Elemis: Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
This aquatic youth-saver says look no further for an ultimate anti-aging cream. But will it deliver on its promises?
Pros:
- The cream is hydrating and softening.
- It has a pleasant scent.
- Helps reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
Cons:
- Contains several known irritants.
- Extremely expensive price tag.
- Some have experienced allergic reactions
- Contains a handful of problematic ingredients.
Overview: A Marine "Miracle?"
Elemis is a high-end British skincare company. The main crux of their anti-aging line is the ingredient Padina pavonica, an algae purported to boost collagen and restore younger-looking skin. One of their most popular products is the Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, priced at a whopping $128.00.
Elemis claims their cream is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in just 14 days. But every mentioning of "clinically proven" on any of their websites is annotated with an asterisk pointing to the phrase "independent clinical trials 2017" - only with a different year stated on every website. Nowhere online can you find any information on these trials. This makes me a little skeptical off the bat. But still, worth a shot exploring this luxury product.
So does this "ultimate anti-aging cream" deliver on its "clinically proven" promises? Let's dig a little deeper to find out.
A Closer Look: Empty Promises...and Pockets
Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream alleges to completely transform and rejuvenate your skin in a mere two weeks. But with generous promises - and huge price tags - come proportionate expectations.
Editor’s Note
Always check labels for problematic ingredients.
Many enjoy this cream for its soothing and moisturizing properties, as it contains a decent host of emollients and hydrating oils. The product absorbs quickly and smells quite pleasant. Some say it has reduced the appearance of their lines and wrinkles. Others did not see much of an impact, or saw a temporary effect that faded within a few hours. Overall, the reviews are mixed.
While this cream does include a handful of commendable natural ingredients, I was surprised to discover how many problematic ingredients it also contains. To name a few: phenoxyethanol, chlorphenesin, sodium dehydroacetate, butylphenyl methylpropional and lastly, butylparaben. These are known irritants with possibly adverse health effects. In my opinion - there's enough public concern about these ingredients to reasonably question why I should take a chance using them at all.
Some report having experienced adverse reactions such as breakouts, rashes and sensitivity after using Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream. This is likely due to the aforementioned ingredients.
The skin is the largest organ in the body. And yet, for some reason, people don't think about the chemicals in their skincare products as much as they are concerned with the chemicals in their food. Don't forget, you are essentially rubbing these chemicals into one of the most important organs in your body. Why take a chance? Especially at the cost you are paying for a supposedly top notch "spa-quality" product.
Positives
- The cream is hydrating and softening.
- It has a pleasant scent.
- It contains several good natural ingredients.
- Some experience success in reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
- The cream is absorbed quickly and does not leave greasy residue.
Negatives
- People have experienced allergic reactions to the product.
- It is extremely expensive for the average person, and not necessarily worth the cost.
- There are no studies offered to back their claims, despite advertising "clinically proven" on all of their websites.
- The main star of their formula, Padina pavonica, is number 11 down the ingredients list.
- The product contains a handful of problematic ingredients and known irritants.
Conclusion: Not Worth It
Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream contains some effective natural ingredients. But it also contains a bunch of questionable ones that I would not discount when evaluating this product. The cream might yield some positive effects but not enough to justify spending $128.00 on. I do not believe this product is worth the price tag. You could get a comparable, or better product for half the cost.
Check out our other reviews to learn which products do deliver on their anti-aging promises - and at a much more reasonable price.
Senior Editor & Skincare Expert
Rebecca Austin is a well-established aesthetician with over 20 years experience in skincare. She has researched over 5,000 products over the past decade, striving to help her readers fine-tune their skincare routine so they can get the results they want.
HOW DOES ELEMIS COMPARE?
- Supports smoother, younger looking skin.
- Clinically shown to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
- Rescues and protects skin from damage.
- Deeply moisturizes to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
- Versatile, all-inclusive, anti-aging skincare
- Restores youthfulness and radiance for the long term
- Contains Ritapro 165, a next-gen moisturizer.
- Helps to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
- High-end European company with spa-quality products.
- Uses Padina pavonica algae to boost collagen.
