Description

Alloy launched M4 Face Cream in early 2023 as a “fragrance-free restorative estriol face cream to address signs of aging like decreased collagen production, increased wrinkles, and dryness.”

This goo in a little white, clinical-looking tube claims to reduce the signs of aging by targeting estrogen deficiency and loss of (again) collagen, elasticity, and moisture in peri- and menopausal women who want to reduce fine lines and improve skin’s texture. And how does it target estrogen-deficiency? With estrogen, of course.

What is estriol in menopause skincare?

One of three types of estrogen, estriol is the primary hormone produced during pregnancy, found in the mother’s blood, placenta, and fetus. Laboratory-made estriol for a topical cream has been proven to effectively increase collagen, thus reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

While estriol is the weakest of the three estrogens — much weaker than estradiol, which has become known for its health risks — it still is not approved by the FDA for treating symptoms of menopause in any form.

What are the other ingredients in Alloy M4 Face Cream?

Yours truly, Dr. Detective over here, decided to dig a little deeper and research EVERY ingredient, albeit in an admirably short list compared to other beauty products, to see what else I’m smearing on my face. In order of concentration, M4 also includes:

Aloe barbadensis leaf juice

Juice from the aloe vera plant, proven to help skin retain moisture and integrity, and improve the quality and speed of wound healing

C12-14 Isoparaffin

A mixture of hydrocarbons (mineral oils) derived from petroleum, with a low hazard score at 1 out of 10 on EWG’s Skin Deep

Caprylic/capric triglyceride

A common emollient in beauty products, derived from coconut or palm oil and glycerin, which hydrates skin, provides antioxidants, and kills fungus

Deionized water

Purified water, free of minerals and contaminants

Laureth-7

A derivative of lauryl alcohol (a non-drying fatty alcohol derived from coconut oil) used as a cleansing agent, emulsifier, and texture enhancer in skincare

Phenoxyethanol

A preservative in beauty products to limit bacterial growth (EWG score of 2-4)

Polyacrylamide

A stabilizer and binder in lotions and other products. While not a concern itself, it’s made up of repeating molecules of acrylamide, a suspected carcinogen linked to mammary tumors (EWG score of 2-6)