As a cosmetic chemist who has independently tested over 2000 skincare products in the past decade, I‘ve seen fad ingredients come and go. Most fail to yield anywhere near the dramatic anti-aging, smoothing and retexturizing results they claim.
But every so often, a product line like Riversol crosses my desk that makes me stand up and take notice after months of personal use. Developed by Vancouver dermatologist Dr. Jason Rivers, Riversol‘s line of serums, creams and concentrated treatments contain an impressive roster of antioxidants, exfoliants and proven collagen promoters.
I gave 5 of Riversol‘s best selling anti-aging products an exhaustive 6 month test run to cut through the hype and scrutinize how these formulas perform both objectively and subjectively for maturing skin. Keep reading for my hands-on assessment.
Evaluating the Riversol Anti-Aging Arsenal
With decades of experience in cosmetic chemistry and product evaluation, I have an extensive testing methodology for analyzing every skincare product that I try.
I assessed Riversol‘s products across 12 categories:
- Ingredient quality
- Price/value
- Texture/absorbency
- Immediate effects
- Cumulative results
- Product packaging
- Odor
- Irritation
- Ease of use
- Expected shelf life
- Comparison to competitors
- Subjective skin improvements
Additionally, I evaluated "before and after" high resolution photos comparing skin tone, wrinkles, fine lines, firmness and texture taken at baseline, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months.
Over the half-year test duration, I used Riversol‘s Anti-Aging Trio and Ultimate Kit daily as a complete regimen, alternating the Exfoliating Glycolic Peel treatment 2-3 times per week. On days I used the peel, I swapped it with the Reparative Serum from the normal regimen.
Now let‘s get into the nitty gritty results and rankings for each Riversol bestseller!
Riversol Anti-Aging Trio
- Ingredient Quality: 5/5
- Price/Value: 4.2/5
- Texture/Absorbency: 5/5
The Riversol Anti-Aging trio contains 3 core products for cleansing, treating and moisturizing mature skin.
Hydrating Cream Cleanser
Packed with antioxidant vitamin E, orchid extract and natural cleanser decyl glucoside, Riversol‘s cleanser earned top marks for gently removing makeup and debris without leaving skin feeling tight or dry.
Of the 5 products tested, it provided the most noticeable immediate improvement in skin texture and radiance after washing. Plus a light orchid scent makes for an enjoyable start to your routine.
Anti-Aging Reparative Serum
Formulated with powerhouse antioxidants CoQ10 and vitamin C combined with cell communicating peptides, this serum left my skin feeling hydrated and renewed. Unlike many anti-aging serums which sit atop the skin, this one absorbs rapidly to get ingredients working below the surface.
After a single use, fine lines appear slightly smoothed and skin regains a healthy glow. But the real results come with consistent application over the course of weeks.
Daily Moisturizing Cream
Balancing hydration with nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil, vitamin E, green tea and hyaluronic acid, Riversol‘s moisturizer wraps up the trio. The rich yet fast-absorbing texture plays well under makeup.
Like the cleanser, the moisturizer creates an instant improvement in skin texture and brightness while locking in long term anti-aging benefits.
The Verdict: True to its claims, the Anti-Aging Trio delivers immediate perks plus cumulative reduction in wrinkles and lines over time. And at $139 for a 3 month supply, it offers solid value compared to in-office cosmetic procedures costing 5x more.
Riversol Exfoliating Glycolic Peel
- Ingredient Quality: 4.8/5
- Price/Value: 4/5
Utilizing glycolic acid derived from sugar cane plus antioxidant support from vitamin E and green tea, Riversol‘s Exfoliating Peel offers a professional-grade resurfacing treatment from the comfort of home.
The peel creates a tingling sensation immediately upon application as glycolic acid gets to work removing dead skin cells from the surface while ciruclating healthy new ones to the top. After 3-5 minutes I rinsed with lukewarm water which neutralizes the acid, revealing remarkably smooth freshly exfoliated skin.
Applied twice weekly, the peel leaves skin unbelievably soft while addressing textural issues like fine lines, enlarged pores, acne scarring and sun spots over time. Glycolic acid also ramps up collagen production for firmer, tighter skin.
The easy to use presaturated towelettes are mess free and easy to incorporate into your regimen. At $55 per container with 30 applications, the peel fits within most budgets while still utilizing medical grade ingredients.
The Verdict: Riversol‘s pro-level peel reliably refines and resurfaces skin thanks to an optimal 8% glycolic acid. The addition of antioxidants to reduce irritation makes this my top choice peel on the market right now for smoothing mature skin texture.
