Lab Series MAX LS Age-Less Power V Lifting Cream in a premium dark jar
Supporting role for Aging
What Makes This Different

The triple-peptide strategy (acetyl hexapeptide-8, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, and palmitoyl oligopeptide) combined with ergothioneine and a creatine/ATP cellular energy complex makes this one of the most technically ambitious men's anti-aging creams on the market. The addition of acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester as a fourth peptide adds anti-inflammatory support.

Lab Series

Lab Series Skincare for Men MAX LS Age-Less Power V Lifting Cream Review

Premium Men's Anti-Aging
moisturizer cream clinical Paraben Free Not Cruelty Free

Lab Series' most technically ambitious product delivers a genuinely sophisticated peptide and antioxidant complex wrapped in a luxurious cream — but temper your expectations on the 'lifting' claims, because no jar of cream can defy gravity, no matter how many peptides it contains.

$66.00
1.7 oz / 50 ml · other sizes available
4.5 ★★★★★
350 reviews
Best for: dry normal
Launched 2014 Best for fall-winter PAO: 12 months
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Verdicts

How well it fits each concern

Verdict by concern tap a concern for the case

Supporting rolefor AgingNiacinamide has early evidence for aging, and hydration and barrier support is the recognised companion to treating it — a reasonable supporting choice, short of a recommendation.Moderate evidenceStandard tolerabilityNo reviews collected yet

The case for it

  1. Niacinamide has early or mechanistic evidence for this concern, not trial-backed standing.
  2. It is plausibly present at a working level, though the concentration is not declared.
  3. The formula carries no trigger this concern is sensitive to, with the cautions noted.

What would change this: A declared concentration would move this to a firmer reading of the dose.

Same rule for everyone. “Supporting role” is the verdict on 8,197 of 45,024 concern verdicts across the catalog; rule R8a decided 1,489 of them. Unchanged since September 5, 2026, engine 5.1.1.

Brand or formulator? Disclose a concentration or correct a fact →

Show the work
Rule
R8a — A plausible-tier active in a category with a supportive job: the sentence names the active instead of saying nothing targets the concern (the AmLactin / CeraVe SA case for keratosis pilaris, where no guideline and single trials leave the keratolytics at early evidence). · the full register
Carrying active
Niacinamide
Standing
plausible — trials support it
Form
plausible — studied range 4–5%, from the trials on the row; needs leave-on contact; judge it after ~8 weeks
Tolerability
standard
Row checked
against its sources on July 17, 2026 (evidence table ev-2026.09-r228)

The studies behind the evidence row

All aging products →
Supporting rolefor DrynessNothing here targets dryness directly; humectant and occlusive hydration is the recognised companion to treating it, and this cream does that without known triggers.Not yet assessedStandard tolerabilityNo reviews collected yet

The case for it

  1. Acetyl Glucosamine has no evidence row yet for this concern — it is in the research queue.
  2. The formula carries no trigger this concern is sensitive to, with the cautions noted.

Cautions: fragrance.

What would change this: A researched evidence row for the lead active would replace this with a verdict.

Same rule for everyone. “Supporting role” is the verdict on 8,197 of 45,024 concern verdicts across the catalog; rule R8 decided 4,250 of them. Unchanged since September 5, 2026, engine 5.1.1.

Brand or formulator? Disclose a concentration or correct a fact →

Show the work
Rule
R8 — The category's job (barrier care, humectant hydration, gentle cleansing, photoprotection) is the documented supportive role for this concern. This is the honest verdict for a moisturizer on an acne page. · the full register
Carrying active
Acetyl Glucosamine
Standing
not assessed
Form
plausible
Tolerability
standard — fragrance load
All dryness products →

Also listed for Dullness — the actives here (Acetyl Glucosamine, Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8) are in our research queue for that concern; there is no verdict until their evidence rows are written. That is a gap in our table, not a mark against the product.

