Update 7/9/22. Have you heard of the anti-wrinkle cream Hydroxatone? The Hydroxatone AM/PM Anti-Wrinkle Complex is said to cause a 68% decrease in fine lines and wrinkles! Impressive, but does it work? I've wanted to review Hydroxatone ever since I heard their commercial saying Hydroxatone was given away at the Emmy Awards. The name Hydroxatone is interesting and probably suggests that this anti-aging cream is supposed to hydrate and tone the skin. Also see the reviews of Halo Beauty and Principal Secret Reclaim.
Hydroxatone Ingredients
The product website (Hydroxatone.com), reveals there are actually MANY different skincare products. I will focus this Hydroxatone review on two of the main anti-aging products:
I will do this because both of these Hydroxatone creams contain the exact same active ingredients. Those ingredients are:
- Matrixyl3000
- Argireline
- Hyaluronic Acid
Let's look at the ingredients individually and see what we can discover.
Matrixyl3000
Matrixyl3000 is an invented, trademarked word used to describe a compound that is supposed to stimulate the skin to increase its production of collagen, one of the main proteins in the skin. The scientific name for this ingredient is “matrikines.”
Basically, matrikines are small chains of amino acid peptides (proteins). These small peptides act like growth factors seem to play a role in cell division. In anti-aging creams like Hydroxatone, the hope is that Matrixyl3000 tells the skin to make more collagen and elastin, in essence helping to rejuvenate the skin.
There is some preliminary research on matrikines and skin repair. This is promising however there are not many studies and that is what we'd need to see to know how effective they really were.
Argireline
Argireline is basically “botox cream.” Researchers actually call Argireline “botox” in research studies. Argireline is 
It's rare to see companies call attention to the Botox-like effects of Argireline. I wonder if this is because botox is an FDA-regulated drug?
Argireline Clincal Resaerch
Watch on my Youtube channel if you prefer
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is added to many skin creams because it improves the hydration of the skin. So, if you could plump up the skin by increasing hydration, this might reduce wrinkles. One has noted a hyaluronic acid gel improved the appearance of aging hands.
Test tube studies also seem to show that hyaluronic acid reduces inflammation of skin cells. In theory, studies like these might indicate that adding hyaluronic acid to skin creams could be a smart idea.
The 3 key ingredients in Hydroxatone can also be found in other products. For example, here is a product that has the same ingredients.
The Hydroxatone website also claims that the AM/PM anti-wrinkle cream can provide defense against the sun. The sunscreen ingredients they
- Octinoxate (7.5%)
- Octocrylene (4.5%)
- Oxybenzone (3.5%)
It's worth noting that Cetaphil facial moisturizer has an SPF of 50 —and only costs about $15. That's a LOT less than Hydroxatone.
Hydraxatone Research
While the AM/PM cream itself doesn't seem to have clinical research, the ingredients seem logical for anti-wrinkle cream. The AM/PM Anti-Wrinkle Complex does have a “clinical results” page but does not list any research there. Rather this page contains two sets of before and after pictures along with some very vague statistics that say:
- 100% agree Hydroxatone AM/PM Anti-Wrinkle Complex improves the overall appearance of my skin.
- 100% agree Hydroxatone AM/PM Anti-Wrinkle Complex improves skin moisturization.
- 97% agree Hydroxatone AM/PM Anti-Wrinkle Complex improves my skin texture and smoothness.
- 97% would recommend Hydroxatone AM/PM Anti-Wrinkle Complex to their friends.
But, this does not tell us anything. For example:
- Who are these people who say Hydroxatone is so great?
- How many people were in this survey —10 people or 1,000 people?
- What were the ages of these people?
- Were they women, or both men and women?
- Where was this “clinical research” published?
Since I can't find any answers to these questions, I think this is more fluff than science.
At one time, there was a reference to a study showing “90% of women surveyed noticed a visible reduction in fine lines and wrinkles” but this is followed by the statement “based on a consumer perception study.” That's fancy talk for they asked some people if they thought it worked and tallied up the results. But again, they didn't publish this research in a dermatology medical journal. Why?
Still, if the pictures they show on the Hydroxatone.com website are untouched (and I have no reason to think they aren't), then the reduction in wrinkles is definitely noticeable.
Contact Hydroxatone
From the Better Business Bureau, we find Hydroxatone LLC has an A+ rating and is located at: 100 Town Square Place, Fl. 6 Jersey City, NJ 07310. The company was started in 2005.
Phone: 201-942-3490
Hydroxatone And The Emmy Awards
At one time, TV commercials used to say Hydroxatone was “given away in celebrity gift bags at this year's Emmy awards.” Why did Hydroxytone do this? It's smart marketing. Basically, they gave it away to celebrities so they could associate themselves with those Hollywood celebrities.
This subconsciously says to all of us “if celebrities use Hydroxatone, it must be good.” But, just because they gave it away to celebrities, does not mean that those celebrities actually used Hydroxitone. Bottom line: This is just a method to market products.
