bareMinerals Ageless Genius Firming & Wrinkle Smoothing Serum Review

bareMinerals Ageless Genius Firming & Wrinkle Smoothing Serum
6.3
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
2.6 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Ingredients

bareMinerals Ageless Genius Firming & Wrinkle Smoothing Serum Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Dimethicone, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Squalane, Glycerin, Behenyl Alcohol, Dipeptide-15, Silica, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Malpighia Punicifolia (Acerola) Fruit Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Fagus Sylvatica Bud Extract, Stearyl Alcohol, Sodium Methyl Stearoyl Taurate, Retinyl Palmitate, Carbomer, Batyl Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Sorbitan Laurate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Arginine/Lysine Polypeptide, Potassium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Metaphosphate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, Polysorbate 20, Saccharide Hydrolysate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Lauroyl Lysine, Gold (CI 77480), Ethylhexylglycerin, Acetyl Hydroxyproline, Fragrance, Limonene, Linalool, Phenoxyethanol, Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Iron Oxides (CI 77499)
Review

Does bareMinerals Ageless Genius Firming & Wrinkle Smoothing Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what bareMinerals Ageless Genius Firming & Wrinkle Smoothing Serum has to offer:
 
✅ Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 6.3 out of 10.

  

Key Benefits of bareMinerals Ageless Genius Firming & Wrinkle Smoothing Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using bareMinerals Ageless Genius Firming & Wrinkle Smoothing Serum:
 

🔵 Lightweight Moisturizer Perfect for Combination and Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, bareMinerals Ageless Genius Firming & Wrinkle Smoothing Serum is highly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 6.3 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 2.6 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Butylene Glycol (est. ≈6.0%) and Propanediol (est. ≈4.0%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with combination and oily skin who want maximum hydration in a relatively lightweight, non-greasy formula. It combines a significant amount of humectants with a limited amount of occlusive ingredients to boost moisturizing efficacy without feeling too heavy.

This product may also be a good choice for people with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures, as it balances significant moisturizing potential with a relatively lightweight texture.

💧 A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to combination and oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

📌 Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: bareMinerals Ageless Genius Firming & Wrinkle Smoothing Serum

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding bareMinerals Ageless Genius Firming & Wrinkle Smoothing Serum to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing bareMinerals Ageless Genius Firming & Wrinkle Smoothing Serum is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains some ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Retinyl Palmitate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. 

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that these ingredients may reduce wrinkles, their efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, these ingredients do not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

📌 Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Pros & Cons of bareMinerals Ageless Genius Firming & Wrinkle Smoothing Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of bareMinerals Ageless Genius Firming & Wrinkle Smoothing Serum to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing perfect for combination and oily skin
✅ Also a good choice for people with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures
✅ As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
✅ Lightweight texture
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: bareMinerals Ageless Genius Firming & Wrinkle Smoothing Serum

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that bareMinerals Ageless Genius Firming & Wrinkle Smoothing Serum
, when used alone, delivers lightweight, humectant-rich moisturizing, perfect for combination and oily skin. It's also a great option for those with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures. As part of a moisturizing routine, it provides a humectant boost, beneficial for all skin types.
 
That said, there are some things about bareMinerals Ageless Genius Firming & Wrinkle Smoothing Serum worth noting.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering bareMinerals Ageless Genius Firming & Wrinkle Smoothing Serum is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, its anti-wrinkle efficacy is questionable. None of the ingredients in this product provide substantial evidence of their anti-wrinkle efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Isodecyl Neopentanoate
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Behenyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Dipeptide-15
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
Function:
Origin:
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Malpighia Punicifolia (Acerola) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Fagus Sylvatica Bud Extract
Function:
Origin:
Stearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Methyl Stearoyl Taurate
Function:
Origin:
Retinyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Batyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Laurate
Function:
Origin:
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Function:
Origin:
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Function:
Origin:
Arginine/Lysine Polypeptide
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Metaphosphate
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Function:
Origin:
Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 20
Function:
Origin:
Saccharide Hydrolysate
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Lauroyl Lysine
Function:
Origin:
Gold (CI 77480)
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Acetyl Hydroxyproline
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Mica
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77499)
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
12.2
6
4
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
5.1
3.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
6.3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 12.2 10
10.0
6
4
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 5.1 20
2.6
3.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
6.3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
4
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 12.2 10
10
All humectants
12.2
6
4
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
3
1.5
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 5.1 20
2.6
All occlusives
5.1
3.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Retinyl Palmitate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 0.9 3 No
All antioxidants
0.9
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
0.3
Malpighia Punicifolia (Acerola) Fruit Extract
0.3
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
All soothing 0.6 5 No
All soothing
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %70
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Propanediol
Est. %4
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Dimethicone
Est. %3
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Isodecyl Neopentanoate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Isodecyl NeopentanoateA super lightweight ester that softens the appearance of skin.
Squalane
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
SqualaneAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient compound that forms part of the skin’s sebum. The main source of squalane had always been shark liver. Now, however, it is manufactured synthetically or derived from plant oils, such as olive and peanut oil.
Glycerin
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Behenyl Alcohol
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Behenyl AlcoholA fatty alcohol with emollient properties. It is used as a co-emulsifier and thickener and tends to result in a product with a smooth and creamy application texture.
Dipeptide-15
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dipeptide-15

