AMALA: ADVANCED FIRMING COMPLEX REVIEW

By: Skin Care Ox

Written By: Diane Elizabeth K. // First Published: 05/18/2020

Amala Beauty calls itself the “best kept secret of the world’s five star spas” and, as their bestselling product, the Advanced Firming Complex promises to deliver spa-quality results at home. Previously unavailable to the general public, Amala has released their line for anyone to enjoy and now skin care aficionados are beginning to discover this hidden gem skin care line. The Advanced Firming Complex is a premium luxury moisturizer with very few public reviews and a cult-like following of a few elite estheticians. Given that so little is known about this moisturizer, one has to wonder: is the Advanced Firming Complex really worth it?  Is the formula actually used by elite spas? Does it actually work? Is the Advanced Firming Complex truly all natural, organic, and non-toxic? Can it really diminish fine lines and wrinkles for mature skin types? For several months, our team worked closely with Amala to both experience their products first hand and learn about their incredible formulation process. For six weeks, our reviewers thoroughly researched every ingredient in the AFC, analyzed real customer reviews, and faithfully used the product as instructed to bring you this comprehensive review.

Overall–there is simply no other anti-aging moisturizer like the Advanced Firming Complex. Everything from the formula to the results are some of the most unique that we’ve ever experienced. Yes, the AFC reduces wrinkles. Yes, the AFC smooths fine lines. Yes, the AFC actually brightens, tightens, and hydrates the skin. In short (in our humble opinion), the Advanced Firming Complex is the most effective organic anti-aging moisturizer on the market. Luckily, you don’t have to just take our word for it because our experiences with this moisturizer are also backed up by third-party clinical trials. Truly, the Advanced Firming Complex is one moisturizer that needs to be experienced first hand to understand its potency.

Below, you’ll find a complete summary of our in-depth six week review of Amala’s Advanced Firming Complex moisturizer. Our reviews are organized into three categories: The Clean Ingredient Score (is the product made with clean ingredients?), Product Design & Effectiveness Score (does it actually work?), and the Online Customer Review Score (what is everyone else saying?). Combined, this review should provide everything you need to decide if the Advanced Firming Complex is right for you. Enjoy!

AMALA ADVANCED FIRMING COMPLEX REVIEW

Product Name: Advanced Firming Complex

Product Description: A luxurious moisturizing cream clinically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles in 7 days. Formulated with potent anti-aging ingredients to diminish the signs of aging for mature skin types.

Price: 248

Currency: USD

Availability: InStock

Overall
A+
  • Clean Ingredient Score
  • Product Design & Effectiveness Score
  • Online Customer Review Score

Where to Buy?

CLEAN INGREDIENT SCORE
a_plus_score_icon-min

Amala’s Advanced Firming Complex  has earned a Clean Ingredient Score of an “A+” for its 100% certified natural, organic, and unique spa-grade anti-aging formula. The formula contains roughly 46 ingredients of which 14 are organically sourced (including sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, shea butter, cocoa seed butter, seabuckthorn fruit oil, maca root, sunflower oil, lemon peel oil, styrax benzoin resin extract, vanilla, ylang ylang, tonka beans, rose oil, and bergamot peel oil) and all ingredients are certified natural by the European organic certifying organization, NATRUE. The formula is also gluten free, vegan, and gmo-free. For its preservative system, the Advanced Firming Complex uses a combination of all natural (derived from non-gmo corn and sugar cane) pentylene glycol, radish root ferment, lactobacillus ferment, and an airless packaging/dispensing system.

Clean Ingredient Summary

| 100% NATURAL | VEGAN | NON-GMO | CRUELTY FREE | GLUTEN FREE

Top Clean Ingredients

  • Living Beauty Complex: Amala’s signature concentrated blend of “living” bio-active and bio-available nutrients which includes a fermented blend of peony (brightening), rose gold (anti-inflammatory), amla (vitamin C), and spirulina (detoxifying | antioxidant). This “living” fermented probiotic blend adjusts to your skin’s unique terrain to provide more of what your skin needs.
  • Acai Stem Cells: Powerful antioxidants used in skin care to reduce inflammation, protect collagen by reducing free radicals, and diminishing the signs of aging.
  • Cocoa Pre+Probiotic Infusion: A blend of cocoa bean vegan probiotics along with tonka bean and chicory root prebiotics designed to replenish collagen, firm skin, and minimize inflammation.
  • Hyaluronic Acid: Derived from yeast extract, this powerful humectant can hold more than 1,000 times its weight in water and dramatically boosts moisture retention. The low molecular weight hyaluronic acid in the Advanced Firming Complex easily absorbs into skin to help plump the look of lines from within.
  • Beta Glucans: Essential sugars (derived from yeast) which stimulate cell turnover helping to reduce the signs of aging and restore hydration and elasticity.
  • Avocado Peptides: Help to improve firmness and elasticity by stimulating your skin’s natural hyaluronic acid production.