Hydroxatone Side Effects
Does Hydroxatone have any side effects? Well, I didn't see anybody saying it did anything terrible. That said, if you search for “Argireline” some people warn that it might cause skin sagging, due to its botox effects. I think this is rare but its something to keep in mind. Fortunately, if it does happen I believe the effect is only temporary. To test, use on a small part of the skin at first to see what happens.
In one small study, the researchers noted Argireline extended the time between Botox treatments with no side effects. So, basically, you would not need as many botox injections if you used it.
Be sure to check the comments here, comments on Amazon, and in the review of Principal, Secret Reclaim to see if anybody mentioned skin sagging from Argireline or any other side effects.
Does Hydroxatone Work?
If the ingredients in the Hydroxatone AM/PM cream and Intensive Wrinkle cream do what they are alleged to do, then I can understand how these ingredients might work together to help temporarily rejuvenate skin to a more youthful appearance. Argireline is likely the key anti-wrinkle ingredient. Remember the effect is only temporary.
I’ve bought all of these kind of products and yes it does give the “appearance” of little to no wrinkles. I’m sure my comment won’t get posted for the public however if it was a positive comment im sure it would get posted. Nevertheless, hydroxatone n plexaderm leave a matte finish which is what gives this “flawless” appearance but it also leaves a white line around the edge of where u apply the product.
My advice is you would be better off getting a matte moisturizer or a matte foundation…..same results n less expensive. Elmer’s glue works as well n gives the exact same results as plexaderm n hydroxatone. Less harmful to the skin too.
The things people say n do for money these days is truly sad.
Hi Tracy, thanks for your insights and the Elmers glue trick. Question for you. I’m curious what wade you think your comment would not be posted? That may be the norm on other sites but not here 🙂
I used 2 jars of Hydroxytone, and found it to work better than any wrinkle cream iv ever used!!! I’m 56 Got my first ever complement on my skin. It did everything I would want a wrinkle cream to do. I have adult /cystic acne & i stopped getting breakouts. But at 80$ a jar ,I could not buy anymore. I sure noticed a difference after I stopped using it.
Hi Marilyn, you dont have to spend $80 on Hydroxatone. Here is Hydroxatone for less money.
The AM PM wrinkle cream is just sunscreen. No other active ingredients listed on the box or jar. Does not match what it states on the website. Instructions for use are as for sunscreen and lists other tips like wearing sun protective clothing etc. not worth the money.
I’ve used it for several months, and I cannot tell the difference. However a daughter, I had not seen for several months, said “Mom your skin looks so good.’ Another daughter said, “It has always looked good” I think I’ll look for a less expensive product, and continue life out of the sun!!!
I tried hydroxatone and I appeared to be allergic to it. My eyes swelled and it made me feel ill. When I ordered it I was unaware that I would received automatic shipments. I had a terrible time trying to get the shipments stopped but eventually did.
As for the claim that it was handed out at the Emmy’s, well, you can hand out poop at the Emmy’s, that doesn’t make it necessarily any good.
I’ve use Hydroxatone and have found it to be excellent in reducing the wrinkles around my eyes and forehead. My skin is softer as well. I’ve used other products without near the results so will continue to use this product. The best is to protect and care for your skin from early age, true, but since I didn’t, this is a nice addition to my regimen.
I’ve used Hydroxatone before and it is a good skin cream. I’d vouch for it. It’s also true what you’re saying about wrinkles. The truth is most women who have good skin have been taking care of it for a LONG time. My friends mom has flawless skin mostly because she stays out of the sun.
Marcy, thanks for your corroboration! 🙂
Good job Joe. I agree with the above comment. Women should focus a lot more on what they put into their bodies because this is what has the most visible effect on the appearance of the skin,(except for maybe sunblock.) I always advise women to keep a good sunblock as their number one weapon against an aged appearance. Neutrogena sunblock has an SPF of 50-100 and costs about $8.95 at Sam’s Club or Walmart. Prevention works better than damage control. I always use sunblock when exercising outside.
Christallin, I agree with the sunblock. I use both cetaphil SPF 50 and nutragenia SPF 100 both of whose SPF are superior to the SPF in Hydroxatone.
What women do to look beautiful or should I say we will “believe anything!!” such a shame.. when truth is your body, your skin, hair and organs thrive and are their best when you “eat” the right foods.. wrinkles are from Stress, smoking, poor eating habits, sun damage and stress.. eliminate them and you will be beautiful!
Teresa, that’s an interesting take on things. I’ve also sometimes think about how younger women spend money on tanning – which causes wrinkles – as a way to try to look “good” and then spend even more money to try to hide those wrinkles, again, as a way to look “good.” It’s like they can’t win either way, and that’s sad. How much money would women be able to save over their lifetime if they didn’t tan and spend money trying to erase the wrinkles caused by sun damage?