Olay Total Effects vs Regenerist

So, you've decided you want to try one of Olay's best-selling anti-aging products, but you can't quite figure out what the differences are? We've all been there, don't worry!

Come with us as we compare Olay's famed Total Effects and Regenerist moisturizers side-by-side to help you decide which is right for you. Enjoy!

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Olay Total Effects vs Olay Regenerist

When it comes to anti-aging lotions, serums, and other potions, why spend hundreds when you needn’t look further than your nearby pharmacy?

A longtime stud in the skincare game, Olay’s brand has aged like fine wine with regards to delivering formulas that truly do it all. Two lines in particular—Total Effects and Regenerist—have arguably reached cult status among Olay users for their optimal effects. But before you decide to try both lines for yourself, let’s break down the details for each.

Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Day Moisturizer is a non-comedogenic multitasker infused with antioxidants such as Vitamin B3 (AKA Niacinamide), Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Pro-Vitamin B5. This first-rate formulation works to provide ample hydration for a plump, glowy finish, while also lightly exfoliating. What’s more is that this daytime moisturizer lends broad spectrum SPF 15 UVA/UVB protection. Its night shift counterpart—Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Night Moisturizer—contains almost identical ingredients for similar results, but, of course, doesn’t include SPF. Lastly, this nourishing twosome is best for those with dry, oily, or combination skin.

On the other hand, Olay’s Regenerist Day Face Cream claims to penetrate the skin’s surface to offer intense hydration for overall skin texture improvement. Olay credits Vitamin B3 and Amino Peptides for optimizing surface cell renewal for drastic results in just 28 days. The day cream’s nighttime reinforcement—Olay Regenerist Night Face Cream—is also a moisture-binding solution that helps skin cells to recover as you sleep. Given the density of both, this cream is best for those with normal, dry, or oily skin types.

In my experience, Olay's Total Effects was impressively light for an SPF-infused moisturizer, absorbing quickly without residue, ideal for daily use. The night version balanced hydration well without greasiness. The Regenerist line, on the other hand, felt richer. The day cream noticeably plumped fine lines, while the night cream provided deep hydration, leaving my skin softer by morning. For lightweight, everyday hydration, Total Effects works well, but for more intensive moisture and anti-aging benefits, especially in colder months, I’d lean towards Regenerist.

One of the most notable differences between the two lines is their packaging. The Olay Total Effects moisturizers come in a bottle with a dispenser pump, while the Olay Regenerist creams come in jars.

Now, even though both claim to be good for dry skin types, denser formulas tend to be put in jars as they’re too thick for a pump. I’ve learned from fellow skincare aficionados and aestheticians to opt for creams in jars versus those in bottles when looking for something super moisturizing. So, it follows that the Regenerist range would be the better choice for those with especially dry skin, particularly during the colder and drier months. (But use your own discretion, of course!)

Moreover, we’d also like to note that according to Ethical Elephant, Olay does not claim to be cruelty-free or vegan. (They do have some vegan-friendly options, though.) Evidently, they allow their products or ingredients to be tested on animals when required by law (including when selling in stores in mainland China). Their parent company, Procter & Gamble, also does not explicitly say they are cruelty-free.

Total Effects 7 in 1 Day Cream by Olay

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Our rating: ★★★★★

Price: $$$$

Day cream to nourish and protect.

What makes it special? One step to nourished & protected skin! This multitasking moisturiser delivers on 7 skin benefits in one simple step: it hydrates, boosts glow, evens skin tone appearance, minimises the look of pores, smooths & plumps, reduces the look of fine lines & wrinkkles and provides environmental protection.

Which skin types? For all skin types.

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Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream by Olay

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Our rating: ★★★★★

Price: $$$$

Designed to deliver moisture 10 layers deep into the skin's surface.

What makes it special? "The Red Jar" – known to many as their go-to, nonnegotiable face moisturizer with over 50 million jars sold, Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Face Cream is designed to visibly diminish wrinkles & fine lines starting day 1. Used as the last step in your routine, this luxurious-feeling moisturizer leaves skin hydrated, softens the look of fine lines and wrinkles and firms the look of skin with plumping hydration.

Which skin types? For all skin types.

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This article was originally published on October 25th 2022, but it has been reviewed and updated with the latest available information on February 19th 2024 by Sara Mckay, MA.