Does the jobDoes what a moisturizer is for: draws in water, right weight for the job.

A verdict is DermApproved’s assessment of how well a product’s ingredients fit a concern — never a claim about what the product treats. Evidence dots and collected reviews sit beside it and are never blended in. Rules 0.5.1 · evidence table ev-2026.09-r228 · how we decide

Assessment

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ Four-peptide system addresses aging through multiple biological pathways simultaneously
  • ✓ Ergothioneine provides rare and targeted antioxidant protection at the cellular level
  • ✓ Creatine and ATP complex supports cellular energy for aging skin repair
  • ✓ Rich cream texture provides substantial hydration and barrier protection for dry mature skin
  • ✓ Immediate visible firming and luminosity from film-forming and light-reflecting ingredients
  • ✓ Comprehensive botanical antioxidant complex with berry, green tea, and resveratrol sources
  • ✓ Niacinamide and acetyl glucosamine add brightening and barrier-strengthening benefits

Cons

  • ✗ Premium price at approximately $66 for 1.7 oz is a significant commitment
  • ✗ Lifting and contouring claims are overstated for what a topical cream can achieve
  • ✗ Too rich for oily skin types particularly in warm humid weather
  • ✗ Contains fragrance and decorative colorants with no skincare function
  • ✗ Jar packaging exposes antioxidant-rich formula to oxidative degradation
Review

Full Review

There is a particular kind of audacity in marketing a cream that claims to lift and redefine facial contours. It is the skincare equivalent of promising that a pair of shoes will make you run faster. Lab Series, to their credit, approaches this audacity with more scientific ammunition than most — though whether that ammunition hits its target is the central question of this review.

The MAX LS Age-Less Power V Lifting Cream represents Lab Series' premium tier, launched around 2014 to compete in the luxury anti-aging space that was, at the time, almost exclusively occupied by women's brands. The 'Power V' concept is clever marketing rooted in a real observation: as men age, the strong V-shaped jawline of youth gradually softens into a U-shape as collagen degrades and subcutaneous fat redistributes. It is one of the most visible markers of male facial aging, and one that men are often aware of but unsure how to address.

There is a lingering folk belief that this doesn't really happen to men — that thicker, more collagen-dense male skin somehow exempts them from the slow structural surrender everyone else contends with. Men do start with more collagen. They also lose it steadily, year over year, without the sharp hormonal cliff that makes the decline so legible in women, which means the change creeps up quietly and then arrives all at once in the form of a jawline that photographs differently than it used to. The head start is real. The exemption is not.

The formula Lab Series has assembled to address it is genuinely impressive on paper. Four distinct peptides work through different mechanisms: acetyl hexapeptide-8 targets expression lines by modulating neurotransmitter release, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 reduces inflammatory cytokines that accelerate collagen breakdown, palmitoyl oligopeptide stimulates type I collagen and fibronectin production, and acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester provides additional anti-inflammatory support. It's not a token peptide inclusion — it is a multi-pathway approach that demonstrates real formulation ambition.

The antioxidant story is equally considered. Ergothioneine, the rare amino acid antioxidant that accumulates in cells via its own dedicated transporter, provides targeted protection where oxidative damage is occurring. It is complemented by resveratrol (via Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract), cranberry, blueberry, wolfberry, and green tea extracts, creating a broad-spectrum defense that addresses both prevention and repair. Caffeine and glycyrrhetinic acid sit further down the list, doing the quieter work of tightening and calming that nobody puts on the front of a box.

What sets the MAX LS apart from lighter Lab Series products is the cellular energy component. Creatine and disodium adenosine triphosphate directly support the energy currency of skin cells — as we age, cellular energy production declines, slowing every repair and renewal process. By supplementing ATP and its precursors topically, the formula attempts to reinvigorate aging skin cells from within. The science here is promising if not yet definitive in topical applications.

