Written by
Emily Hirsch, MS, RD
Registered Dietitian, Women's Health Specialist and GI Health
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Transform Skin Renewing Youth Elixir Review: Is It Worth It?
Medically Reviewed by Ana Reisdorf, MS, RD
Published on September 7, 2021
Transform Skin Renewing Youth Elixir is a nutritional supplement that promises to reverse the signs of skin aging and provide many other health benefits. While some of the ingredients in the product are supported by research, it also contains other ingredients that lack strong evidence to support the product’s health claims.
Emily Hirsch is a registered dietitian with over fifteen years of experience in the health and wellness space. She received her undergraduate degree in dietetics from the University of Rhode Island and her Masters of Science with distinction in nutrition education from California State University, Chico.
Medically Reviewed by
Ana Reisdorf, MS, RD
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Ana Reisdorf is a registered dietitian nutritionist with 14 years of experience in the field of nutrition and dietetics. She graduated from UCLA in 2002 with a degree in psychology and women’s studies and completed her master’s degree from Central Michigan University in 2010
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What Is Transform Skin Renewing Youth Elixir?
Ikaria Beauty Skin Renewing Youth Elixir is a nutritional supplement that claims to combat the appearance of wrinkles, restore a youthful vibrancy to your complexion, and give your skin a visibly firmer, more structured look.
Additionally, the product promises to support immune functioning, enhance joint flexibility, promote healthy digestion, provide increased energy, and help with mood and focus.
The makers of the product claim that by drinking one glass a day, Transform will take years off your appearance, all while helping to preserve your skin’s youthful look.
Ikaria Beauty was founded by TV host and journalist Debbie Matenopoulos and is based in Canoga Park, California.
In addition to selling Transform, Ikaria Beauty sells Ageless, a beauty balm, and Renew, a daytime retinol serum.
Evaluation of Ingredients
Transform contains a blend of minerals, probiotics, collagen, and antioxidants outlined below:
Marine Collagen, 2,500 mg
Collagen, the most abundant protein in the body, provides skin structure and elasticity while retaining water to support smooth and firm skin.
Collagen has been well studied for its anti-aging benefits and joint health properties, among other health benefits.
One 2019 study found that taking 2,500 mg of a collagen peptide formula led to significant improvements in skin hydration, elasticity, roughness, and density compared to placebo among healthy women. (1)
Collagen has also been studied for its effects on joint support and health.
One 2012 study found that adults who took 2,000 mg of collagen daily for 70 days had a significant reduction in joint pain and were better able to participate in physical activity compared to those that didn’t take it. (2)
Researchers think that taking collagen supplements may help the protein accumulate in cartilage and help to stimulate your tissues to make more collagen.
Collagen may also help support a healthy weight by helping you feel fuller for longer.
One small study found that eating meals that contain collagen provided more appetite control and satiety, especially in obese and overweight subjects. (3)
Researchers suggested that collagen may help to increase the gut hormones that help you feel full while suppressing the appetite.
Summary
According to the research, supplemental collagen may help improve skin texture and support joint health. Ikaria Beauty Transform provides an effective dosage of collagen, as seen in studies supporting its benefits. Additionally, some research suggests that collagen may help with weight management by helping you feel fuller for longer.
BeautyOLIGO, 2,000 mg
BeautyOLIGO is a patented galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), which is a prebiotic designed for skin health.
Probiotics have gained a lot of attention for their benefit in digestive health, but prebiotics is a lesser-known supplement.
Much like your gut, your skin has its own microbiome, a unique mix of bacteria, yeasts, and parasites that live on your skin. Most of these microorganisms are beneficial.
Prebiotics help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and can offset factors that can negatively impact your skin, like dryness and redness.
One 2015 animal study found that GOS, when combined with probiotics, can enhance skin health by preventing premature skin aging caused by sun exposure. (4)
Summary
While the product does contain a probiotic and a prebiotic, the research on the use of probiotics and prebiotics to combat skin aging is limited. More human studies are needed to confirm if prebiotic supplementation may benefit skin health.
Aquamin (Seaweed-Derived Calcium and Magnesium), 1,600 mg
Aquamin is a patented formula that contains calcium (190 mg), magnesium (15 mg), sodium (55 mg), and other trace minerals.
The amounts of these minerals in this formula are minimal. Therefore, they would not be considered active ingredients.
It is unclear what makes up the remaining ingredients in Aquamin.
Summary:
As a proprietary blend, it’s impossible to know the dosage of each compound to know if it may be effective in reversing the signs of skin aging or provide additional health benefits.
