Natural Advantage Review

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Overview

The Natural Advantage line of products is a skincare system promoted by the English actress Jane Seymour. Jane has partnered with a dermatologist, Dr. Patricia Farris, to produce the Natural Advantage product line. Natural Advantage contains a cleanser, a moisturizer with sunscreen and a night cream. The manufacturer’s philosophy is “pamper and rejuvenate,” which rings of a touchy-feely spa alternative, rather than a scientific, results-based product formulation.

Natural Advantage claims to have a “miracle” edge with their MicroSponge system. The MicroSponge purports to increase the delivery of Retinol through use of the product.

Aside of being a decades-old skin treatment ingredient, Retinol is a fat soluble form of Vitamin A, and there is some evidence linking it to healthy skin. A large number of products that we've looked at contain Retinol, so it's certainly not unique on the market. Evidence also suggests (as does the Natural Advantage official website) that over-use of retinol has been shown to dry out or even irritate the skin, making it important to closely follow the Natural Advantage application directions and monitor your skin for any negative effects.

Retinol is in the family of active ingredients that target cell turnover (especially collagen synthesis) as the best path to rejuvenating appearance, including wrinkle reduction. Natural Advantage is on the right track by focusing on cell renewal, however, there are considerably newer technologies with more benefits. Matrixyl 3000, for example, is a much newer patented active ingredient that accelerates cell renewal, and also stimulates hyaluronic acid and fibronectin synthesis, in addition to significantly accelerated collagen synthesis.

Product Details

The official website claims that the key to this product line is its MicroSponge delivery system, allowing the active ingredient Retinol to be time-released in significant quantities. As we mentioned earlier, Natural Advantage is a three-step process. The first is the Gentle Cleansing Gel, removing makeup, surface oils and dirt. Next is the Moisturizer to be used before leaving for the day. Finally, the Nighttime Renewal Complex leaves the highest concentration of retinol to be absorbed by your skin while you sleep.

The full ingredients in the Natural Advantage nighttime renewal complex are: Water, Capryic/Capric Triglyceride, Emulsifying Wax, Glycerin, C 10-30 Cholesterol/Lanosterol Esters, Cetyl Ricinoleate, Cetyl Alochol, Dimethicone, Benzyl Alcohol, Cyclomethicone, Retinol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Methyl Metacrylate/Glycol, Dimethacrylate, Crosspolymer, Bisabolol, PEG-10 Soya Sterol, Magnesium Aluminium Silicate, Stearic Acid, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethaol, BHT, Disodium, EDTA, Proply Gallate, Polysorbate 20, Triethanolamine.

The Good

  • Product contains Retinol, a dated but effective cellular-renewal ingredient.
  • You can buy directly online and the product can then be shipped to your door.
  • Product comes with a 60 day, no questions money back guarantee.

The Bad

  • No clinical research data on the official website to that show the effectiveness of the formulation or product claims.
  • It seems that there are a number of other products on the market that are more advanced and up to date with the latest, most technologically advanced active ingredients.
  • Too much exposure to the active ingredient Retinol can dry and irritate the skin (according to official website).
  • We have to wonder how much of the consumer price goes to innovative product development versus compensation for a celebrity spokesperson like Jane Seymour.

The Bottom Line

The Natural Advantage line has a lot of competition out there with similar claims. With supermodels and actresses endorsing a new product every month, it is hard to know which are quality products verses marketing flash. Natural Advantage is on the right track by focusing on cell renewal, however Retinol is by no means cutting-edge skincare technology. In our opinion, an informed consumer would rather pay for advanced, highly effective active ingredients rather than a celebrity sponsor.

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