Get the ‘Ole Glow’: Iconic Scandi Brand Ole Henriksen Just Landed at Adore Beauty

Confession time: I’ve been hiding a secret for a few months now.

Well, technically it’s less of a ‘secret’ and more of a surprise. And honestly, it's been KILLING me, especially considering I've literally built my career on talking (mostly) about myself.

But no more, because today I get to finally unveil the brand and products my skin and I have quietly fallen in love with.

My friends, meet Ole Henriksen.

Better known as that cool Scandinavian brand with even cooler cosmeceuticals.

We’re particularly excited about the launch of Ole at Adore.

Without breaking the fourth wall, let’s say there have been many hands working behind the scenes to bring this project to life so we can finally let our customers in on our Scandi secret.

But enough about us. Let’s get to the good part – the products.

Sadaf (our Senior Beauty Editor), Chloe (our Brand Partnerships Content Coordinator) and I have been road-testing the range across our different skin types and concerns, and shared our thoughts below.

Before we dive into them, here's a quick crash course for those new to the world of Ole Henriksen.

What Is Ole Henriksen?

Pronounced OOH-LAH HEN-RIHK-SEHN.

In a single word, Ole Henriksen is best described as "joy."

From the touchable textures to the spa-like fragrances and cleverly colour-coded packaging, each product encapsulates the brand's fundamental purpose: to inject fun into skincare.

At the heart of Ole Henriksen's philosophy is the belief that a "happy face is a beautiful face."

This mantra reverberates through every product, and no one embodies it more than the namesake founder himself.

Our first ‘official’ introduction to the facialiast was literally a video of him flipping around gymnastics rings in his backyard.

He’s 72, by the way.

For more than four decades, Ole Henriksen has dedicated his life to skincare.

In the '70s, he opened his first spa in West Hollywood, becoming the world's first celebrity facialist and earning the title of the skincare guru to the stars.

By 1983, his signature "Ole Glow" became so coveted that he decided to bottle his formulas and launch his eponymous line.

Here are some other things to know about Ole Henriksen:

• The entire range is vegan and cruelty-free.

• Its formulas harmoniously blend nature and science.

• It’s made for all ages, all skin tones, and all skin types.

• All of the products contain less than 1% synthetic fragrance.

The Glow Cycle Philosophy.

The Ole Henriksen collection is centred around what they call the 'Glow Cycle'.

Beyond simplifying our skincare (praise be!), the Glow Cycle philosophy is essentially a three-step regimen focused on the fundamental principles of a well-rounded routine: brighten, strengthen and renew.

Every product is infused with potent actives, natural botanicals, and essential fatty acids to recreate Ole's renowned glow-boosting spa treatments within the comforts of your own home.

Here's how it works...

Brighten.

Colour code: orange.

Also referred to as the ‘Truth Collection’, Brighten is Ole Henriksen’s vitamin C range that targets dullness, uneven skin tone, and major signs of ageing for more luminous, youthful-looking skin.

Keep scrolling for our reviews of a handful of products from the Brighten range.

1. Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum.

What: Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum 30ml

Fast facts:

• Tackles the appearance of dark spots, pores, and wrinkles.

• Potent formula containing 15% vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and 5% PHA.

• Instantly brightens and illuminates skin thanks to Banana Powder-inspired pigments.

• Features a mood-boosting, citrus-inspired scent that's the perfect morning pick-me-up.

• Promotes brighter, bouncier, more even-looking skin, while helping to defend against pollution.

Sadaf's review:

"I’ve dabbled with Ole Henriksen in the past and loved their products (I know the OG beauty lovers and Skinfluencers have their cult faves too) so am excited that we now stock them at Adore Beauty because my skin has been LOV-ING the products I’ve been trying.

My skin doesn’t tolerate all vitamin C serums but it instantly drank this one up - and loved it.

It gives an immediate dewiness and leaves a luminous film on the skin that makes makeup sit glowier too.

