There are hundreds of anti-aging serums on the market that promise to turn back the clock. However, the pool narrows when you filter it for serums that are also fragrance-free, revered by dermatologists and backed by multiple clinical studies. DefenAge 8-in-1 BioSerum fits all these criteria and then some. Praised by skin-care experts for its unique mechanism of action and powerful star ingredient, it has proven successful in minimizing multiple signs of aging.
It’s also a mega multitasker, providing the benefits of eight serums in one formula, hence its name. “Many patients just want one step, and this is what it should be, aside from sunscreen,” says Southlake, TX dermatologist Angela Bowers, MD. I agree with Dr. Bowers about the desire for one-step products, especially as a busy mom of two. When I first tried the BioSerum years ago, I was more than impressed with its ability to hydrate, brighten and smooth. My goal then was “preventive aging,” and it remains as such in my mid-30s.
And still to this day, I love the silky, nongreasy texture, the fact that it is fragrance-free, and of course, the heavy-hitting science supporting its claims. It leaves my skin super smooth and noticeably moisturized while the active ingredients go to work to keep my skin looking as healthy and youthful as possible. Read on to learn about all the exciting attributes fueling this innovative rejuvenation serum, with help from leading dermatologists.
Featured Experts
- Angela Bowers, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Southlake, TX
- Natalie M. Curcio, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Nashville, TN
Who Is This Anti-Aging Serum Best For?
Nashville, TN dermatologist Natalie M. Curcio, MD says this serum is best for anyone age 45 and older who is actively looking to improve signs of aging. “These include irregular texture, dullness, fine lines and wrinkles, sagging or skin laxity, pigment irregularities, enlarged pores, and redness or inflammation,” she explains. “These signs of skin damage that occur as we age are all issues that can be addressed and improved with this serum.” However, you can also use this at an earlier age for preventive aging, as Dr. Curcio did. “If you use great skin care before you have visible signs of aging, you may be able to slow down, or even prevent, many of them for years. In my opinion, anyone who is concerned about looking their best, can benefit from this serum, and DefenAge skincare in general.”
All skin types can use this anti-aging serum, too, adds Dr. Bowers. “This is one of the things that makes it so attractive.” The formula is also gluten-free, fragrance-free and noncomedogenic, which means it won’t clog pores. The texture feels very light, almost like you have nothing on your skin.
The Key Ingredients in the BioSerum
The star ingredient is Defensin-molecules, which is a scientific term. This anti-aging serum contains the highest concentration of defensin molecules in any skin-care formula. Two Defensins in particular, Alpha-Defensin 5 and Beta-Defensin 3, are exclusive to DefenAge, and actively rejuvenate skin. They also offer an effective alternative to retinol, making the serum suitable for even sensitive skin types.
“Many aging patients have much drier skin and cannot tolerate the retinoid side effects of peeling and dryness,” says Dr. Bowers. “This is a great alternative to retinol for those patients. However, it also works synergistically with retinoids if you prefer to combine the two.” Other key ingredients in the formula include antioxidants, niacinamide, hydrating hyaluronic acid, DNA-repair enzymes, peptides, and a soothing blend of natural actives.
How Do Defensins Work Exactly?
“Defensin-molecules, or Age-Repair Defensins, activate the body’s own master skin cells to create new skin,” says Dr. Curcio. “This promotes a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance. These Age-Repair Defensins address the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, texture irregularities, sagging, excess pigment, inflammation and pore size while promoting cell renewal.”
To better understand the mechanism behind Defensin-molecules, let’s look at wound-healing regenerative biology, says Dr. Curcio. “Defensins trigger a regenerative response in the skin that is similar to the one our bodies do during wound healing. The skin in the healed wound area is always younger than the skin around it. This is because our body activates preserved, or dormant, cells to heal wounds. In other words, the body creates new young skin to heal wounds.” Defensins activate the same mechanism in our bodies. “Therefore, every time Defensins are applied on the skin, they activate the body to produce new and young skin without the wound,” Dr. Curcio continues. “I consider Defensins to be the biggest breakthrough in cosmetic skin care since the discovery of retinoids.”
