My bathroom shelf is in mourning. The drugstore holy grail — the one I’ve repurchased for a decade — got a facelift.
The real crime? It now pills under sunscreen. Every single time. A cardinal sin for a day cream.
It’s still Olay’s flagship anti-aging cream, around $30. They promise “plumped” skin in two weeks. I needed to see if the magic was gone.
New Packaging
Same jar, but the formula code on the bottom is different.
New Scent
Faintly more floral — less “clean,” more “perfumey.”
New Claim
Now boasts “Hydration that lasts 48 hours.” Bold.
Photo: Angelina / Unsplash
They kept the big names: niacinamide and peptides. But the supporting cast changed. The texture tells you everything.
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Fades dark spots & strengthens barrier
- Peptides: Signals skin to produce collagen
- Glycerin: The classic humectant for hydration
- Amino-Peptide Complex: Their proprietary blend for firming
Photo: Element5 Digital / Unsplash
It’s slicker. The old formula was a rich cream that melted. This sits on top for a few seconds — leaves a dewier, almost wet finish.
By week two, my skin was hydrated but that dew became a midday shine. My t-zone was not pleased.
Photo: Fleur Kaan / Unsplash
My fine lines looked plumped at 8 AM. By noon? Gone — just shiny skin. Zero pilling at night, but the morning makeup struggle is real.
Photo: Igor Rand / Unsplash
It’s not the same workhorse. The reformulation traded reliable performance for a glossier finish and longer claim. A downgrade for practical use.