I also love its citrusy smell and after three weeks of use, my skin is looking healthier and I’ve been waking up with much glowier and bouncy skin. The hype is REAL."

2. Ole Henriksen Banana Bright+ Eye Creme.

What: Ole Henriksen Banana Bright+ Eye Crème 15ml

Fast facts:

• Cult favourite, illuminating eye cream.

• Suitable for all skin types, fragrance-free, and vegan-friendly.

• Helps to improve the look of dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles.

• Rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and Banana Powder-inspired pigments.

• Can be worn on its own or layered under makeup - helps to improve and extend concealer wear.

• Contains universally flattering, light-reflecting yellow mineral pigments to help instantly colour-correct the undereye.

Chloe's review:

“Just a few short Tuesdays back, our Beauty Editor, Jas, casually dropped the bomb that she's crafting a sensational Beauty IQ article dedicated to Ole Henriksen's launch on Adore Beauty.

Without a moment's hesitation, I eagerly offered up my face as a canvas, ready for any road test necessary.

For research purposes, I tried the iconic Banana Bright+ Eye Crème, and truth be told, I wasn't convinced I needed it. I'm not one to typically dabble in eye creams, but as of late, those pesky dark circles were becoming noticeable.

Surprisingly, I've become quite enamoured with it. The colour-correcting magic is phenomenal, leaving my eyes looking naturally bright and well-rested.”

3. Ole Henriksen Banana Bright+ Vitamin CC Stick.

What: Ole Henriksen Banana Bright+ Vitamin CC Stick

Fast facts:

• Colour-correcting eye cream sticks available in three shades.

• Smooths the look of fine lines and wrinkles to create a smooth base for concealer.

• Enriched with vitamin C, caffeine and light-reflecting, Banana Powder-inspired pigments.

• Instantly brightens and hydrates the undereye for more luminous-looking, evenly-toned skin.

My review:

Being fair-skinned with cool undertones, I have a decent amount of blue/purple veins on my face (particularly around my eye area) that can make me look a little… well, dead.

But sometimes I don’t want to wear concealer to cover them up. Particularly if I’m sporting bare skin or it’s just too hot for makeup.

Enter, this little miracle worker.

The Banana Bright Vitamin CC Stick has a beautifully creamy texture that glides on like butter and blends in seamlessly for brighter, more evenly-toned skin.

I found I only need a little to mask my undereye veins, and its palm-size stick design is ideal for quick application or touch-ups on the go.

Other products in the Ole Henriksen Brighten range:

• Ole Henriksen C-Rush Brightening Gel Crème 50ml

• Ole Henriksen Truth Serum 30ml

• Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Face Primer 30ml

• Ole Henriksen Truth Juice Daily Cleanser 150ml

• Ole Henriksen Barrier Booster Orange Ferment Essence 120ml

Strengthen.

Colour code: purple.

This step is all about strengthening your skin barrier with peptides and ceramides.

The ingredient duo is essential for keeping your skin hydrated, helping it to retain moisture and supporting the skin’s moisture barrier for well-ageing skin.

For more on peptides and ceramides, tune into the below YouTube video!

We tried the Strengthen range and shared our thoughts below.

1. Ole Henriksen Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturiser.

What: Ole Henriksen Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturiser 50ml

Fast facts:

• Nourishing daily moisturiser.

• Subtle refreshing scent best described as a spa.

• Melting balm to gel texture that glides onto the skin.

• Supports the skin barrier and helps strengthen and firm the look of skin over time.

• Helps to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, dryness, and loss of firmness.

My review:

This is *the* product that sold me on Ole Henriksen.

I’ve literally been counting down the minutes till its launch so I could finally gush about how freaking great it is.

It has a luxurious, deliciously pillowy texture that just melts into the skin, leaving it touchable soft and dewy, with a slight tackiness that’s ideal for makeup skin prep.

Its formula list ticks many of the nourishing ingredients on my skincare wishlist, including peptides, ceramides, collagen, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and more - ahem, dry skin havers I’m looking at you.