Dr. Bowers adds, “We also see activation of fibroblasts, stimulation of collagen and elastin, and boosting of the natural secretion of the body’s natural growth factors when we use Defensins.”
What the Clinical Studies Show
When it comes to heavy-hitting skin-care products, NewBeauty editors are always looking for clinical studies to back up big claims. Impressively, the 8-in-1 BioSerum and its key Defensin-based ingredient have been tested in 11 clinical studies. The most recent one, published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, reaffirms the serum’s efficacy as an anti-aging rejuvenation solution.
“A multicenter, prospective clinical trial was conducted with patients 45 to 80 years old using a combination of the DefenAge 8-in-1 BioSerum and 3D Radiance Eye Cream,” explains Dr. Curcio. “They applied them twice daily to the eye area and showed a statistically significant improvement in periorbital wrinkling and sun damage after three months compared to baseline. Improvements were noted in all aspects of skin quality, including wrinkles, sagging, excess pigment, redness, texture and radiance. The combination of the BioSerum and the Eye Cream is safe and efficacious for the treatment of wrinkles around the eyes.” Dr. Bowers says she has seen marked improvement in the skin of all her patients since she began recommending and using the product personally about seven years ago.
The concentration range of Defensin-molecules in the brand’s Age-Repair Defensin complex has also been tested in independent clinical safety studies. Additionally, all clinical studies have been conducted in the United States and monitored by independent Institutional Review Boards.
How to Use This Serum
Apply it on clean skin after washing your face. If you are also using DefenAge’s 24/7 Barrier Balance Cream, you would apply that first, followed by the BioSerum. “This may initially seem counterintuitive, as we are trained to apply serums before creams,” says Dr. Curcio. “However, the moisturizing cream, which also contains the Age-Repair Defensins, is applied first to hydrate the skin. Then, the rejuvenating 8-in-1 BioSerum, which has the highest concentration of Defensins, is applied second. The BioSerum closes the tight junctions in the skin to prevent water loss. Therefore, it makes the cream a more effective moisturizer without feeling heavy.”
If you are also applying another serum, such as vitamin C or a retinol-based serum, Dr. Curcio says you would apply that first before the 8-in-1 BioSerum. “They will not be able to adequately penetrate the skin if you apply them on top of the BioSerum.” And as you would with any skin-care regimen, always follow with sunscreen as your last step before makeup.
This anti-aging serum can also be used on your neck, décolleté, the backs of your hands and anywhere else you experience signs of aging. I’ve heard of doctors recommending it for crepey skin on the arms and above the knees, too. Don’t be surprised if you see this serum at your dermatologist’s office as well. Many doctors praise BioSerum for its skin-rejuvenating properties, and like to apply it after treatments like microneedling to optimize results. Or, they recommend it to be used as skin prep before fillers and laser treatments.
Results to Expect From Using the DefenAge BioSerum
Most people start noticing a difference in the texture of their skin in as little as two weeks. More visible changes come after four to eight weeks. “Your friends, family and colleagues will comment on how much smoother and radiant your skin looks,” says Dr. Curcio. “As fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, pigment, pore size and inflammation all continue to improve, you will truly see what we call ‘global visual improvement.'”
“Patients really are the biggest judge,” says Dr. Bowers. “I have been in practice for more than 20 years, and I’ve had all the skin-care lines. DefenAge by far has had the most impressive patient feedback of any new skin-care line we have offered.”
Price / Where to Buy
The DefenAge 8-in-1 BioSerum comes in different sizes for all preferences. The two most popular are the full-size 30 ml version ($185) and mega-size 45 ml ($198). However, there is also a 10-ml version that provides a two-week supply ($56), and a trial size that provides a two-to-three day supply ($13).
