Top critical review
1.0 out of 5 starsBUYER BEWARE ☠️
Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2023
I have used this product for years as purchased from my dermatologist. I only recently started buying on Amazon. Specifically Sold By and Shipped By Amazon ONLY.
To be clear this review is specifically regarding the PM Therapy by Elta MD as Sold By and Shipped By Amazon. I have nothing but absolute rave reviews for the many Elta MD products I have purchased and continue to purchase from my dermatologist in office.
My last bottle (purchased on Amazon 9/19/2023) of PM Therapy by Elta MD made my face SWELL like a PUFFERFISH within 3-4 days of use. The first day or so I noticed my face and neck were extremely red, like I had been in the sun without sunscreen. I just assumed I had been outside more than usual. By the third use I felt as if my face was swelling. The next morning proved that indeed it had been! I washed off all products on my face and neck immediately. I had to put a frozen face mask on my face to bring down the swelling. My face and neck were in pain.
For the next couple of days I put nothing on my face as it was so tender and enflamed. I only washed my face with some witch hazel and put a light amount of Vanicream on. After 48+ hours I decided to wash my face that evening and only put on PM Therapy because it is generally super soothing and healing to my face. My whole face was on fire and swelling immediately. Within minutes the cartilage by my ear had swelled and felt gelatinous like my ear lobe! I had inadvertently gotten some on my ears during application. I actually had the lymph nodes near my ear where it was swollen start swelling as well. It was kind of scary. I immediately washed the PM Therapy off of my face. I would say within 30 mins to an hour my face and ear had significantly reduced swelling.
That’s when I put two and two together and realized the PM Therapy was new as of the onset of symptoms. The next morning I was able to continue my skin care routine which included Clear Tinted SPF by Elta MD. My skin peeled and resembled that of a lizard for about a week. Cracked and red and dry and peeling. I waited a couple days then added back PM Therapy samples that my dermatologist gave me.
It’s been about 10 days and I’ve continued my skin regimen with no problems. I’ve also been using the PM Therapy by Elta MD from my dermatologist. Neither the sample nor the new bottle have been a problem. I have used them daily since and have had no subsequent issues.
I called Elta MD twice to let them know the batch and date. They said I had purchased an actual product from them on Amazon and it was legit if Shipped By and Sold By Amazon. I’m not sure what happened but I will not be purchasing this way in the future. Something was terribly wrong with the product.
I want to reiterate I continue to use Elta MD products with much success that I have purchased from my dermatologist. Their products have helped calm my rosacea, given a more youthful appearance to my neck, helped reduce and prevent my melasma, and overall given my skin better texture and quality. I highly recommend their products when purchased at your dermatologist, but buyer beware when purchased elsewhere.
Note: I had just recently started purchasing Elta MD on Amazon out of convenience. I purchased several products without incidence. This was significant enough I won’t take my chances again.