I am always on the lookout for new skincare products to add to my skincare routine, so when I first heard about Olay Super Serum, I was intrigued by its claims of being a multi-tasker that provides the benefits of 5 serums in 1.
The serum aims to improve skin texture, enhance firmness, smooth out fine lines, and provide extended hydration and a more even skin tone.
I’m a huge Olay fan, so I placed an order as soon as this serum launched and have been using it consistently for the past few months.
From its ingredient list to its performance on my skin, I’ll share my honest thoughts on this Olay product in this Olay Super Serum review.
This post contains affiliate links, and any purchases made through these links will result in a commission for me at no extra cost to you. Please read myDisclosurefor additional information.
My Olay Super Serum Review
Olay Super Serum utilizes niacinamide, lactic acid, a peptide, and a vitamin C derivative to exfoliate and brighten your skin while targeting the visible signs of aging.
This Olay serum claims to offer 5 benefits in 1 serum:
- Improved Skin Texture
- More Even-Looking Skin Tone
- Firmer Feeling Skin
- Visibly Smoother Lines
- Extended Hydration
Olay Super Serum Pros and Cons
Here are some pros and cons of Olay Super Serum:
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Lightweight and non-sticky formula | On the pricier side for a drugstore serum |
Leaves a subtle glow due to the mica in the formula | Contains mica for a slight glow, which you may not like |
Layers well with other products | May not provide dramatic results for more pronounced signs of aging |
Brightens and evens out skin tone | Contains fragrance |
Targets fine lines and wrinkles | |
Great for beginners and those with sensitive skin |
All these benefits make this an anti-aging serum, as it tackles wrinkles, firmness, and skin tone and texture. (Just what I love in a serum!)
The serum has an iridescent pinkish hue and a lightweight, liquid gel-like texture.
The mica in the formula leaves a subtle glow on my skin, which is the main reason why I like to use the serum during the day to give my skin a slightly radiant look under makeup.
If there is one thing Olay does right, it is product texture and consistency. The serum feels comfortable on my skin and doesn’t leave any sticky residue.
One of my main concerns with many of my serums is their ability to play well with other products. Olay Super Serum layers beautifully under moisturizers and sunscreen without pilling or balling up.
My Results
In terms of my results after using the serum during the day for the past few months, I have noticed that my skin looks plumper and more even-toned since incorporating this serum into my routine.
I have also noticed a very slight improvement in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, although it’s not a drastic change, so it may be from the hydration and moisturizing benefits of the serum.
If you have noticeable deep-set wrinkles, sagging skin, and loss of elasticity, I think you are better off using stronger actives like retinol (you can find retinol in Olay Retinol 24 products, which I think are some of the best drugstore retinol products out there).
Note On Lactic Acid Concentration
I wouldn’t have known there was lactic acid in the serum if I hadn’t looked at the ingredient list, which makes me think that the concentration of lactic acid isn’t too high.*
I can usually tell when lactic acid is in a product at 5% and higher since it makes my skin tingle slightly. This serum doesn’t tingle at all, which may be a good thing for those with sensitive skin.
I like that the serum isn’t irritating, but that benefit may lead to a drawback for some. If you are looking for a product with a higher concentration of potent actives, this may not be your best choice.
* Olay does not disclose the concentration of active ingredients in the serum.
Who’s It For?
The serum is formulated for all skin types, including sensitive skin. It is suitable for those looking to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, brighten their complexion, and achieve smoother and hydrated skin.
The water-based formula isn’t greasy, so it’s suitable for combination and oily skin types, but is nourishing enough for drier skin types.
This serum could be a great choice for you if you want a non-irritating anti-aging serum to hydrate and brighten your skin or if you’re looking to prevent the signs of aging.
Key Ingredients in Olay Super Serum and Their Benefits For Your Skin
Olay Super Serum contains active ingredients like niacinamide, peptides, and vitamin C to address the visible signs of aging. Here are the key ingredients:
- Niacinamide: Niacinamide is Olay’s favorite ingredient. It’s a form of vitamin B3 that is known for its ability to improve skin texture and even out skin tone. It also helps strengthen the skin’s barrier, making it less vulnerable to damage and smoothes fine lines.
- Lactic Acid: An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps exfoliate dead skin cells, revealing smoother, brighter-looking skin.
- Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4: Olay’s Collagen Peptide improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improves skin texture.
- 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid: A stable form of vitamin C that helps brighten skin, improve skin tone, and reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. It also has antioxidant properties that help protect your skin from environmental damage.
