Elm Biosciences Review: Does Martha Stewart’s Skincare Line Live Up to the Hype?

Oh gosh, not another celebrity putting their name on a random skincare line to make even more money. Amirite? It's either a tequila brand or a skincare brand these days, and Martha Stewart is one of the latest to offer a skincare brand. And this brand, Elm Biosciences, is getting a lot of buzz. I wanted to know if Elm Biosciences lived up to the hype.

When the skincare line reached out and offered to send me some of its line of skincare for free, I thought this would be a great opportunity for a member of the Wardrobe Oxygen community to offer an honest Elm Biosciences review. A fresh take after reading so many sponsored posts over the past year!

Keri, a self-proclaimed skincare fanatic, applied and I felt she would do a great job. I was right! Check out Keri's honest review of Elm Biosciences, Martha Stewart's skincare line, and if it lives up to the hype.

Elm Biosciences Review by an Over-50 Beauty Lover

I have been obsessed with Marta Stewart since she emerged from prison wearing a poncho she crocheted while incarcerated. Perhaps I am late for the party, as I recognize that she was very popular for many years prior to her unfortunate incarceration. I did watch her show on occasion and even picked up a few gems from the Martha Stewart collection from Kmart and Macy’s. But when Martha emerged from her prison sentence, there was a complete transformation into goddess.

Why I Wanted to Try Elm Biosciences

Fast forward to a few years ago on Instagram, where Martha posted a photo of herself emerging from the pool with this incredible come-hither stare and an ethereal glow that one can only describe as transcendent. I said to myself, “Whatever she is doing, I want to do, too.”

So, when Alison posted the inquiry for someone to conduct an Elm Biosciences review for the skin care collaboration between Ms. Martha and dermatologist and health entrepreneur Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali (he is also the doctor behind Hailey Bieber's beauty line Rhode and several other lines), I jumped at the chance. 

My Beauty History and Current Skincare Routine

I am a 55-year-old woman who loves everything beauty- from skincare and makeup to hair. I worked for Estee Lauder in college, then moved on to Make Up Forever, Chanel and YSL. I learned about the hair industry when I had the privilege of working for Clairol Professional and was even taught hair coloring by Louis Licari (legend!). Even though I am no longer employed in the beauty industry, my love of products lingers, and as I age, I find myself seeking the best serums, moisturizers, and potions to enhance my skin.

For the record, I do a bit of Botox, and get regular facials, but have not had any other work done on my skin. I try new products often and am always on the lookout for the new item that promises to treat fine lines, (gasp) wrinkles, and discoloration. I have used retinol in the past, but my skin doesn’t tolerate it well.

I would describe my skin as normal, with occasional dry spells in the colder months, and occasional breakouts on my chin (at my age I find this infuriating!). During the day, I can get a bit shiny, but I believe that has more to do with mineral sunscreen and powder choice rather than my overall skin condition.

I use both higher end products as well as drug store products. I have spent upwards of $350 on a serum in the past as I believe they can be incredibly potent and provide a bigger bang for your buck, so to speak. I have also used tubs of less expensive moisturizer (you know the brand we purchase at the big box discount stores to use all over our bodies in the winter).

The Products I Tried for This Elm Biosciences Review

The Elm Biosciences line features a patent-pending A3O™ Complex, which claims to recalibrate your skin biology. The website states, “By precisely regulating inflammation and neutralizing oxidative stress at the cellular level, [A3O™ Complex] protects and restores skin health. This advanced science helps enhance texture, even tone, and strengthen resilience, promoting radiant, youthful skin.”

I received the Complete Skin Renewal bundle. The products claim to offer a “streamlined, clinically-advanced system designed to restore skin clarity, strengthen the barrier, and build long-term resilience—from the inside out.” The bundle contains their A3O™ Elemental Night Cream, A3O™ Elemental Serum, and Inner Dose™ Daily Skin Supplement. 

My typical morning skin care regime: toner, serum, eye cream, tinted sunscreen (or moisturizer and sunscreen followed by foundation if wearing that day). My routine evening skincare regime: cleansing balm, cleanser, toner, serum, a richer moisturizer, neck cream, and eye cream.

During the time of my Elm Biosciences review, these products were used for my serum and moisturizer steps (both AM and PM), and I took the capsules at night. 

My Initial Thoughts

I will begin with the packaging, because it’s beautiful. The overall design, look, and feel of these products is very high-end (I mean I expect no less from Ms. Martha Stewart). The A3O™ Elemental Serum and A3O™ Elemental Night Cream formulas are incredibly lovely and are both good weights to wear under other products and they also absorb easily into the skin.

Both products have a light fragrance- reminiscent of a very expensive spa. It’s more herbal than floral and doesn’t linger; I had no issue with the fragrance overall. And, I had no negative reactions to any of the products. 

There is also a supplement to take orally, and to me that was the most difficult part. The pills are larger and have an odor, making me gag a bit. 

My Thoughts After a Few Weeks of Use

Now, let’s talk about performance. The products are concentrated- meaning, that a little goes a long way. Two pumps of the A3O™ Elemental Serum and you have enough for your entire face, add one more to cover your neck, and a dime sized amount of A3O™ Elemental Night Cream is sufficient for your face and neck.

I enjoyed using the A3O™ Elemental Serum and A3O™ Elemental Night Cream and found that my makeup applied well over them.

• For me, the A3O™ Elemental Serum is the workhorse. It applies like a dream and feels silky and hydrating. It’s not greasy or heavy in texture, more watery feeling. It absorbs beautifully and I believe is addressing fine lines and a bit of texture.

• The A3O™ Elemental Night Cream is good, but I don’t find myself reaching for it when I have those little dry patches. I think it’s a nice product, but rather unremarkable overall.

Would I Repurchase Elm Biosciences?

And I am not sure how I feel about the Inner Dose™ Daily Skin Supplement. I have not noticed a huge change in my skin, but small softening in some areas- is that due to the serum or the supplements? Or both perhaps? I ended up not finishing them as I didn’t really notice enough difference with them.

I can share that I am definitely a fan of the A3O™ Elemental Serum. I did finish the serum but did not repurchase yet- I ended up getting something from my derm’s office. I would consider repurchasing the serum in the future. I have used other serums with similar claims (Clarins Double Serum and Tatcha Silk Serum come to mind) and I find them all quite similar.

I liked the Elm A3O™ Elemental Night Cream but still return to Jouer barrier cream. For me, Jouer equally addresses hydration and barrier repair effectively without irritation and at a lower cost.