A lot of companies nowadays are enticing customers with claims of being “all-natural,” “organic,” “paraben-free,” and so on and so forth. Â Yet the Swiss, dermatologist-formulated line Alchimie Forever has taken that to the next level, ensuring each of its ingredients are derived directly from plants. Â The result is a line that is simple, natural, and surprisingly effective.
One of Alchimie Forever’s most proven products is their Age Defying Serum ($95.00).  Packaged as two 0.5 fluid ounce diodes with rosemary and green tea, respectively, the formulations are two be used in sequence morning and night.  An independent study published in Inside Cosmeceuticals found that skin firmness increased by an average of 20.4% shortly after application, with the effect fading to 10.2% after an hour’s time, following use of the Age Defying Serum.  This is likely to be due to the inclusion of rosemary, which includes a high concentration of ursolic acid.  Not only does ursolic acid attribute to rosemary’s anti-inflammatory and calming properties, according to Dr. Daniel Yarosh’s popular book, The New Science of Perfect Skin, but Dr. Yarosh notes his own studies in which ursolic acid was found to increase the skin’s own natural production of hydrating lipids by up to 30%.  Considering the skin naturally decreases its production of lipids by 30% between age 30 and 60, ursolic acid fills in this sign of aging quite perfectly!
Rosemary is also a potent source of carnosic acid, which has been found to be another potent anti-inflammatory ingredient, according to research just this year the journal Fitoterapia.  And for you natural chemical enthusiasts out there, Rosemary is also a source of camphor, caffeic acid, betulinic acid, rosmaridiphenol, and rosmanol.
Rosemary: Â Not Commonly Used in Skin Care
Despite its firming, calming, and anti-inflammatory benefits, Rosemary is more likely to be found in a directory of grandmothers’ names than in a list of skin care ingredients. Â Â The reason? Â Rosemary oil is quite a potent stimulant, to the extent that it cannot be declared entirely safe for pregnant women in topical use, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Â Although it’s entirely subjective, there has been speculation that rosemary may stimulate the fetus, leading to miscarriage, according to LIVEStrong.com. Â The unfortunate part of this is that it is difficult to test, as no one wants to subject their baby to potential toxins, so the rumors will persist and avoidance of rosemary remains the best advice for pregnant women for now.
Green Tea
Luckily, Alchimie Forever Age Defying Serum diode 2 contains green tea instead of rosemary, so if you happen to become pregnant while using this product, you can still safely use diode 2!
The studies verifying the benefits of green tea are numerous.  For one, green tea is a potent antioxidant.  In a 2001 study in the journal Carcinogenesis, topical application of EGCG to human skin resulted in decreased oxidative stress and an increase in antioxidant enzymes after UV irradiation. Specifically, catalase and glutathione activity were increased due to the application of EGCG.  For another, green tea may also boost UV protection.  A 2003 study in Molecular Epidemiology and Cancer Prevention found that the polyphenols in green tea prevent UVB-induced oxidation of lipids and proteins and prevents against the depletion in antioxidant enzymes experienced after UVB exposure in mouse skin.  Add in the fact that green tea may help to prevent skin cancer, and you have none other than skin care gold!
Personal Use and Opinions
Alchimie Forever Age Defying Serum tightens the skin quickly, as it has its greatest effects almost immediately, certainly within the first hour or so.  Although it is a serum, it does not seem oily or greasy, and seems suitable for all skin types.  As always, check with your dermatologist before beginning this or any other skin care product or regimen!
Product Rating: 8.5/10
- High concentration of proven effective ingredients: 3/3
- Unique formulation or new technology: 3/3
- Value for the money: 2/3
- Sunscreen: 0.5/1 (Green tea helps to boost UV protection, so 0.5 was awarded)
Ingredients in Alchimie Forever Age Defying Serum
Diode 1: Water/Aqua, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Propylene Glycol, Cellulose Gum, Methylparaben, Diazolidinyl Urea, Sorbitol, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben
Diode 2: Water/Aqua, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Propylene Glycol, Cellulose Gum, Methylparaben, Diazolidinyl Urea, Sorbitol, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben