This is the Longevity Best in Aging Survey 2021: Personalised Beauty and Aesthetics Products. The comprehensive and digitally driven assessment was completed voluntarily by a number of local general practitioners, dermatologists, medical-industry professionals, and experienced beauty-industry experts, who identified what they consider to be the best products, treatments and services available in healthy aging and aesthetic personalization. This is not an awards project, but a review of what the industry experts who participated deem to be most innovative, cost-effective, and results-driven in their respective categories.
Each category has been evaluated according to the following criteria:
1. Proven, consistent delivery;
2. Customer satisfaction;
3. Value for investment;
4. Relevance and appropriateness;
5. Innovation;
6. Problem-solving abilities; and
7. Sustainability as an aging solution
Longevity received over 350 reviews from around 32 industry professionals during 2021. Not all of the comments are listed. We have selected quotes across the survey categories. The products and services listed have been approved by the specialists who took part. Each medical professional who took part in this survey can be contacted for further treatment information on request.
Best In Aging Beauty Survey
Best Moisturizer
1. SKINCEUTICALS METACELL RENEWAL B3
“SkinCeuticals Metacell Renewal B3 is designed to target, repair, and prevent visible signs of photo-aging. A 5% concentration of niacinamide diminishes hyperpigmentation, while peptides and glycerine firm skin and smooth expression lines and deep wrinkles.” – Dr. Kamlen Pillay
This is a multi-corrective moisturizer. It targets visible concerns associated with early signs of skin aging including dullness, discoloration, dryness, fine lines, and loss of natural elasticity. It’s suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin.
2. SHEER HYDRATION FROM NEOSTRATA
“An oil-free daily hydrator that helps to control and reduce oiliness, while providing broad-spectrum sunscreen protection. Excellent for hydration of the skin.” – Dr. Nicole Kanaris
The Neostrata Sheer Hydration moisturizer helps to control and reduce oiliness, pore size and it gives the skin radiance and clarity. It’s recommended for those with a combination of oily, acne-prone skin and those prone to hormonal breakouts.
Key ingredients include patented NeoGlucosamine® which is a building block of Hyaluronic Acid, which is the skin’s natural filler. This helps to plump the skin, to build the skin’s matrix and reduce fine lines. It is clinically proven to speed up cell turnover and it helps to improve skin tone and the appearance of brown marks. Phytotal® is a botanical blend responsible for controlling and reducing oil on the skin without irritation. Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) is a powerful antioxidant. It’s also oil-free, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and dermatologist-developed.
3. BEAUTÉ PACIFIQUE SUPER 3 BOOSTER VITAMIN ANTIWRINKLE BOOSTER
“The skin reacts to it within a week. It also helps with acne, without drying out the skin, helping to effectively moisturize the skin, and control the sebaceous glands.”
– Dr. Nadia Dannhauser
The Beauté Pacifique – Super 3 Booster Anti-Wrinkle Booster cream includes two different forms of Vitamin A. Each having its own way of rejuvenating the skin’s collagen and elastin fiber structure. The synthesis of collagen and elastin fibers is boosted to reinforce the skin’s elastic properties. This also makes the skin less transparent. It repairs the damage caused by the sun. This reduces wrinkles and stretch marks. The cream is also effective for the treatment of thin skin, for example, on the back of the hands and on dry and brittle nails. Furthermore, it reduces the skin’s sebum secretion and contains Propolis for the treatment and prevention of impure skin, including active pimples as in teenage skin.
Body Moisturizer
4. LA ROCHE POSAY LIPIKAR BAUME AP+
“It features a soothing formula that helps to rebuild the skin’s barrier and rebalance the microbiome.” – Dr Kesiree Naidoo
The La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ body cream features a unique prebiotic action on the skin microbiome. It has been clinically shown to reduce dry, rough skin and provide daily relief.
Key ingredients include a newly updated, exclusive patented active ingredient, postbiotic Aqua Posae Filiformis + Microresyl. This ingredient controls the physiological microbiome. It rebuilds, rebalances, re-establishes and stabilises the microbiome and helps to restore the skin barrier. Niacinamide soothes relief of pruritus (itching) and decreases inflammation. Shea butter replenishes the hydrolipid film repairing the skin barrier, while Glycerin restores suppleness. La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water – a real wonder of nature – is a prebiotic that reduces sensitivity. With its soothing, antioxidant properties due to its unique Selenium content – a mineral that protects the cellular metabolism.
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Non-sticky & greasy
- Comfortable velvety texture
- Accepted by the National Eczema Association
- The formulation is suitable for babies as young as two weeks.
