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1 Reviews

Hormonal Skin Changes

VX.3 | Hormone Renewal Complex

Personalized Rx Formula

$110 Starting Price

If perimenopause or menopause have stolen your skin's bounce and luster, we present resilience in a cream. Our blend of estrogen derivative estriol, L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C), and hyaluronic acid returns suppleness, brightness, and elasticity, so you can feel like you again. Hormone-induced zits? We've got you there too. Take our quiz to get your personalized formula.

Find Your Formula

Key Ingredients

Your skin is unique. Your skincare should be too. That's why we tailor each formula specifically for you. Your product will include the right ingredients at the right concentrations.

Key ingredients for hormonal skin changes
This skin-friendly estrogen derivative gives back what menopause has taken: It improves elasticity, increases hydration, and reduces wrinkles by supporting collagen production and dermal thickness—which gives it more bounce. Our experts chose 0.3% estriol for its ability to provide localized skin benefits with minimal systemic absorption.
0.3% Concentration
A potent form of vitamin C, L-ascorbic acid helps reverse dullness and fade hyperpigmentation by interfering with tyrosinase, an enzyme essential for melanin production. As an antioxidant, ascorbic acid neutralizes free radicals, environmental irritants from UV and pollution that damage and age skin.
1% - 2% Concentration Range
Found naturally in plants such as red grapes, this powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protects against environmental stress and soothes irritation. When paired with vitamin C, its anti-aging benefits go into hyperdrive, improving tone and texture and enhancing skin longevity.
0.5% Concentration
You might find this anti-inflammatory in your formula if you're looking to combat zits or their red, swollen aftermath. Azelaic acid kills acne-causing bacteria and prompts "anti-keratinizing activity" (translation: it prevents excess keratin from clogging pores). It also inhibits the production of melanin for brightening benefits.
Up to 5% Concentration Range
Strings of amino acids, peptides are well-known (and well-loved) for their skin-renewing abilities. This patented blend has two—palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7—that are known as signal, or messenger, peptides. They tell skin's fibroblasts to pump out more collagen and elastin, helping decrease wrinkle depth. Matrixyl 3000 also contains glycerin, an excellent moisturizer.
3% Concentration
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a humectant, which means it attracts and draws water into skin. There are two kinds of HA: low molecular weight HA (smaller molecules that penetrate the skin's surface for serious hydration) and high molecular weight HA (these sit on skin's surface for immediate moisture and plumping effects). All Cottonball products contain both types.
0.5% Concentration

Expert Approved

Photo of Ron Robinson

Ron Robinson

Cottonball Chief Cosmetic Chemist Advisor

"VX.3 is a unique option for hormonal changes. By combining the topical estrogen estriol with vitamin C, it hydrates, plumps, and brightens skin that has become dull or dehydrated."

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To Use

-How to use VX.1 product instructions
  • (01)

    In the evening, start with clean, dry skin. Apply one or two pumps, spreading it evenly over your face. If you are using tretinoin or hydroquinone (VX.1, VX.2, or CX.1) at night, use this estriol lotion in the morning instead.

  • (02)

    Let it absorb for a couple of minutes before applying a moisturizer or hydrating serum.

  • (03)

    Follow with sunscreen in the morning for maximum protection and results.

Safety Information

Have A Question?

Browse our FAQs or ask in the space below.
Is VX.3 only for women in perimenopause or menopause?

Yes, it is intended for people in the peri- and post-menopausal period. During childbearing years, estrogen levels in women are sufficient to support and properly stimulate fibroblasts. These are the cells in skin that produce collagen and elastin, which are proteins that fill out wrinkles and keep skin firm. During the hormonal changes of menopause, systemic estrogen levels drop. The use of topical estrogen can help reduce wrinkles and the skin thinning that can come with menopause, as well as soften and moisturize.

When will I start seeing results from VX.3?

Matrixyl 3000, along with other our multi-weigh hyaluronic acid blend, will improve skin hydration, softness, texture and radiance instantly. You'll continue to see changes as you use the product longer, with significant anti-wrinkle and texture benefits around 3 months.

How long should I use this product?

Most people use VX.3 as long as they want to improve their skin quality. It's fine to use indefinitely unless you experience side effects (any irritation or itch from some of the ingredients). If that happens, please reach out to us via your member account and we'll put you in touch with one of our dermatologists.

Why is there an acne-fighting medication in a menopausal product?

Since you're asking, you've probably (hopefully!) been spared the acne that can appear during pre-menopause and menopause. While most of us think about zits as teenage skincare issue, one of the most common causes of acne at any age is hormonal fluctuations. As estrogen declines during menopause, testosterone becomes more dominant, which increases the oil production in skin—which can lead to acne. We'll only include the acne-fighting azelaic acid in VX.3 if you tell us during the skin quiz that acne is an issue.

Do I need an additional moisturizer if my skin is dry from menopause?

VX.3 includes a pharmaceutical-grade (a.k.a. higher quality, more pure) blend of low and high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, a humectant that draws moisture into both the top and deeper layers of the skin, to support skin hydration. If your skin still feels dry, a basic moisturizer can be applied on top of VX.3 after a few minutes.

Can I use estriol if there's a history of breast cancer in my family?

Studies conflict on whether there is any systemic absorption of estriol via topical products. While it is likely limited, if you or a family member have a condition that involves estrogen, talk to your oncologist or doctor before using an estriol product.

Can I use estriol if I have a history of ovarian or uterine cancer in my family?

Studies conflict on whether there is any systemic absorption of estriol via topical products. While it is likely limited, if you or a family member have a condition that involves estrogen, talk to your oncologist or doctor before using an estriol product.

Can I use estriol if I have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?

Studies conflict on whether there is any systemic absorption of estriol via topical products. While it is likely limited, if you or a family member have a condition that involves estrogen, talk to your oncologist or doctor before using an estriol product.

Customer Reviews

5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
1 reviews
85 days ago

Highly Effective and gentle

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"My skin is noticeably smoother, and everything from pores and dark spots are much more minimal. I liked the product because I found it non-irritating albeit highly effective. When I used Retin-A in the past, it would leave my skin dry and often sore. This is highly effective and gentle."

Erica V.
Age: 54

Powerful Actives, Transformative Results