Almay Review
On this website critics examine a number of popular health and beauty products available on the market today. The information presented on the site about each of the products assessed has been obtained from publicly available sources. Those critics and this web site are sponsored by Rauscher | Bekke, manufacturers of Dermapril-SP. The information on this website is intended to inform and educate consumers.

Overview

The approach that the Almay line of products takes is to blend a skin care regimen with daily-use cosmetics. The full Almay brand ranges from moisturizers to cleansers to toners. Additionally, Almay manufactures a line of eye and lip makeup that has been formulated with all natural ingredients, standing in contrast to mainstream, synthetic products. This approach has been in place since the 1930’s, when the company resolved to provide a viable and “good-for-you” alternative to that era’s heavy, unsophisticated makeup products. Almay was founded by Alfred Woititz who was looking to develop a healthier cosmetic alternative for his wife, Fanny May.

Since the 30’s, Almay has expanded beyond cosmetics to become a leading player in the pure skin care movement. On their official website, the brand claims to have been the first deliberately hypoallergenic cosmetic line. All of their products are fragrance free, and have been safety-tested for possible allergens and irritants. The company claims that their entire line uses approximately 500 ingredients, all of which have been rigorously tested.

Product Details

As a brand, Almay takes an innovative approach to cosmetic skin care. The website claims to be able to find a product regimen for you based on your answers to three simple questions. These questions are:

  • What is your skin type?
  • What is your eye color?
  • What is your favorite lip shade?

So what goes into Almay products? Despite the website’s claims to disclose all product ingredients, it is very difficult to find out particulars for a specific product. Still, they do offer a list of ingredients found in most products. These natural ingredients given on the official website are: Meadowsweet, Grape Seed, Cucumber, Moringa, Aloe, Milk Thistle, Licorice, Soy Bean, Rosehips.

Almay utilizes these ingredients throughout their product lines, based on the specific skin type that a product is designed for.

Almay manufactures over 70 different products, so it would be difficult to cover them all here. The products break down into the following categories: cleanser, toner, moisturizer, specialty, anti-aging, sunless tanning, sun protection, leg color, hand and body creams, 15 minute facial, anti-perspirant, facial makeup remover, eye makeup remover, blush and bronzer, powder, foundation, concealer, eye shadow, eyeliner, mascara, brow pencil, lip gloss, lip color, lip liner.

The Good

  • Official product website will recommend products for you based on a simple Q&A.
  • Official website gives product demos.
  • Ingredients are all-natural, presumably making the product safe for users with sensitive skin and allergies.

The Bad

  • Despite the company’s claims that Almay was the first cosmetic manufacturer to disclose full ingredients lists, finding the ingredients for specific products on the official website is very difficult.
  • With so many products to choose from, this line does not focus specifically on anti-wrinkle treatments.
  • No free samples available from official website.
  • Products are not available for order from official website.
  • No clinical trials or other research data made available on the company website.

The Bottom Line

In our opinion, Almay looks like a solid line of natural cosmetics. If you use makeup every day, this could certainly be a step up over many of the synthetic drugstore brands that are available. However, Almay’s anti-wrinkle lines do not look to be particularly innovative. We would consider this line for their blush or eye shadow but would probably look for a brand more dedicated to treating wrinkles when we’re looking for an anti-aging skin care regimen.

Our top pick for 2008:  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