DefenAge Overview

I've been aware of the brand DefenAge for some time. I had seen it on Instagram due to my friend Vanessa who has been using it for years. I honestly just couldn't take the plunge for a few years and splurge on it. Honestly, I was getting a lot of PR at the time and trying to use that up, plus I was trying to go through and review every growth factor serum. Each growth factor test/review took three-six months and I didn't want to interfere by trying DefenAge with those products so I could have a better test. I was totally interested in trying it years ago, though the price did put me off for a while. I was afraid I would get addicted to it--which ended up being true.

I used my fair share of epidermal growth factor, human derived growth factor and peptide serums. I feel I've tried 90% of the most popular ones on the market from 'medical grade' spa sellers to indie brands or mass market retailers. DefenAge is different than those peptide serums or growth factor serums. DefenAge uses two synthetically produced, biomimetic defensin peptides: alpha-defensin 5 and beta-defensin 3. These are encapsulated in liposomes which help keep the peptides from contact with other things that may degrade them. Alpha and beta defensins are natural immune peptides which are functionally different than growth factors. These defensins have been shown to activate LGR6-positive stem cells in the hair follicle, which apparently are the source of most new epidermal cells in acute wound healing. Who knew.

Some call the LGR6-positive stem cells "master skin stem cells" as they essentially are the stem cell for every type of epidermal cell. Stem cells are like the baby cells that give rise to other types of cells as they differentiate later. Growth factors stimulate whatever type of cell they were created from, they don't stimulate every skin cell you have. That's why switching your growth factors to different brands and rotating is actually a good thing--you target different cells with each type of growth factor you're using. This rotating allows you to target more types of cells. The idea with DefenAge is that you're hitting the master stem cell that makes the other skin cells so to speak. It allows you to target all the cells.

Here's where it gets more nerdy--The hair follicle has this bulge I guess at the base that is responsible for hair growth. Above this bulge is a group of LGR+ cells that create the epidermis in utero. They're not active everyday helping with your skin's daily function, they're dormant until activated by a healing cascade started by something like a skin wound. After a wound these LGR+ cells create new keratinocytes and epidermal basal stem cells. This wound activation process is mediated by these defensin peptides as they're art of the skin's immune response. Defensins targets stimulation of these young stem skin cells, while growth factors tend to target stimulation of the older more specific skin cells. That's important for later. It's a novel approach to anti-aging skincare honestly. They're sending these defensins into the hair follicle while peptides and growth factors have to get through the stratum corneum to work. I'm pretty sure a hair follicle is easier to get through size wise than your stratum corneum, which might solve some of the issue smany have with peptides and growth factors being unable to get into the skin due to their larger size.

They did a study HERE and you can download it to read if you're into that kind of thing. It's nice to look at their diagrams to understand how it works. They enrolled 46 women from age 40-75 with any skin type. They excluded anyone who had used botox, lasers, energy based or issue tightening devices for six months before the study started and anyone who used fillers three months before and no one was allowed to do any of these during the study. I love that they picked that age range because again products like this should be targeted towards women above 40 as you're just not going to see the results as good if you're subjects are younger. Looks like they did a one week 'cleansing' period before no one could use retinoids, antioxidants, acids, peptides or growth factors. All people had to use the same SPF and cleanser. Nothing else was allowed. In the end they concluded there was improvement in the global visual appearance of the skin. It helped with reducing the look of pores, decrease in pigmentation, reducing depth of fine lines and wrinkles plus increasing the epidermal thickness.

Some of the key points are that you're using your own defensins (synthetically derived) to stimulate your stem cells in order to generate new healthy epidermal cells. This leads to a visible improvement of your skin in general and helps with the signs of aging. You're targeting younger undamaged stem cells versus older cells that have been exposed to UV radiation, the environment and so on. This was important because many are afraid to use growth factors due to the idea that it can speed up cancer cell proliferation in theory. If you're targeting the younger cells versus older ones that may have had a mutation already, then you may avoid that whole aspect with defensins as compared to growth factors. The study found no inflammatory cells or spongiosis (edema/swelling). It also found no significant change in the number of proliferating cells with the cancer-associated Ki67-protein maker. Some of this will go above my head and I have no idea if they even test growth factor serums for this Ki67 marker in studies. That would be a good question for your Dermatologist. I just found it interesting. Also defensins do not stimulate hair growth so don't worry about that.