Given the Ole Henriksen Peptide Boost Moisturiser is one of the brand’s best-selling products, it's no surprise it’s won the hearts and minds of many AB staffers, including my editor Sadaf who shared her thoughts below.

P.S. It also smells incredible!

Sadaf's review:

"The ingredients this moisturiser boasts was enough for me to like it before I even tried it and as someone in their thirties, any product that’s going to help with firmness long-term is an immediate yes.

This cream has such an interesting texture; it’s rich but it has a gel-like consistency (kind of looks and feels like a cloud) so when applied to the skin you won't think it will do much. Wrong.

I was so shocked that after only a few days of use, I was waking up with well-rested and healthier-looking skin.

I even tested it a few nights on its own without layering my serum underneath to see if it was still doing anything, and I woke up with such. good. skin.

I don't always like to spend money on bookend products unless I see a noticeable difference and this moisturiser is worth every penny. I’ll definitely be repurchasing it."

2. Ole Henriksen Strength Hydrabarrier Nourishing Face Oil.

What: Ole Henriksen Strength Hydrabarrier Nourishing Face Oil 30ml

Fast facts:

• Locks in moisture and supports the skin barrier.

• Features a naturally-derived light, herbaceous scent.

• Provides intense moisture for soft, supple, radiant skin.

• Helps improve the look of dullness, fine lines, and wrinkles.

• Can be mixed with your foundation/complexion products for a glowy base.

• Formulated with ceramides, peptides and Scandivanian berry oils that are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and omega fatty acids.

My review:

If you’ve been following along at home, you’ll know how much I love facial oils.

They’re a dry skin sufferer’s best friend, coming to the rescue of perpetually parched skin and skin with a tendency to act out (tick and tick).

Unlike other facial oils that can feel heavy or greasy on the skin, this one feels nearly weightless. Almost like a dry oil that sinks in instantly to deliver the ideal amount of moisture - no more, no less.

But the best part is how radiant it makes my skin look.

And that its ultra-hydrating, non-comedogenic formula is suitable for day and night use, so I can take my glowy skin with me on the road.

Renew.

Colour code: blue.

The last component of the Glow Cycle is Renew, also known as the ‘Transform’ collection.

Essentially, the range is all about hitting the reset button on your skin.

It uses high-potency alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), polyhydroxy acids (PHAs), fruit enzymes and plant-based alternative retinol to smooth skin texture, even out skin tone, improve dark spots and boost skin elasticity.

The result? Glowy, glowy skin. Yes please.

Here's our thoughts on a handful of the Renew products.

1. Ole Henriksen Glow2OH Dark Spot Toner.

What: Ole Henriksen Glow2OH Dark Spot Toner 190ml

Fast facts:

• Zesty lemon sugar scent with an invigorating active tingle.

• Potent brightening toner with glycolic acid, lactic acid and witch hazel.

• Helps to smooth skin texture, even skin tone, clear dead skin, fade dark spots and improve skin clarity.

• Enriched with soothing sandalwood, chamomile and licorice extracts that make it suitable for daily use.

Chloe's review:

“I gave the Glow 2OH Dark Spot Toner a whirl, and if you know anything about me, I'm an AHA stan.

I'm thrilled to report that this toner didn't disappoint in the slightest. It's gentle enough for daily use, and my skin has been basking in its newfound radiance.

Thanks to its citrusy aroma, I can't help but adore it.”

Sadaf's review:

"As for the dark spot toner, I chose to road-test this as I’ve recently noticed a small group of dark spots that have (very rudely) formed on the side of my face so now, I’m very much on the lookout for any beauty products that promise to help fade and soften the appearance of dark spots.

I can’t speak to long-term results just yet but the inclusion of both glycolic and lactic acids as well as the botanical extracts is very appealing!

There’s been no tingling or irritation so that’s a good sign and I look forward to seeing the results over time with consistent use."

