ageLOC Tru Face Essence Ultra (South Africa)

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 that gives skin its snap-back resilience, the bounce that visibly declines from your mid-30s. While most anti-ageing serums focus on collagen (structural support), Tru Face targets the equally critical but far less addressed elastin network. In Nu Skin's clinical trials, participants showed visible improvements in facial firmness and contour definition within 8 weeks. For South Africans dealing with accelerated skin ageing from the country's intense UV environment — which degrades both collagen AND elastin — Tru Face addresses the protein that keeps skin resilient, not just firm.

What Makes Tru Face Essence Ultra Different

South Africa has a world-class skincare industry — Environ (founded by Dr Des Fernandes in Cape Town) and Lamelle are among the best dermatological skincare brands globally. Tru Face competes with this calibre of product, and its differentiation is specific: Ethocyn is one of the very few ingredients with published evidence for stimulating elastin production, not just collagen.

Ethocyn (ethoxylated polyol compound) was originally developed for dermatological research. 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. A separate study documented the 166% increase in tropoelastin production (the precursor molecule) in cell culture.

The single-dose capsule format protects the active ingredients from oxidation — twist open a capsule and use the full dose immediately. No air exposure between uses means fresh potency with every application. The squalane-based vehicle spreads evenly without greasiness, suitable for South Africa's varied climates — lightweight enough for Durban's humidity, nourishing enough for Joburg's dry Highveld air.

The ageLOC gene expression blend adds Youth Gene Cluster targeting for skin firmness, working at the genetic level alongside Ethocyn's protein-production mechanism.

Key Ingredients

Ethocyn (patented): Promotes elastin production — 166% increase in tropoelastin production documented in laboratory studies. One of the few cosmetic-grade ingredients with published evidence for elastin (not just collagen) stimulation.

ageLOC Proprietary Blend: Targets firmness-related Youth Gene Clusters at the gene expression level, complementing Ethocyn's protein-production mechanism.

Squalane Vehicle: Biocompatible with skin's natural sebum for rapid absorption. Works in both humid (Durban) and dry (Johannesburg) conditions without feeling heavy or greasy.

How to Use

Twist open one capsule and apply to clean, dry face and neck, morning and/or evening. One capsule covers the full face and neck. Gently press and pat into skin — don't rub vigorously. Apply after cleansing and toning, before moisturiser.

South Africa's UV intensity degrades elastin year-round. In Johannesburg (1,753m altitude, UV ~20% stronger than sea level), even winter sun damages elastin fibres. In Cape Town, the dry, windy summer months (December–February) combine UV with dehydration stress. In Durban, humidity helps hydration but UV exposure at the subtropical coast is relentless. Whatever your climate zone, elastin protection is a year-round need.

Use consistently for minimum 8 weeks — elastin remodelling is a slow biological process. Results are gradual and cumulative.

How It Compares

Feature	Tru Face Essence Ultra	Environ AVST (Step-Up System)	Lamelle Correctives Vita-C
Primary Target	Elastin (Ethocyn)	Vitamin A / Retinol (collagen + cell turnover)	Vitamin C (antioxidant + collagen)
Patented Active	Ethocyn (elastin-specific)	AVST vitamin A complex	L-ascorbic acid complex
Gene Expression	Yes (ageLOC)	No	No
Format	Single-dose capsules (fresh per use)	Pump bottle	Pump bottle
SA-Specific Advantage	Elastin repair for UV damage	Cell renewal for UV damage	Antioxidant for UV damage
Price	R1,750/60 capsules	~R900–1,400/bottle	~R600–900/bottle

Environ and Lamelle are genuinely excellent — they're world-class South African brands that any dermatologist would recommend. The comparison here isn't "better or worse" but "different targets." Environ's AVST focuses on vitamin A for cell renewal and collagen. Lamelle's Vita-C delivers antioxidant protection and collagen support. Tru Face is the only option that specifically targets elastin production. In an ideal routine, you might use a vitamin C serum morning (Lamelle), Tru Face evening (elastin), with Environ's AVST integrated on alternate evenings. They address different aspects of UV-induced ageing.

Who Is This For

If you're noticing that your skin doesn't bounce back the way it used to — press a fingertip against your cheek and watch it slowly return rather than snapping back — that's elastin degradation. South Africa's UV environment accelerates this process compared to less sun-intense climates.

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

If you've built a routine with South African brands like Environ or Lamelle and want to add elastin support — something neither brand specifically targets — Tru Face integrates smoothly as a specialist treatment step.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I buy Tru Face Essence Ultra in South Africa?

Order from nubestskin.com — no registration required. Ships from the official Nu Skin South Africa warehouse. Standard shipping: R99, free on orders over R1,999. Delivery: 3–7 business days.

Q: Is R1,750 reasonable for 60 capsules?

At 1 capsule per day (evening use), that's a 2-month supply — roughly R29 per day. Given that Environ AVST costs R900–1,400 per bottle (also ~2 months), and Lamelle serums are R600–900, Tru Face sits within the premium South African skincare price range. It's a specialist product (elastin-specific) rather than a general anti-ageing serum.

Q: Can I use this with Environ or Lamelle products?

Yes — Tru Face targets elastin, which neither Environ nor Lamelle specifically addresses. Apply your vitamin A or vitamin C serum first, then layer Tru Face on top. Alternatively, alternate evenings.

Q: How long before I see firming results?

Texture improvements within 2–3 weeks. Visible firming at 6–8 weeks. Full elastin remodelling results at 12 weeks of consistent use.

Q: Is there a refill option?

Check nubestskin.com for current refill pouch availability in the South African store.

Works With

ageLOC LumiSpa iO: Cleanse with LumiSpa first (clinically shown to improve product absorption by 60%), then apply Tru Face to freshly cleansed skin for enhanced Ethocyn penetration.

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

Beauty Focus Collagen+: Collagen (structure) + elastin (resilience) = comprehensive skin firmness from both directions. Collagen+ from the inside; Tru Face from the outside.

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. South Africa's high UV levels mean broad-spectrum SPF protection is essential alongside any skincare routine, regardless of skin tone. 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 product. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 40(6), 994–998.

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

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