Everyone’s been freaking out since SkinMedica tweaked their TNS Advanced+ Serum. I got my hands on the new formula two weeks ago — and I’ve been staring at my face in harsh bathroom lighting every morning since.
The old version was basically liquid gold for collagen. The new one? They swapped out a few growth factors for peptides. That’s a big deal if you were using this to resurface deep texture.
⚠️ **What Actually Changed**
It’s still $295 for 1 oz. Still smells faintly like a science experiment (that’s the growth factors — get used to it). The brand claims “enhanced firming” — which is code for “we made it less stinky and added synthetic peptides.”
Peptide Swap
Replaced human fibroblast conditioned media with a synthetic peptide complex — more stable, less ethical baggage.
Texture Upgrade
Gone is the tacky glue phase. Now it sinks in under 30 seconds.
Scent Neutralized
The old version smelled like a petting zoo. This one just smells like… nothing. Which is honestly suspicious.
🧪 **Ingredients That Pull Weight**
The new formula leans hard on signal peptides and antioxidants instead of actual human cell media. It’s cleaner on paper — but less “living” in action. Here’s what’s doing the heavy lifting:
- Copper Tripeptide-1: Plumps lines like filler-lite
- SH-Oligopeptide-1: Mimics EGF signaling without the ick factor
- Superoxide Dismutase: Sucks up environmental damage before it settles
- Vitamin E: Keeps barrier intact while peptides remodel
📉 **Two Weeks In — The Honest Part**
First pump: watery, almost runny. Disappears before you can spread it. That’s good — but my dry cheeks felt a little thirsty the first three days. I had to double-moisturize.
By day 10, my nasolabial folds looked… softer. Not gone. But the shadow was less aggressive. The weirdest part? My under-eyes looked less crepey. That’s not a claim they make. But I’ll take it.
📈 **What Actually Happened**
Firmness improved by a hair — think lifted, not taut. Pores looked smaller by week two, but that’s likely the peptides tightening the lining. Texture felt smoother to the touch, but I didn’t grow a new face.
💬 **Final Call**
It’s a better *product* — more elegant, less weird. But it’s a less *powerful* growth factor serum. If you want the real old-school magic, look for the original on resale sites. This one’s for the clean beauty crowd.