Invity – Youth Activating Cream Concentrate Review

Product Review: Packaging, Formulation, Results

Packaging:

The Youth Activating Cream Concentrate comes in a 50ml jar with a frosted dark green finish.

The packaging and color immediately indicate that the product is from a premium, eco-friendly brand.

Product Labels & Claims:

What is Glycation? Glycation is a natural oxidation process that occurs in the skin due to excess glucose in skin fibers. It leads to irreversible damage, including saggy skin, wrinkles, dullness, and weakened skin barrier functions.

Key Claims:

1. Scientifically Formulated: The Youth Activating Cream Concentrate is backed by science and delivers potent skin-renewing benefits at a cellular level to combat the effects of aging. It's formulated to strengthen, hydrate, and nourish the skin while protecting against glycation and environmental damage.
   ✓ – Invity is a brand built on its rigorous scientific research in phytochemistry and nutrition to create cutting-edge skincare and supplements. Their focus is on anti-aging ingredients like NAD and advanced delivery systems so these key ingredients can effectively penetrate the skin and work on a cellular level.
2. Improves Skin Firmness and Elasticity: This product claims to enhance skin firmness and elasticity, helping your skin regain a more youthful appearance.
   ✓ – Includes ingredients like Tripeptide-29 and Bakuchiol (a less sensitizing retinol alternative), which promote collagen production and improve skin texture.^[1]
3. Reduces the Appearance of Fine Lines and Wrinkles: It claims to be formulated with anti-aging ingredients and other plant actives that aim to reduce visible signs of aging.
   ✓ – Also has notable antioxidants like Ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q10), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), and Tocopheryl Acetate.^{[2, 3, 4, 5]}
4. Promotes Skin Regeneration and Soothes Skin: Claims to contain collagen-boosting plant actives that support skin regeneration and promote a more rejuvenated and radiant appearance.
   ✓ – NAD and Tripeptide-29 promote cellular energy production and repair DNA damage. The brand also does research and development to identify compounds that can work transdermally, inducing cellular energy within skin cells.
5. Effective Moisture Retention: Claims to reduce transepidermal water loss and improve skin hydration.
   ✓ – Has Fucus Vesiculosus Extract and other moisturizing ingredients like Glycerin, Jojoba Esters, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, and Trehalose.^{[6, 7]}
6. Skin Brightening – Reduce uneven pigmentation and dullness for a more radiant, even-toned complexion. This gives your skin a healthier appearance and enhances overall skin luminosity.
   ✓ – Fucus Vesiculosus Extract & Bakuchiol are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and reduces the appearance of dark spots.^[8]
7. Advanced Anti-Glycation Effect: The combination plant actives are said to work together to prevent and reduce glycation, a natural oxidation process that contributes to skin aging.
   ✓ – Pterostilbene & Ziziphus Spina-Christi Leaf Extract helps combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the skin.^[9]
8. Vegan, Clean Label, Cruelty-Free: The product carries labels that indicate it is vegan, has a clean label, and is cruelty-free, making it a choice for those who prefer ethical and eco-conscious skincare.
   ✓ – We love brands who are not just pioneers of industry but holds themselves to high ethical standards. Paraben-Free, Sulfate-Free, Silicone-Free, Reef-safe.

Proven Results: The Youth Activating Cream Concentrate claims to have positive results based on user experience surveys and in-house efficacy studies. After 14 days of use, participants saw benefits when used in combination with other products from the same line.

Additional Information:

• Suitable for All Skin Types: The Youth Activating Cream Concentrate claims to be suitable for all skin types, thanks to its gentle and well-tolerated formulation.
  X – There are quite a lot of actives and a mild fragrance (albeit all-natural) in his product that may be irritating for sensitive skin. Also not recommended if you have a broken skin barrier.
• Year-Round Use: This cream concentrate is designed for all-day use and is suitable for year-round application.
  X – It’s nourishing and lightweight for humid weather, but not heavy enough for our tester's dry skin in winter. Our tester would also prefer an anti-aging day cream to have at least SPF30+.
• Addressing the Root Cause of Aging: Unlike typical moisturizing creams that temporarily mask signs of aging, this product is specifically formulated to address the root cause of aging by deactivating glycation and promoting skin regeneration.
  ✓ – This product’s strength is targeting glycation, which is beyond what most moisturizers are capable of or aim for. By taking a comprehensive approach to skin health and aging, this product aims to provide long-term benefits through damage prevention and skin repair with continued use.^[10]

---

Ingredient Analysis

Disclaimer: The ingredient analysis provided in this review is based on the information available from the product's labeling and official documentation. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and comprehensive insights into the product's ingredients, it's important to note that we are not the formulator of this product.

The performance and safety of skincare products can vary from person to person, and individual experiences may differ. As with any skincare product, it's advisable to perform a patch test and consult with a dermatologist if you have specific skin concerns or sensitivities.

