I test a lot of products, and it’s rare that one works so well that it stands out, let alone changes my life. This time, however, one did: The Ourself Skin HA+ Replenishing Serum, a milky, lightweight serum that plumps my skin so much I stopped getting Botox treatments.
For context, I’d been getting Botox for nearly two years before trying this serum over the summer. I celebrated my 2020 birthday by getting injected for the first time, and proceeded to reinject my face every 60 to 90 days to keep my forehead lines at bay.
This week I celebrated my birthday again and, despite being a whopping two (pandemic) years older than when I began my injectable journey, have no plans of getting more Botox anytime soon. In fact, it’s been six months since my last appointment, meaning the last of its effects are long gone (neuromodulators customarily last up to 90 days), but I barely notice the lines on my forehead, or any on my face at all. And I believe this is the direct result of Ourself’s serum.
I know, this sounds outlandish. Since when do products actually compete with injectables? Well, apparently now. That’s the entire ethos of the Ourself brand: Using proprietary biotechnology, Ourself skin products are formulated as topical alternatives to injectables like Botox and filler. The end result? Clinic-worthy results minus the needles (and requisite visit).
As for how a simple hyaluronic acid serum can actually deliver clinic-worthy results? For starters, this isn’t your typical hyaluronic acid. Ourself has elevated standard HA by encapsulating HA+ Complex, a blend of low and medium molecular weights of hyaluronic acid that supports the skin’s ability to produce its own HA while preventing HA loss, and combining it with Intides (a.k.a. “intelligent peptides”), which support the skin’s barrier, skin-brightening vitamin C, and inflammation-fighting niacinamide. This powerful cocktail works together to hydrate, lift, firm, smooth, and prompt collagen production in the skin.
Ourself’s patent-pending delivery system also boosts absorption of the encapsulated complex while simultaneously protecting active ingredients from degradation. Translation? The aforementioned superstar ingredients remain their most potent and are administered directly into the deep layers of skin in which they’re most needed. This ultimately helps diminish the appearance of volume loss and fine lines, just as they did in my forehead and around my eyes.
It’s also worth noting that my skin doesn’t like just any old product I slather on, and especially not those of the antiaging variety. I am very oily and acne-prone—yet simultaneously supersensitive—so I was worried the HA+ Serum would either break me out or irritate my skin as so many products promising similar outcomes had.
But I was pleasantly surprised to find that, despite having a creamier consistency than most serums (I typically stick to clear and gel moisturizers to avoid excess oil production), the Ourself HA+ Replenishing Serum didn’t feel heavy on my skin or clog my pores. In fact, it felt like my face sucked the serum right in, leaving not a trace behind—just a dewy, plump, and healthy glow. Such was the case the next morning as well: I awoke anticipating a fresh slew of pimples but was greeted by vibrantly clear skin. I was hooked.
It’s now been two and a half months since I’ve used the HA+ serum consistently, and since the instructions call for twice-daily application, I’ve started wearing it under my makeup as well. Mixed with sunscreen, it works as a primer (that doesn’t clog my pores!) and makes for flawless foundation application. Win-win!
At $145 for a 15-milliliter bottle, the Ourself HA+ Replenishing Serum isn’t exactly something I’d label as “affordable.” But! There is a gargantuan silver lining: I’m saving so much money not paying for Botox—which can cost up to several thousand dollars every few months—that I think the purchase is well worth it. Furthermore, I genuinely believe it makes a great investment as is: A very little bit goes a long way in terms of adequate moisture, and the serum replaces a handful of products in my beauty regimen—so far, it’s ousted my old moisturizer, serum, and primer.
And look, maybe you don’t believe me. That’s fine. But know that I’ve already gotten my best friend and grandma equally obsessed with this serum, and we (obviously) all have very different levels of mature skin. This serum’s influence defies generations—and all of our lines—and that certainly says something.
Danielle Sinay is the associate beauty editor at Glamour. Follow her on Instagram @daniellesinay.
