Cold Plasma Sub-D is an anti-aging neck cream from Perricone MD that is designed to visibly lift, tone, tone and shape the neck area while reducing the appearance of a double chin and sagging skin under the jaw line. Right off the bat, we discovered that these claims are a big red flag as no current skin care product can “sculpt” the skin or reduce the appearance of a double chin.
If this throat cream isn’t sculpting your skin, you might be wondering, does Cold Plasma Sub-D really work? To answer this question, we need to evaluate the main ingredients of the formulation and determine if there is any research to support its use in skin care products. We also need to look at the Cold Plasma Sub-D reviews to see what customers really think of this product.
What is Cold Plasma Sub-D?
Cold Plasma Sub-D is a throat cream that is said to be superior to other throat creams due to its “revolutionary” liquid crystal delivery system, which is said to help important ingredients penetrate deeper and faster into the skin.
Cold Plasma Sub-D should:
- Offer noticeable benefits in terms of tightening and toning
- Convey a “chiseled” appearance
- Soothe and brighten dull, sagging skin
- Reduce the appearance of a “double chin” and sagging skin under the jaw line
- Improves the appearance of wrinkles and excess skin on the neck
These claims sound like what you’d expect after a face lift if you weren’t using a throat cream. As mentioned above, these claims are extremely misleading as no topical skin care product can correct sagging skin. So can Cold Plasma Sub-D offer any advantages? Let’s dive into the main ingredients you’ll find in this Perricone MD throat cream.
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What are the main components of Cold Plasma Sub-D?
After water, glycolic acid, a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), is the highest concentration ingredient in Cold Plasma Sub-D. When formulated appropriately, glycolic acid should exfoliate the skin by promoting the breakdown of dead skin cells and increasing the rate of cell turnover. However, the pH of the formulation must be lower than 4. Unfortunately, the pH of Cold Plasma Sub-D is not below 4, so glycolic acid cannot act as an exfoliator.
To make matters worse, there is another ingredient in Cold Plasma Sub-D that is pH dependent and that is dimethyl MEA, also known as DMAE. Dimethyl MEA is an analogue of vitamin B choline and a precursor to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter.
When properly formulated, Dimethyl MEA has the ability to increase skin firmness, improve underlying facial muscle tone, and provide anti-inflammatory effects. While the mechanism by which dimethyl MEA works is unclear, these benefits were shown in a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. In this randomized clinical trial, 3% DMAE facial gel applied daily for 16 weeks was shown to be safe and effective in reducing forehead wrinkles and periorbital fine lines, and in improving lip shape and fullness.
But here’s the problem: in order to maintain the effectiveness and stability of dimethyl MEA, the pH of the product must be at least 10. Therefore, Cold Plasma Sub-D is formulated with glycolic acid, which requires a pH of less than 4 to function, and Dimethyl-MEA, which requires a pH of more than 10 to function. Since the pH of Cold Plasma Sub-D is out of range, these ingredients will not work as they should.
While the glycolic acid and dimethyl MEA in Cold Plasma Sub-D likely won’t bring much benefit to your skin, the formula contains a decent amount of caffeine. As a natural stimulant, caffeine causes vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels). This results in a temporary tightening and tightening of the skin due to the removal of excess fluids and possible stimulation of the lymphatic drainage system.
A final major ingredient in Cold Plasma Sub-D is thiotic acid, also known as alpha lipoic acid. Thioctic acid is considered a very powerful antioxidant and is unique in that, unlike most antioxidants, it is both water and oil soluble. When used, thioctic acid first concentrates in the cell plasma membrane and neutralizes free radicals there. Then it gets into the watery interior of the cell known as the cytosol, where it can also stop free radical activity and prevent activation of other inflammatory chemicals.
It sounds like thiotinic acid is the only ingredient in Cold Plasma Sub-D that can actually benefit your skin, but that ingredient is unlikely to be of much benefit either. Why? It’s very simple: the glass packaging. Basically, opening a jar lets in air, which gradually causes this antioxidant to deteriorate and become less effective with each use.
Finally, we have to point out that Cold Plasma Sub-D contains several fragrance ingredients, including limonene, linalool, and a synthetic fragrance blend. Using synthetic fragrance ingredients can be a problem as the brand can use a proprietary blend of chemicals to make the fragrance and they don’t have to disclose what chemicals they use on the label. You may list this mixture as “fragrance (perfume)” on the list of ingredients. A 2018 study by Women’s Voices for the Earth discovered that over 3,000 chemicals reportedly used in fragrances had 1,242 chemicals of concern – and that they contained at least 7 possible carcinogenic (cancer-causing) agents. Fragrance ingredients can also cause skin irritation and sensitivity.