The base formula is built for men with drier, more mature skin. Paraffin and dimethicone create a substantial occlusive barrier, while isononyl isononanoate and murumuru seed butter add emollient richness. It's not a lightweight gel-cream — it is a proper cream with heft and presence on the skin. The texture is luxurious without being greasy, though it takes noticeably longer to absorb than the brand's lighter offerings, and in a humid August it will feel like considerably more product than anyone wants on their face. This is a cream that makes its case in November.

The immediate sensory experience is satisfying. A subtle tightening sensation emerges within minutes of application, courtesy of film-forming polymers that create a temporary lift effect on the skin surface. Mica and titanium dioxide add a barely perceptible luminosity that makes skin look healthier and more refined. These are cosmetic effects, but they are effective ones — your face genuinely looks firmer and more awake after application.

Now for the honest assessment of the 'lifting' claims. No topical product can physically reposition tissue that has sagged due to gravity and collagen loss. What this cream can do — and does do, over time — is improve the skin's overall firmness and elasticity through its peptide and collagen-stimulating complex. After six to eight weeks of consistent use, the skin feels denser, more resilient, and more toned. Whether this translates to a visible 'lifting' of the jawline depends on the severity of your sagging and the realism of your expectations. For mild to moderate laxity, the improvement is noticeable. For significant sagging, this cream is not going to replace a consultation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Tellingly, that gap between promise and delivery is the single most common complaint among the few hundred reviews on record — from people who otherwise like the cream a great deal.

The fragrance and colorants remain the usual Lab Series weak points. A cream at this price point, with this level of formulation sophistication, should be fragrance-free. The mica and titanium dioxide serve only an aesthetic purpose in the jar. There is also hydrolyzed whey protein in the mix, which is worth a beat of attention for anyone with a dairy sensitivity. And the jar itself — while premium and beautiful — continues to expose antioxidant-rich ingredients to air, which is an odd choice for a formula whose most interesting ingredients are the ones most eager to oxidize.

At approximately sixty-six dollars for 1.7 ounces, this is a significant investment. The ingredient list genuinely earns a premium — the four-peptide system, ergothioneine, creatine complex, and comprehensive botanical antioxidants represent real formulation cost. But men weighing this purchase against a retinol serum at half the price should know that retinol has a stronger evidence base for anti-aging than any peptide system currently available. The MAX LS excels at luxury experience and multi-pathway anti-aging support; it is not the most cost-efficient route to younger-looking skin. It is, however, a single jar that replaces a shelf of them, and for a man who will realistically only ever use one product, that consolidation is worth something the ingredient list alone cannot capture.

Formula

Key Ingredients

The hero actives that drive this product's performance.

IngredientFunctionEvidence
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 Part of a triple-peptide strategy alongside palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 and palmitoyl oligopeptide. While acetyl hexapeptide-8 targets expression lines by modulating neurotransmitter release, the other two peptides stimulate collagen synthesis and reduce inflammation — creating a three-pronged anti-aging approach. Not yet assessed
Ergothioneine A targeted antioxidant that accumulates in cells under oxidative stress via its dedicated OCTN1 transporter. In this rich cream matrix, it works alongside the berry antioxidants and resveratrol-source (Polygonum Cuspidatum) to protect against the collagen degradation that drives facial sagging. Not yet assessed
Niacinamide Supports barrier function and stimulates ceramide production, complementing the occlusive paraffin and dimethicone base to create both immediate and long-term moisture retention. Also contributes brightening benefits to counteract the dull, sallow complexion that often accompanies mature male skin. Limited for Aging
Acetyl Glucosamine Works with the niacinamide in this formula to promote gentle cell turnover and support the skin's structural matrix. The combination has been shown to improve hyperpigmentation more effectively than either ingredient alone. Not yet assessed
Creatine Supplies energy to skin cells by supporting ATP production, which is particularly relevant in aging skin where cellular energy declines. Paired with disodium adenosine triphosphate in this formula for a dual-pathway approach to cellular energy support. Not yet assessed
Full INCI List

