This $135 Serum Is Literally Liquid Gold for Your Skin

If you keep up with skin-care trends, you’re probably aware that vitamin C is considered the crown jewel of brightening antioxidants. But, what if I told you there’s another radiance-intensifying ingredient that’s also a staple in your jewelry box? That’s right, I’m talking about gold, which is one of the many luminosity-amplifying ingredients in 111Skin’s Rose Gold Radiance Booster.

111Skin is no stranger to luxury beauty: the brand has started gaining some serious hype from celebs like Kesha and it’s become a repeat feature in the Allure Beauty Box for its impressive, skin-nourishing formulations. Even our very own associate features director Dianna Mazzone is a fan of the brand, particularly 111Skin’s Vitamin C Brightening Booster. So, I already knew I was in good hands when this fancy-schmancy rose gold bottle first landed on my desk.

Immediately, I did a quick scan of the label to see if my sensitive, rosacea-stricken skin could handle the formula. The serum contains a few ingredients that are already in my skin-care regimen: hydrating hyaluronic acid, brightening niacinamide, and soothing rosewater. “The best known effect of rosewater is being anti-inflammatory, which can reduce redness and swelling in the skin,” Los Angeles-based board-certified dermatologist James Wang, MD, says of the latter ingredient. “The hydrating and antibacterial benefits, combined with its ability to calm the skin, can be especially helpful in some patients with inflammatory acne and rosacea.”

But what made me raise my eyebrows in skepticism was the pure gold extract. This may seem like a gimmicky ingredient, but Dr. Wang says that this precious metal can actually have a purpose in your skin-care routine. He notes that gold actually is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and claims of targeting fine lines and wrinkles. “Although not a fully proven effect, gold is thought to help with wrinkles and signs of sun damage by also boosting collagen production,” he says. With all of this in mind, Dr. Wang says this ingredient can be irritating to sensitive skin or those allergic to gold, so always patch test this product before applying it to your face.