Preservatives Used:

  • Pentylene Glycol: Natural | Preservative | EWG Score: 1
  • Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate: Natural | Preservative | EWG Score: 1
  • Lactobacillus Ferment: Natural | Preservative | EWG Score: 1

Concerning Ingredients
  • Pentylene Glycol: Pentylene glycol is used in skin care for its preservative qualities. Pentylene Glycol can either be derived from petroleum or naturally derived from non-GMO sugar cane and corn. (Amala products use non-gmo, natural pentylene glycol). Natural pentylene glycol is thought to act as an emollient with a moisturizing effect similar to vegetable glycerin. (source | source)
  • Linalool: Linalool is a natural component of essential oil. Synthetic versions can possibly lead to skin irritation or allergic reactions (hence the EWG rating range of 3). Due to a change in labeling regulations, manufacturers are required to list linalool on ingredient labels even if only naturally present in essential oils and not isolated chemicals added to the formulation. (source | source)
  • Geraniol: A natural compound of certain essential oils. While natural versions of geraniol have some anti-aging benefits, synthetic versions can possibly lead to skin irritation or allergic reactions (hence the EWG rating range of 3). Due to a change in labeling regulations in the EU, manufacturers are required to list geraniol on ingredient labels even if it only exists in the product as a natural constituent of essential oils contained within the product. (source | source)
  • Citral: A naturally occurring scent ingredient derived from plants such as verbena and citronella. While natural versions of citral have some benefits, synthetic versions can lead to skin irritation or allergic reactions (hence the EWG rating range of 3). Due to a change in labeling regulations in the EU, manufacturers are required to list citral on ingredient labels even if it only exists in the product as a natural constituent of essential oils contained within the product. (source | source)
  • Benzyl Benzoate: A naturally occurring scent compound derived from plants such as ylang ylang, jasmine, rosewood, and cinnamon. While natural versions of benzyl benzoate have some benefits, synthetic versions can possibly lead to skin irritation or allergic reactions (hence the EWG rating range of 4). Due to a change in labeling regulations in the EU, manufacturers are required to list benzyl benzoate on ingredient labels even if it only exists in the product as a natural constituent of essential oils contained within the product. (source | source | source)
All Ingredients

Ingredients as of: 05/18/2020

water, sweet almond oil*, jojoba seed oil*, shea butter*, pentylene glycol Natural | Non-GMO Corn or Sugar Cane Derived | EWG Score: 1 , kahai seed oil, cetearyl alcohol Natural | Fatty Alcohol | Emollient | Texture Enhancer | Stabilizer | EWG Score: 1 , polyglyceryl-3 stearate Natural | Derived from Palm or Rapeseed | Emulsifier | EWG Score: 1 , sodium stearoyl lactylate Natural | Surfactant | EWG Score: 1 , cocoa seed butter*, lactobacillus/cocoa fruit ferment filtrate, inulin Natural | Polysaccharide | Humectant | EWG Score: 1 , cellulose, acai fruit extract, yeast beta-glucan, amla extract, peony extract, spirulina extract, konjac root extract, sea buckthorn fruit oil*, hydrolyzed maca root*, avocado fruit extract, sodium hyaluronate Natural | Humectant | EWG Score: 1 , sunflower seed oil*, colloidal gold, lactobacillus ferment Natural | Preservative | EWG Score: 1 , lactobacillus, alpha-glucan oligosaccharide, fragrance+, lemon peel oil*, styrax benzoin resin extract*, vanilla fruit extract*, ylang ylang flower oil*, tonka bean seed extract*, rosa damascena flower oil*, jasmine, bergamot peel oil*, leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate Natural | Preservative | EWG Score 1 , tocopherol/vitamin E, maltodextrin Natural | Plant Sugar from corn, potato, or rice | Binder | EWG Score: 1 , phenethyl alcohol Natural | Plant Derived | Preservative | Fragrance | | EWG Score: 1 , arginine Natural | Amino Acid | Conditioning Agent | EWG Score: 1 , limonene Natural | Fragrance | EWG Score: 4-5 +, linalool Natural | Fragrance | EWG Score: 3 +, citral Natural | Component of Essential Oils | EWG Score: 3 +, benzyl benzoate Natural | Component of Essential Oils | EWG Score: 4 + *indicates organic ingredient +indicates component of natural essential oils

PRODUCT DESIGN & EFFECTIVENESS
a_plus_score_icon-min

Amala’s Advanced Firming Complex earned our highest Product Design & Effectiveness Score of an “A+”. Our trial of the Advanced Firming Complex lasted just over six weeks. The notable clinical trial results for the Advanced Firming Complex ranged from 7 days to 4 weeks, so we wanted to trial this moisturizer for long enough to see if we could experience similar results to the clinical trials. Our team trialed the moisturizer alongside Amala’s Silky Cream Moisture Cleanser, Advanced Firming Concentrate Serum, and their Age Defense Anti-Pollution Toning Mist.