Water/Aqua/Eau, Isononyl Isononanoate, Paraffin, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Octyldodecanol, Methyl Trimethicone, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Nylon-12, Acetyl Glucosamine, Hydrolyzed Oat Protein, Whey Protein/Lactis Protein/Proteine Du Petit-Lait, Coleus Forskohlii Root Extract, Citrullus Vulgaris (Watermelon) Fruit Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Lens Esculenta (Lentil) Fruit Extract, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Pisum Sativum (Pea) Extract, Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris (Bamboo) Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Myrtus Communis Leaf Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Silybum Marianum (Lady's Thistle) Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract, Lycium Chinense (Wolfberry) Fruit Extract, Sigesbeckia Orientalis (St. Paul's Wort) Extract, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Artemia Extract, Ergothioneine, Creatine, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Hydrolyzed Rice Extract, Disodium Adenosine Triphosphate, Niacinamide, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Isohexadecane, Yeast Extract/Faex/Extrait De Levure, Trehalose, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium PCA, Caffeine, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Laureth-3, Glucosamine HCl, Polypropylene, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, Carbomer, Sodium Lactate, Magnesium Sulfate, Silica, Polyethylene, Polysorbate 20, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Fragrance (Parfum), Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)

Safety & Formulation Facts
✓ Pregnancy Safe ✗ Fragrance Free✓ Alcohol Free✗ Oil Free✗ Silicone Free✓ Paraben Free✓ Sulfate Free✗ Cruelty Free✗ Vegan✗ Fungal Acne Safe
Comedogenic Ingredients
Isononyl IsononanoateParaffin
Potential Irritants
Fragrance (Parfum)
Common Allergens
Fragrance (Parfum)Whey Protein (dairy derivative)
Compatibility

Skin Match

Best For
Works For
Not Ideal For
Routine Step

moisturizer

Time of Day

AM & PM

Layering Tips

Apply as the closing step in your skincare routine after any serums. The rich texture may feel heavy under sunscreen for oily skin types — in that case, use only at night and switch to a lighter moisturizer in the morning.

Results Timeline

Immediate firming sensation and hydration from first application due to the film-forming and occlusive ingredients. Visible improvements in fine lines and skin firmness emerge at 4-6 weeks. Significant contouring and lifting effects, if achievable, require 8-12 weeks of consistent twice-daily use.

Pairs Well With
Vitamin C serumRetinol serumHydrating toner
Planning a combo? Check it against what you already use
Sample AM Routine
  1. Gentle cleanser
  2. Vitamin C serum
  3. Lab Series MAX LS Power V Lifting Cream
  4. Broad-spectrum SPF 30+
Sample PM Routine
  1. Gentle cleanser
  2. Retinol serum
  3. Lab Series MAX LS Power V Lifting Cream
Evidence

Science & Expert Perspective

The Science

The four-peptide architecture of this formula represents one of the more sophisticated anti-aging approaches in men's skincare. Acetyl hexapeptide-8 (Argireline) inhibits SNARE complex formation, reducing vesicle docking and neurotransmitter release at the neuromuscular junction — the same mechanism as botulinum toxin, though at substantially lower potency. A 2013 study in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology demonstrated significant wrinkle depth reduction with 10% argireline in a controlled trial.

Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 (Rigin) works through a complementary anti-inflammatory pathway, reducing interleukin-6 secretion that drives chronic low-grade inflammation in aging skin (inflammaging). When combined with palmitoyl oligopeptide, which activates fibroblasts to produce collagen types I, III, and fibronectin, the result is a dual signal: reduce the destruction of existing collagen while stimulating production of new collagen.