Vitamin C, 1000 mg
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that plays a vital role in the health of your skin.
Research shows that vitamin C can support collagen production and help combat the signs of aging related to sun exposure. (5)
One 2014 systematic review found that vitamin C supplementation was associated with improved skin elasticity, facial wrinkling, roughness, and color. (6)
Summary
Vitamin C can enhance skin health as a powerful antioxidant and through its supportive role in collagen production.
Organic Blueberry Powder, 100 mg
Blueberry powder is made from freeze-dried blueberry extract.
Blueberry extract contains powerful antioxidants which fight cell-damaging free radicals.
Free radicals can weaken your skin and speed up the aging process.
Research shows that eating antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, including blueberries, can help increase your total antioxidant intake to help combat the signs of aging skin. (7)
While the research may sound promising, no studies show the specific effects of blueberry powder on skin health.
While Transform Skin Renewing Youth Elixir contains 100 mg of blueberry powder, the effective dosage of this ingredient remains unclear.
Summary
Blueberries are packed with powerful antioxidants that may play a role in combating the signs of skin aging. However, more research surrounding the effective dosage of blueberry extract to enhance skin health is needed.
Lemon Bioflavonoids, 25 mg
Lemons contain antioxidants called bioflavonoids. Research has linked antioxidants with preventing skin damage caused by free radicals. (8)
The antioxidant properties and vitamin C content of lemon bioflavonoids may support collagen production and reduce the signs of skin aging.
Summary
Lemon Bioflavonoids may help reverse the signs of skin aging as they contain vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that can also support collagen production.
Bacillus subtilis (Probiotic), 5mg
Bacillus subtilis is a helpful bacteria used in probiotics for its role in supporting immune functioning and enhancing gut health.
Research suggests that when used with a prebiotic, probiotics may help enhance skin health by preventing premature skin aging caused by sun exposure. (4)
However, studies surrounding the use of the strain B. subtilis are limited to topical treatments to balance healthy skin bacteria and not necessarily for anti-aging properties. (9)
Summary
The combination of prebiotics and probiotics may help enhance skin health. However, more research is needed on Bacillus subtilis to know whether it may play a role in reversing the signs of skin aging.
Support for Claimed Benefits
Below is our summary of the available evidence for the claimed benefits of Ikaria Beauty Transform Skin Renewing Youth Elixir based on the available research:
| Promotes firmer, more structured-looking skin | 4/5 |
| Brightens the skin | 3/5 |
| Promotes a younger, healthier, more vibrant appearance | 3/5 |
| Provides immune system support | 2/5 |
| Supports limber, more flexible joints | 4/5 |
| Fights free radical cellular damage throughout your body, giving you more energy, stamina, and overall vitality | 2/5 |
| Promotes smooth digestion while reducing bloating | 3/5 |
| Improves mood and focus | 1/5 |
| Supporting a healthy weight | 3/5 |
| Supports collagen synthesis | 4/5 |
Collagen has moderate evidence to support firmer, more vibrant, healthier skin. Collagen, being a protein, can also make you feel fuller, longer which may support a healthy weight.
There is strong evidence to support joint flexibility as the product provides an effective dose of evidenced-based collagen.
Some studies suggest that vitamin C can help brighten the skin and supports collagen synthesis.
The prebiotics and probiotics have some limited evidence to suggest that they may help with immune functioning. The product also contains only one probiotic strain that has limited studies on gut functioning.
While the product does contain antioxidants that can fight free radicals, there is limited evidence to suggest that the antioxidants in the product can boost one’s energy levels.
There is no evidence that the product can enhance mood and focus.
Side Effects, Safety, and Dosage
The manufacturers of Transform Skin Renewing Youth Elixir suggest stirring one scoop of the product into an 8-ounce glass of water. They recommend drinking one glass daily in the morning.
There have been some reports of mild gastrointestinal issues as a result of taking collagen supplements. (10)
When taking probiotics, you may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort over the first few weeks. (11)
People with a fish, shellfish, or egg allergy should avoid collagen supplements as many of them may contain these allergens.
Additionally, it’s important to discuss taking collagen or any supplement with your healthcare provider to ensure its safety for you.
Cost
A bottle of Transform Skin Renewing Youth Elixir contains a 30-day supply or 30 scoops with 8.2 grams per scoop.
The cost of this supplement is:
- 1 jar: $72.00
- 3 jars: $194.00
- 6 jars: $367.00
All orders come with free shipping. The company also offers a 90-day money-back guarantee.
