I’m naturally skeptical of skincare products that promise anti-aging, let alone age-rewinding, results. While I believe a thoughtful regimen is essential to maintaining skin health, it’s no secret that a significant portion of how we age ultimately comes down to genetics and lifestyle habits. The food you eat, the hours you log in the sun, […]
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I’m naturally skeptical of skincare products that promise anti-aging, let alone age-rewinding, results. While I believe a thoughtful regimen is essential to maintaining skin health, it’s no secret that a significant portion of how we age ultimately comes down to genetics and lifestyle habits. The food you eat, the hours you log in the sun, the stress you carry. These are just a few of the many real architects of your skin’s future. There’s only so much a retinoid or vitamin C serum can do.
So when Martha Stewart announced her new skincare brand, Elm Biosciences, which launched in September, I initially chalked it up as another celebrity line entering an already oversaturated market. Still, curiosity won out. The multi-hyphenate has shaped the lifestyle and wellness space for decades, and Elm marks her first formal foray into the beauty industry. If she was finally putting her name on a formula, she must have discovered a technology or ingredient she genuinely believed in.
As it turns out, Stewart co-founded Elm alongside dermatologist Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali—who also leads the clinical development behind Rhode Skin—to build what they describe as a dual-pathway approach to aging, one that considers both the internal and external forces that accelerate skin decline. Their debut product, the A30™ Elemental Serum, centers on an antioxidant-powered, triple-pathway antisenescent molecule designed to address visible signs of aging like UV damage, pigmentation changes, dehydration, and irritation, while still being gentle enough for sensitive skin.
The serum is designed to work in tandem with the brand’s Inner Dose™ Daily Skin Supplement, a capsule that targets internal triggers such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and hormonal fluctuations—factors that can erode the skin’s resilience long before issues become apparent on the surface. Together, the pair aims to strengthen the skin from both directions: what you put on it, and what you feed it from within.
And while I’m only in my twenties—years away from truly worrying about anti-aging—I am beginning to reckon with the consequences of my chronic sun-soaking in pursuit of a year-round tan. No regrets, but the UV damage has already left its mark on my skin, with creeping dehydration, uneven texture, loss of plumpness, and the earliest hints of sun spots. And with my habits—which I’m stubbornly not quite willing to give up just yet—I know it’ll only worsen from here.
For the past month, I’ve worked Elm Biosciences’ Elemental Serum into my nightly routine. Ahead, my full review for L’OFFICIEL.
Elm Biosciences by Martha Stewart: The Basics
Price
- A30™ Elemental Serum: $135
- Inner Dose™ Daily Skin Supplement: $50
- Dual Pathway Skin System: $185
Usage Directions
- A30™ Elemental Serum
-
- 1-2 pumps
- Morning and evening
- Follow with SPF or moisturizer
- Inner Dose™ Daily Skin Supplement
- 2 capsules daily with food
- Morning usage recommended
L’OFFICIEL USA may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if products are purchased through our links. These items were gifted. Neither decides our editorial decisions.
Elm Biosciences by Martha Stewart Serum: Ingredients
A30™ Complex: for supporting skin resilience and defending the skin barrier
Hyaluronic Acid: for hydration and plumpness
Squalane: for strengthening the skin’s natural moisture barrier
Vitamin E: for protecting against antioxidants and retaining moisture
Blue Tansy: for soothing the skin and calming irritation
Good to know:
- Non-comedogenic
- Paraben-free, phthalate-free, sulfate-free, silicone-free, formaldehyde-free, and gluten-free
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- Dermatologist-tested and developed
Elm Biosciences Review: The Results
Whenever I test a new skincare product, the first things I pay attention to are texture and weight. Even with my naturally dry, eczema-prone skin—and my need for formulas that lean deeply hydrating—I’m notoriously picky about anything that feels heavy, sticky, or suffocating. I have a little more tolerance for richer textures at night, but in the morning, it’s a hard no.
So I was pleasantly surprised by how silky and lightweight the Elemental Serum feels. It absorbs quickly and leaves no residue behind. I worked it into my evening routine most often, right after toner and a milky essence, but on the mornings I did test it, it layered well under makeup without adding any unwanted heft. It even imparts a subtle, natural glow, which is a finish I fully welcome as a glass-skin obsessive.
As for performance, this serum was a genuine lifesaver after my week-long tropical vacation, which included seven straight days of sun, saltwater, and SPF reapplication fatigue. The Elemental Serum made a noticeable difference in rehydrating my skin. When I returned to New York, the tightness and dryness I usually experience after a beach trip simply didn’t hit the same way.
After a whole month of use, I saw a visible improvement in my skin’s overall plumpness. I can’t speak to its efficacy on wrinkles or fine lines, since those aren’t concerns I’m dealing with yet, but everything looked a bit firmer, more even-toned, and noticeably healthier. The faint sun spots around my cheeks and nose had softened, and my texture appeared smoother and more refined. And importantly, it didn’t trigger any eczema flare-ups.
Elm Biosciences Review: The Verdict
Suffice it to say, the Elm Biosciences Elemental Serum delivered on its promise to help protect the skin from UV-induced damage and restore visible plumpness. And its lightweight, makeup-friendly finish is a definite bonus.
At $135, it is a splurge, especially if your primary goals are brightness, plumpness, and smoother texture. The gentle, clean, clinically driven formula certainly plays a role in the price tag, and that’s something I can’t ignore. For me, it’s worth it; I can’t risk triggering eczema flare-ups in the name of treating my concerns. Those with sensitive or mature skin will likely appreciate this serum the most, but for others, there are more affordable options that address similar concerns.
