Created in partnership with Olay.
I’m really excited to team up with Olay on another post; this time about their Wrinkle Correction Serum with Vitamin B3 + Peptides. In case you missed it, this past Fall I worked with them on a post about their Retinol24 collection; which I love and still use – I’m on my second bottle of the retinol serum and use it 1-2x a week. I love working with Olay… I know a lot of the products I feature here can be very pricey but Olay makes products that are both high-tech AND accessible. I’m always so impressed by their level of innovation and science-backed products.
As background: I started using this serum on February 24th; when I first received the package (and shot the first round of social media posts!). I’ve had just over a month to play with the product.
Today I am going to share my review BUT I want to talk a little bit about something important, first. According to a recent study, 40% of women say beauty advertisements impart an unrealistic expectation, making it unclear what is actually achievable.
To help put an end that, Olay is making a promise for zero skin retouching across all advertising materials, including sponsored content from influencers. I love that they are doing this, and while I don’t ever retouch my photos (Carter just brightens them up in Lightroom), these photos are not retouched.
Olay Wrinkle Correction Serum Review
The Olay Wrinkle Correction Serum with Vitamin B3 + Peptides is an ultra-concentrated anti-aging serum to penetrate your skin’s surface and treat wrinkles at the source. It uses niacinamide (also known as Vitamin B3 – a powerful anti-aging ingredient) to rejuvenate, and dual peptides to replenish collagen.
Let’s start with the basics as I know skincare can be a little confusing! Serums are the (in my opinion) most important, but least understood skincare product. They’re not quite a liquid, but not quite a solid. So…
Wait: What is a serum!?
As I mentioned above, serums are in between a liquid and a solid. More viscous than a moisturizer or oil, but not watery, either. Serums are packed with active ingredients, and that liquidy format is designed to deliver these ingredients deep into your skin’s surface
Olay just launched three powerful new serums (all free from parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, and synthetic dyes) which can help with all sorts of skin issues from dryness to dullness to droopiness!
How do serums fit into your skincare routine?
Serum goes after cleansing/toning, after essence if you choose to use it, before moisturizer. A helpful trick to remember is that you apply your skin care products from thinnest to thickest. As serums are packed with your active ingredients. you want it to be closest to your skin!
After cleansing, use the dropper to apply several drops of serum. Follow with moisturizer to seal in your treatment!
My take… and some of the science behind this!
As always, a little background on my own skin (this feels redundant, but I think it’s important to share just in case you are new!!!) I am 38 years old. My skin is pretty dry and my biggest concerns right now are dehydration, texture, a bit of dullness + (always!) fine lines around my eyes. And of course, preventing aging as best I can. I have never tried Botox or done fillers; but I have a pretty aggressive skincare lineup. I do retinol 1-2x a week, I love a glycolic peel, and I am a total mask junkie.
I started testing this on February 24th and finished my review on March 25th. During the testing process, this was the only serum I used at night. I would wash my face, apply several drops of this serum, let it sink in, and top off with moisturizer and sometimes face oil.
Let’s talk Ingredients!
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide is also known as Vitamin B3. It’s a water-soluble vitamin that works with your skin to help minimize enlarged pores, tighten + firm the skin, improve uneven skin tone, soften lines and wrinkles, diminish dullness, and strengthen the skin’s barrier. It’s been called the fountain of youth!
What are peptides, and what do they do?
Peptides are one of the most talked about ingredients in anti-aging skincare. They are short chains of amino acids that building blocks of proteins such as collagen, elastin and keratin. They’re responsible for skin’s texture and strength. Without them, skin can lose firmness and be more prone to wrinkles.
Peptides are pretty amazing as they are little messengers. When you apply them directly to your skin, they trigger skin cells to build more collagen. This helps with firmness and wrinkles; helping to give skin that youthful, plumped up look we are all chasing.
My final thoughts!
This serum is up there with some of the more expensive serums I’ve tested. I was really impressed. It felt like a luxury skincare product – something that would cost at least double or triple the price.
The thing I noticed most is that my skin was much smoother, with a lifted look; especially at my jaw. (I will add that it definitely helps to do a little facial massage with the serum if you have time – I like to really work it into the areas that I want to look more lifted, using upward strokes!)
I like that (as with the Retinol collection), the product has no fragrance. The formula itself is incredibly gentle and would be great for sensitive types too. I experienced zero redness and irritation.
I also want to talk about integrating this in with the Retinol24 serum. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss retinol while testing this! I think that these two serums combined (NOT on the same night though) make for the perfect combination.
My recommendation would be to use this every night except 1-2 nights where you’ll do retinol instead. Don’t use both on the same night – one serum at a time!!!!
Photography by Carter Fish.
Thank you for this! All of your skin care information is so helpful even for this older woman!! Where does oil fit into your thin to thick recommendation? Sometimes I mix a couple of drops with my moisturizer. How do you fit oil into your routine? Thanks again.
Hi Teresa! Oil is the last step! Here’s a post I wrote all about product order. 🙂 https://thestripe.com/correct-order-apply-skincare-products/
My mom has used Olay forever and I understand why. It’s so good and honestly I don’t feel like I need any other product with this.
