Almay

Some of the products in Almay’s line include: Facial Soap, Cleansing Lotions, Toners, and Moisturizers for oily, combination, and dry skin; Blemish Healer; Pore Minimizer; Moisture Stick; as well as a complete anti-aging line.

In comparison to most cosmetics manufacturers, Almay’s anti-aging line is quite small. While other brands might have three or four collections, Almay offers only five individual products, hopefully making it easier for consumers to design their regimen. The Anti-Aging Daily Cream is designed to provide moisture, increase firmness, and even fade dark spots. Like all of the products in the anti-aging collection, it contains Moringa extract, which is thought to be high in Vitamins A and C. However, both of these vitamins can be quite unstable, so it is difficult to determine whether or not this extract is as beneficial as Almay claims.

Antioxidants like vitamins A and C have been shown to help ward off free radical damage and protect the skin against photo aging. While this may be an effective treatment for those who begin their anti-aging regimen early enough, others may require a more targeted treatment to deal with existing wrinkles. Clinical studies have a shown that certain patented amino acid complexes may help to smooth the appearance of wrinkles, and prevent new lines from forming.

Almay’s website offers most of the features that are typically present on the websites of large cosmetics companies. It provides a detailed history of its origin, as well as the philosophy behind its formulations.

It has also become increasingly common for cosmetics manufacturers to post a glossary of ingredients, and Almay is no exception. However, we found it a bit strange that the company brags about being one of the first to print each product’s ingredients on its packaging, it does not post a full list of ingredients on the website. While each product description does list one or two main active ingredients, it is not quite enough to give consumers a complete picture of how the product will work to improve their skin.

• Does not use artificial colors or fragrances
• Includes a glossary of active ingredients

• Does not offer free trial samples
• Products are not available through the actual company website
• Website does not post a detailed list of ingredients for each product

Almay has provided an excellent example to other cosmetics companies throughout the years. Rather than use heavy fragrances and artificial colors to sell its products, Almay has committed itself to creating formulas that will be gentle for even the most sensitive skin. However, this commitment does not necessarily mean that it cannot strive to produce advanced formulas, as there are many very effective patented ingredients that have been shown reduce the signs of aging without irritating the skin. Almay’s formulas may be gentle, but there is no evidence that the plant extracts it use will have a noticeable effect on wrinkles.