Dr. Alkaitis Organic Ageless Facial Elixir - Moisturizing Serum - Ayurvedic Herbs, Rare Oils, Superfoods - Luxury Cellular Renewal (1 fl oz | 30ml)

Felt compelled to write a review because the only other review currently up is unfairly rating the product low due to a rip on the interior box of the packaging. Ignore that review dinging the product because of the packaging. It doesn't even review the actual serum. I have purchased this several times from different retailers, and each time the interior cutout to hold the bottle in place has been ripped. The product was always full and new, and I believe it's just a flaw/weakness in the packing and not because of tampering or returned product. The paper probably just isn't strong/thick enough to hold the bottle in place and rips somehow in transit or whatever.*Note as of end of 2020: the company has updated and changed the box packaging, so this is now no longer a potential issue.As for the product--It took me a while to decide to purchase this because of the price. It is the most expensive skincare product I've ever purchased, and I do not commonly spend this much on products. But I am getting older and my skin isn't as resilient as it used to be and is starting to age so I feel like it needs more TLC. I really like several of Dr. Alkaitis' other products and how pure and natural they are so I decided to try it when there was a promo. I've found that a little goes a long way and it lasts a long time.I initially wasn't so into the product, because I was used to the other Alkaitis oil, and compared to that found it a lot thicker and didn't love the smell, but I've come to like it more.I was expecting it to smell more like Dr. Alkaitis' other products that I think all smell good especially the herbal toner which smells amazing. I also found the product a little difficult to spread. But after giving the product a break and coming back to it I've come to really like it.I think that the reason I like it better is because I figured out the best way that works for me to use. I think it's best to use freshly washed skin that is still a little moist or to use it with or after spraying some kind of water based spray like a toner or hydrosol or water spray. This really helps when applying it as it is thins it and makes it easier to spread out. When my skin is dry it absorbs especially well and the finish is smooth and non oily. With oily skin, it takes a little longer to sink in. I have also tried mixing it with the Alkaitis herbal toner and soothing gel and like that too, but find it takes longer to absorb and it absorbs quicker/ better to apply on it's own with a simple spray as noted above. I don't have any miracles to report, but I think my skin is generally in better shape and more balanced from it. My skin feels really hydrated and nourished and healthier when using. It makes my skin feel very smooth and soft to touch and hydrated from a deep level, and not just surface level oily/moisturized.I'm fine with the smell now since I've gotten used to it and really like the effects. Not sure of the best way to describe it, but it smells very herbal, but a sort of woodsy / medicinal herbal smell. The smell is all natural though, it does not have any synthetic fragrances.But I think more detailed instructions from the brand would be helpful on use and where it fits into the Alkaitis skincare regimen. The website doesn't have much info on how to fit this into the skincare regimen. How are you supposed to use this in conjunction with the other products, should you use any additional moisturizer after this, etc.But I've found that my skin is very happy just using this product on it's own after cleansing and I do not need other products. It seems able to replace other serums, oils and moisturizers and just be used on it's own, for me at least.I find it really helps liven my skin after exfoliating if my skin is a little dull.