Hand cream
5. ENVIRON VITAMIN A, C, E BODY OIL
“Even though this product is an oil, it is light and multifunctional, rich in vitamins and oxidants. When applied, it can be extended from the hands to the forearms, to help nourish and relieve the appearance of dry and sun-damaged skin.” – Dr Nerina Wilkinson
The Environ Vitamin A, C & E Body Oil contains high levels of essential vitamins and antioxidants. It works to repair and rejuvenate scars, stretch marks, and skin aging. It can also improve the skin’s natural moisturization ability and promotes the production of healthy collagen and elastin. Furthermore, it treats uneven skin tone and pigmentation, as well as improves the appearance of fine lines.
- Free from preservatives
- Free from fragrances
Sunscreen
6. HELIOCARE GEL SPF 50
“Keep your skin safe in the sun with SPF 50 UVA and UVB protection, alongside an impressive form of biological protection known as Fernblock. Derived from a natural fern that has developed the ability to protect itself against the sun’s rays, this unique ingredient bolsters the defensive powers of the UV filters it is paired with, while also inhibiting DNA damage within the cells and preventing inflammation.” – Dr Portia Gumede
With the HELIOCARE GEL SPF 50 sunscreen, there is an optimal balance between mineral and non-mineral filters. This helps to ensure maximum tolerability and cosmetic compliance. Sunsphere Technology increases the effectiveness of the filters, permitting reduced quantities of filters and thus lowering the potential risk of sensitization and allergies and improving cosmetic characteristics.
- Non-comedogenic
- Paraben-free
- No residue on the skin.
Exfoliator
7. FILORGA SCRUB & MASK
“This product reveals new skin by helping with uneven skin texture, lack of radiance and tired skin.” – Karen Parsons
With the Filorga Scrub & Mask, pores are tightened and skin texture is refined and smoothed. The skin seems re-oxygenated and glows with new-found radiance.
Cleanser
8. SENSAI DOUBLE CLEANSE (CLEANSING GEL AND CREAMY SOAP)
“Step 1. has a gel texture with a very mild scrub that removes oil-based impurities such as foundation. Step 2. is a rich foam texture that finally cleans the skin in preparation for the moistening routine. This double cleanse makes my skin radiant and I receive great compliments.” – Liz Ferrett
This cleansing duo features extra-gentle ingredients, luxurious sensations, and a calming fragrance intrinsic to the culture of Japan. The Sensai skincare Saho is a skincare ritual inspired by the Saho code of etiquette. This is particularly important when it comes to the Japanese tea ceremony. It aims to achieve flawless, silky skin by doing the right things in the right way in the right order. In this sense, double cleansing is a vital element. The two-step procedure is more effective at cleaning the skin thoroughly because it recognizes that there is two different types of impurities that need to be removed.
Face Mask
9. DR BRANDT HYDRO BIOTIC RECOVERY SLEEPING MASK
“A sleeping mask that works alongside the skin’s recovery process by working to balance the skin’s natural environment, and alleviate redness and irritation, leaving it refreshed come morning.”
– Longevity Editorial
The Dr. Brandt Skincare Hydro Biotic Recovery Sleeping Mask contains a carefully formulated blend of soothing peptides along with a restorative blend of ceramides, fatty acids, and calming ingredients. They also work the night shift to help soothe, nourish, and restore hydration to the skin. Furthermore, it works to prevent aging. Come morning, angsty skin is hydrated and beautifully balanced for a glowing, refreshed complexion.
Anti-Aging Serums
10. DERMACLINICAL ANTI-OXIDANT SERUM
“This serum is the best I‘ve used to achieve better-looking skin, as it’s very active and it’s boosted my skin. I had a noticeable improvement in tone and texture in the first week of using the product.” – Shelene Shaer
The Dermaclical antio-xidant serum works to increase moisture in the skin. It allows for a brighter appearance, improves elasticity, and fights free-radical damage that leads to aging. Antioxidants are very valuable weapons in the fight against aging. They effectively disarm environmental pollutants such as smog, smoke, and even light pollution, which could be harmful. Free radicals are unstable molecules that contain unpaired electrons.
In this highly reactive state, they search their environment, looking to scavenge replacement electrons. This creates a domino effect, as free radicals steal electrons from healthy cells, creating more free radicals. As a result, when cells meet damaged oxygen molecules, collagen begins to break down, and wrinkles and lines are formed. Antioxidants act as the first line of defense by neutralizing free radicals.