The defensins are a patented product so there is no other brand that has the same technology. I know someone will ask me for a dupe but you just can't dupe some things. Now that that part is over let's talk about the products.

The star is really the 8-In-1 Bioserum. The serum contains 5x the number of defensins as any other product they make. If you only get one product--get this one over the cream or others. Details per DefenAge.

The 8-in-1 BioSerum is DefenAge's iconic bestseller. The remarkably smart formula seems to understand your skin’s needs better than your own DNA. Designed to activate, orchestrate and energize, this biologically-advanced anti aging cream-like serum concentrate provides an unprecedented concentration of defensin molecules contained in the Age-Repair Defensin^® Complex. Dermatologists and aesthetic professionals name defensins as a perfect retinol alternative and the 8-in-1 BioSerum as a retinol serum replacement. The best part? Results are equal to 8 separate serums.

Key Benefits:

• Rejuvenates smoothness. Improves overall visible skin health and quality.
• Minimizes the look of fine lines, wrinkles, pores, and skin pigmentation and discolorations.
• Promotes radiance and revives the skin’s natural moisture for an ultimate glow.
• Brightens the overall skin tone and clarity and enhances skin luminosity.
• Renews the feeling of skin firmness, elasticity, and texture.
• Helps improve the appearance of skin redness.
• Promotes the skin barrier and immunity.

Ingredients

Water (Aqua), Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Sinorhizobium Meliloti Ferment Filtrate, Dimethicone, Polysorbate 20, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Phospholipids, Alpha-Defensin 5, Beta-Defensin 3, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Sodium Hyaluronate, Arabidopsis Thaliana Extract, Sea Whip Extract, Ergothioneine, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Offinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ubiquinone, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Albumin, L-Alanyl-L-Glutamine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose, Lecithin, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Phytic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Sodium Chloride.

 

The serum is like a typical gel serum texture wise, but it has a nice kind of long lasting barrier feel on the skin. It's fragrance free. Yay. I have been using this serum for over a year now. I started with twice a day for three months then moved to nightly after that to try to conserve and not use as much. This fall I went back to twice a day--it does really work better twice a day, but you should notice benefits for sure with once a day. They recommend twice a day. I use two pumps for my face and neck.

I already went over the technology in detail above, so I know the questions from most of you are does it work, and is it worth it? Is it worth it is relative to the individual. For me yes I think it's worth it, for you I can't say 100% that you'll feel the same way. It's a pricey product that requires commitment. If you cannot give it 3-6 months I would say no, not worth it. You may not see the benefits enough to really feel it's worth it. If you're younger you may also not see all the benefits--so you may not feel it's worth the price. If you're 40+ and have mature skin I would say yes, you'll likely see some benefits and hopefully feel it's worth it. Again, you really need to be able to commit 100% to at using it daily, plus for a few months.

Does it work? Yes. For me. I think everyone will have differing results. The more you have to gain, the more you'll see. At first I didn't think I noticed anything. However, I had some people start commenting on how good my skin looked about a month after using this serum. I didn't correlate it at first but later I was kind of like yeah, my skin does look great. It was more radiant and overall healthy looking. I didn't notice the decrease in lines or wrinkles until more like three months, and it was even better at six months. One thing I love about this is the way it helps form like a barrier film on the skin. I have rosacea and I'm uber chronic dry skin from perimenopause, this serum really helps my skin feel more happy. Like my skin has had less irritations or issues since I started using this. I still get rosacea flares but on a daily basis my skin feels healthier while using this product. If you have rosacea and barrier issues it's kind of a really nice product for barrier repair. I do also notice firming of my skin from this product.

