We tried Martha Stewart’s Elm Biosciences skincare: Here’s our honest review

Whether she’s snapping viral “thirst traps” or covering the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, Martha Stewart is an ageless icon.

So we were immediately intrigued when she launched her own skincare line, Elm Biosciences, in late 2025 with two products: A30 Elemental Serum and the Inner Dose Daily Skin Supplement. Both were created alongside dermatologist Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali, the same skincare pro who helped formulate Hailey Bieber’s Rhode products.

And now, the 84-year old mogul is expanding her brand with the new A30 Elemental Night Cream, saying on Instagram, “I’ve been using it consistently and I love the results.”

As someone who’s read Stewart’s books and magazines since the mid-2000s (and now regularly reports on her beauty routine), I had to know if this stuff was worth the hype — so I got my hands on both topical products and got down to business.

What is Elm Biosciences?

Stewart launched the line with the goal of simplifying her skincare regimen, telling Page Six Style that she was “very excited” about her new business venture.

In an Instagram Reel, she explained that the brand is “built on science, not trends” and “clinically proven for results that endure and rival in-office care.”

She’s clearly been sharing the products with her famous friends; supermodel Helena Christensen starred in a recent Elm Biosciences campaign, while Drew Barrymore raved about the line on her talk show, saying, “I used it and it did really change my skin.”

My review

Elm Biosciences A30 Elemental Serum

I always start my day with a topical vitamin C product — so when Bhanusali shared on Elm Biosciences’ Instagram that “there are better antioxidants out there,” he definitely caught my attention.

As the NYC-based derm went on to explain, the brand’s A30 complex “brings together different ingredients that not only help your skin remodel, but provide more antioxidant protection.” (In addition to the trademarked complex, the serum also contains skincare stalwarts like hyaluronic acid, squalane and vitamin E.)

From the first use, I could tell the patent-pending serum was expensive. It feels silky and lightweight — but not sticky — on the skin, and delivers an instant cooling effect. (Call it a placebo, but I love when my skincare at least feels like it’s working right away.)

I was initially a bit nervous about ditching my usual routine for Elm Biosciences, as I’ve had some acne and redness on my chin that I haven’t been able to shake for months. But after using it for a week, my sensitive skin isn’t irritated — and honestly looks even better than before. While I’m not sure if I can entirely attribute it to the serum, my face is noticeably less red and the inflammation and acne has visibly improved.

As for potential drawbacks? While the elm leaf-adorned packaging is undeniably gorgeous, the cap to my serum got stuck in the gold tube when it first arrived, and it took some effort to free it.

Elm Biosciences A30 Elemental Night Cream

Billed as a “next-generation retinoid,” the new night cream also contains the A30 complex, plus ectoin (an antioxidant) and lipids to help firm, smooth and hydrate your skin while you sleep.

I was lucky enough to get my hands on a bottle before it was available to shop, and I found that it didn’t irritate or dry out my skin like prescription retinoids do. (Since I was only able to test it for a few days before the launch, I can’t speak to long-term results just yet.)

As for the cons? Like all of Elm Biosciences’ products, it’s undeniably a splurge for a somewhat small container. (You’re only supposed to use a pea-sized amount each night, but I could still see myself going through this fast with regular use.)

The final verdict

Elm Biosciences is everything you’d expect when you hear the words “Martha Stewart skincare brand.” The formulas all feel like luxury products worthy of the lifestyle queen herself.

In comparison to similar top-of-the-line brands like La Mer and Augustinus Bader, the prices are on par — but definitely still a splurge for budget-minded shoppers.

While I rarely test a new skincare launch that makes me want to permanently deviate from my routine, Elm Biosciences has me sold so far. I’m planning to use these to the last drop.

Why Trust Page Six Style Shopping

This article was written by Hannah Southwick, Commerce Associate Editor for Page Six. Hannah spies deals on actually affordable celebrity-worn styles, puts celebrities’ brands to the test and finds the beauty products that keep stars red carpet-ready. She consults stylists and industry pros — including celebs themselves — for firsthand product recommendations, trend predictions and more. In addition to writing for Page Six since 2020, her work has been featured in USA Today and Parade.