Right off the bat, the Advanced Firming Complex earns high scores for its packaging. The moisturizer comes beautifully packaged in a large, ornate, rose gold outer box (it looks like a museum piece) and an easy-to-dispense, sanitary, airless pump jar. The jar is 1.69 oz, making the full-sized version very travel friendly. Using the Advanced Firming Complex is easy–just one pump of the lid automatically dispenses the perfect amount of this moisturizer. With a product this luxurious, you definitely don’t want to worry about wasting any!

When it comes to results, our team didn’t need to wait long to notice a change in their skin. Long story short–the Advanced Firming Complex is the very best organic moisturizer we’ve ever reviewed. The Advanced Firming Complex does a little something different for everyone–depending on their skin’s’ own biochemistry. Every skin type that trialed the AFC gave the product nearly perfect scores for performance. Mature skin types raved that their “wrinkles softened almost overnight” and skin “feels baby soft.” Dry skin types reported results such as “super soft skin,” “brighter complexion,” and “noticeably smoother” skin. The most interesting thing about the AFC is that it absorbs completely into the skin. It is totally non-greasy and insanely lightweight. This creates a feeling of soft, hydrated skin, but without a trace of greasiness (almost like you are wearing nothing at all). If you are used to wearing heavier moisturizers to quench your skin, then it may take a little getting used to the way that the Advanced Firming Complex works. For oily skin types, the AFC was a game-changer. Its got an ultra-lightweight matte finish that lasts all day as the “living beauty” blends work to keep oil balanced and an antibacterial blend to keep acne-causing bacteria at bay.

Last, but certainly not least, the Advanced Firming Complex was clearly designed to be an anti-aging powerhouse. No other anti-aging organic moisturizer has ever received perfect scores from our mature skin reviewers. All of our mature skin reviewers experienced softer, smoother, and firmer looking skin by the end of our 6 week trial. This includes a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, sagging skin, and dry skin. We were not too surprised by this given the results of Amala’s third party clinical trials (which reported similar results). All in all, it is quite evident why Amala and the Advanced Firming Complex is used at high-end skin care spas.

Product Effectiveness Summary

Works Best For: All Skin | Mature Skin

Official Usage Instructions: Twice daily, warm a pearl-sized amount of Advanced Firming Complex on palms of hands to activate the concentrated plant ingredients. Gently press the Advanced Firming Complex into the skin, moving from the nose outwards to the ears, and from the center of forehead to the temples.

Ease of Use: Easy to incorporate into an existing routine as a moisturizer. Packaging allows for easy dispensing of the right amount of product and protects against cross-contamination. Layers well over other skin care products and works great under makeup. 

Most Notable Results

  • Mild cocoa bean vanilla scent
  • Non-greasy formula
  • Absorbs quickly with a matte finish
  • Moisturizing and oil-balancing for all skin types
  • Adjusts hydration to skin’s needs
  • Soothes redness and inflammation
  • Greatly reduces appearance of fine lines & wrinkles
  • Greatly reduced wrinkle depth
  • Brightened dark spots & overall skin tone

Claims Not Met

  • None: This product made no claims of effectiveness which our team did not experience during our trial.

ONLINE CUSTOMER REVIEW SCORE
a_plus_score_icon-min

Our team analyzed 19 real online customer reviews for the Advanced Firming Complex from 2 different online retailers (including Amala and Wolf & Badger). Across all retailers, the Advanced Firming Complex has earned an average customer review of 4.9/5 stars–earning a grade of “A+” for our Online Customer Review Score. For many years, Amala products were only available exclusively to their luxury spa partners across the globe. If you wanted to try Amala, you had to purchase their products from on of these spa retail partners. Recently, Amala has created a customer-facing website to offer their previously “professional use only” products to the general public. Because of this, there isn’t a rich history of online customer reviews for Amala products. Out of the 19 reviews that we could find, there were no review scores below 4 stars. On the positive side, many customers echoed our sentiments in regards to “softer,” “firmer,” and “brighter” skin. Customer reviews include reports of significant reduction of fine lines & wrinkles and other signs of aging. See Pros & Cons for more details.