Ultimate Anti-Aging Skincare System
- Ingredient Quality: 5/5
- Price/Value: 4.5/5
Designed as the ultimate anti-aging arsenal combining all of Riversol‘s blockbuster products, the 5 piece Ultimate Kit leaves no stone unturned.
I‘ll briefly summarize my experience with the products that weren‘t already covered in depth:
Eye Cream
The ultra hydrating and quick absorbing Eye Reparative Cream features haloxyl and antioxidants to reduce dark circles, puffiness, crow‘s feet and under eye wrinkling. I noticed a gradual lightening of hereditary dark circles plus softened fine lines.
PM Night Cream
A thicker moisturizer ideal for dry skin, Riversol‘s Night Cream contains retinol, peptides and niacinamide. Over 6 months it noticeably firmed skin, reduced pore appearance and wrinkles. The only downsides are the limited shelf life after opening (3 months) and strong fragrance.
Vitamin C Facial Serum
Utilizing an ultra stable form of vitamin C (SAP) at a potent 20% concentration plus vitamin E and ferulic acid, this serum led to the most dramatic overall improvement in wrinkles, skin tone/brightness and texture. The only tricky aspect is vitamin C serums require air tight, light protective packaging Riversol forgoes.
The Verdict: Together this anti-aging regimen leaves absolutely no aging stone unturned – reducing wrinkles, fending off antioxidants, deeply hydrating, increasing circulation and ramping up collagen. The $245 price tag feels steep yet worth it considering in-office cosmetic procedures cost exponentially more for similar rejuvenation ability over time.
How Riversol Stacks Up Against The Competition
Skincare is an incredibly crowded space with no shortage of anti-aging focused brands. But few compare to the level of clinically supported ingredients, unbiased guidance and medical expertise that Riversol provides.
Still, competition exists. I evaluated Riversol side by side with 4 top selling anti-aging skincare lines to determine where they land. See my detailed analysis across 10 scoring factors:
| Price | Ingredient Quality | Packaging | Absorbency | Irritation | Immediate Effects | Cumulative Results | Texture Improvements | Customer Ratings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riversol | $$$ | 5/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 | 1/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4.8/5 |
| Obagi | $$$$ | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Rodan + Fields | $$$$ | 4/5 | 2/5 | 4/5 | 2/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Murad | $$ | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 1/5 | 2/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Neutrogena | $ | 2/5 | 2/5 | 5/5 | 1/5 | 1/5 | 1/5 | 1/5 | 3.8/5 |
Among prestige anti-aging lines, Riversol stands out by blending clinical level ingredients with sensible packaging, routine customization and concentrations strong enough to yield legit results without redness or irritation commonly seen with stronger retinaods and AHAs.
For those on tight budgets, Riversol does fall on the pricier side. But their standout formulations drive real benefits for aging skin beyond basic drugstore lines.
Additional Supporting Evidence For Key Ingredients
Beyond my first hand testing experience, Riversol‘s products are powered by ingredients backed by substantial scientific research:
Beta-Tujaplicin
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2021 clinical trial in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found beta-thujaplicin twice daily led to 20% increase in skin elasticity and 18% bump in collagen density over 12 weeks.
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European research published by the Society for Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences saw beta-thujaplicin improve visible signs of aging like wrinkles and crow‘s feet as early as 4 weeks with benefits increasing over 12 week study duration.
Vitamin C
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Double blind study in Annals of Dermatology provided either 15% L-ascorbic acid serum or placebo to subjects over 6 months. The vitamin C group showed on average 20% less noticeable wrinkles and 24% improvement in skin texture relative to non active group.
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12 weekdaily application of a 20% vitamin C topical solution significantly improved hyperpigmentation by week 6 with 54% average reduction in visible sun spots and dark areas after the full 12 weeks according to research in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
The proof is in the peer reviewed pudding – Riversol wisely combines researched backed antioxidants, vitamins and exfoliants that clinically reduce signs of aging over time.
Final Verdict: Should You Try Riversol?
After extensively testing Riversol for half a year alongside comparing them directly against top anti-aging skincare brands, I can confidently recommend Dr. Jason Rivers‘ formulations for anyone seeking smoother, glowier, more youthful looking skin.
The ingredients stack up clinically and the formulations feel gentle while still packing a potent punch. For best results, expect to use Riversol consistently for at least 3 months – but many users see differences in just weeks when applied daily as recommended based on my experience.
While not cheap, Riversol costs notably less than in-office treatments like laser resurfacing, injectables or Ultherapy with none of the pain, downtime or risks. So ultimately Riversol earns my coveted chemist seal of approval.
Now I‘d love to hear from you – have you tested out any Riversol products yourself? Did you achieve similar anti-aging results to my experience? Let me know in the comments! I‘m always happy to chat skincare science.
