So Dr. Barbara Sturm quietly tweaked her $270 Face Cream. No fanfare. No apology. Just a new ingredients list that landed on shelves like a ninja. The old formula had this thick, almost whipped texture that felt like a hug. The new one? It’s thinner. Slicker. Absorbs in 10 seconds flat. That’s the story — and it matters because your wallet’s about to feel the difference.
⚠️ **What You’re Actually Buying**
It’s a “daily moisturizer” that costs as much as a flight to Miami. The claim? Anti-inflammatory, skin-calming, hydration without the weight. Here’s what you get for that price tag:
1. **Purslane Extract** – A weed that supposedly fights oxidation. Cool, but it’s not magic.
2. **Shea Butter** – Basic, reliable, makes skin soft.
3. **Glycerin** – The real MVP here. Draws water in. Works every time.
🧴 **What’s Inside Now**
The reformulation swapped out some oils (bye, avocado) for lighter esters. Hero ingredient is still purslane, but now there’s more squalane — which is basically a cheat code for non-greasy moisture. Also added: a tiny bit of vitamin E. That’s it. Not a revolution.
– **Purslane Extract:** Calms redness, supposedly. I’m skeptical.
– **Squalane:** Sinks in instantly. No slick residue.
– **Shea Butter:** Rich but not cloggy — unless you’re oily.
– **Vitamin E:** Antioxidant. Nice touch, but barely there.
📋 **Does It Feel Different?**
First pump: it’s runny. Almost like a lotion. Spreads in one swipe — no tugging. My skin drank it up. No greasy forehead by noon, which is a win. Week two: I noticed less morning puffiness. That surprised me. But the glow? Less than the old version. It’s more matte now. Not bad, just… different.
💡 **One Thing** – Use it on damp skin. Pat, don’t rub. Makes the squalane spread like butter.
🆚 **Is It Better or Worse?**
My fine lines stayed the same. Breakouts? None. Hydration held up for 6 hours, which is decent. But the old formula kept me soft all day. The new one fades faster. So: better for oily skin, worse for dry. You decide.
✅ **Buy if** – You have combo or oily skin and hate shine.
⏭️ **Skip if** – You’re dry or loved the original creamy texture.
💰 **Worth it?** – Not unless you’re rich. There are cheaper squalane creams.
💬 **Final Call**
It’s a good moisturizer — but not a $270 one. The reformulation made it lighter, which helps some people and betrays others. I’d buy it again if I found it on sale.
⭐ **6.5/10** – Solid but not special.
🛍️ **Where to Buy** – Direct from Dr. Sturm’s site or Net-a-Porter. Grab the travel size first — trust me.