Complete Ingredients (Website): Water/Aqua, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, Cetearyl Olivate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Propanediol, Behenyl Alcohol, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, C13-15 Alkane, Sorbitan Olivate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Jojoba Esters, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Stevia Rebaudiana Leaf/Stem Extract, Trehalose, Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, Bakuchiol, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Ziziphus Spina-Christi Leaf Extract, Pterocarpus Marsupium Bark Extract, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Ubiquinone, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Tripeptide-29, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Sodium Phytate, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Citric Acid, Fragrance (natural, from essential oils).

COMPLETE INGREDIENTS (PACKAGING): AQUA, GLYCERIN, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, HYDROGENATED ETHYLHEXYL OLIVATE, CETEARYL OLIVATE, GLYCERYL STEARATE, BEHENYL ALCOHOL, MANGIFERA INDICA (MANGO) SEED BUTTER, PROPANEDIOL,C13-15 ALKANE, SORBITAN OLIVATE, COCO-CAPRYLATE/CAPRATE, JOJOBA ESTERS, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, POLYGLYCERYL-2 STEARATE, STEVIA REBAUDIANA LEAF/STEM EXTRACT, TREHALOSE, NICOTINAMIDE ADENINE DINUCLEOTIDE, BAKUCHIOL, FUCUS VESICULOSUS EXTRACT, ZIZIPHUS SPINA-CHRISTI LEAF EXTRACT, TRIPEPTIDE-29, LEUCONOSTOC/RADISH ROOT FERMENT FILTRATE, PTEROCARPUS MARSUPIUM BARK EXTRACT, STEARYL ALCOHOL, XANTHAN GUM, TOCOPHEROL, BENZYL ALCOHOL, DEHYDROACETIC ACID, BENZYL BENZOATE, UBIQUINONE, HYDROGENATED OLIVE OIL UNSAPONIFIABLES, LIMONENE, MALTODEXTRIN, SODIUM PHYTATE, CANANGA ODORATA FLOWER OIL, LINALOOL, DIMETHYL ISOSORBIDE, CITRIC ACID.

Warning: For external use only. Do not use on damaged or broken skin. In the event of irritation, discontinue use and see a doctor. Avoid contact with eyes. In the event of eye contact, rinse well with warm water. Keep out of reach of children. Keep in a cool dry place.

Ingredient Discrepancies:

The website and the box have some variations for the Youth Activating Cream Concentrate, but most of the key ingredients are consistent. There may be minor differences, such as the order in which ingredients are listed or the inclusion of some specific compounds. However, the core ingredients seem to match.

1. Order of Ingredients – In the ingredient list, the order in which the ingredients are listed is typically significant. The ingredients are usually listed in descending order of their concentration in the product. So, if an ingredient is listed higher on the list, it means there is more of it in the product. Minor differences in the order might not be a cause for concern.
2. Specific Compounds – Sometimes, different names or variations of a specific ingredient can be used in cosmetic products. For example, one list might include “Tocopherol,” while the other might specify “Tocopheryl Acetate,” which is a derivative of Tocopherol. These differences may not be significant if they represent the same essential component.

Cosmetic and skincare products can be manufactured in different batches, and minor ingredient variations may occur due to sourcing or other factors. The manufacturer may update the packaging with the most accurate information, while the website might need to reflect the latest changes.

Sometimes, products may also be formulated differently for different regions or markets due to specific regulations or preferences. This can lead to variations in ingredient lists.

This discrepancy could also be due to variations in labeling and regulatory requirements. 

In any case, the Youth Activating Cream Concentrate is likely consistent between the two sources.

Website List:

1. “Glyceryl Stearate SE” is listed. This typically indicates a specific type of glyceryl stearate that is often used in cosmetic products.
2. “C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate” is mentioned. It's a type of ester, specifically an ester of benzoic acid. This ingredient is commonly used as an emollient and texture-enhancing agent in skincare and cosmetic products. It can help in moisturizing the skin and improving the product's spreadability and texture.
3. “Fragrance (natural, from essential oils)” is mentioned but specified in the packaging.

Box List:

1. “GLYCERYL STEARATE” is used. This is a broader term that encompasses various forms of glyceryl stearate, including “Glyceryl Stearate SE.”
2. “LEUCONOSTOC/RADISH ROOT FERMENT FILTRATE” appears. It’s a natural ingredient that is derived from the fermentation of radish roots. It's commonly used in skincare and cosmetic products as a natural preservative and as a skin conditioning agent. This ingredient helps to maintain the stability and safety of the product while providing some skin benefits.
3. “BENZYL BENZOATE” is often utilized as a fragrance ingredient and as a fixative in perfumes. It has a sweet, balsamic scent and can contribute to the overall fragrance profile of a product.
4. “LIMONENE” is a naturally occurring fragrance compound found in the peels of citrus fruits like lemons and oranges. It's commonly used in skincare and cosmetic products to give a pleasant citrus scent.
5. “MALTODEXTRIN” is a carbohydrate derived from starch, often from corn, rice, potato, or wheat. In skincare and cosmetic products, it can serve various purposes, such as acting as a thickening agent or as a carrier for other ingredients.
6. “CANANGA ODORATA FLOWER OIL” is an essential oil derived from the flowers of the Cananga odorata tree, commonly known as the ylang-ylang tree. This essential oil is often used in skincare and cosmetic products for its pleasing floral fragrance and potential skin-conditioning properties.
7. “LINALOOL” is a naturally occurring fragrance compound commonly found in various plants and flowers. It has a pleasant floral scent and is often used in skincare and cosmetic products as a fragrance ingredient.