Ergothioneine deserves particular attention. This naturally occurring amino acid is transported into cells via OCTN1, a dedicated transporter that upregulates under oxidative stress. Research reported in Free Radical Biology and Medicine has shown that ergothioneine protects against UV-induced DNA damage, lipid peroxidation, and protein oxidation. Its presence here alongside the peptide system addresses the oxidative component of aging that peptides alone cannot.

The creatine and disodium adenosine triphosphate combination targets cellular energy. As skin ages, mitochondrial function declines, reducing ATP availability for repair and renewal processes. While the topical bioavailability of ATP itself is debated, creatine has been shown in studies published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology to improve wrinkle depth and skin sagging when applied topically over six weeks, likely by enhancing the phosphocreatine energy reserve that supports collagen synthesis.

The paraffin-based occlusive matrix, while not glamorous, is well-established in dermatological science as an effective moisture-locking strategy. By reducing transepidermal water loss, it creates conditions that favor the repair and renewal processes stimulated by the active ingredients above.

Dermatologist Perspective

Most dermatologists acknowledge that multi-peptide formulations represent a growing area of anti-aging science, though they are quick to note that the evidence base for peptides remains weaker than for retinoids and vitamin C. Dermatologists frequently recommend managing expectations with 'lifting' creams — the firming and densifying effects are real but modest compared to cosmetic procedures. The niacinamide, glycerin, and occlusive base receive strong dermatological support for barrier maintenance in mature skin. For men experiencing significant facial laxity, dermatologists would typically recommend this type of product as a complement to, not a replacement for, in-office treatments like radiofrequency, ultrasound, or injectable fillers.

Guidance

Usage & Recommendations

How to Use

Apply a pearl-sized amount to clean, dry skin in the morning and evening. Smooth over the face and neck using upward, lifting motions — while the massage technique won't structurally lift tissue, it does promote circulation and helps the cream absorb evenly. In the morning, wait 2-3 minutes for full absorption before applying sunscreen. The rich texture makes this particularly effective as a night cream. Can be layered over serums for enhanced anti-aging benefits.

Value Assessment

At approximately $66 for 1.7 ounces, this is Lab Series' most expensive daily moisturizer. The four-peptide system, ergothioneine, creatine complex, and extensive botanical lineup genuinely justify premium pricing — the formulation cost is real. However, men should weigh this against the fact that a prescription retinoid or an over-the-counter retinol serum at a fraction of the price has a stronger evidence base for collagen stimulation and wrinkle reduction. The MAX LS is best understood as a luxury multi-benefit treatment rather than the most cost-efficient anti-aging solution. For men who can afford it and prefer a single-product approach, the breadth of actives is impressive. Lab Series' Estée Lauder backing ensures quality formulation and manufacturing standards.

Who Should Buy

Men in their 40s and beyond with dry to normal skin who notice loss of firmness, deepening lines, and jawline softening. Ideal for those who want a premium, multi-benefit anti-aging moisturizer in a single step and are willing to invest in luxury skincare.

Who Should Skip

Men with oily or acne-prone skin who need lighter textures, anyone seeking dramatic lifting results that only procedures can deliver, and budget-conscious consumers who would get better anti-aging value from a retinol serum plus basic moisturizer.

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Details

Product Details

Texture

A rich, luxurious cream with a slight luminosity from the mica and titanium dioxide. Denser than the brand's gel-cream products but still absorbs reasonably well for its weight, leaving skin feeling firmed and cushioned.

Scent

A subtle, sophisticated fragrance that is more noticeable than the brand's lighter products but not overpowering.

Packaging

Premium dark jar with a heavy lid, consistent with the MAX LS line's luxury positioning. As with all jar packaging, the antioxidant-rich formula is exposed to air with each use.

Finish
satindewyvelvety
What to Expect on First Use

On first application, the cream provides an immediate tightening sensation as the film-forming ingredients create a subtle lift effect. Skin feels noticeably more hydrated and cushioned. The richer texture takes longer to absorb than lighter Lab Series products — about 1-2 minutes. No purging or adjustment period.