- Sodium Hyaluronate: Also known as hyaluronic acid, this salt form helps hydrate and plump the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Tocopheryl Acetate: A form of vitamin E that has antioxidant properties and helps protect the skin from environmental stressors like pollution.
- Panthenol: A form of vitamin B5 that helps soothe and moisturize the skin.
- Trehalose: A sugar molecule that helps retain moisture in the skin, keeping it hydrated and plump.
- Sodium Lactate: A form of lactic acid that helps hydrate and exfoliate the skin, improving its texture and appearance.
- Mica: A mineral ingredient that adds a subtle shimmer to the serum, giving the skin a radiant and healthy glow.
The serum also contains moisturizing glycerin, dimethicone, a silicone that provides a smooth finish on the skin, and added fragrance.
How To Use Olay Super Serum
To incorporate Olay Super Serum into your skincare routine, simply apply a pea-sized amount onto clean skin before moisturizing.
Gently massage in circular motions until fully absorbed.
Use up to twice daily, morning and/or night, for best results. And don’t forget to follow up with a broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day to protect your skin from UV damage.
Olay Super Serum vs Super Serum Night Repair
Olay Super Serum | Olay Super Serum Night Repair | |
---|---|---|
Ingredients | Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Lactic Acid, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, Trehalose, PEG-11 Methyl Ether Dimethicone, Sodium Lactate, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Sodium Benzoate, Fragrance | Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Lactic Acid, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Palmitoyl Dipeptide-7, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, Trehalose, Salicylic Acid, PEG-11 Methyl Ether Dimethicone, Sodium Lactate, Sodium Benzoate, Mica, Titanium Dioxide |
Benefits | Better Skin Texture More Even-Looking Skin Tone Firmer Feeling Skin Visibly Smoother Lines Long Lasting Hydration | Faster Surface Cell Renewal Visible Correction of Lines and Wrinkles Reduced Appearance of Dark Spots More Even-Looking Complexion Deep Moisture Overnight |
Fragrance | Contains Fragrance | Fragrance-Free |
Olay also offers a nighttime version of their Super Serum: Olay Super Serum Night Repair.
I reached out to Olay to learn about the differences between the two, and they said that the night serum is fragrance-free and contains a few different ingredients.
- Olay Super Serum contains Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Olay’s Collagen Peptide, that targets wrinkles and fine lines.
- Olay Super Serum Night Repair contains Palmitoyl Dipeptide-7, which is supposed to boost the production of collagen.
Olay Super Serum Night Repair also contains rice bran extract, which may help with hyperpigmentation, and salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid that is well-loved for its ability to treat acne and breakouts.
Both serums are the same retail price.
I’ll stick with using Olay Super Serum since the formulas are similar. I can always use Super Serum at night if I choose.
Alternatives to Olay Super Serum
While Olay Super Serum is a great option for those looking to brighten and hydrate your skin, other alternatives on the market offer similar benefits.
A popular niacinamide serum is The Ordinary’s Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, which contains niacinamide plus zinc to help improve skin texture and balance oil production.
The serum targets textural irregularities, dryness, dullness, visible shine, and signs of congestion in your skin. The Ordinary niacinamide serum is excellent for oily and acne-prone skin types.
Another alternative is Olay Vitamin C + Peptide 24 MAX Brightening Serum, which contains similar ingredients to Olay Super Serum, including niacinamide, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 to brighten and plump your skin.
This drugstore vitamin C serum could be a great choice for dull skin or uneven skin tone.
Related Post: Olay Vitamin C Review
The Bottom Line
Olay Super Serum is a well-rounded, gentle serum with active ingredients that targets multiple skin concerns.
Its lightweight formula makes it suitable for all skin types and can easily be incorporated into any skincare routine. It’s not the most potent anti-aging serum on the market, but great for beginners and those with sensitive skin.
Consistent use should provide brighter, smoother, and more hydrated skin. Just don’t expect results overnight. As with any skincare product, patience and consistency are key.
Read more about Olay products:
- Best Olay Products for Your 40s and Older
- Olay Collagen Peptide 24 vs Micro Sculpting Cream
- Olay Micro Sculpting Cream vs Retinol 24
- Olay Hyaluronic + Peptide 24 Review
- Olay Retinol 24 vs Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair
- Olay vs L’Oreal
- Olay Retinol 24 vs CeraVe Retinol Serum
Thanks for reading!