I've had issues with my skin barrier more and more as my hormones change during perimenopause (I'm 45). Honestly, I just quit using retinoids the last year or so. My skin has been less tolerant of retinoids. I quit acids and exfoliants fully two years ago, along with ascorbic acid. Basically anything that might make my skin barrier get worse--it gets tossed out of the routine now. Retinoids was the last I had to throw out. At first I missed retinoids, but then I noticed my skin looked the same, if not even better, with just DefenAge, my LED mask and no retinoids. I haven't noticed any wrinkles coming back after quitting retinal. They still seem to improve slowly. My pigmentation has been improving overall as well. It's really hard to reduce pigmentation when you can't use acids, exfoliants or any kind of products that remove the top layer of the skin to brighten. I have to rely on non-irritating pigmentation reducers only. There's not that many out there that don't use acids or retinol. I have melasma as well and one thing that makes melasma worse is irritation. Cutting irritation out from using retinal along with this serum might be why my pigmentation seems to be getting better. It's a slow process. The heat in South Texas and UV index definitely set me back every summer even though I'm an avid sunscreen user.

Once I realized that my skin looked the same if not better than when using I was using retinal--I figured it had to be this serum and my LED. They're a great team, especially if you're sensitive to those other ingredients. Can I say this won't irritate sensitive skin? No. Everyone has their triggers. It's great for me. This fall I started using it twice a day again and it really helped reduce those rosacea flares I get during seasonal changes. My barrier and skin just feel great using this product. I'm mad I'm addicted to it now because it is so expensive. You don't have to use this and growth factor serums. This could be your growth factor serum replacement. I do use peptides with DefenAge though, plus antioxidants, lots of hydrating layers and my LED mask. If I'm lazy about my LED mask that week DefenAge always has my back.

You do apply this serum differently that other serums. That's the only thing about it. You apply all your regular serums first and your moisturizer--then you apply the serum last. Yes last. That's how the brand recommends using it. I was on a zoom information call one day a few years back listening to their technology back when covid hit and we had all those brand zoom meetings through retailers. If it's daytime apply SPF after the serum. If it's nighttime apply your moisturizer, then the serum and go to bed. If you wear a balm or occlusive wear it after the serum. The serum locks in everything underneath it, if you apply moisturizer on top it won't penetrate as well. That's why it's the last step. Has something to do with how it goes into the follicle. I do let it set for a few minutes after applying before I put on SPF or occlusives. You can tell it really does form this barrier film on the skin--I love it. Really helps me with my super dry skin. So overall, yes I'm going to keep going forward using it for the next year and re-evaluate after two years of use.

The 24/7 Barrier Balance Cream is their face cream. Details per DefenAge.

Intense hydrating cream infused with Age-Repair Defensins®, multi-action barrier balancing ingredients and skin brightening skincare actives work together to regenerate and rejuvenate the appearance of skin. 

Key Benefits:

• Innovative formula helps replenish and balance the skin's natural barrier.
• Revives radiance and improves overall tone and texture for remarkably smooth, even skin.
• With regular use, skin looks brighter and feels firmer.

Ingredients

Water (Aqua), Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oleosomes, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Niacinamide, Yeast Extract, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/ VP Copolymer, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Phospholipids, Alpha-Defensin 5, Beta-Defensin 3, Hyaluronic Acid, Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Candida Saitoana Extract, Sea Whip Extract, Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Marcrocarpon Fruit (Cranberry) Fruit Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Panthenol, Albumin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ubiquinone, L-Alanyl-L-Glutamine, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Xanthan Gum, Phytic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Chloride.

 

The cream is like a lotion more so texture wise. It's day appropriate for me with really chronic dry skin. I could never use this at night. I use this sometimes when I'm too cheap to use the serum in the morning. I still get some defensin benefits though it's not as concentrated. It's fragrance free and I do like it, sometimes it's not enough for me in the winter as well. It's a fabulous summer day lotion. Combo skin this is for you, but honestly I'd just save your money and get the serum myself. That's where the gold is. If they ever made a thicker, richer cream for dry skin I would totally try it though. Maybe one day.

After I made my first splurge on the serum and cream I grabbed the 3D Eye Radiance Cream next. Details per DefenAge.

Technology-loaded anti-aging skincare treatment designed to address challenging cosmetic concerns for the skin around the eyes. Infused with breakthrough Age-Repair Defensins^®. 