Description is coming soon

Silica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SilicaA widely used cosmetic ingredient with the same chemical composition as the sand found on beaches. A common function of silica is its ability to control viscosity. In certain chemical forms, it can effectively thicken cream-style products.
Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pentaerythrityl TetraethylhexanoateAn occlusive moisturizer and emollient with a good lubricity that leaves behind a glossy sheen after application. It can also control viscosity by thickening skincare products and act as a binding agent to hold pressed powdered products together.
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Calendula Officinalis Flower ExtractAn extract derived from the flowers of the pot marigold. Its yellow to bright orange flowers contain carotenoids, triterpenoids, and flavonoids. They all have fantastic anti-inflammatory activity and can help to soothe inflamed skin.
Malpighia Punicifolia (Acerola) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Malpighia Punicifolia (Acerola) Fruit ExtractObtained from one of the best sources of vitamin C in the entire plant kingdom - Acerola fruits - this antioxidant extract is packed with vitamin C as well as B vitamins, beta-carotene, and flavonoids.
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Panax Ginseng Root ExtractDerived from the roots of the Korean Ginseng, this extract contains a mixture of antioxidant and soothing ginsenosides which are proven to reduce inflammation and treat eczema. The root is a major part of Chinese traditional medicine.
Fagus Sylvatica Bud Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Fagus Sylvatica Bud Extract
Stearyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Stearyl AlcoholA natural fatty alcohol that thickens, stabilizes, and keeps emulsions a bright white color. It has many uses, the main one being as an emulsifier. It also acts as an opacifying agent and emollient.
Sodium Methyl Stearoyl Taurate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Methyl Stearoyl Taurate
Retinyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Retinyl Palmitate

An esterified form of retinol – it combines retinol and palmitic acid into one molecule. Retinyl palmitate is less irritating than retinol but lacks clinical proves of its anti-aging and acne-reducing efficacy.

Carbomer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarbomerA synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.
Batyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Batyl AlcoholA fatty alcohol that can co-emulsify and provide moisturization to the skin.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Sorbitan Laurate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan LaurateSorbitan laurate is a sugar-based emulsifier similar to sucrose palmitate. It keeps oil broken into small droplets throughout water because of its chemical shape and nature (this is how most oil-in-water emulsifiers work by the way). These kinds of emulsifiers are mild enough to even be used in food preparations.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1

A small peptide consisting of three amino acids with anti-wrinkle effects. Together with Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, it is a part of the popular anti-wrinkle complex called Matrixyl™ 3000.

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7

A synthetic peptide that mimics the activity of immunoglobulin G and signals to the skin to stop the inflammation. It has been shown in studies to reduce wrinkles and enhance collagen content.

Arginine/Lysine Polypeptide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Arginine/Lysine Polypeptide
Potassium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium HydroxideA very alkaline ingredient, meaning that it has a high pH. Potassium hydroxide is therefore useful in bringing a low pH in a cosmetic product up to a more neutral, skin-safe level.
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
Sodium Metaphosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium MetaphosphateA sodium salt that captures heavy metal ions and raises the pH.
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
HydroxyethylcelluloseA naturally-derived thickener that can form clear gel textures without the slimy feeling, unlike some other natural gel-formers.
Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl EsterA dipeptide-based ingredient claimed to stimulate elastin production and reduce the appearacne of wrinkles and sagging skin.
Polysorbate 20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 20A viscous, amber-colored liquid that functions as a solubilizer to disperse small amounts of oil into a large water phase. Polysorbate 20 is frequently used to solubilize fragrance oils into water-based emulsions.
Saccharide Hydrolysate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Saccharide Hydrolysate
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerA synthetic ingredient that is used to thicken water and alcohol. It results in a more lightweight formula and is commonly found in gel products.
Lauroyl Lysine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lauroyl LysineA synthetic insoluble powder that improves the texture of a product, leaving the skin silky smooth and absorbing oils and sweat.
Gold (CI 77480)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Gold (CI 77480)

A colorant used in skincare, typically processed into fine particles for uniform dispersion. Its luxurious hue enhances product aesthetics, while its role as a slip and surface modifier improves texture and application. Despite touted anti-aging benefits, definitive scientific evidence is lacking.

Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Acetyl Hydroxyproline
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acetyl Hydroxyproline
Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.
Limonene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Limonene

One of the most used fragrances in skincare products. It is produced from the peels of citrus fruits and has a fresh, pleasant, citrusy smell. People who are sensitive to citrus should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.

Linalool
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LinaloolA fragrant, volatile compound naturally present in many essential oils. It has a pleasant scent and is often used in skincare products as a fragrance. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Mica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MicaA mineral powder made up of silicates with several functions (the main one being as a colorant). It has a shimmery appearance, making it highly desirable in certain cosmetic products. Mica also helps the product to apply more smoothly.
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)One of two the most commonly used mineral sunscreens. It can absorb UV light, including UVB – which causes burning, tanning, and even skin cancer. Also used as a colorant, titanium dioxide gives a product a bright white color.
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)A red colorant also known as red iron oxide. This is an EU-approved colorant used in a wide variety of products.
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)Also known as iron (III) oxide, this ingredient is a yellow-colored pigment that can either be derived from minerals or produced synthetically. It adds yellow tones to cosmetic products.
Iron Oxides (CI 77499)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iron Oxides (CI 77499)A black colorant also known as black iron oxide used in a wide range of skincare products.