These are the discrepancies we found between the two lists. While some ingredients have different names or formats, it's important to consider that they might represent the same or similar compounds.

Notable Ingredients & Analysis:

Key Active Ingredients:

These active ingredients offer a range of benefits, from anti-aging and skin protection to soothing and hydrating properties. They can work synergistically to improve skin health and appearance.

Additional Key Functionalities:

• Antioxidant: Bakuchiol, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ubiquinone
• Anti-Aging: Ubiquinone, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Citric Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E)
• Cell-communicating ingredient: Bakuchiol, Tripeptide-29
• Skin-identical ingredient: Glycerin
• Soothing: Jojoba Esters, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract

Other Functional Categories of Ingredients:

• Antimicrobial/Antibacterial: Bakuchiol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
• Buffering: Citric Acid
• Chelating: Sodium Phytate
• Emollient: Caprylic/​Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, C13-15 Alkane, Coco-Caprylate/​Caprate, Jojoba Esters, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
• Emulsifying: Cetearyl Olivate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Olivate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearyl Alcohol
• Moisturizer/humectant: Glycerin, Propanediol, Jojoba Esters, Trehalose
• Perfuming: Benzyl Alcohol, Fragrance (Natural, From Essential Oils)
• Preservative: Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid
• Solvent: Water/​Aqua, Propanediol, C13-15 Alkane, Benzyl Alcohol, Dimethyl Isosorbide
• Viscosity controlling: Cetearyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Benzyl Alcohol, Dimethyl Isosorbide

---

Tried & Tested

Our beauty tester, Michelle, also reviewed the Youth Activating Cream Concentrate.

She found the day  moisturizer to have a thick and silky texture, providing a luxurious feel to the skin. Warming it between her fingertips, she noted that the cream glided smoothly on her skin.

Despite its richness, the cream surprised her by feeling “light and nourishing without any heaviness or oiliness on the skin on application.” The product absorbed quickly, leaving her skin “incredibly soft and silky.”

Michelle shared that “the cream has a pleasant botanical scent, and, based on the ingredients list, all-natural.” Expressing her preference, she noted that while she enjoys the fragrance, she acknowledges that it may differ from others. “While I am not overly concerned about skincare being fragrance-free, it is worth noting that some people may have sensitivities to it. Something to bear in mind.”

Michelle considered the adaptability of the product. Although the Youth Activating Cream Concentrate is advertised as a versatile moisturizer suitable for all seasons, she found it “not quite heavy enough for my dry skin in the cold months.” However, she acknowledged its value as “an excellent option for those dealing with humid weather.”

Michelle also wishes for sun protection. She said, “I wish it had at least SPF30+. In this day and age, an anti-aging day cream  without UV protection seems lacking.” While acknowledging the delicate balance required in skincare formulations, she added, “I understand that it can be necessary to make compromises when working with certain ingredients.”

Overall, she finds Invity's Youth Activating Cream Concentratee impressive. “I love that it's ethically made and sourced as well, especially for such a scientifically advanced product.”

---

Safety & Allergen Concerns

We'll make sure to flag any potential safety concerns related to the product. This is particularly important when certain ingredients may cause allergic reactions or irritate specific skin types.

The Good:

• Paraben-Free
• Sulfate-Free
• Silicone-Free
• Reef-safe

The Bad:

• Not Fragrance-free nor Not EU Allergen-Free:
  .
  • Benzyl Benzoate – As a fragrance, benzyl benzoate can add a balsamic smell to a product. It can also work with other fragrances as a solvent to help them dissolve into the mixture. An allergen potential if you have sensitive skin.
  • Limonene – It is primarily used as a fragrance and solvent, but it also has antioxidant benefits and can help soothe skin. However, it can lead to sensitivity and irritation, especially for sensitive skin.
  • Cananga Odorata Flower Oil – Ylang Ylang is commonly known for its pleasant fragrance and its ability to improve the scent of cosmetic formulas. It may also offer some antimicrobial and antioxidant benefits. However, the fragrant components of the oil can cause allergies and are considered to have a high potential for skin sensitization.
  • Linalool – A naturally occurring fragrance compound that is commonly found in various plants and cosmetic products. It is present in 90-95% of prestigious perfumes available in the market. However, just like limonene, it tends to oxidize on exposure to air and can become allergenic. This means that a product containing linalool that has been opened for several months is more likely to cause allergies than a fresh one.

• Not Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe: Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, Cetearyl Olivate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Sorbitan Olivate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Esters, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables. Avoid if you have sensitivities to Malassezia or prone to Fungal Acne outbreaks.