11. QMS EPIGEN DETOX SERUM
“This detoxes the skin, clears breakouts, and brings back vitality, radiance and energy.”
– Tanya Lopes
The QMS EpiGen Pollution Detox Serum has been specifically formulated to address skin damage caused by pollutants within the atmosphere. Its high-performance ingredients combine to accelerate the regeneration of the skin, activate the cellular detox process, and increase the cells’ resistance to stress. These actions help to repair the damage, shield the skin from further pollutants, and revitalize the complexion.
12. CLARINS DOUBLE SERUM
“This serum makes my skin feel soft, hydrated and radiant, with 21 active plant extracts, including a star ingredient of turmeric, which has exceptional anti-aging properties. Wrinkles are my main concern and this serum certainly delivers on its promise.”
– Liz Ferrett
The Clarins Double Serum works on the 5 vital functions of the skin for a more youthful and radiant complexion. It contains 21 active plant extracts. Includes a new star ingredient, turmeric, distinguished for its exceptional anti-aging properties. The formulation acts on the appearance of major signs of skin-aging. As a result, the skin is more radiant, firmer, and fine lines are smoothed. The innovative new bottle delivers a made-to-measure dosage of the serum, thanks to its rotating push button.
What you can expect:
- Frimer skin
- Smoothed wrinkles
- More radiant and even complexion
- Diminished pores
Pigmentation
13. SKINCEUTICALS PHYTO CORRECTIVE
“A non-greasy, yet perfectly balanced gel that will last long. Perfect for difficult skin types, not providing too much moisture, yet enough to prevent dryness.” – Dr Nooren-Nisa Moti
The Skinceuticals Phyto-Corrrective is an excellent hydrator for all skin types. But especially for sensitive, flushed rosacea-prone skin. Patients can use it as a pre-treatment for rejuvenating procedures and to help reduce post-treatment redness.
Key ingredients include soothing botanicals that have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antiseptic, and circulation-stimulating properties. Together with Botanical Glycosides, a unique blend of plant derivatives which helps fade skin discolorations without irritation.
Eye cream
14. DR BRANDT DNA TRIPLE PEPTIDE EYE CREAM
“Free of parabens, fragrances and sulfates, this rich and creamy eye cream glides onto the skin, helping not only to moisturize the eye area but also to alleviate the appearance of fine lines and dark circles.” – Longevity Editorial
The Dr. Brandt Skincare Do Not Age Triple Peptide Eye Cream features a clinically advanced multitasking formula. This formula is rich in active botanicals, that restores youthful vitality to the delicate eye area. Peptides firm the eye contour and reduce expression lines. Meanwhile, phospholipids and ceramides hydrate and promote elasticity. Caffeine relieves puffiness and dark circles or a refreshed and revitalized appearance. Click on this link for our top anti-aging myths.
Volume Loss
15. BIOMEDICAL EMPORIUM VITAMIN E THERAPY SERUM
“These products are well researched and formulated by a splendid biochemist, and my patients love them.” – Dr. Cobus van Niekerk
The Biomedical Emporium Vitamin E Therapy Serum has the following functions:
- slows down the aging processes
- decreases collagen & elastin breakdown
- calms the response symptoms caused by free radicals/UV exposure
- reduces redness, and
- enhances cellular DNA health.
Shampoo
16. KÉRASTASE RESISTANCE SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER
“I love the fact that I can wash and condition without my hair feeling heavy or tangled. These products leave my hair soft, light, and manageable”. – Shelene Shaer
The Kerastase Resistance Shampoo adds hydration to reconstruct your hair. It is formulated with complex cement-cylane, a combination of intra-cylane, ceramide R, and pro-keratin. It’s perfect for hair damage from straighteners and flatirons, color treatments, and over styling.
Its key benefits are as follows:
- It rebuilds and strengthens
- Hair is revitalized
- It prevents Breakage
17. BIOSENSE THE ULTIMATE 12 IN 1 SHAMPOO & MASQUE
“Contains 12 benefits for the hair. Enriched with ximenia for moisture and baobab oils for silky-soft hair and protection from free radicals. Love it!” – Marisa Dimitriadis
The Biosense Ultimate 12 in 1 Shampoo and Masque is:
- Free from sulfates
- Suitable for all hair types
18. KEVIN.MURPHY HYDRATE – ME.WASH
Super-smoothing, hydrating shampoo. Refreshes roots and scalp, and provides antioxidant protection. – Tanya Lopes
With the Kevin Murphy HydrateMe. Wash, you can banish dull, parched or dry hair. It’s ideal for hair that’s naturally dry or exposed to harsh, dry climates. Packed with antioxidant goodness, it helps restore a healthy glow to parched locks.
