Reviews 1What You Should Know
| Product | Star Rating | 2 or More Patented Ingredients | Less Than $5 Shipping | Testimonials | Trial Offer |
| Nue Science (2012 Editors Choice) |
 (4.8)
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| Hydrolyze |
 (4.6)
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| IQ Derma |
(4.0)
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| Dermitage |
(3.7)
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| Strivectin |
(3.6)
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| Juvederm |
(3.6)
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N/A |
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| Meaningful Beauty |
(3.2)
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| Algotherm |
(3.0)
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Algotherm is an established skin care company based in France that sells its marine-based skin care line through spas and online retailers. It appears that the primary retailers offering these products are based in the United Kingdom, with few choices in purchasing Algotherm skin care in the United States. However, since a few retailers do provide these products, we will take a closer look at them to see if Algotherm is a good choice for anti-aging needs. There is a specific line of anti-aging products through this company that includes two different creams, two serums, an eye treatment and a mask.
Since the Algotherm products did not appear to be available for purchase through the company website, we were unable to find information about any sort of return policy on the products. We believe a money back guarantee is an important part of consumer confidence, since it is impossible to determine whether a formula will work for an individual without trying it first. We were also unable to find complete ingredient lists or customer testimonials for any of the Algotherm products. We are skeptical of companies who market products to consumers without showing their own support for the items through this type of information.
Product Details
For the purpose of this review, we will focus on one Algotherm anti-aging product; the Photo Corrective Wrinkle Cream. This cream claims to visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles, firm and hydrate the skin and protect it from the harmful effects of the sun. Although a complete ingredient list does not appear to be available for the product, the following active ingredients are listed: Native algae, marine spheres, hyaluronic acid derivative, pro-vitamin E, silicon derivative and light corrective pigments.
The only ingredient on this list that has been proven to reduce the signs of aging is hyaluronic acid. This effective skin hydrator can help the skin retain moisture and smooth the surface, reducing the appearance of fine lines. However, hyaluronic acid will not do much to effectively treat deeper lines and wrinkles. For this purpose we generally recommend that consumers look for patented ingredients like argireline and matrixyl that have been proven in clinical studies to reduce wrinkles by a significant amount. This Algotherm product does not appear to contain either of these ingredients.
The Good
- The Algotherm products are filled with marine-based ingredients that can have a positive effect on the skin.
- The products are available through some online retailers.
The Bad
- The Algotherm products do not appear to include patented anti-wrinkle ingredients.
- The products are not available for purchase through the company website.
- We were unable to find customer testimonials for the products.
- There does not appear to be a money back guarantee available.
The Bottom Line
Marine-based skin care has become quite popular in recent years, and Algotherm was one of the first companies to bring this concept to skin care. However, marine substances have not been proven sufficient to win the war on aging. Instead, we recommend that consumers look elsewhere for products that contain proven anti-aging ingredients for the best result.
In October 2010 I spent 2 days at the Algotherm Spa based in Deauville, France. Without hesitation or exaggeration I can say it was the pretty much the worst experience of my life. Having lived in Paris for over 10 years I am accustomed to poor customer relations but this spa has become the new benchmark for no to none client service. Something I can almost overlook if the product delivery is good. Which was far from the reality here. I had 8 ’sessions’ including a very pricey hot stone massage which left no impression of having had a massage – moreso a creepy caresse and several burn marks, and a bubble bath in a dirty tub that seemed to be left over from a previous client. On 3 occasions I was put into the wrong room for my session and then reshuffled along like a lost inhouse mental patient.There seemed to be no organisation or feeling of management. Several of my ‘treatments’ seemed to be delivered by assistants with no visible training whatsoever in message or sadly, anything else. This consequetly does little to contribute to the whole “relaxation” vibe one generally expects after spending something akin to the monthly morgage. I truly tried to like this spa – I returned the second day ready to forget the previous morning’s events, overlooking the sour attitude of the towel lady who demanded I pay for my complimentary slippers or grimey pool shower floors. I would never recommend this spa or its affiliates. It’s lack of professionalism and quality of service set a new precedent in low standards.
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