If your serum shelf is starting to feel repetitive, you are not imagining it. Another vitamin C. Another peptide blend. Another retinol at a slightly different strength. ( plated )™ INTENSE Serum is a different kind of product, and from November 1 you will find it at GLOW Beauty Bar in Etobicoke, Toronto. It is a platelet-derived exosome serum with 1+ trillion exosomes in every bottle, newly available in Canada.
Here is what it is, what it costs, how to use it, and how we are using it in our treatment rooms.
What is ( plated )™ INTENSE Serum?
( plated )™ INTENSE Serum comes from ( plated )™ Skin Science by RION Aesthetics. Its active ingredient is human platelet extract. Platelets are best known for helping blood clot, and they also carry nutrients and signalling molecules that the body uses in its own renewal processes. In this serum, that extract is brought into a topical formula through Renewosome™ technology, which the manufacturer describes as backed by more than a decade of research from physician-scientists.
It has some recognition behind it, too. TIME named it one of the Best Inventions of 2024, and it was a NewBeauty Award winner the same year.
What are exosomes, and why do they matter in skincare?
Exosomes are tiny, naturally occurring particles that our cells release to carry nutrients and signals to other cells. In ( plated )™ INTENSE Serum they are platelet-derived, and every bottle contains 1+ trillion of them. According to ( plated ), they carry peptides, antioxidant enzymes and phosphoproteins, and support the skin's natural renewal.
You may see this called an exosome serum. In plain terms, it is a serum built on platelet-derived exosomes, delivered through Renewosome™ technology.
Is ( plated )™ INTENSE Serum worth $370?
A 15 mL bottle is roughly two months of daily use, according to ( plated ). It does not replace anything in your routine, so nothing comes off the shelf to make room for it. And it goes underneath what you already use rather than asking you to rebuild around it.
If you are a GLOW+ member, it is 20% off throughout November, which brings it to $296, and your GLOW+ credits can go toward it. From December 1, the standard 10% member discount applies, which is $333. If you are not sure it is right for your skin yet, that is exactly what a complimentary consultation is for.
What to expect from platelet-derived skincare
In ( plated )'s clinical studies, users saw a visible difference in the appearance of wrinkles and redness due to dryness within six weeks, with continued results shown at twelve weeks. In everyday terms, that is skin that looks smoother, brighter and more even over time. Individual results may vary.
How we use ( plated )™ INTENSE Serum at GLOW
We are selective about what earns a place in our treatment rooms, and this one fits how we already work: results-driven treatments, backed by home care that keeps up. From November 1, it is part of select microneedling and laser treatments here, at no extra cost.
We like to call it microneedling in a bottle. It will not replace your treatments, but it lets you keep that same care going at home between visits.
The formula is short, with twelve ingredients and no added fragrance, essential oils or dyes, which is a big part of why we are happy to reach for it on skin that has just been treated.
What is in it
Human platelet extract. Delivered through Renewosome™ technology, with 1+ trillion platelet-derived exosomes in every bottle.
Hyaluronic acid. Binds water at the surface, so skin looks plumper and feels less tight.
Glycerin. A humectant that draws in moisture and helps skin feel comfortable.
Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5). Soothing and hydrating, and the quiet worker behind calmer-looking redness.
Arginine. An amino acid that acts as a natural moisturising factor.
The full list is Purified Water, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Panthenol, Human Platelet Extract, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Hyaluronic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydrolyzed Gelatin, Arginine and Silanetriol.
Hydrolyzed gelatin is an animal-derived protein used to condition skin, so if you avoid animal-derived ingredients, let us know before you buy. The manufacturer describes the serum as non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
How to use ( plated )™ INTENSE Serum
Cleanse. Start with clean skin.
Apply first. This serum goes on as the very first step, before anything else.
Wait. Let it absorb and dry fully, about five minutes, before you layer anything on top.
Once a day. Or as directed by your aesthetician.
It has no exfoliating acids, no retinoid and no vitamin C, so it does not compete with what you already use. It goes underneath your routine instead of asking you to rebuild it.
Who it is for
We think it is a great fit if you already invest in your skin and want your routine at home to keep up with your treatments, or if redness from dryness is what you reach for concealer to cover as the weather cools.
As with any new skincare product, check with your physician first if you are pregnant or nursing.
Common questions
Does it replace microneedling? No. We like to call it microneedling in a bottle, but it does not replace a treatment. It keeps your skin cared for between visits.
How long does a bottle last? The manufacturer puts the 15 mL bottle at roughly 64 pumps, which it equates to about two months of daily use.
Will it break me out? The manufacturer describes it as non-comedogenic, with a short ingredient list and no added fragrance, essential oils or dyes. As with anything new, patch test first and stop if you notice irritation.
Can I use it with my retinol or vitamin C? Yes. It contains neither, and no exfoliating acids, so there is nothing to clash with. It goes on first and everything else goes on top.
Do other spas carry it? Yes. It is newly available in Canada and we are glad to bring it in. What is specific to GLOW is that your aesthetician uses it in your microneedling or laser treatment at no extra cost and plans your home routine around it.
Do you ship it? Across Canada, yes. Shipping is free for GLOW+ members and on online orders over $100.
Where to find ( plated )™ INTENSE Serum in Toronto
( plated )™ INTENSE Serum is available at GLOW Beauty Bar, 1128 The Queensway in Etobicoke, from November 1. Ask us at your next visit, or book a complimentary consultation and we will talk through how it fits your skin and your routine.
Individual results may vary. ( plated )™ INTENSE Serum is a cosmetic product and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition. Contains human platelet extract and hydrolyzed gelatin (animal-derived). Full ingredient list available on request.