How Long It Lasts

About 2-3 months per unit applied morning and night to face and neck

Period After Opening

12 months

Opened yours? Track the toss-by date
Best Season

fall winter

Background

The Story Behind This Product

The MAX LS line represents Lab Series' premium tier, developed to compete with high-end anti-aging brands by offering men targeted lifting and firming benefits previously available only in women's luxury skincare. The 'Power V' concept references the V-shaped jawline associated with youthful male facial structure — a specific aging concern for men as the lower face loses definition with age.

About Lab Series Established Brand (5–20 years)

Lab Series launched in 1987 under The Estée Lauder Companies as one of the first brands dedicated exclusively to men's skincare. The MAX LS line represents the brand's premium anti-aging tier, leveraging Estée Lauder's extensive research infrastructure.

Brand founded: 1987 · Product launched: 2014
Myth vs. Reality

Common Myths

Myth

A cream can 'lift' sagging skin the way a surgical facelift does.

Reality

Topical creams cannot physically lift tissue against gravity. What they can do is temporarily tighten the skin surface through film-forming agents, improve firmness by stimulating collagen synthesis over time, and create a visually firmer appearance through hydration and plumping. The effect is real but modest compared to cosmetic procedures.

Myth

Men's skin doesn't sag or lose definition the way women's does.

Reality

Men's facial skin has more collagen initially but loses it at a steady rate throughout life. By their 50s and 60s, men often experience significant jowling and jawline softening. The loss of the V-shaped facial contour is one of the most visible signs of male facial aging.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Lab Series MAX LS Lifting Cream really lift the skin?

The cream provides an immediate tightening sensation from film-forming ingredients and can improve skin firmness over time through its triple-peptide and collagen-stimulating complex. However, the 'lifting' effect is cosmetic enhancement, not structural change — it works through hydration, surface tightening, and long-term collagen support rather than physically repositioning tissue.

Is Lab Series MAX LS Lifting Cream worth the price?

The ingredient list genuinely justifies premium pricing — the triple-peptide system, ergothioneine, creatine, and comprehensive botanical complex represent real formulation investment. Whether it's worth it depends on your budget and expectations. The anti-aging benefits are real but gradual, and comparable results might be achievable with a retinol product at a lower price point.

Can I use Lab Series MAX LS Lifting Cream with retinol?

Yes, the rich cream texture and barrier-supporting ingredients like niacinamide and glycerin can help buffer retinol irritation. Apply retinol first as a treatment, wait a few minutes for absorption, then apply the MAX LS cream on top to lock in moisture and support the skin's repair process overnight.

Is Lab Series MAX LS Lifting Cream too heavy for oily skin?

The paraffin and isononyl isononanoate base makes this a rich cream that may feel too heavy for oily skin, especially in warm weather. Men with oily skin interested in Lab Series' anti-aging benefits might prefer the lighter Rescue Water Gel Cream instead.

How long does it take to see results from Lab Series MAX LS Lifting Cream?

The immediate tightening and hydrating effect is felt from the first application. Visible improvements in fine lines and firmness typically appear at 4-6 weeks of consistent use. The full anti-aging and contouring benefits require 8-12 weeks of twice-daily application.

Reviews

What Reviewers Tend to Say

Recurring themes our editors read across retailer reviews of this product — summaries in our words, not quotations, and not a substitute for your own patch test.

Common Praise

Rich but absorbs well without feeling greasy on the skin

Noticeable improvement in skin firmness and hydration over time

Skin looks more plump and healthy with consistent use

Premium feel and elegant cream texture

Common Complaints

Premium price is difficult to justify for some users

Lifting and contouring claims feel overstated for a topical cream

Too rich for oily skin types especially in warm weather

Contains fragrance and colorants that add no skincare benefit

Related Conditions
agingdrynessdullness
Related Ingredients
peptidesergothioneineniacinamideacetyl glucosaminecaffeine