ageLOC® Tru Face® Essence Ultra (Canada)

ageLOC Tru Face Essence Ultra is Nu Skin's flagship anti-ageing peptide serum, built around Ethocyn — a patented compound clinically shown to increase elastin production by up to 166% in laboratory studies. Elastin is the protein responsible for skin's ability to snap back — the bounce, resilience, and firmness that visibly declines from your mid-30s onward. While most anti-ageing serums focus on collagen (structural support), Tru Face Essence Ultra targets the less-addressed but equally critical elastin network. In Nu Skin's clinical trials, participants using Tru Face showed visible improvements in facial firmness and contour definition within 8 weeks. For Canadians dealing with accelerated skin ageing from harsh winter conditions and UV reflection, Tru Face Essence Ultra addresses the elastin degradation that makes skin look and feel less resilient over time.

What Makes Tru Face Essence Ultra Different

The skincare market is saturated with collagen-boosting serums. Elastin gets far less attention — partly because it's harder to influence and partly because few brands have access to an ingredient that genuinely does it. Ethocyn is Nu Skin's answer to that gap.

Ethocyn (ethoxylated polyol compound) was originally developed for dermatological research and has been the subject of peer-reviewed studies demonstrating its effect on tropoelastin production — the precursor molecule that assembles into functional elastin fibres in the dermis. A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that Ethocyn application was associated with significant increases in elastin fibre density in treated skin.

Tru Face Essence Ultra delivers Ethocyn in a lightweight, single-dose capsule format. Each capsule contains a precisely measured dose in a silicone-based vehicle that spreads evenly across the face without the heavy, greasy feeling of many anti-ageing serums. The capsule format also protects the active ingredients from oxidation — once you twist open a capsule, you use the full dose immediately, ensuring fresh potency every application.

The ageLOC proprietary blend adds gene expression targeting to the Ethocyn foundation — influencing Youth Gene Clusters associated with skin firmness and elasticity at the genetic level, not just the protein-production level.

Key Ingredients

Ethocyn (patented): The star active. Research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology documented Ethocyn's ability to promote elastin production in dermal fibroblasts. A 166% increase in tropoelastin production was observed in cell culture studies — a magnitude of effect rare in cosmetic-grade ingredients.

ageLOC Proprietary Blend: Targets Youth Gene Clusters specifically associated with skin firmness and structural protein production. While Ethocyn works at the protein-production level, ageLOC works at the gene expression level — two complementary approaches to the same goal.

Squalane-Based Vehicle: The capsule delivers Ethocyn in a squalane-rich base that provides emollient benefits while facilitating ingredient penetration. Squalane is biocompatible with the skin's own sebum, ensuring rapid absorption without occluding pores.

How to Use

Twist open one capsule and apply the contents to clean, dry face and neck, morning and/or evening. One capsule covers the full face and neck. Gently press and pat the serum into skin — don't rub vigorously, as the active ingredients need contact time rather than mechanical distribution.

Apply after cleansing and toning, before moisturizer. If using with LumiSpa iO, cleanse first with LumiSpa, apply Tru Face, then follow with your moisturizer. If using with the Galvanic Spa, apply Tru Face immediately after galvanic treatment when skin permeability is temporarily elevated.

Canadian winter tip: the squalane base is lightweight enough for morning use under SPF and makeup, even in dry heated indoor environments. It doesn't pill or ball up under subsequent products — a common complaint with heavier serum formulas.

For best results, use consistently for a minimum of 8 weeks. Elastin remodelling is a slow biological process — expect gradual, cumulative improvements rather than overnight transformation.

How It Compares

These are genuinely different products serving different primary purposes. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is the gold standard for antioxidant protection — if your primary concern is UV damage prevention, it's exceptional. Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair is a versatile night-time recovery serum. Tru Face Essence Ultra is the only option here that specifically targets elastin production. For comprehensive anti-ageing, you might use a vitamin C serum in the morning (antioxidant defence) and Tru Face in the evening (elastin building), rather than choosing one over the other.

Who Is This For

If you're noticing that your skin doesn't bounce back the way it used to — pressing a fingertip against your cheek and watching it slowly return rather than snapping back — that's elastin degradation. Tru Face targets this specific protein, which most other anti-ageing products ignore entirely.

If you're 35+ and investing in a multi-product skincare routine, Tru Face fills a gap that cleansers, moisturizers, and even retinol don't address. Retinol boosts collagen (structure). Tru Face boosts elastin (resilience). They're complementary, not competing.

If you've noticed accelerated skin ageing after Canadian winters — the combination of UV reflection off snow, freeze-thaw cycles, and indoor heating creates elastin-damaging oxidative stress — Tru Face addresses the elastin repair side of that damage.

Not recommended on broken or irritated skin. Patch test if you have very reactive skin, though the squalane base is generally well-tolerated across skin types. Avoid the eye area (use IdealEyes instead for the delicate periorbital zone).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I purchase ageLOC Tru Face Essence Ultra in Canada?

Order from nubestskin.com — no registration required. Ships from the official Nu Skin Canada warehouse. Standard shipping: CA$2.99, free over CA$79. Delivery: 3–5 business days across Canada.

Q: How many capsules are in a bottle?

60 capsules per bottle. At one capsule per day, that's a 2-month supply. At twice daily (morning and evening), it's a 1-month supply. Most people use one capsule daily in the evening for cost-effective long-term use.

Q: Can I use Tru Face with retinol?

Yes — Tru Face targets elastin while retinol targets collagen and cell turnover. They address different aspects of skin ageing. Apply retinol first (it needs direct skin contact), wait 5 minutes, then apply Tru Face. If your skin is retinol-sensitive, use them on alternate evenings rather than layering.

Q: How long before I see firming results?

Initial texture improvements (smoother, more supple feel) typically appear within 2–3 weeks. Visible firming and improved facial contour definition develop over 6–8 weeks. Full elastin remodelling results are best assessed at 12 weeks of consistent use.

Q: Is there a refill option?

Yes — the ageLOC Tru Face Essence Ultra Refill Pouch (CA$153) provides 60 capsules at a lower price than the original bottle, reducing packaging waste.

Works With

ageLOC LumiSpa iO: Cleanse with LumiSpa first (improves product absorption by 60%), then apply Tru Face to the freshly cleansed, optimally prepared skin surface.

ageLOC Boost System: Use Boost's microcurrent treatment, then apply Tru Face immediately after — the temporary increase in skin permeability from microcurrent enhances Ethocyn delivery to the dermis.

Beauty Focus Collagen+: Collagen (structure) + elastin (resilience) = comprehensive skin firmness support. Collagen+ works from the inside; Tru Face works from the outside. Together, they address both structural proteins simultaneously.

Important Information

Important Information: For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes. If irritation occurs, discontinue use and consult a healthcare practitioner. Patch test recommended before first use. Individual results may vary based on skin type and consistent use.

NuBest Skin is an Independent Nu Skin Brand Affiliate. This content is not produced or endorsed by Nu Skin Enterprises Inc.

Sources & References

Watson, R. E. B., et al. (1999). Repair of photoaged dermal matrix by topical application of a cosmetic 'antiageing' product. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 40(6), 994–998.

Sami, N. (2016). Clinical assessment of a product containing ethocyn in the treatment of facial skin ageing. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 15(4), 424–430.

Nu Skin Enterprises. (2024). ageLOC Tru Face Essence Ultra — Elastin Production and Clinical Firmness Data.

Reviewed by the NuBest Skin Editorial Team. Last updated: April 2026.