Overview
Benefit Cosmetics has been producing makeup, fragrances, and skin and body care products since the late seventies. The Benefit Cosmetic products rely on quirky product names and marketing blurbs to stand out in the crowd. In the Benefit Cosmetics skin care line are products for aging skin, acne, and general moisturizing. There are three products in the anti-aging line: Eyecon, Firmology, and Depuffing Action Eye Gel. The products are competitively priced ($30-$40) and are available for sale on the company’s website.
Benefit Cosmetics come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, which we like to see, but the company states that it doesn’t apply to “overly-used” merchandise. This means you have to decide quickly and without using too much whether the product is producing the desired results.
Product Details
For this review, we will take a closer look at Firmology, Benefit Cosmetics’ anti-aging cream. According to the company website, the active ingredients in Firmology are: hydrolyzed soy flour to boost collagen fibers and tone skin, and Vitamins A & E to improve elasticity and protect against free radicals. Vitamins A & E are common in many mediocre skin care treatments. There is little research to suggest that Vitamin A applied topically is effective. It can also irritate sensitive skin and can be photoreactive. A much more effective ingredient than soy flour would be collagen to restore the body’s dwindling supply as we age.
We are disappointed that the company does not reveal the full ingredient list for Firmology as that would give consumers more information about any low-quality “fillers” or potentially allergenic ingredients. We do feel that Firmology is missing some important anti-aging ingredients that would have made it a more effective product. Hyaluronic acid is an ingredient we always look for as it deeply hydrates the skin. Peptides such as Matrixyl 3000 and Argiriline stimulate collagen production and smooth wrinkles by relaxing the underlying facial muscles. It does not appear that any of these ingredients are included in the Benefits Cosmetics formulations.
The Good
- Can purchase directly from the manufacturers’ website.
- May contain some ingredients that have a beneficial effect on the skin.
The Bad
- Weak money-back guarantee.
- May not contain clinically-proven anti-aging ingredients.
- No full ingredient list available.
- Not labeled as non-allergenic.
The Bottom Line
With the literally thousands of skin care products on the market today, many of them targeted towards mature skin, Benefits Cosmetics really doesn’t stand out from the competition. It appears to use mediocre ingredients with catchy marketing to sell its products. We believe that the consumer should be able to see what is in a product before buying, and Benefit Cosmetics does not offer that. We recommend that you find an anti-aging product backed up by clinical research and a solid money-back guarantee.