How do you use cold plasma Sub-D?
Cold Plasma Sub-D can be used twice a day and can be applied to the chin, jaw, neck and décolleté. The company suggests massaging the product into the skin using circular motions and it can also be used on the neck.
Where can I buy the Cold Plasma Sub-D?
Cold Plasma Sub-D is available on the Perricone MD website and is also sold on its own website (subd.com). Cold Plasma Sub-D is only available for purchase from subd.com in one of two skin care kits available.
One kit is called Face & Neck Firming Duo and contains Cold Plasma Sub-D and High Potency Amine Face Lift, a serum.
The larger kit – called the Face, Eye and Neck System – contains the same two products plus three other products: facial moisturizer, high-performance eye lift, and high-performance evening repair. As with all Guthy-Renker products, a buyer signs up after purchasing a product in order to receive the product every three months with automatic delivery.
Cold Plasma Sub-D is also available on Amazon from various third-party suppliers.
How Much Does Cold Plasma Sub-D Cost?
On the Perricone MD website, Cold Plasma Sub-D is $ 135 for 2 fl oz.
On the subd.com website, you can purchase Cold Plasma Sub-D as part of the Face & Neck Firming Duo Kit for $ 49.95 or as part of the Face, Eye & Neck System for $ 79.95.
What is the Perricone MD return policy?
Perricone MD’s return policy states: “You can return any item to us provided you: (i) return the item to us with all of its original packaging within 14 days of delivery; (ii) Follow the instructions in our return policy. (iii) accept that we are not responsible if the goods fail to reach us for any reason. “
The return policy on the subd.com website states: “If you are not completely satisfied, simply return the products within 60 days of receipt for a full refund (minus S / H) of the purchase price.”
Is Perricone MD Cruelty Free?
Perricone MD is cruelty free.
Cold Plasma Sub-D Reviews
The reviews of Cold Plasma Sub-D on the product’s website are both positive and negative. After more than 1,400 customer reviews, the product receives an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.
There are many positive Cold Plasma Sub-D reviews from customers who have noticed that the skin on their necks looks firmer and smoother after continued use.
For example, one review said, “I’ve been using Cold Plasma for about 9 months and the skin on my neck is noticeably firmer and smoother. I first noticed the sagging skin on my neck after looking at a picture a friend took that was shocked! Immediately I launched an attack on it with every product I could find. When I started using Cold Plasma, I really wasn’t expecting much; but after the first month I noticed my skin was starting to change. After 6 months I was amazed. “
In contrast, there are several negative reviews for Cold Plasma Sub-D from customers who have seen no results at all. For example, one review said, “I haven’t seen any dramatic improvement. My friends who use drug store brands have seen more dramatic results for a fraction of the cost. “
Our verdict
Overall, we don’t recommend Cold Plasma Sub-D for many reasons and don’t think it’s worth the high cost.
benefits
- Contains some moisturizing ingredients
- Lots of positive Cold Plasma Sub-D reviews
disadvantage
- High cost ($ 135 for 2 fl oz) unless purchased in a kit
- Formulated with one ingredient that requires an acidic pH (glycolic acid) and another ingredient that requires an alkaline pH (dimethyl MEA).
- Contains fragrance
- When jars are packaged, light and air degrade sensitive ingredients over time
What Are Some Alternatives to Cold Plasma Sub-D?
Since we do not recommend Cold Plasma Sub-D, you may be wondering what to do about the loss of firmness in the neck area. Fortunately, there’s really no need to use a separate moisturizer for your neck. The same serums and creams that you use on your face can and should be used on your neck. One product we recommend is the Pro Collagen Serum from Formulyst.
This lightweight, restorative serum is specially formulated for aging skin where collagen has been lost. Think of collagen as the scaffolding of the skin. there is structure, support and suppleness. But collagen production naturally slows down as you age, causing wrinkles and fine lines to appear. Formulyst Pro-Collagen Serum contains a highly concentrated blend of peptides and proteins extracted from algae, wheat and soy to combat these signs of aging. Apply a few drops of this moisturizing serum to make the skin look smoother and younger.
There is no need to compromise when looking for an effective and safe skin care product. Carrot & whip takes a tough love approach to skin care and perfectly balances the power of plants with cutting edge science. In addition to being good for your skin, Carrot & Stick is good for the environment as the formulas skip harmful chemicals as well as the preservatives, emulsifiers, and thickeners common in skin care products.
References:
1. Am J Clin Dermatol 2005; 6 (1): 39- 47.
2. Women’s voices for the earth “Unpacking the fragrance industry” 2018
