As Health & Beauty editors, we’re eternally fascinated with skin care products that claim to be anti-aging. Sadly, we’ve discovered by testing and comparing that many brands in this category over-promise and under-deliver.
We’re on a constant lookout for safe and efficient solutions for our readers. Our goal is to nail down a science-backed brand that actually works. We’re talking about nourishing your skin and minimizing wrinkles and signs of aging — all without turning to costly and/or invasive treatments.
After some research, we found two really popular brands in the skin longevity space: OneSkin and Dr. Barbara Sturm. We compared their face creams to see which is the most effective.
Here’s what we discovered:
Key Similarities
- Both products are suitable for all skin types
- Both products are cruelty-free, paraben-free, fragrance-free
- Both products offer a subscription model
Key Differences
- OneSkin is far more affordable — 50ml of OS-01 FACE costs $99 (with a subscription)┃50ml of Dr. Sturm’s Super Anti-Aging Face Cream costs $306 (with a subscription)
- OneSkin products target a root cause of skin aging with their highly researched and proprietary peptide, OS-01┃Dr. Sturm’s doesn’t appear to use patented or proprietary ingredients in their formulas
- All of OneSkin’s products are vegan┃Dr. Sturm only describes their products as “almost entirely vegan”
OneSkin Overview
OneSkin’s major strength is their research regarding their products and specifically their core ingredient — OneSkin’s patented OS-01 peptide - which they provide access to directly on their website. That’s a breath of fresh air! OS-01 was developed over 5+ years by their founding team of longevity scientists who have expertise in stem biology, aging, bioinformatics, and skin regeneration.
OneSkin’s published research shows that the OS-01 peptide is scientifically validated to reduce the amount of senescent cells, a key driver of aging, in the skin by up to 50%*. OS-01 also promotes key markers associated with collagen and hyaluronic production and reduces key biomarkers associated with aging*, resulting in healthier, more youthful skin.
OS-01 has been extensively studied by OneSkin’s team of bonafide scientists whose peer-reviewed, published research articles are available directly on the OneSkin website. Plus, their products are clinically validated. The findings of a 12-week clinical study evaluating OS-01 FACE performed by a third-party Research Organization show that:
- 100% saw an improvement in skin smoothness and overall appearance**
- 95.5% of users saw an improvement in skin evenness, radiance, pores, and firmness**
- 90% of users saw an improvement in skin elasticity**
- 87% of users saw a diminished appearance of fine lines and wrinkles**
- Users experienced an improvement in their skin barrier by an average of 15%***
OneSkin’s best-selling cult favorite — OS-01 FACE — is fragrance-free and is an effective non-invasive solution for all skin types. A recent SkinSAFE Trusted Choice Review™ gave it a “good for sensitive skin” award.
OS-01 FACE is formulated as a daily moisturizer, best used for areas of your skin that are most exposed to environmental damage, such as your face, hands, and neck.
OneSkin’s scientists have proven that OS-01 FACE can improve key skin health parameters, like supporting skin’s natural ability to produce collagen and hyaluronic acid as well as increasing skin’s epidermal thickness.*
Dr. Barbara Sturm Overview
For product comparison, we focused on the Dr. Barbara Sturm Super Anti-Aging Cream. Internationally renowned, Dr. Sturm's brand claims to merge science and nature. From the core Molecular Cosmetics line to targeted treatments, and even spa & retailer clinics located in major cities from Beverly Hills to London to Düsseldorf, Dr. Sturm promises to deliver transformative results for an array of skin needs. But do they have the data to back it up?
The Super Anti-Aging Cream is formulated to target mature skin and is best used day and night. It’s not recommended for younger skin types to use it daily due to its rich formulation.
Although the brand claims that its products are science-backed, we didn’t see a lot of transparency on its website about the data. We appreciate that OneSkin backs up their claims with clinical trials and real scientific published research that’s clearly available on their website.
And, finally, the hefty price tag is a real turn-off. 50ml of Dr. Sturm’s Super Anti-Aging Face Cream costs $306 (with subscription) That’s over 3X the cost of OS-01 FACE. Enough said.
Final Thoughts
To start seeing results with OneSkin, you only need a bottle of their PREP, a bottle of OS-01 EYE, and a bottle of OS-01 FACE. Their cutting-edge formulas will simplify your skincare routine.
Dr Sturm’s motto is to achieve “maximum results with a minimum number of products.” A full regimen includes starting with the Cleanser, Hyaluronic Serum, Face Cream, and Skin Supplements. From there, you layer on additional creams and serums. This feels like upselling to us, and not as simple as they claim.
OneSkin has truly simplified the skin-longevity process. Plus, their entire line is vegan, which we can’t say for Dr. Sturm.
OneSkin aims to improve the health of your skin cells so your skin can look, feel, and act younger. It's no wonder that estheticians are recommending it!
If you’re looking for an affordable and reliable way to get your skin in check and enhance your natural beauty, go with OneSkin.
JUST FOR YOU: Get FREE SHIPPING on all orders $79+ and 17% off OneSkin when you subscribe. Try it risk-free with a 45-day money-back guarantee. Follow this link to shop!
*Shown in lab studies on human skin samples and/or cells (Zonari, et al., npj Aging, 2023)
**Double-blind expert clinical grader evaluation
***Instrumental Evaluation - Vapometer analysis