Alba Botanica Complex Review

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Overview

Alba Botanica Complex was founded in 1989 to provide sophisticated, sensual body products to women. The formulas in this line combine pure botanicals, essential oils and a variety of nutrients to produce high quality skin, hair, bath and body, lip and sun care. The company also offers a line of Hawaiian products that feature tropical ingredients and organic aloe Vera. The Alba Advanced line provides a marine complex that blends five algae extracts for the ultimate moisturizing and revitalizing experience.

We are pleased to see that the Alba Botanica Complex website provides plenty of good information about the individual products, including full ingredient lists. We believe it is important for consumers to have this information in order to make educated decisions about their skin care needs. The company also offers a 30-day money back guarantee on purchases and allows consumers to buy their products directly from the company website. In addition, Alba Botanica Complex is available through many health food and vitamin stores as well as online retailers.

Product Details

For the purpose of this review, we will take a look at one particular Alba Botanica Complex; the Sea Plus Renewal Cream. This product is touted as an intensive moisturizer that can firm and tone the skin and noticeably diminish the signs of aging. The ingredients are listed on the company website, and the list is a long one indeed. Unfortunately, there was little on this list that convinced us that this would be the most effective anti-aging formula. While we appreciate that this product is chocked full of natural ingredients and botanicals that would undoubtedly look and feel good on the skin, the only proven anti-aging ingredient we found in the mix was sodium hyaluronate.

Sodium hyaluronate is an effective skin hydrator that can help the skin retain moisture and smooth the surface enough to diminish the appearance of fine lines. However, sodium hyaluronate is much more effective when it is combined with patented anti-wrinkle agents like matrixyl and argireline. Matrixyl has been clinically proven to stimulate the production of collagen, a substance that is lost as we age and contributes to the appearance of sagging skin and wrinkles. Argireline relaxes facial muscles that contribute to the formation of wrinkles and has been shown to reduce the appearance of those wrinkles by up to 30%. Neither of these ingredients appear to be present in this Alba Botanica Complex.

The Good

  • The Alba Botanica Complex includes many natural ingredients and nutrients.
  • The company provides complete ingredients lists and a money back guarantee.

The Bad

  • We were unable to find customer testimonials for the products.
  • The formulas do not appear to contain many proven anti-wrinkle ingredients.
  • The long ingredient lists may indicate a less effective formula.

The Bottom Line

The Alba Botanica Complex shows some promise as a general skin care regimen that may prolong the effects of aging to some degree. However, once those fine lines and wrinkles have already formed, there isn't much in these formulas to suggest that the products will diminish them much. We would urge consumers to look for products containing patented anti-wrinkle agents like argireline and matrixyl for maximum benefit.

Our Top Pick For 2009:  Dermapril-SP

Dermapril-SP was rated the best-in-class performer, with a cutting-edge formula and results visible immediately after use. Matrixyl 3000™, the primary active ingredient in Dermapril-SP, is backed by clinical research that showed reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles of as much as 33% after two months of use. Additionally, the formula contains the European miracle ingredient Argatensyl™, which creates an immediate tightening effect on applied areas, making results visible within minutes of use.

The treatment helps the skin regain a more youthful biochemical makeup by supporting the natural production of three building blocks – Collagen, Fibronectin and Hyaluronic Acid. The result is a rapid rejuvenation, diminishing the appearance of wrinkles and other cosmetic signs of age caused by sun exposure, smoking, stress, and other common factors.

In clinical trials, Matrixyl 3000™ decreased the appearance of wrinkles by as much as 33% over a six week period. With the immediate tightening benefits of Argatensyl™, this formula has a completely unique combination of short-term cosmetic results as well as sustained, cumulative benefits to the skin. Common reported results include smoothing and firming; softer skin; diminished appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; and healthier looking, glowing skin. Based on the high cost and quality of the ingredients, Dermapril-SP is reasonably priced. Customer satisfaction seems high and Dermapril-SP offers a risk-free trial, so users can evaluate the product prior to paying the full retail price.

>>Read more about Dermapril