Review: Olay Pro-X Anti-Aging Starter Protocol

Several weeks ago, I was given the opportunity to test a few products from the new Olay Pro X line! I've been excited to try them ever since Olay announced them, but was uncertain that the high price tag would be justifiable. (Olay is, after all, still a drugstore brand!)

The Olay Pro X products, the result of a collaboration between P&G scientists and a group of renowned dermatologists, claims to be clinically proven to show signs of improvement in skin within 28 days. Moisture retention and cell turnover are the two biggest factors said to increase.

Today, I'll be reviewing the Olay Pro X Anti-Aging Starter Protocol. This kit contains small-sized versions of the Wrinkle Smoothing Cream, Eye Recovery Complex, and Age Repair Lotion SPF 30. I put the products to the test for a full six weeks (two weeks over the suggested trial period)... did they deliver? Keep reading to find out!

Description: The Pro-X Anti-Aging Starter Protocol by Olay is an introduction to the three-part daily program. All products have been designed and professionally tested to resignal skin to perform more like it did when it was younger.

Price: $69

Results: I'll break down the results by each product to keep this organized.

The Age Repair Lotion SPF 30 features an SPF higher than most drugstore brands, but aside from that, does not seem much different from most of Olay's moisturizers. Its key ingredient is niacimanide, like many other Olay products. While the lotion is moisturizing, it's also quite thick and can feel a little greasy. I didn't see any major changes in my skin during the trial period, positive or negative.

My skin and the Wrinkle Smoothing Cream did not get along. Aside from not noticing any visible results, even with continued use, this cream broke me out horribly. I kept using it because I was determined to complete the trial period, but my skin has never reacted to a cream in this way. By process of elimination, I discovered this product was the culprit, and not the others. This may be because the cream is very thick and potentially pore-clogging. While it does a fantastic job as a night cream and moisturizer, I simply didn't find the results (or lack thereof) to justify my new acne scarring and irritation.

The Eye Restoration Complex was my favorite product of the kit. This creamy, smooth eye treatment softened my skin better than most products I've tried before and left it feeling silky and hydrated. It's absolutely perfect for wearing underneath makeup because it never leaves the skin feeling greasy or heavy - it sinks right in. It also seems to have softened my fine lines slightly, and I haven't noticed my eyes looking as puffy or dark as usual, which is definitely a plus. I might actually consider purchasing this one, if I had the money. My only issue? For the first two weeks, I woke up to eyes covered in splotchy red spots. So unattractive.

My overall impression is that these products may be effective at increasing moisture levels and cell turnover rates, as their ingredients would suggest, but within the 28 day testing period, I failed to see any drastic results. My fine lines and skin tone did not appear to improve, while the heavy and possibly pore-clogging Wrinkle Smoothing Cream made my skin worse. My skin did feel softer, smoother, and more moisturized, but I can achieve the same results with products that cost a fraction of those in the Olay Pro X line. In fact, the new products don't seem to differ that much from Olay's cheaper lines, such as Regenerist and Definity. And if they offer the same results, why pay more? Fancy packaging and associations with a team of dermatologists seem to be what you're really shelling out the extra cash for.

I would probably not purchase any of these products again unless they were on sale, and even then, I'm not sure it would be worth the trouble. I'm perfectly happy with my current skincare routine, which includes Olay Regenerist products.

As an addition to my own personal trial period, my boyfriend also used the products on half his face for the same amount of time. Despite his skin showing more signs of aging than mine, he too saw no long-term results.

If you're curious enough to try the Olay Pro X line, now through May 5, you can receive a $25 rebate on any purchase of $50 or more worth of products! Just visit the Olay Pro X site for more information and a printable rebate form.