AlphaDerma CE is an anti-wrinkle cream that claims to be "a facelift in a jar," combining the cosmetic appeal of Botox-like chemicals with a skin cream that protects and heals skin tissues. While the product is neither 100% natural or cheap, it does contain what appears to be a unique blend of ingredients that work on a variety of levels, to not only reduce wrinkles and age-lines, but to promote skin health and vitality. It's balanced, it's needle-free, and it's creative -- making it an edgy competitor on the skin care market.

Alphaderma CE Ingredients

AlphaDerma CE contains a broad list of ingredients which all attribute to its anti-wrinkle and healing actions. Primary active ingredients found in AlphaDerma CE include Agireline -- a chemical called acetyl hexapeptide-AH3 -- as well as Vitamin C Ester and Alpha Lipoic Acid. Agireline works similarly to Botox in its effects, however according to a study published in the "International Journal of Cosmetics" in 2002, it is considerably safer for cosmetic use than Botox is. Vitamin C Ester is a form of vitamin C combined with palm oil, making it more absorbable in the skin, and is used in AlphaDerma CE as a protective antioxidant for the skin. Alpha Lipoic Acid is a natural antioxidant present in human cells that helps to protect tissues against oxidative damage and sun damage. Other ingredients include soluble collagen, hydrolyzed elastin, octyl methoxyccinamate, various parabens, and botanical products including as olive oil, soybean oil, allantoin and aloe vera.

Alphaderma CE Reviews

Reviews of AlphaDerma CE are largely positive in nature, with few people reporting negative side effects or dissatisfaction with results. The manufacturers, Hanson & Beckett Cosmeceuticals, have published over 90 customer reviews on their official web site -- most of which are positively gushing in nature. Customers claim that the product not only reduced their wrinkles, but improved acne, blemishes, dry skin and sunspots, with one customer going so far as to say: "I'm 42 and everyone thinks I'm in my early 30's."

Amazon lists 13 customer reviews for AlphaDerma CE (4 fl oz), with 9 customers rating the product with a four star rating or higher. One customer gave the product just one star, claiming AlphaDerma CE did not work, and the manufacturers failed to refund the money as promised in their 90-day money back guarantee. Upon contacting The Better Business Bureau, this customer says that they were told other people had a similar problems and frustrations in receiving refunds. Otherwise, many customers concluded AlphaDerma CE had "amazing" benefits, and rated the manufacturer's customer service as "excellent."

Pros

The balance of ingredients in AlphaDerma CE means that it works on a variety of levels -- toning, protecting, and healing skin cells all at once. AlphaDerma CE is SPF 15 and provides a range of botanical extracts, like allantoin and aloe vera,  that have shown in several studies to repair damaged skin, stimulate healing, control acne and reduce inflammation. AlphaDerma's ingredient Agireline is a synthetic compound that provides purely cosmetic benefits to rival Botox, but with none of the safety issues associated with Botox injections. Agireline has been found in research to be less toxic to the nervous system than Botox, while providing similar benefits. Vegetable oils in AlphaDerma CE will help to moisturize tissues and kill skin bacteria.

Cons

Not all of the ingredients in AlphaDerma CE are ideal. It contains several parabens, including  Methylparaben and Propylparaben, which may exacerbate skin problems, cause allergic reactions, and have been linked with endocrine disruption and breast cancer. In addition, there is considerably controversy over soluble collagen and hydrolyzed elastin found in AlphaDerma CE, with claims that even if the products are absorbed into the skin, they do not become utilized by the natural elastin and collagen in your own skin. AlphaDerma CE is expensive, and more research into the long-term safety to validate the money spent to use it ongoingly is badly needed.

Final Thoughts

AlphaDerma CE is a product that provides something for everyone. If you really do just want "a facelift in a jar," then AlphaDerma CE really comes to the table -- but it also contains other active ingredients which may benefit skin conditions, acne and damaged tissues. This wrinkle cream is a more balanced product compared to many other cosmetic skin products on the market, and the manufacturers are commendably transparent about their ingredients and practices. AlphaDerma CE is recommended as an alternative for anyone thinking of trying Botox, as it is a safer and less-invasive treatment.