Customer Review Summary

Reviews last evaluated: 05/18/2020

  • *Amala: 16 Reviews | Average Score: 4.9 Stars

Pros

  • Reduces appearance of wrinkles
  • Smoothes fine lines
  • Absorbs easily
  • Non-greasy
  • Calms redness
  • Moisturizes all skin types
  • Soothes irritation
  • Easy to use pump dispenser

Cons

  • None
ABOUT THE BRAND
amala-beauty_certified-natural-luxury-organic-skin-care

This Product Was Made By...

AMALA

website: Shop Amala | year founded: 2008

Amala is an ultra-luxury brand used by some of the world’s best spas in locations like Germany, Italy, Morocco, Switzerland, and many more.  Amala means “the most pure” in Sanskrit and that sentiment is reflected in the quality of their products. Amala’s entire skin care collection is 100% certified natural by NATRUE, clinically evaluated by third parties, and made with some of the highest-end ingredients we’ve ever encountered. Their unique and incredibly effective formulas are all based around the concept of “Living Skincare for Living Skin.” Crafted from ingredients in their activated, living, and natural states—Amala skin care products actually adjust to your skin’s natural biochemistry.  This means that no two Amala Beauty experiences are alike. In each Amala product, you’ll discover ingredients like real colloidal gold, bio-fermented actives, probiotics+prebiotics, and natural mineral complexes. Amala is truly one luxury organic skin care brand that you simply have to experience for yourself.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

about-author_diane-elizabeth125

This Article Was Written By...

Diane Elizabeth K., Founder at SkinCareOx.com

Diane Elizabeth founded Skin Care Ox in 2016 after her personal struggle to find truly clean, natural, and organic products. Leveraging her background in biomedical engineering, scientific research + analytics, and entrepreneurship, she created Skin Care Ox to be an easy-to-use resource to find real clean beauty options. Since then, her articles have been read by over 3 Million people and have helped millions choose cleaner alternatives. She currently lives in Colorado with her husband and growing family.
Review Standards & Process

Skin Care Ox product reviews are 100% brand neutral. Skin Care Ox does not accept compensation in exchange for reviews. Additionally, there are no paid advertisements on Skin Care Ox. From time to time, brands will submit products to our team for review. Whether we procure the products ourselves or they are submitted to our team for review---our reviews remain honest and neutral.

Skin Care Ox is primarily funded through affiliate commissions. Meaning, when you purchase a product via a link from our website, we earn a small commission on the sale from the retailer (at no additional cost to you). Skin Care Ox is a member of numerous affiliate networks representing hundreds of cleans beauty brands and retailers. Because of this, no single brand or company has control over our review decisions.

Finally, every product we review undergoes our Research and Review Process. This includes faithfully trialing the products for a minimum of two weeks, rigorously researching each ingredient, and consolidating real user reviews from across the web.

PRODUCT BADGES LEGEND
100% NATURAL

100% NATURAL

The product contains only natural ingredients (non-synthetic or lab created). It does not contain anything artificial or synthetic.

100% ORGANIC

100% ORGANIC

The product has been formulated with 100% organically sourced and/or certified organic ingredients.

GMO FREE

GMO FREE

This product does not contain ingredients which have been genetically modified.

GLUTEN FREE

GLUTEN FREE

All of the ingredients contained in the product are free from gluten, wheat, and ingredients which are commonly contaminated with gluten.

VEGAN

VEGAN

The product is made without animal products or byproducts such as beeswax, honey, milk, eggs, etc.

CERTIFIED ORGANIC

CERTIFIED ORGANIC

The product has received an official organic certification from a third party organization such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA Certified Organic), ECOCERT, Australian Certified Organic, and others.

MORE AMALA PRODUCTS

*Amala – Advanced Firming Concentrate Organic Serum ($298)

Quite frankly, this is one of the best anti-aging serums we've tested. It's no wonder this German brand is featured in 5 Star spas around the world. Our test subject for this product was a 70 year old woman with deep wrinkles and age spots. The results after our 30 day review were amazing. Her skin was brighter, firmer, and super smooth--it looked like she had work done (in a good way!). While we could go on and on about the ingredients in this serum (like their "Living Beauty Complex" made with rose gold, vitamin C, and spirulina), the truth is that the whole formula is simply perfection.

SIMILAR PRODUCTS FROM OTHER BRANDS

ARTICLES FEATURING AMALA

22 Best Organic & Natural Night Creams for 2021

As you age, a night cream is an essential part of a night time skin care routine. But navigating the vast world of night creams can be a daunting task, especially when you’re searching for a night cream with only the best ingredients. Luckily for you, we’ve done all the research for you, so you can simply sift through our list of best organic night creams.