ageLOC® Tru Face® Essence Ultra (NZ)

ageLOC Tru Face Essence Ultra is Nu Skin's flagship peptide firming serum, clinically shown to visibly reduce fine lines in 100% of study participants within four weeks and improve skin firmness by 19% in the first week. It targets the structural proteins — collagen and elastin — that give skin its bounce and lift, using the Ethocyn compound alongside ageLOC anti-ageing technology. At NZ$225 for 60 capsules (a 30-day supply of individually sealed doses), it's a premium treatment serum that delivers measurable firming results.

What Makes Tru Face Essence Ultra Different

Most "firming" serums rely on temporary tightening agents — ingredients that contract the skin surface to create an illusion of firmness that washes off. Tru Face Essence Ultra works differently: it supports your skin's actual production of elastin, the protein responsible for skin's ability to snap back. Collagen gets all the attention, but elastin is what prevents sagging.

The star ingredient is Ethocyn — a compound specifically researched for its effect on elastin production. In clinical testing, Ethocyn demonstrated the ability to increase the elastin content in skin by up to 200% in laboratory conditions. Real-world results are more modest but still significant: Nu Skin's clinical study showed 86% of participants reported visibly lifted, more revitalised skin after four weeks of use.

The individually sealed capsules aren't just convenient packaging — they protect the active ingredients from oxidation. Peptides and certain botanical actives degrade when exposed to air and light over time. Each capsule delivers a fresh, full-potency dose regardless of when in the bottle's life you use it. This is a genuine advantage over pump or dropper bottles where the last dose is always less potent than the first.

ageLOC technology adds gene expression targeting to the formula, addressing the Youth Gene Clusters associated with skin ageing. This means Tru Face Essence Ultra doesn't just provide firming ingredients — it supports the gene expression patterns that keep your skin producing its own structural proteins at youthful levels.

Key Ingredients

Ethocyn: A patented compound that specifically targets elastin production. Unlike most anti-ageing ingredients that focus on collagen, Ethocyn addresses the less-discussed but equally critical protein responsible for skin elasticity and snap-back. Clinical research demonstrated significant improvement in skin elastin content with consistent use.

ageLOC blend: Nu Skin's proprietary combination targeting Youth Gene Clusters related to skin ageing. This addresses the gene expression patterns that cause skin to produce less collagen and elastin as you age — treating the cause, not just the symptoms.

Plant-derived squalane: A lightweight lipid that mimics your skin's natural oils, providing moisture without heaviness. Squalane helps the active peptides penetrate evenly and keeps skin soft and smooth throughout the day.

Vitamin E (tocopherol): A fat-soluble antioxidant that protects the delicate active ingredients and supports skin cell membrane integrity. Within each sealed capsule, vitamin E also acts as a natural preservative.

How to Use

Twist open one capsule and apply the serum to clean, dry skin — face and neck — morning and evening. One capsule per application, two per day. Gently press and pat the serum into skin rather than rubbing — this maximises absorption without creating friction.

In New Zealand's high-UV environment, always follow the morning application with sunscreen. Tru Face Essence Ultra supports skin repair and elastin production, but UV exposure breaks down collagen and elastin faster than any product can rebuild it. The serum and sunscreen work as a team: one repairs, the other prevents further damage.

For Kiwis with skin that's been through years of NZ sun — even with reasonable sun protection — the cumulative UV damage has likely reduced your skin's elastin reserves. Tru Face Essence Ultra specifically addresses this depletion. Expect initial improvements in skin softness and bounce within 1-2 weeks, with more significant firming results emerging over 4-8 weeks.

How It Compares

Antipodes is an excellent NZ brand with a strong sustainability story, and its serums are well-formulated for hydration and brightening at an accessible price. Skinceuticals C E Ferulic is the gold standard for antioxidant serums but focuses on protection and brightening rather than firming. Tru Face Essence Ultra fills a different niche: it's specifically designed for elastin support and structural firming. If your concern is sagging and loss of bounce rather than dullness, it targets that need more directly than either alternative.

Who Is This For

If you're in your 40s or 50s and noticing that your skin doesn't bounce back the way it used to — jawline softening, cheeks losing their definition, skin that stays creased longer after you sleep — Tru Face Essence Ultra targets the elastin deficit behind those changes.

If you've been diligent about sunscreen and moisturiser but feel like your skin is still losing firmness, you've likely addressed hydration and protection without addressing the structural protein decline. This serum fills that gap.

If you're investing in the ageLOC Galvanic Spa or Boost device, Tru Face Essence Ultra pairs exceptionally well as the treatment serum your device drives deeper into the skin.

This might not be your first priority if your main concern is dullness or pigmentation (a vitamin C serum like Antipodes or Skinceuticals would be more targeted). And at NZ$225/month, it's a commitment — if budget is limited, the Tru Face Uplifting Cream provides some firming benefits at a lower price point, though without the concentrated Ethocyn delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I buy Tru Face Essence Ultra in New Zealand?

Order from nubestskin.com — no membership needed. All orders ship from the official Nu Skin New Zealand warehouse. Standard shipping: NZ$4.99, free on orders over NZ$99. Typical delivery: 2-5 business days within New Zealand.

Q: How long does the 60-capsule bottle last?

At two capsules per day (morning and evening), one bottle lasts 30 days. Each capsule contains exactly one application's worth — no guessing how much to dispense.

Q: Can I use it with other serums?

Yes. Apply Tru Face Essence Ultra first (it's lightweight and absorbs quickly), then layer other treatments and moisturisers on top. It plays well with retinol products, vitamin C serums, and hyaluronic acid — just apply from thinnest to thickest consistency.

Q: Is it worth the price compared to pharmacy serums?

Tru Face Essence Ultra does something most serums don't: target elastin production specifically. If your concern is general skin health, a good pharmacy serum covers the basics. If your specific concern is loss of firmness and skin elasticity, this serum addresses that need more directly than products designed for hydration, brightening, or general anti-ageing.

Q: What results can I realistically expect?

Week 1: softer, smoother skin texture. Weeks 2-4: improved skin bounce and resilience. Weeks 4-8: visible firming, particularly around the jawline and cheeks. 100% of clinical study participants saw fine line reduction by week four. Results require consistent twice-daily use.

Works With

ageLOC Tru Face Essence Ultra Uplifting Cream — Apply the serum first, then the cream. The serum delivers concentrated Ethocyn; the cream provides a peptide-rich moisturising layer that seals in the actives and adds additional firming support. Available on our New Zealand store.

ageLOC Boost System — Apply Tru Face Essence Ultra after a Boost microcurrent session. The microcurrent opens pathways for deeper serum penetration, amplifying the Ethocyn delivery. Available on our New Zealand store.

Beauty Focus Collagen+ — Tru Face targets elastin from the outside; Collagen+ supports collagen from the inside. Together, they address both structural proteins for comprehensive anti-ageing skin support. Available on our New Zealand store.

Important Information

Important Information: For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes. If irritation occurs, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional. Patch test recommended before first use. In New Zealand's high-UV environment, always use SPF protection alongside any skincare routine. 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

1. Nu Skin. ageLOC Tru Face Essence Ultra clinical study: 4-week controlled trial — fine line reduction and firmness improvement data, 2023.

2. Watson REB, et al. Damage to skin extracellular matrix induced by UV exposure. Antioxidants & Redox Signaling. 2014;21(7):1063-1077.

3. Nusgens BV, et al. Stimulation of collagen and elastin synthesis in human dermal fibroblasts. Experimental Dermatology. Published clinical documentation.

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