2. Ole Henriksen Dewtopia 20% Acid Night Treatment.

What: Ole Henriksen Dewtopia 20% Acid Night Treatment 30ml

Fast facts:

• Packed with a powerful 20% acid blend (10% AHAs and 10% PHAs).

• Enriched with skin-soothing and conditioning ingredients to maintain hydration.

• Resurfaces skin while you sleep for a brighter, smoother complexion in the morning.

• Designed to smooth texture, improve elasticity and target the look of dark spots, pores, fine lines and wrinkles.

My review:

My irritation-prone skin and I tend to tip-toe around exfoliating acids, but the Ole Henriksen team’s pure excitement surrounding this product was enough for me to put my concerns to the side at the prospect of ‘Dewtopian’ skin.

And I’m so glad I did.

As the team promised, while the treatment has a potent formula, its inclusion of aloe juice, birch sap and cotton water helps soothe any potential sensitivity.

Its lusciously thick 'custard' texture feels nourishing and indulgent, while still providing a subtle tingle that signals its effectiveness.

I sandwiched Dewtopia between a hyaluronic acid serum and the Ole Henriksen Peptide Moisturiser to further ensure my skin remained hydrated and happy throughout the night, and was stoked to find my skin felt incredibly soft, supple and smoother the next morning.

Not to mention it looked healthy. Like skin that more than gets its eight hours of sleep and two litres of water a day healthy.

In the couple of weeks I’ve been road-testing Dewtopia, I’ve noticed a slight improvement in my skin’s tone and texture. But I want to give it more time to see how it continues to improve over the coming weeks.

3. Ole Henriksen Double Rewind Pro-Grade 0.3% Retinol Serum.

What: Ole Henriksen Double Rewind Pro-Grade 0.3% Retinol Serum

Fast facts:

• Promotes skin clarity and youthful radiance for both new and experienced retinol users.

• Combines two potent retinoids with calming aloe vera and a nourishing Scandinavian botanical complex.

• Designed to help even out skin tone, smooth texture, and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots.

My review:

I've been using the Ole Henriksen Double Rewind Retinol twice a week for the last couple of months and have some early thoughts:

Firstly, its creamy, nourishing formula is ideal for novice retinol users like me.

I didn't experience any redness, irritation or flaking, as is common with some retinoids.

Instead, a dual-action retinoid formula at a tolerable 0.3% combined with hydrating ingredients like aloe juice and glycerin work together to gently resurface the skin while maintaining moisture.

I've been applying it during the evening to freshly cleansed skin and have found the formula comforting enough that I didn't necessarily need to follow with a moisturiser.

That said, I still did most of the time (this dry leopard can't change her spots), with my product of choice being the Ole Henriksen Peptide Strength Moisturiser, of course.

The pro-grade retinol spreads easily, with one pump of product sufficient to cover my skin's surface.

Of a morning, my skin feels soft and smooth. And over time, I swear it's looking better.

Even my colleagues noted its improvement, with one even saying I'm in my "Glow-up era", which I'm crediting to consistency combined with this clever retinol serum.

Other products in the Ole Henriksen Renew range:

• Ole Henriksen Wrinkle Blur Bakuchiol Eye Gel Crème 18ml

• Ole Henriksen Dewtopia 25% AHA + PHA Flash Facial Exfoliating Face Mask 50ml

• Ole Henriksen Lemonade Smoothing Scrub 90g

• Ole Henriksen Dewtopia 5% Acid Firming Night Crème 50ml

Final Verdict...

Ole Henriksen's much-anticipated launch at Adore Beauty ushers in a new era of Scandinavian skincare built on the principles of hydration, simplicity and inclusivity.

Their Glow Cycle philosophy extends mere products, immersing us in a sensorial journey that sparks joy – a much-needed delight in our daily routines.

Looking for more skincare tips and products to try? Read these Beauty IQs next:

• I Asked The Partners of Adore Beauty Staffers For Their Skincare Routines

• Every Exfoliating Question You’ve Ever Had Answered

• SPF Nearing Expiry? These Are Some Of Our Most Popular Face Sunscreens