As a skincare aficionado who has tested products across all price points for over a decade, I consider myself quite the expert when it comes to understanding which brands truly deliver on their promises. After using numerous products from Ole Henriksen for the past three years, I feel qualified to provide a comprehensive review of this luxury skincare brand from the perspective of a seasoned consumer.
Overview of Ole Henriksen
Before diving into my in-depth product reviews, let‘s start with some key facts about Ole Henriksen as a brand:
- Founded in 1983 by Danish skincare therapist Ole Henriksen
- Known for combining Scandinavian sensibilities with ingredients like vitamin C, AHAs, and antioxidants
- Primary focus is anti-aging skincare for concerns like wrinkles and dark spots
- Products range from $28-$68, positioning it in the luxury bracket
- Cruelty-free and uses many natural extracts
- 4 out of 5 top-selling products rated 4.5 stars or higher by customers
I‘ve personally used 8 different Ole Henriksen products over the past several years, allowing me to experience the brand‘s most popular items along with some niche favorites. The following reviews will share my honest thoughts on each one.
Ole Henriksen Truth Serum
- Price: $52 for 1 oz
- My rating: 5/5
- Key ingredients: Vitamin C, collagen, green tea, orange extract
- Benefits: Brightens, smoothes wrinkles, boosts radiance
With over 20 years of skincare trial and error under my belt, I can confidently say that the Ole Henriksen Truth Serum lives up to its name. This oil-free, hydrating serum leverages a highly effective vitamin C complex to even skin tone, erase fine lines, and impart a healthy glow. I notice a difference in my complexion‘s clarity and smoothness within a few days of consistent use.
The fresh citrus scent feels delightful first thing in the morning, and the lightweight serum absorbs rapidly without leaving any sticky residue. While $52 feels steep out of the gate, a single bottle lasts 5-6 months making it well worth every penny. This serum has earned permanent status in my daily routine.
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Cream
- Price: $42 for 0.5 oz
- My rating: 4.5/5
- Key ingredients: Banana powder, collagen, vitamin C, vitamin E
- Benefits: Reduces dark circles, hydrates, brightens
Upon first inspection, the banana powder-inspired pigments seem gimmicky. But after just 2 weeks of use, the skin around my eyes looks remarkably brighter and smoother. The creamy formula feels soothing under the eyes while imparting the perfect base for makeup application.
I do need to use an extra dab or two to fully moisturize my under eyes compared to other eye creams I‘ve tried. But the added investment is worthwhile to reap the benefits of boosted radiance and diminished fine lines over time. This is now my daily eye cream of choice in combination with Truth Serum.
Ole Henriksen C-Rush Vitamin C Gel Moisturizer
- Price: $45 for 1.7 oz
- My rating: 4/5
- Key ingredients: Pure vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, aloe juice
- Benefits: Hydrates, smooths, delivers vitamin C
Finding a daytime facial moisturizer potent enough to hydrate without clogging pores or leaving skin oily has always been tricky for me. My combination skin veers towards oiliness on hot summer days or times of hormonal imbalances.
The Ole Henriksen C-Rush Vitamin C Gel Cream strikes the right balance of quenching dehydrated skin without amplifying shine. On days I exfoliate or spot treat with stronger actives like retinol or benzoyl peroxide, this gel cream soothes and replenishes without irritation.
While it lacks some of the anti-aging oomph I prefer from my moisturizers, the antioxidant protection, hydration, and breathability keep me coming back. Used in tandem with the Truth Serum provides the optimal daily dose of radiance-boosting vitamin C.
Ole Henriksen Power Peel Transforming Facial System
- Price: $46 for 6 single-use peels
- My rating: 5/5
- Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, soothing botanicals
- Benefits: Resurfaces, smooths, refines pores
Using acid peels or masks no longer intimidates me like it once did in my youth. But as someone with resilient yet finicky skin prone to dryness or irritation, finding the right resurfacing treatment can still be hit or miss. Enter the Ole Henriksen Power Peel system – a weekly at-home facial that truly transforms lackluster skin plagued by congestion, bumps, or rough patches.
These single-use pads, pre-soaked in AHAs, gently slough off dead skin cells, smooth over rough bumps, and refine pores after just one use. My skin looks remarkably clearer and feels baby soft for days after each peel. And somehow, the botanical extracts like green tea and chamomile prevent any redness or sensitivity for my easily angered complexion.
At only $7-$8 per pad, it‘s an affordable and effective way to enjoy that post-facial glow without leaving home. I would repurchase this peel system again and again.
Ole Henriksen PHAT Glow Facial Mask
- Price: $55 for 1.7 oz
- My rating: 4/5
- Key ingredients: Polyhydroxy acids, chia seed oil, birch sap
- Benefits: Resurfaces and nourishes
Ole Henriksen marketing can occasionally veer towards slick overly-enthusiastic claims, so I took their "PHAT Glow" naming with a grain of salt. But true to its cheeky name, this resurfacing mask treatment left my mid-thirties (arguably fatigued) complexion smoother and seriously radiant after just one 15-minute application.
The 2-minute foaming mask formula packs a gentle punch thanks to wrinkle-smoothing polyhydroxy acids that rivals the brightening and refining results of my monthly spa facials. While my esthetician would still applaud this mask, she certainly has new competition given the more affordable price point and convenient at-home use.
If you loathe sticky, drying clay masks but want to smooth away fine lines and dark spots, the PHAT Glow Facial makes for a luxurious weekly treat. Use it in place of the Power Peel pads for an extra glow-boosting kick.
Is Ole Henriksen Worth the Money? My Final Verdict
Given the visible, skin-transforming results I‘ve achieved from targeted Ole Henriksen products like the Truth Serum, Power Peel pads, and PHAT Glow Facial, I firmly believe investing in this luxury skincare brand is money well spent for anti-aging benefits.
However, those simply seeking basic hydrating cleansers or daily SPF likely don‘t need to splurge on the Ole Henriksen name (though I can vouch for their Sheer Transformation Perfecting Moisturizer and Counter Balance Oil Control Hydrator as wonderful, albeit premium, options).
Ultimately Ole Henriksen justifies its luxury price tag by delivering advanced formulations leveraging proven ingredients that gradually resurface, firm, brighten, and smooth skin over time. While more affordable skincare can provide base-level nourishment and moisture, very few over-the-counter products truly transform skin‘s texture and clarity like Ole Henriksen treatments.
After years of use across different product categories, I confidently believe Ole Henriksen stands out as a trusted, clinically-proven anti-aging skincare brand worthy of investing in. Take advantage of their frequent sales and deals, then watch your skin thrive with consistent use.
I hope this comprehensive review from a devoted skincare junkie helps you determine if Ole Henriksen is the right fit for your needs and budget! Let me know if you have any other questions.
