
We’re used to hearing skincare brands make some pretty big claims, but when we heard NUXE say that their new skincare range – Nuxuriance Ultra – is more effective than retinol, it got us talking. Retinol is known all over the world as the Holy Grail when it comes to anti-ageing skincare. Practically unrivalled, it’s the number one choice of many a skincare enthusiast when it comes to keeping lines and wrinkles at bay.
So what sets NUXE’s claim apart? They have the clinical studies to back it. Utilising ALFA [3R] Technology (a natural-origin technology supported by three patents), Nuxuriance Ultra products contain three powerful active ingredients: hyaluronic acid, organic alfalfa extract and day lily extract. Together, these ingredients go to work to offer three powerful levels of action on the skin: to resurface, renew and regenerate.
And it’s these markers that were used in their clinical studies. In vitro tests were conducted in the laboratory, where two formulas with an identical base were compared. One formula contained a retinol concentration typically found on the market and the other contained the ALFA [3R] Technology concentration found in Nuxuriance Ultra formulas. The latter formula showed a superior level of activity on each of the three biomarkers (resurfacing, renewing and regeneration), indicating better performance than a typical retinol.
It’s no surprise then that there’s been a bit of hype around the range. Our editor has been using Nuxuriance Ultra religiously over several weeks to test its efficacy – here’s how it fared.

“I’m a big retinol fan, but I also know that not all retinols work for me. As much as I love the ingredient’s ability to speed up the cell renewal process, a lot of formulas can be harsh, leaving skin red, sensitive and flaky. My skin is accustomed to active ingredients and this still happens to me from time to time, so I can only imagine the frustration of someone whose skin is generally on the sensitive side.
When I heard that the NUXE Nuxuriance Ultra range is more effective than retinol, I did a double-take. Not only had I never heard another brand claim this before, but I have never heard of a clinical study proving it, until now!

I knew I had to put it to the test, and I’ve been using four products from the range religiously for around six weeks now:
NUXE Nuxuriance Ultra The Dark Spot Correcting Serum – I apply this serum twice a day after cleansing. It has a lovely light texture that absorbs really quickly and smells incredible.
NUXE Nuxuriance Ultra The Eye & Lip Contour Cream – After applying my serum, I gently dab this product on my eye contour area and allow it to absorb. It has a rich texture and feels really luxurious on the skin.
NUXE Nuxuriance Ultra The Global Anti-Aging Cream SPF 30 – There are a couple of moisturisers available in this range, and I chose to use this one during the day as it contains an SPF 30. I love that it offers broad-spectrum protection and I find the formula works really nicely with makeup – it almost acts as a primer on the skin. This moisturiser is also available in a tub, without the SPF.
NUXE Nuxuriance Ultra The Global Anti-Aging Night Cream – I love using this moisturiser at night because it is so rich and nourishing on my skin. It has a thick texture that melts into the skin effortlessly and when I wake up in the morning my skin feels really soft and smooth.

The range also includes The Global Anti-Aging Rich Cream, which is designed for dry to very dry skin types. My skin hasn’t been too dry this winter and I find the night cream and SPF day cream are more than sufficient for my needs right now.
So how did the range fare? On face value, there is everything to love. Like all NUXE skincare, the sensoriality of the range is unbeatable: each and every product smells incredible and has a lovely texture that glides on and absorbs with ease. I really enjoy using these products, which is an important part of any skincare regime.
On a deeper level, I’ve been really happy with the health and appearance of my skin over the past few weeks. I tend to struggle with dehydration during winter but with Nuxuriance Ultra my skin hasn’t felt or looked dehydrated at all. My skin looks less fatigued (another problem I struggle with often), it looks smoother, it’s more even and it has a brighter, more rejuvenated appearance.
I love that even though I know the products are hard at work to keep my skin looking younger for longer, I don’t experience any sensitivity or flaking like I’ve done with some retinols. It also puts my mind at ease knowing that the range is cruelty-free and vegan, and that the formulas contain predominantly natural-origin ingredients.
Would I keep this using this range? Absolutely. Would I recommend it to others? Without a doubt. If you’re looking for visible anti-ageing results without the harsh side effects associated with retinol, then this is the range for you. In the short space of around six weeks I have noticed an improvement in the appearance of my skin, so I can only imagine the results over a prolonged period of time.”
Anien – Editor



3 comments
Rosa Martheze
Good day,
I have won a set of 3 products:
1) The dark spot correcting serum.
2) The eye and lip contour cream.
3) The global anti-aging cream.
Will let you know what I think.
Will start using it from tomorrow.
Thanks,
Johanna Van Rooyen
What is the price please and where can I buy it
Anien
Hi Johanna, you can order online and see pricing here: https://orleanscosmetics.co.za/nuxuriance-ultra/