Exuviance AGE REVERSE+ Rebuild-5 Cream Review
The Verdict
A well-formulated firming moisturiser for mature skin, built around MicroDiPeptide 229 and Aminofil with a glycolic acid boost — best suited to those specifically targeting firmness and definition rather than light daily hydration.
Exuviance AGE REVERSE+ Rebuild-5 Cream | Firming Moisturiser | 50g
£76.00
What is Exuviance AGE REVERSE+ Rebuild-5 Cream?
Exuviance AGE REVERSE+ Rebuild-5 Cream is a peptide firming moisturiser aimed at mature skin that has started to lose definition around the cheeks and jawline. It combines the brand's MicroDiPeptide 229 with Aminofil, glycolic acid and gluconolactone (PHA) in a rich, fast-absorbing cream, designed for twice-daily use as part of a firming skincare routine.
Key ingredients
MicroDiPeptide 229
This is Exuviance's own peptide complex, formulated to be smaller than many peptides used elsewhere in skincare so it can move through the skin's surface more easily. Peptides like this are generally included to support the skin's natural collagen and elastin processes, which is the mechanism behind most "firming" claims in this category. See our MicroDiPeptide 229 glossary entry for more on how this ingredient class works.
Aminofil
Aminofil is paired with the peptide complex to target the appearance of expression lines, such as scowl lines and nasolabial folds, while contributing to the cream's plumping effect. Read the Aminofil glossary entry for a fuller ingredient breakdown.
Glycolic acid and gluconolactone
Alongside the peptide actives, the formula includes glycolic acid and gluconolactone, a gentler polyhydroxy acid (PHA). Together these provide mild exfoliation, which helps improve the appearance of skin texture and surface smoothness without the sting some glycolic-only formulas can bring. Because this cream already contains glycolic acid, it's worth checking your wider routine for other exfoliating acids to avoid over-exfoliating. See the glycolic acid glossary entry and gluconolactone glossary entry for more detail.
What it claims to do
Exuviance positions this cream as an intensive firming treatment rather than a lightweight daily moisturiser. According to the brand's own product testing, 91% of participants reported firmer-looking skin after two weeks of consistent, twice-daily use. On the Academy we treat that figure as brand-reported rather than independently verified, but it reflects the direction the formula is designed to work in. Beyond firmness, the cream is marketed to help improve the appearance of:
- Loss of facial definition around the cheeks and jawline
- Fine lines and expression lines, including crow's feet and nasolabial folds
- Uneven skin texture, via the glycolic acid and gluconolactone content
- Dehydration and lack of surface plumpness
These are appearance-based claims rather than medical ones — the formula is designed to help improve the appearance of firmness and texture, not to alter the skin's underlying structure.
Ingredients at a glance
| Ingredient | What it's there for |
|---|---|
| MicroDiPeptide 229 | Exuviance's peptide complex, intended to support the skin's collagen and elastin processes |
| Aminofil | Paired with the peptide complex to target expression lines and support plumpness |
| Glycolic acid | Alpha-hydroxy acid providing mild exfoliation and texture refinement |
| Gluconolactone | Gentler polyhydroxy acid (PHA), softening the exfoliation profile alongside glycolic acid |
| Shea butter and glycerin | Emollient and humectant base for the cream's rich, cushioned texture |
Full INCI is best checked against the pack or the product listing at the time of purchase, since formulations can be updated — see the product page for the current listing.
What to expect over time
Exuviance frames this as a cumulative treatment rather than an instant fix. In the first couple of weeks, expect the immediate, in-the-moment effects of a rich moisturiser — a plumper, more hydrated look after application, plus smoother texture from the acid content. The firming and contouring claims are pitched as a longer-term outcome that builds with consistent, twice-daily use over several weeks, rather than something visible after a single application. As with any cosmetic firming product, results vary between individuals and this cream works on the skin's surface appearance rather than providing a clinical or surgical-grade lifting effect.
