Sure, Martha Stewart’s Skin Looks Great—But Would Mine After Trying Her Skincare Line?

In partnership with Elm Biosciences. Editor’s Note: We only select and work with partners that meet our quality standards, so you can rest assured we only endorse products we believe in.‍

I test hundreds of skincare products a year––and while there are a lot to love, this kind of exposure means my standards keep getting higher. I have no interest in wasting time on run-of-the-mill ingredient lists, mediocre formulations, and lackluster results. And while I don’t usually pay much attention to celebrity skincare, my interest was piqued when I heard that Martha Stewart had entered the chat. 

Ever since her notorious viral 2020 “thirst trap” Instagram post––the one of her peeking from her East Hampton pool, showing off a coy pout and satiny smooth skin––I’ve been paying attention. The Internet erupted. What is her secret? How is her skin so gorgeous? And while I can’t speak to Martha’s treatment history, I can confidently say that since testing her skincare line, Elm Biosciences, I understand The Martha Standard. 

The skincare cynic in me, however, isn’t satisfied with star power alone. (Is that iconic 90s supermodel, Helena Christensen, on the site?) Martha is a multi-hyphenate, but a bioscientist she is not. That’s where her co-founder, board-certified dermatologist and biotech entrepreneur Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali, comes in, as well as the 350 dermatologists, scientists, and medical researchers who advise on the brand. Dr. Bhanusali is a New York City-based derm with an impressive rap sheet, including rhode among others, and the brand’s medical advisory board is the largest in skincare. So what, exactly, is the big deal about Elm Biosciences?

What’s So Special About Elm Biosciences?

First off, the brand is tightly edited. The line consists of two topical products: A3O™ Elemental Night Cream and A3O™ Elemental Serum, which tells me they’ve spent their time and money perfecting their hero products. Quality over quantity, as it were. 

Their proprietary powerhouse, A3O Complex, is “engineered to intervene in the core biological drivers of aging.” Basically, it stops the cellular process of aging (which is called senescence) by regulating inflammation and neutralizing oxidative stress. A3O Complex tackles hydration, skin firmness, wrinkles, skin elasticity, and redness. 

Wondering what it means to stop aging in its tracks? Signs of aging include UV-induced damage, hyperpigmentation, dullness or dehydration, and even irritation. Healthy skin means brighter, more resilient skin with smoother texture and more even tone. 

A3O Complex is also patent pending and one of a kind, which is another good reason to pay attention. Developing a shelf-stable, efficacious, proprietary ingredient is an extensive process, and brands don’t take the time and money to patent it if they don’t believe in its worth.

In addition to A3O Complex, the Elemental Serum is packed with soothing, skin-softening, and hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, blue tansy, squalane, and vitamin E. The Elemental Night Cream contains trifarotenyl caprylate, a sensitive-skin-safe retinol derivative; antioxidant-rich ectoin; and a plumping, brightening peptide called carnosine. These ingredients, on their own and in the right percentages, can deliver noticeably plumper, smoother, brighter skin, but Elm team didn’t stop there.

When paired with these ingredients, A3O Complex not only delivers noticeable results, it offers a well-rounded anti-aging routine in just two products. Its unique cocktail of ingredients provides the same benefits of a good Vitamin C, as well as a retinoid––and it’s still safe for sensitive skin types.