The Beauty Librarian

What Attracted Me to the Line:  I have seen probiotics do amazing things for health when taken internally, so the idea of applying them topically was very intriguing to me.  The idea is that topical probiotics can strengthen the skin barrier and microbiome. It struck me as a smart innovation in theory, but I did not know if it would actually “work.”  As I read more, I discovered that the TULA line was created by a leading gastroenterologist and internist, Dr. Roshini Raj, and that there is a lot of medical knowledge that went into the line’s probiotic technology.  In addition to probiotics, the serum incorporates incredibly nutritious ingredients like yogurt extract, rice nutripeptides, chicory root extract, turmeric, white tea, blueberry extract, vitamins such as A, C, and E, and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids from flax oil.

First Impressions: The packaging and bottles are lovely and designed in serene, calming shades of aqua that bring to mind a spa experience.  All of the ingredients are listed on the box, so you can inspect and know every single thing you are putting on your skin. The bottle is made of thick glass. The scent of TULA products is a barely noticeable, but pleasant, fragrance.

TULA’s special probiotic complex is supposed to stimulate the production of vital defense cells, making skin healthier, less sensitive/inflamed, and more resistant to environmental stressors and the aging process.  At first, I was intrigued enough to want to try it, but also a little skeptical, because how many times have I read about some new “innovation” in skin care only to end up disappointed?  Well, if you read on, you’ll see that TULA represents one of those rare, amazing times when an innovation actually lives up to its claims.

I wondered if I would immediately need to refrigerate TULA. I looked into this, and it does not require refrigeration because TULA’s probiotics are no longer alive.  As Dr. Raj explained in an interview with Forbes, “They’ve been broken down to release only their most useful elements ….[giving them] a longer shelf life without losing their powerful benefits on the skin.”

My Experience Using TULA: As I mentioned, I was intrigued, yet a little skeptical about what TULA’s “probiotic technology” could actually do for my dry, aging, sensitive skin.  Since my skin is parched, sensitive, and reactive, I am a tough test subject for skin care; I want visible results like anyone else, but harsh products do me more harm than good. To put the line to the test, I applied everything to my entire face and, more importantly, a wound on my neck where I’d had a biopsy–an area that wasn’t healing and seemed that it might scar.

Results? I saw the first improvement in my wound within just a couple of days; the red mark from the biopsy faded more over 2 days with TULA products than it had in weeks with other creams.  In just days, my face, too, started looking healthier and “glowier.”  What’s more, after using TULA just days, my skin tone was even enough that I didn’t even have to consider foundation or concealer (a big deal given my skin’s usual reactivity/redness).  No other product line I’ve tried (and there have been many) has given me visible improvements this rapidly. With Tula, I really do feel like my skin has a radiance it didn’t have before, and what really impresses me is that the radiance lasts all day–not just for the first five minutes after I apply it!  Best of all, after using TULA a few weeks, I got carded!  (Hasn’t happened in a while….)

TULA Illuminating Face Serum – $78.00This light, easily absorbed formula helps to promote softer, even-toned skin, diminish the appearance of dark spots and helps to maintain a fresh, youthful-looking glow.

TULA Hydrating Day & Night Cream – $52.00Like a multivitamin for your skin, this rich, age-defying cream delivers intense sustained hydration and antioxidants protection to reduce fine lines and help improve the youthful appearance of the skin.

TULA Advanced Neck Cream – $80.00This super hydrating balm-like cream works to firm the delicate skin on the neck and decolletage while attacking fine lines, wrinkles and crepey skin.

TULA Volume Defense Serum – $98.00This weightless, milky serum feels like a burst of hydration on your skin. Packed with vitamin C and retinol, this anti-aging powerhouse will leave your skin plumper and bring back its youthful bounce.