While the product provides an effective dose of collagen and other beneficial ingredients, $72.00 a month is very expensive.
Comparison to Alternatives
There are a seemingly endless amount of creams, gels, and elixirs that claim to help reverse the signs of aging. Additionally, products that claim to treat your skin from the inside out are gaining in popularity.
Ancient Nutrition, Multi Collagen Protein is a similar product to Ikaria Beauty Transform.
The product contains 10 grams of a patented collagen complex, which also provides a probiotic and 90 mg of vitamin C.
Rather than sourced from fish, the product is sourced from five different types of collagen, including hydrolyzed eggshell, fish, bovine, and chicken.
Ancient Nutrition, Multi Collagen Protein is less expensive than Ikaria Beauty Transform at $39.96 for a 3-week supply.
Vital Proteins Beauty Glow is another similar product that contains collagen, probiotics, and hyaluronic acid.
Hyaluronic acid is a compound that has been proven to increase skin elasticity, skin hydration, and a significant decrease in skin roughness and wrinkle depths. (12)
Vital Proteins Beauty Glow is less expensive than Ikaria Beauty Transform, as a 3-week supply is approximately $41.00.
Choosing a product containing both collagen and hyaluronic acid will likely reverse the signs of aging more effectively than a product that only contains collagen.
Vital Proteins Beauty Glow is also less expensive than Ikaria Beauty Transform, making it that much more attractive.
The Bottom Line
Can Transform Skin Renewing Youth Elixir renew your skin from the inside out? Possibly.
Many of the ingredients in the product are backed by sound research.
With that said, some ingredients like their patented Aquamin formula probably won’t support the revitalization of your skin or the many other health claims touted by Ikaria Beauty.
Additionally, the product is costly at $72.00 every month.
There are far cheaper collagen supplements on the market that provide a similar nutritional profile.
A Word from Our RD
The fountain of youth doesn’t necessarily reside in the latest collagen supplement.
While a collagen supplement may help your skin look healthier and even younger, you can also enhance your skin health by the foods you eat (and don’t eat).
Here are some diet changes that may match the effects of any skin health supplement:
Increase your vitamin C-rich fruit and vegetable intake.
Vitamin C not only fights free radicals but also helps support collagen production. Foods high in vitamin C include guavas, bell peppers, kiwifruit, strawberries, oranges, papayas, broccoli, tomatoes, and kale.
Cut back on highly processed, sugary foods.
Studies indicate that a diet lower in added sugars and refined carbohydrates may help your skin look more youthful. (13)
On the other hand, a diet high in sugar and highly processed foods may damage collagen, causing them to lose their elasticity, leading to more wrinkles and sagging, older-looking skin.
Drink plenty of water.
Drinking plenty of water will help your skin look younger, plumper, and more hydrated, leading to a decrease in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
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13 Sources Used
At WellnessVerge, we only use reputable sources, including peer-reviewed medical journals and well-respected academic institutions.
- A Collagen Supplement Improves Skin Hydration, Elasticity, Roughness, and Density: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Blind Study:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6835901/ - Effect of the novel low molecular weight hydrolyzed chicken sternal cartilage extract, BioCell Collagen, on improving osteoarthritis-related symptoms: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22486722/ - Oral ingestion of a hydrolyzed gelatin meal in subjects with normal weight and in obese patients: Postprandial effect on circulating gut peptides, glucose and insulin:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18319637/ - Photoprotective effects of galacto-oligosaccharide and/or Bifidobacterium longum supplementation against skin damage induced by ultraviolet irradiation in hairless mice:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3109/09637486.2015.1088823 - The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5579659/ - Can dietary intake influence perception of and measured appearance? A systematic review:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25600848/ - Berry Phenolic Antioxidants – Implications for Human Health?:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5890122/ - Free Radicals and Extrinsic Skin Aging:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3299230/ - Skin Microbiota Dynamics Following B. subtilis formulation Challenge:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343090888_Skin_Microbiota_Dynamics_Following_B_subtilis_formulation_Challenge - Role of collagen hydrolysate in bone and joint disease:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0049017200568255?via=ihub - National Library of Medicine: Probiotics:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20208051/ - Ingestion of an Oral Hyaluronan Solution Improves Skin Hydration, Wrinkle Reduction, Elasticity, and Skin Roughness: Results of a Clinical Study:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5871318/ - Diet and Skin Aging - From the Perspective of Food Nutrition:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7146365/