Stephanie | SPV Living
So glad to hear that!
Thanks for the review! I need to try this serum out… ❤️✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
Let me know if you try it! Would love to hear your thoughts!
Thanks Grace! I have 3 Olay serums and love them all! I don’t have the retinol yet but will try it. Really like your honest reviews ♥️
You’re so welcome! Let me know if you end up trying it!
Will do!
Hi Grace do we need to use all 3 serums by olay ? My skin is dull some saggyness by the jawline, dry too, what is essence ?
I always love your skincare posts, Grace! I also appreciate the ways in which you detail your testing process and explain the products you use/ how to use them. Your skin is glowing, as usual!
Aw I am so glad! And thank you!!!!
Thanks for this post! I’ve seen a lot of B3 products lately, but didn’t know much about them. Would you apply this before your glycolic on those nights you alternate with retinol? I’m still working on nailing down a good process with all my products!
Hi Megan!
I’m not a big fan of combining actives so would probably do glycolic 2x a week, this 3x a week, and retinol 2x a week! If you want to combine the two I’d talk to a derm to get their blessing; but generally my rule is one active or serum at a time!
I pulled the trigger on the tone correcting version off their serum list you linked! Still using bakuchiol a few nights a week, but I’ve been slacking on repurchasing my other serums since I didn’t exactly LOVE any of them. Thanks for sharing!
Oh good!!! Keep me posted on how you like that one!
I love Olay products especially the new serum series I’ve only tried the B3 one but I am anxious to try the retinol serum as well I love Olay
Highly recommend using both (this 5 nights a week + retinol 2x!!!)
Always love when you do a technical deep-dive on the products you’re reviewing – it really helps me understand why I’m using a product and why I should include it in my routine. I’m excited to add this one to my night-time routine!
Aw I’m so glad!!! That’s my favorite part of skincare; nerding out over the ingredients. If you decide to try it, please let me know how you like it!
Can this serum be used in the morning? Just wondering if you had tried it under makeup or if it might cause sun-sensitivity.
Thanks for this review!
Hi Katie!
I use it at night!!! I checked the product pages and it’s fine to use during the day, just be sure to apply a moisturizer that has SPF in it.
Grace – you positively glow from within! Anything you do for the outside just adds to your shine! Thank you for your compassion and upbeat demeanor during these times! Your blog is a lovely respite and so very much appreciated! Much love ~ Barb
P.S. Going to give these products a whirl!
Oh my goodness what a nice comment! THANK YOU! xx
Hi Grace!
I enjoy your content and the podcast too! You’re my go-go for beauty and book advice.
I’ve been using the Biossance Squalane + Lactic Acid Night Serum. Can I use the Olay anti-aging serum after that?
Stay healthy!
Hey Jen!
I would talk to your derm but I never recommend more than one active at a time. I think this would be nice alternated with Biossance every other night! You stay healthy TOO! xx
I am always a fan of Olay products but haven’t tried this one yet x
Lisa | lisaautumn.com
I bought the Olay Retinol24 night moisturizer and their new hyaluronic acid serum because I needed new products down here in PA and because of YOUR recommendation. So far, I love both of them and I’m really impressed with their efficacy and how nice they feel on my skin.
Aw I am SO glad to hear it!
Hope you and your fam are hanging in there!!!! Miss you friend. XO
Ok thank god you told me not to use them both in the same night…or else I 1013012801983% would have lol. Can’t wait to try both of these products!
Dana | The Champagne Edit
hahahaha 😉 love it!
Will definitely try this out! I was wondering if you could make a blogpost about how to incorporate all serums/acids into a routine. When do you use AHA/BHA, when do use Retinols, Vit C, …?
This post should help! https://thestripe.com/my-exact-skincare-routine-september-2019/
Thanks for the detailed info. Have just started with some of the Olay products. I’m 70 and have some deep lines on my checks. Did you find any change in the lines around your eyes? Like you, I’m not into the Botox regimen so I try lots of high priced serums but find no difference. Thanks again.
Hey Jill!
I haven’t found a serum or cream that truly helps with deep, deep lines. The Olay retinol eye cream definitely helped with fine lines around my eye!!!
I’ve been using the Retinol one on your recommendation and going to give this one a try! One of my main concerns is the pores around my nose. Did you find this helps with minimizing the look of enlarged pores? Or have any additional recommendations for that specifically? Thanks!
Hi! For pores around the nose, the only thing I’ve found that really helps is keeping them really clean! I will do a Biore strip every week, and toner also helps!
I just bought some wasn’t sure how to apply it Around the eyes , my wrinkles are bad above my lip and the corners of my mouth down toward my chin. I have been using Olay moisturizer since my 20’s n I am now going to be 68 yrs old on the 28th of June they are really showing in this last year. Do u have video showing how to apply product correcting?
Hi! So this is the first serum that I have ever bought. I can’t find anywhere how many drops to use…i don’t want to use too little or too much. Do you know how many drops you are supposed to use? Thanks!
Hi just curious if you notice any reduction in your wrinkles after using the serum thank you