Patch testing and introducing acids
Because this cream combines two exfoliating acids — glycolic acid and gluconolactone — with active peptides, it's a formula worth introducing carefully rather than adding to an already acid-heavy routine all at once. A simple approach:
- Patch test on a small area first, particularly if you have reactive or sensitised skin
- Start with once-daily use for the first week or two before moving to twice-daily, if your skin tolerates it well
- Space it out from other leave-on acids or retinoids in your routine, rather than layering several exfoliants at once
- Keep an SPF in your morning routine, since glycolic acid can increase sun sensitivity
Texture and how it feels
This is a rich, cushioned cream rather than a gel or lotion. Shea butter and glycerin give it a dense, creamy consistency that Exuviance describes as absorbing without a greasy residue, leaving a soft, supple finish. Because of that richness, it sits closer to a night cream in feel, though the brand recommends it for both morning and evening application.
How to use it
- Apply to clean, dry skin morning and evening, after any water-based serums
- A small amount is enough to cover the face and neck — this is a rich formula
- Because it contains glycolic acid, use daily sun protection alongside it
- Introduce gradually alongside other acid or retinoid products already in your routine, to avoid over-exfoliating
Who it's suited to
This cream is aimed at mature skin that's starting to show a loss of firmness and facial definition, rather than early-signs-of-ageing or purely hydration-focused needs. If your main concern is dehydration with no firmness or texture complaints, a simpler moisturiser may suit you better. If you're newer to acids, the glycolic acid content means it's worth patch-testing and introducing slowly rather than swapping it straight in for a non-acid cream.
How it fits in the Exuviance range
Exuviance's moisturiser and treatment range covers a few different jobs. Here's how this cream compares with three related products:
| Product | Best for |
|---|---|
| AGE REVERSE+ Rebuild-5 Cream (this page) | Firming and facial definition, with glycolic acid and peptides |
| Overnight Transformation Complex | Intensive overnight renewal treatment |
| Glycolic Expert Moisturiser | Daily glycolic acid moisturising, less peptide-focused |
| Wrinkle Smooth Topical Peptide | Targeted peptide treatment for fine lines |
If you're comparing Exuviance against other vitamin C options in the brand's line-up, our Exuviance brand hub rounds up the full range. For generic vitamin C serum comparisons across brands, see our separate best vitamin C serums UK guide — this page focuses on Exuviance's firming cream specifically, not vitamin C.
Our verdict
Exuviance AGE REVERSE+ Rebuild-5 Cream is a well-considered pick for mature skin looking for a firming moisturiser with a genuine actives list — MicroDiPeptide 229, Aminofil, glycolic acid and gluconolactone all have a clear job to do. It's a richer, more intensive formula than a everyday hydrator, so it suits people specifically targeting firmness and facial definition rather than those wanting a light daily moisturiser. As with any glycolic acid product, pair it with daily SPF and introduce it gradually if you're already using other acids or retinoids.
Frequently asked questions
What does Exuviance AGE REVERSE+ Rebuild-5 Cream do?
It's a firming moisturiser combining MicroDiPeptide 229 and Aminofil with glycolic acid and gluconolactone, designed to help improve the appearance of facial firmness, definition and skin texture with twice-daily use.
Does this cream contain glycolic acid?
Yes. Alongside the peptide complex, it contains glycolic acid and gluconolactone (a gentler PHA), which provide mild exfoliation. Use daily sun protection alongside it and introduce it gradually if you're already using other acids.
Is it suitable for sensitive or acid-new skin?
Because it contains glycolic acid, it's worth patch-testing first and introducing gradually rather than replacing a non-acid moisturiser overnight, especially if your skin is new to exfoliating acids or generally reactive.
How does it differ from Exuviance Glycolic Expert Moisturiser?
The Rebuild-5 Cream is built around MicroDiPeptide 229 and Aminofil for firming, with glycolic acid as a supporting ingredient. Glycolic Expert Moisturiser is more focused on daily glycolic acid exfoliation, with less emphasis on the peptide firming complex — see our Glycolic Expert Moisturiser review for the full comparison.
Can I use this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, please contact our team for advice before use.