Element Eight has garnered attention for its presence in backstage preparations at Fashion Week and within celebrity beauty routines. This interest stems from the brand's unique approach to skincare, developed by a collective of leading scientists, doctors, and surgeons.
The Science Behind Element Eight
The core of Element Eight's product efficacy lies in its proprietary complex of oxygen carriers. This complex is designed to mimic the natural function of hemoglobin in the blood, aiming to deliver oxygen more effectively to the skin cells. The scientific endeavor behind Element Eight is rooted in groundbreaking technology originally developed for spine surgery, where oxygenated bone grafts significantly accelerated blood vessel growth and enhanced healing times by five times.
Oxygen plays a crucial role in cellular respiration, powering the production of DNA, RNA, proteins, and enzymes. As we age, particularly by age 40, the skin can lose up to 60% of its oxygen levels. This reduction is partly because the body begins to prioritize oxygen supply to vital organs. Element Eight's technology seeks to counteract this by delivering dissolved, liquid oxygen to the skin.
Expert Formulation and Development
The brand's development team is a distinguished group, comprising individuals with extensive medical and scientific expertise. This team includes:
- MD-PhDs
- Spine surgeons
- Biomaterial engineers
- Dermatologists
- Clinical researchers
Collectively, these experts hold over 120 medical patents, with many of their developed proprietary products having been utilized in over 100,000 global surgeries. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that Element Eight products are built upon a foundation of rigorous scientific research and clinical application.
Key Figures in Element Eight's Development
- Brad: A serial inventor and entrepreneur, Brad co-founded Element Eight as a spin-off from TheraCell, a successful implant spine company. His expertise spans medical imaging, devices, and cosmetic technology, with over 30 issued and applied patents.
- Dr. Nima Gharavi: An internationally recognized dermatologist and key opinion leader in dermatologic surgery, Dr. Gharavi holds associate clinical professor positions at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. He has performed over 20,000 skin cancer and reconstructive procedures and has a strong background in skin cancer and aging research.
- Dr. Theriault: A dermatologist and founder of Apex Dermatology Group, Dr. Theriault combines her passion for visual art and science in her practice. She has served as an Assistant Clinical Professor and contributed to various dermatology publications.
- Dr. Lask: A dermatologist and partner at Indianer, Lask & Rosenzweig MDs in Los Angeles, Dr. Lask has served as an Assistant Professor at UCLA and is an active consultant and researcher in aesthetic dermatology.
Personal Testing and Experience
To evaluate the brand's claims, particularly its reparative capabilities for damaged skin barriers, a two-week trial was conducted using primarily Element Eight's best-selling products. The tester has combination skin, tending towards dryness with an occasionally oily T-zone. The routine excluded all other skincare products, with a minor exception for sunscreen.
Daily Regimen
Morning Routine:
- Cleansing with warm water.
- Misting with a DIY rosewater facial mist.
- Applying O2 Hyaluronic Acid (hydrating cream) to damp skin.
- Using O2 Caffeine (eye cream), noted for its generous size, hydrating feel, and suitability for sensitive eyes, providing a dewy and awake appearance.
- Sealing in moisture with O2 Squalane (skin repair moisturizer).
- Applying a trusted SPF (as the brand currently does not offer one).
Evening Routine:
- Double cleansing: an oil cleanser followed by a foaming cleanser.
- Applying facial mist.
- Layering O2 Hyaluronic Acid and O2 Niacinamide (hydrating gel with eight actives).
- Applying O2 Peptide (firming moisturizer).
- As an optional step, using a jade roller for relaxation and enhanced product absorption on the face and neck.
Ease of Use and Value Proposition
Element Eight products are designed with clarity in mind, making their targeted benefits and application straightforward. The products integrated seamlessly into the existing routine, offering a high-end experience accessible from home, which is a significant advantage for those who may not always have the time or budget for professional spa treatments.
While the initial price point, reaching up to $325, might seem high, it can be reframed as a substantial investment in long-term skin health. The assurance of expert formulation, combined with the product's efficacy where "a little goes a long way," contributes to its perceived value.
Verdict and Key Takeaways
The ultimate test of a skincare product's compatibility is how the skin feels naturally after consistent use. In this trial, Element Eight products did not lead to increased dryness, clogged pores, or breakouts. Instead, the skin exhibited an "ethereal glow," appearing more plump, with the previous sensation of dry tightness completely resolved.
The tester expressed a strong intention to repurchase core favorites, specifically highlighting the O2 Caffeine, O2 Niacinamide, and O2 Hyaluronic Acid as essential additions for anyone looking to try the brand.
Final Rating: 4.8/5
Element Eight is available for purchase at elementeight.com, as well as through retailers such as Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom.