SkinMedica’s TNS Serum has received lofty and exceptional reviews from its customers. It is also a recipient of many awards.
However, is SkinMedica TNS Serum safe? Does it really work magic on your skin? Do you want to invest in your skin with the exorbitantly priced TNS Serum?
What we found is that the product certainly makes you look younger – it works. However, it is not FDA-approved and comes with potential health risks.
Read on to know more.
Table of Contents
SkinMedica TNS Serum Ingredients
TNS stands for Tissue Nutrient Solution, which is a combination of several growth factors and other components like matrix proteins, cytokines, and antioxidants. These ingredients provide naturally occurring proteins to the skin and stimulate collagen production.
Besides TNS, the product includes another chamber of ingredients that consists of peptides and botanicals sourced from French flax seeds, green microalgae, fruits, whey protein, and marine extracts.
The chemical composition of the ingredients is extensive. Glycerin, human fibroblast conditioned media, aqua, pentylene glycol, sodium citrate, xanthan gum, dextran, disodium EDTA, tocopheryl acetate, and lecithin are some of them.
Few other products in the anti-aging serum category that compete with SkinMedica TNS serum are SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense, Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum, PCA Skin Rejuvenating Serum, and Eminence Firm Skin Acai Booster Serum.
SkinMedica TNS Serum Side Effects
There are very few reports of side effects occurring from the use of SkinMedica TNS Serum. The most prevalent side effect is a mild allergic reaction such as skin irritation, swelling, and redness – not really a beauty spot to flaunt!
Does SkinMedica TNS Serum have Vitamin C?
The TNS Essential Serum contains Vitamin C. However, the Advanced Serum variant does not have any Vitamin C derivatives. Therefore, the Advanced formula is safe for you if your skin is allergic to the acidic element of Vitamin C.
Does SkinMedica TNS Serum have retinol?
SkinMedica TNS contains retinol, which is another name for vitamin A. This fat-soluble vitamin promotes collagen production and irons out fine lines and wrinkles on the skin.
Excessive use of retinol can cause dryness, irritation, and skin color changes.
Does SkinMedica TNS Serum contain Parabens?
SkinSAFE has reviewed and found that the ingredients of SkinMedica TNS Serum do not contain parabens.
Paraben is a kind of preservative used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. It acts like the hormone estrogen and impedes normal hormonal functions. It can also cause the skin to crack and develop painful rashes.
Does SkinMedica TNS Serum cause cancer?
Let’s start with a fundamental insight. TNS Serum contains Human Fibroblast Conditioned Media (HFCM) as an active ingredient. HFCM is a medium-long amino acid sequence that stimulates cell growth and healing. It is derived from cultures of human adipose-derived stem cells.
Cosmetic companies are understood to secure the growth media from baby foreskin cells, urine, snail extracts, and even aborted babies. The use of growth factors in cosmetic products is found to pose several health risks, including cancer.
SkinMedica claims that it has grown these cells from stem cells of a single baby foreskin from 20 years ago!
TNS Essential Serum is relatively less carcinogenic as it consists of 380 growth factors. TNS Advanced Serum may be riskier with 450 growth factors.
It is important to mention here that SkinMedica and Allergan Incorporated, its parent company, were defendants in a lawsuit filed by consumers back in 2014.
Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLC, the law firm representing the consumer group, had alleged that TNS Serum has been misbranded and inappropriately marketed as a cosmetic. The product, as per the lawsuit, should be categorized as a drug as it contains human growth factors that have health risks, including cancer.
Allergan Inc. had settled the case ahead of the class motion.
Does SkinMedica TNS Serum cause acne?
SkinMedica TNS is a collagen-stimulating skincare product. Its ingredients facilitate the growth of collagen even under the skin. This will help in the elimination of acne and acne scars.
You can use TNS Serum without any apprehension about acne.
Does SkinMedica TNS Serum really work?
Yes, TNS Serum indeed makes your skin healthier, reduces wrinkles, and enhances skin tone. It could be your key to defying aging.
An overwhelming majority of consumers rate the product positively. While noticeable results are generally observed in 30 days, optimum results occur within 90 days of using the serum.
As per clinical studies, TNS Advanced Serum has been shown to improve sagging skin in 8-12 weeks, with users feeling six years younger.
How long does SkinMedica TNS Serum last?
The results you derive from the TNS Serum will last for about 24 weeks. If you are going to use TNS Essential twice a day, a bottle could last about 30 days. A bottle of TNS Advanced could last 8-12 weeks with similar use.
Is SkinMedica TNS Serum medical grade?
SkinMedica TNS Serum is not a medical-grade product and is available Over-The-Counter without a prescription. This also implies that TNS Serum is permitted to use only the ingredients allowed for OTC use.
Is SkinMedica TNS Serum vegan and cruelty-free?
SkinMedica TNS contains human fibroblast conditioned media as an active ingredient. According to the company, this growth media is derived from cultures of baby foreskin cells. Therefore, it is debatable to label TNS Serum as a vegan product.
However, all SkinMedica products are cruelty-free. None of the company’s products are tested on animals.
Is SkinMedica TNS Serum FDA approved?
No, SkinMedica TNS Serum products are not FDA approved. The company also claims that such approval is not essential. Likewise, it does not provide product information on the label as mandated by the FDA.
Does SkinMedica TNS Serum expire?
SkinMedica products do not have an expiry date. There is no information regarding the expiration date on the box.
According to Allergan Inc, SkinMedica TNS serums expire two years from the date of manufacture. It is also believed that the product continues to be efficient even beyond two years.
Can you use SkinMedica TNS Serum when pregnant?
It may not be safe to use TNS Serum when pregnant owing to the presence of retinol. The component can have a serious effect on the fetus. It can even cause birth defects, premature delivery, and miscarriage.
At the same time, it is worth mentioning that the chemical is present in such small quantities that it may technically still be okay. But that’s not a risk you may want to take.
Further, the presence of many other chemicals and human growth factors in the serum can have serious side effects if you are pregnant.
References:
- https://www.skinmedica.com/us/skin-concern/texture/96395.html
- https://incidecoder.com/products/skinmedica-tns-essential-serum
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