Its key benefits are as follows:
- Antioxidant-rich blend helps boost hydration
- Helps add essential moisture and shine
- Helps smooth the hair and delivers a silky-soft feel
- Packed with vitamins and nourishing oils
- Ideal for normal to dry hair
- Sulfate, paraben, and cruelty-free
Foundation
19. ESTÉE LAUDER DOUBLE WEAR
Natural matte, lightweight-feeling yet robust foundation that covers well and lasts perfectly over the course of a full working day – and into the night. I never have to touch up my makeup. – Dr. Debbie Norval
A true cult classic when it comes to trustworthy foundations, the Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation has stood the test of time and still provides buildable medium-to-full coverage.
It unifies an uneven skin tone and covers imperfections with a lightweight and comfortable feel. You won’t need any touchups either.
- Oil-free
- Controls oil all day
- Sweat-, heat- and humidity-resistant
- Waterproof
- Lifeproof
- 24-hour color true.
Brow pencil
20. L’ORÉAL BROW ARTIST XPERT
Love the triangular shape of the pencil, which makes it so easy to apply, with a soft styling brush. – Liz Ferrett
The L’OREAL Brow Artist Xpert is a unique 3-in-1 mechanical pencil with a spoolie. The triangular tip precisely outlines, easily shades, and evenly fills brows. The soft styling spoolie blends in for shaped brows. The waterproof formula provides long wear results. Available in 8 shades.
Mascara
21. HANNON SUPERLASH MASCARA BLACK
“This mascara is ideal for sensitive eyes and contact-lens-wearers; it’s waterproof, smudge-proof, and never flakes. It dries in a plastic-like film that offers the illusion of lash extensions. It is very easily removed and truly cost-effective.” – Dr Janine Olivier
The Hannon Superlash Mascara allows you to swim, party the night away and even cry without losing your perfect lashes. Because of the liquid plastic, the mascara cannot be removed with a normal make-up remover. As plastic melts with heat, you can only remove it by applying a warm, damp cloth on your lashes, gently wiping off the mascara.
When applying the Super Lash Mascara, you can instantly see how it lengthens and thickens. At the same time, it separates each individual lash. It’s almost like painting on false eyelashes.
Lip treatment
22. EPIMAX ULTRA OINTMENT
The Epimax Ultra Ointment is the best for dry, chapped lips! – Dr Cara Duminy
23. ELIZABETH ARDEN 8-HOUR CREAM
“Keeps lips moisturized throughout the day, and can be used on other dry patches. Well worth the money, as it lasts very long.”
– Dr Nooren-Nisa Moti
The Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant is a bona fide cult classic. The legendary skincare formula was created in 1930 by Miss Arden to soothe and protect skin and prevent premature aging. Celebrated by makeup artists and beauty influencers around the globe, its versatility and long-standing results have elevated it to “cult status” in the beauty industry.
This award-winning skin protectant deeply moisturizes and protects the skin from the outside. Its versatile formula goes beyond moisturization. In addition to treating dry lips, you can apply it to the following ways:
- Give your face a deep moisture treatment by rubbing a dime-sized amount in the palms of your hands to warm through, then pat onto your face to seal in moisture.
- Deeply condition your hands by working the formula into palms and over the fingers. Then wrap each hand for 10 minutes in a warm towel.
- Relieve weary feet by massaging the cream generously onto soles, pads, and heels. Then top with cotton socks for deeper moisturization to heal dry skin.
- Create instant radiance wherever the skin normally catches the light. Including legs, shoulders, collarbone, cheeks and bow of the lips.
- In addition to its properties as a skin savior, the cream’s petrolatum and natural lanolin help smooth strands and moisturize dry ends.
- It can be smoothed onto the skin as protection from windburn. This can be particularly helpful when adventuring outdoors.
- Run the tiniest amount through eyebrows to groom hair. This will help neaten and define the arch.
24. CLARINS INSTANT LIGHT LIP COMFORT OIL
The Clarins Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil provides a subtle shine, all while nourishing the lips.
– Longevity Editorial
Its key benefits are as follows:
- Sheer color
- Mirror-like shine
- Blend 3 aromatic plant oils
- Soothes and comforting lips
- Non-sticky texture
- Delicious flavors
- Lip-hugging applicator
MORE READING
Would you like to read more about beauty for every age and stage? Click here.