ELM Biosciences Review: Martha Stewart’s Skincare Line That Actually Surprised Me

I did not want to like this serum and supplement combo. I mean, I was excited to try it — I’m a Martha Stewart fan (obviously) — but I was perfectly happy with my current skincare routine. And now, Elm Biosciences has gone and messed me up…

in the best possible way.

If you know anything about me, you know skincare is my love language (the other being perfume). I consider myself a skincare enthusiast — not one to chase hype or fill my cart at Sephora. So when I heard Martha had launched a skincare line, my curiosity was officially piqued.

Why I Wanted to Try It (and Why I Was Skeptical)

Let’s be honest — it’s Martha. She’s iconic, she looks fabulous, and she’s been working on this line for five years. Elm takes an inside-out approach to skin health, combining a topical serum and an ingestible supplement. Every box was checked before I even opened one.

And the team behind it? Serious heavy hitters. Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali, one of the most respected dermatologists in the next generation of skincare innovation, formulated Elm’s products. He’s the mind behind brands like Rhode and has consulted for SkinCeuticals, CeraVe, and EltaMD.

Then there’s the advisory board — names like Dr. Saranya Wyles from Mayo Clinic, known for her research in regenerative dermatology and skin longevity, and Dr. Raja Sivamani, who bridges science, medicine, and wellness. With that kind of brain trust, trying Elm felt like a safe (and smart) bet.

The Reality Check: Two Steps, Inside and Out

I’ll admit, I was slightly annoyed that it was a two-part system. A serum and a supplement? I mean, can’t I just slap something on my face and call it a day? Plus, as someone who already takes AG1, I wondered — am I supplementing myself into oblivion?

Still, curiosity won. I ordered the Dual Pathway Skin System, signed up for the monthly subscription (because skincare math: if you’re spending that much, the discount matters), and waited like a kid at Christmas.

When it arrived, I dove in — then hit my first hurdle. To give the A3O™ Elemental Serum a fair shot, I had to pause three of my existing serums. It was like breaking up with old friends. But if this could simplify my routine and still deliver results, I was all in.

Let’s Talk About the Serum

The A3O™ Elemental Serum is a patent-pending collagen-boosting formula with all the good stuff:

• Hyaluronic Acid for hydration

• Squalane for barrier support

• Vitamin E for antioxidant protection

• Blue Tansy for calm, balanced skin

From the first use, I was hooked. The texture is light, silky, and dewy without any stickiness. The pearlescent gold color gives the illusion of glow — but it’s all illusion; there’s no shimmer, just a lit-from-within finish. It feels elegant, effortless, expensive.

And the scent? You know I’m a fragrance girl. It smells exactly how I imagine Martha Stewart’s garden would: earthy, botanical, and softly floral — that hint of Blue Tansy gives it a barely-there, clean, herbal sweetness.

I started with one pump, morning and night, and have since moved to two. Not because I need more, but because applying it feels that good.

The Inner Dose™ Supplement

This part had me curious (and cautious). Would it clash with my other supplements? Thankfully, no overlap. I take two every morning with my meds, and while I can’t feel the effects, I know what they’re designed to do — target internal triggers of aging like inflammation, stress, and hormonal changes.

The proprietary blend includes antioxidants, adaptogens, and micronutrients meant to:

• Support UV defense

• Maintain elasticity and hydration

• Balance the skin’s response to stress and inflammation

• Promote a calm, radiant complexion

At 28 days in, I can’t swear I feel anything specific from the capsules — but my skin looks great, and that’s saying something.

The Results (and Some Real Talk)

Here’s full transparency: I also had Sculptra and Dysport in the past month, both of which naturally improve skin texture and collagen over time. So it’s hard to pinpoint what’s responsible for what.

But here’s what I can say:

• My skin looks smooth, hydrated, and genuinely healthy.

• The serum feels luxurious and has become something I look forward to using.

• My routine is simpler — three fewer serums, one bottle that does it all.

Between the Elm system, my treatments, and my lifestyle (movement, hydration, nutrition, stress management — and let’s give genetics some credit), my skin has never looked better.

So yes, I’ll be continuing for another 30 days to see if the glow keeps glowing once the medical treatment benefits even out.

Final Thoughts

I went into this skeptical — another celebrity skincare line, right? But Elm Biosciences is different. It’s science-backed, thoughtfully formulated, and surprisingly elegant.

At $166.50 a month (for the serum + supplement with subscription), it’s definitely an investment — around $5 a day. But considering it replaced three of my other products, it evens out.

I always say: healthy skin is a long game. And for me, this duo feels like a worthy player.

Will I keep it in rotation? Absolutely. Will I keep watching to see if the results hold? Definitely. Would I recommend it? 100%.

If you’re looking to invest in your skin from the inside out — and you appreciate that blend of science, sensorial pleasure, and simplicity — this might just be your next great skincare love story.

---

⚠️ Disclaimer

I’m not a dermatologist or medical professional — just a skincare enthusiast.

All product recommendations are based on personal research and experience. Every skin type is different, so always patch test first, and when in doubt, check in with a dermatologist.

*Note: The products mentioned in this blog are not sponsored. Sooo Human does receive a percentage of sales if purchased through my ShopMy link.