Jenni Kayne’s Oak Essentials is stepping into high-performance territory with its latest launch. The brand’s new Firming Plant Peptide Serum ($98) goes beyond clean-beauty basics, introducing groundbreaking firming, wrinkle-busting technology to the natural skin-care space.
“This serum marks an entrance into the world of serious skin care for Oak Essentials, and doing so with ingredient technology no other brand has used yet felt right,” explains Kim Price, chief operating officer of Oak Essentials. Ahead, everything to know about the game-changing launch.
What Makes it Different?
What sets this formula apart is its sustainable, stem cell–powered approach that harnesses “the power of bio-based and stem-cell peptides, delivered deep into the skin through lipid-based exosome carriers,” says Price. The star ingredient, tiger plant stem cells, “contains 558 unique peptides that work at the dermal level to stimulate collagen production and promote firmer and more resilient skin.” These powerful actives are transported via lipid-based exosome carriers that act as protective delivery systems, Price explains, ensuring the ingredients penetrate beyond the surface for maximum effectiveness.
The serum also features a thoughtfully curated blend of natural powerhouses including upcycled apple, pea and Celtic marine plankton into the formula. The upcycled apple extract, rich in AHAs, provides “an instant plumping effect while enhancing skin strength and elasticity over time,” while the highly bioavailable pea peptide “supports skin elasticity, reduces the appearance of wrinkles and enhances hydration for a plumper, more radiant complexion.”
The Celtic marine plankton, which Price describes as so abundant that “in its natural habitat can actually be seen from space,” is rich in essential nutrients and the building blocks of hyaluronic acid, working to instantly “fill and smooth” fine lines while delivering deep hydration.
Backed by Clinicals
The formula has undergone rigorous testing “through ex-vivo skin graft studies using fluorescent technology to confirm that the peptides successfully reach the deeper layers of the skin.” In an extensive 50-participant study conducted over 12 weeks, “76 percent of participants said that the appearance of deep-set wrinkles had improved after 12 weeks of daily use,” with Price noting that “the results were much better than we had even anticipated.” Perhaps most impressive is the serum’s immediate impact, showing “a 29 percent reduction in wrinkles 15 minutes after application” on a lab-grown skin sample.
Innovation First
The timing of this launch wasn’t arbitrary. As Price explains, “We don’t launch products just because a calendar tells us to—we look for true innovation that enhances both the efficacy and experience of skin care.” The discovery of the groundbreaking peptide technology last spring, particularly the tiger plant stem cell exosome technology, sparked the creation of this serum, with the team working quickly to bring it to market.
Throughout the development process, Oak Essentials maintained its unwavering commitment to clean formulations. “We remain dedicated to never compromising on our values, which is why we would never introduce synthetic peptides into our line. Instead, we prioritize bio-based, high-performance ingredients that deliver real results while staying true to our ethos of clean, intentional skin care.”
Oak Essentials’ Firming Plant Peptide Serum ($98) is available to shop now at Ulta Beauty and OakEssentials.com.