Key Benefits:

• Visibly lifts, firms, and smooths the upper eyelids.
• Fades dark circles and diminishes the appearance of skin discoloration.
• Reduces puffiness and "bumps" under the eyes.
• Fades the appearance ofcrow’s feet and fine lines around the eyes.
• Safe to apply to both the upper lid and under the eyes.
• Can be used together with a retinol, if retinol is tolerated. Effective as a retinol alternative for retinol-sensitive skin.
• Perfect as a standalone eye skincare; also recommended by dermatologists as a complement to aesthetic treatments, including skin resurfacing, microneedling, fractional lasers, and for post neuromodulator- and filler-injections around the eyes and upper face.
• Free from irritants, suitable for all skin types, safe for contact lens wearers.
• Metal applicator with Cooling Tip Technology allows a clean, gentle, finger-free application, providing soothing benefits.

Ingredients

Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, PEG-100 Stearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Esters, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Phospholipids, Alpha-Defensin 5, Beta-Defensin 3, Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract, Darutoside, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ubiquinone, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Albumin, L-Alanyl-L-Glutamine, Tocopherol, Ceramide NG, PEG-10 Phytosterol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone, Behenyl Alcohol, Tribehenin, Polyisobutene, Laureth-23, Polysorbate 20, Carbomer, Polysorbate 60, Polyacrylate-13, Butylene Glycol, Laureth-4, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Disodium EDTA, Potassium Hydroxide, Sodium Lactate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Chloride.

 

I really enjoy this eye cream. The metal tip is soothing and depuffs a little. The eye cream has a nice thick texture and it really lasts long on me. I have super dry under eyes so those gels and light eye creams do not work for me. If you're combo or less dry you might enjoy this more as a night cream, I can use it day or night. It does a good job with reducing crow's feet. I have genetic dark circles and not many eye creams really help with my circles or the natural hollowing under the eye area I'm starting to get. Eye creams can only do so much. I'm realistic and get it. I do love the thick texture and longevity of this eye cream.

Next I tried the 6-Week Perfection Neck Cream. Details oer DefenAge.

The DefenAge 6-Week Perfection Neck Tightening Cream is a luxe anti-aging neck-firming cream formulated using leading scientific advances. It has become the best neck-firming cream in the industry for its ability to correct the challenging deep lines, folds, and impacts of gravity on the fragile skin of the neck, where aging is often more noticeable. 

Key Benefits:

• As one of the few neck creams that work, it reverses a comprehensive range of neck-specific visible signs of skin aging; designed to produce treatment-like results.
• This neck-firming formula soothes the look of deep lines and folds and visibly reduces fine lines. It gives the neck a smooth appearance, making it the best cream for neck wrinkles.
• The firming cream visibly lifts, firms, and tightens sagging neck skin.
• Our skin-tightening cream for the neck brightens your complexion and improves visible skin thickness.
• It softens and improves the surface skin texture.
• Use this firming neck cream for ultra-rich moisturization.
• It will always leave the neck looking and feeling youthful.

Why It's Different:

• This neck-firming cream is designed for the neck's skin, which ages differently than other parts of our skin.
• Neck-tightening cream is ideal for both early and late stages of neck aging.
• This fast-acting neck-tightening cream delivers the first results within two weeks and the full range of effects in six weeks.
• It’s gentle on the sensitive neck skin over retinol.
• As the best neck cream for wrinkles, it has a scientifically validated, high-performing formula.
• DefenAge exceeds clean beauty standards. No PEGs or animal- or human-derived ingredients are found in our products. Our skincare line is also fragrance-free.
• This neck-firming cream offers a silky application and smooth, luxurious texture. It spreads evenly without a “sticky” feeling.

Ingredients

Water (Aqua), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, C13-15 Alkane, Caprylic/ Capric Triglyceride, Propanediol, Niacinamide, Cetyl Alcohol, Phospholipids, Alpha-Defensin 5, Beta-Defensin 3, Leontopodium Alpinum Callus Culture Extract, Sea Whip Extract, Squalane, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Panthenol, Diaminobutyroyl Hydroxythreonine, Palmitoyl Dipeptide-5, Diaminohydroxybutyrate, Ubiquinone, Albumin, L-Alanyl-L-Glutamine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Palmitic Acid, Stearyl Alcohol, Sodium Stearyol Glutamate, Glycerin, Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Polysorbate 20, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Xanthan Gum, Butylene Glycol, Carbomer, Phytic Acid, Sodium Phytate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sorbic Acid, Sodium Chloride.

