($58)
Ole Henriksen Vitamin C Truth Serum (Shop)
The Truth Serum is definitely one of the most discussed facial serums on the market currently. Here’s a rundown of its ingredients and properties:
- TRUE-C VITAMIN C COMPLEX: Fights signs of aging and brightens the skin
- ORANGE AND GREEN TEA EXTRACTS: Nourish skin and provide antioxidants
- COLLAGEN: To protect skin’s elasticity and strengthen firmness
- CRUELTY-FREE but not vegan
- PRICE: Available in for sizes, ranging from $12 to $74
Full Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Glycerin, Oleth-20, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Parfum/Fragrance, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Benzophenone-4, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aroma/Flavor, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Disdodium Phosphate, Polysorbate 60, Yellow 6 (CI 15985), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Thioctic Acid, Calcium Ascorbate, Sodium Phosphate, Sorbitol, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Sodium Benzonate, Alcohol, Absoribic Acid, Calcium Carbonate, Calcium Threonate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Euphrasia Officinalis Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Benzyl Benzoate, Citral, Limonene, Linalool.
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What I Liked:
- Lightweight gel-like formula that absorbs quickly in the skin
- Improved my skin’s plumpness
- The orange scent
What I Didn’t Like:
- DRYING. Required me to really up the ante with my favorite CeraVe moisturizer to combat the drying factor of this Ole Henriksen serum.
- No improvement to my sun spots
- No noticeable improvement to my skin’s natural radiance
- Formula is so lightweight and fast-absorbing that you fly through using a bottle. Gets pricey!
- Contains unnecessary dye
Ole Henriksen Glow Cycle Retin-ALT Power Serum (Shop)
Phew, what a hefty name this Ole Henriksen serum has. Quite the mouthful! But given that its loaded with so many ingredients to address anti-aging concerns, I suppose the big name makes sense.
- PLANT-BASED RETINOL ALTERNATIVE: Bakuchiol evens skin’s tone and texture while targeting fine lines
- EDELWEISS STEM CELLS: powerful antioxidant that balances the skin and reduces sensitivity
- AHAS: Alpha Hydroxy acids naturally exfoliate, increase collagen production and repair UV damage
- MIX OF EXTRACTS: From chamomile to red algae, the serum contains a healthy variety of extracts geared towards nourishing the skin
- CRUELTY-FREE + VEGAN
- PRICE: $58 for 1 oz. bottle
Full Ingredients: Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Propanediol, Glycerin, Squalane, Glycereth-26, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Mica, Cetearyl Alcohol, Bakuchiol, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Aminomethyl Propanol, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Parfum/Fragrance, Ceteareth-20, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Leontopodium Alpinum Callus Culture Extract, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract, Cellulose Gum, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract, Silica, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Extract, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Limonene, Linalool, Citral, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Violet 2 (Ci 60730), Red 4 (Ci 14700).
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What I Liked:
- Very moisturizing, especially compared to the Truth Serum
- Soft, creamy formula that’s quite satisfying when applied
- Significantly improved my skin’s texture
- Boosted natural radiance of the skin
- Targeted my hyperpigmentation concerns and noticeably lightened sunspots
- Thicker formula means you get more use from a bottle than the Truth serum
What I Didn’t Like:
- Contains an unnecessary purple die which feels gimmicky
- While I didn’t have a problem, many have reported allergic reactions
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Winner of my Ole Henriksen Serum Test? The Power Serum
After two months of using the Truth serum, I was ready to move on. It didn’t do much at all for my skin and I’m confused why it garners so much attention from beauty editors. The serum is also really is very drying on the skin, which might work for you if you’re looking to control oiliness but for me it was kind of miserable.
I also didn’t feel any of the signature “Vitamin C sting” that I have come to love and expect when getting facials. If you’re looking for a great Vitamin C product to add to your routine — I really suggest this from The Ordinary. It’s quite potent, very effective and less than $7!
Why I Prefer the Power Serum
The Ole Henriksen Glow Cycle Retin-ALT Power Serum answered everything I was hoping for but failed to get from the Truth serum. My skin really responds well to AHAs so the addition of those was very much appreciated! The serum is also very moisturizing and nourishes the skin nicely.
But most of all, I was delighted to see the serum addressed my hyperpigmentation concerns and lightened my sunspots. They’re not totally gone, but I’m hopeful with continued daily use they’ll fade away more and more. I also suspect the serum will help prevent any future sunspots from developing. *Fingers crossed*
I’m so glad to have finally found a serum that works for me. As the name suggests, the Power serum is a powerful product that simultaneously tackles anti-aging concerns, smooths skin texture, fights hyperpigmentation and provides moisture. It’s sad to see some others report allergic reactions in the reviews, because it can do really great things if your skin accepts it.
Thank you for reading this rather lengthy post! I hope you enjoyed. If you’re interested in more skincare products I use, my affordable skincare routine is worth checking out as well. x
SHOP THE SERUMS
Ole Henriksen Truth Vitamin C Serum ($12 – $74)
Ole Henriksen Glow Cycle Retin-ALT Power Serum ($58)
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Kelly
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