The texture of the neck cream is light and silky. Just like how I like my neck creams. Some of them are just too heavy for that area for me and cause congestion. I need a lightweight neck cream. I use way heavier face creams than on my neck, my neck is not happy when I use a heavy face cream on it. I think this one is great. I've tried quite a few 'medical grade' and expensive neck creams and this one is in my top 3. It helped with tech neck, reduced lines and wrinkles plus helped firm the neck area for me. All without being heavy. The light, silky texture is fab. So I definitely recommend this one for those with the aging neck area.

Last year I decided to also order the 10 Luxe Hand & Body Cream. I'm too cheap to use the serum on my hands so I thought I would try this to get some benefits. Details oer DefenAge.

If you ever mused aloud, "I wish I could slather my entire body with DefenAge," then the new 10 Luxe Hand & Body Cream answers your call. According to key opinion leaders in aesthetic medicine, our new regenerative anti-aging lotion delivers much more than a product that simply feels soft to the touch.

Key Benefits:

• Visibly enhances firmness and cosmetic elasticity.
• Improves the appearance of crepey skin.
• Refines the surface skin texture.
• Provides both instant and long-lasting hydration including in dry climates. Boosts natural moisture retention. Skin feels firmer and plumper immediately.
• Relieves the feeling of dryness and itching.
• Balances the skin’s barrier function.
• Promotes the skin’s natural hyaluronic acid, laminin, and elastin.
• Improves visible skin thickness.
• Reverses signs of skin aging, premature aging, and sun damage.
• Effective on elbows and knees; visibly revives their smooth texture and revitalizes softness.
• For use as an anti-aging hand lotion, it smooths and softens the skin on the hands.
• Keeps skin glowing all over the body.
• Beneficial in combination with body contouring procedures to improve visible skin firmness and overall skin quality.
• Recommended in pairing with skin rejuvenation treatments (i.e., peels, IPL, microneedling, and lasers) to amplify results in the reduction of the look of pigmentation, sun damage, crepeness, and mild skin laxity.

Ingredients

Water (Aqua), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, C13-15 Alkane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propanediol, Sinorhizobium Meliloti Ferment Filtrate, Niacinamide, Cetyl Alcohol, Alpha-Defensin 5, Beta-Defensin 3, Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract, Sea Whip Extract, Squalane, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Palmitoyl Dipeptide-5, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract, Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Phospholipids, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Lecithin, L-Alanyl-L-Glutamine, Ubiquinone, Diaminobutyroyl Hydroxythreonine, Diaminohydroxybutyrate, Albumin, Glycerin, Phytic Acid, Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Palmitic Acid, Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Phytate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Sodium Stearyol Glutamate, Stearyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sorbic Acid, Sodium Chloride.

The texture is kinda similar to the face cream but this has a more dry touch feel. It's not as juicy or moisturizing as the face cream. You want a more dry touch feel for a hand and body cream so that your hands aren't greasy. I find this is a great lightweight, non-greasy day hand cream. Its not enough for my super dry hands at night. I have to use something over it or in place of it. So I made this my day hand cream at work and at home. I'm not sure I would purchase this one again. It's nice but I'd probably just use the serum on the backs of my hands to target them better. Maybe a goal for next year.

They have a new hair growth serum. I' haven't looked into how it works or anything yet. Maybe a purchase next year. I definitely am keen to try it one day though. I did recently grab their new 360-Rejuvenation Nail Root Serum. OMG I'm glad I grabbed it too. You pump it out and use the brush to paint it on your nails. Has to be done on unpolished nails. You apply twice a day and have to keep it on for 30 minutes before you wash your hands. It kind of stinks from this one Methionine amino acid. But it works so well I don't care. I'll review it after I use it more. It's only been a few weeks. My nails have been so brittle and breaking or splitting since I started perimenopause, so I thought I would try this to see if it could help. I have noticed stronger and less brittle nails along with less splitting. I've actually been able to grow them out a little. Stay tuned!

Overall my number one pick is the 8-In-1-Bioserum. That's the star and only necessary one for me. I enjoy the neck and eye cream a lot as well. The new nail serum is pretty good so far if you have issues with your nails. I'm going to have to cave for the hair serum one day, I'm so curious.

*None of these are PR. I bought them all myself.