One Skin Review: OS-01, The Peptide Science Behind Cellular Longevity

As someone who has been using One Skin’s products for almost a year, I found it worthwhile to dig into the science underpinning their key innovation. It's proprietary peptide is known as OS-01. In this One Skin review (with before and after photos), I'll evaluate how it aligns with my own experience and expectations of longevity-driven skincare. The brand markets OS-01 as “the first peptide proven to reverse skin’s biological age by preventing the accumulation of senescent cells.” Some One Skin reviews also feature before and after photos, but in reality, it's really difficult to capture subtle changes in photos. However, in person, I can definitely notice positive changes in my skin since using this peptide technology.

There are very few “miracle” skin products on the market, if any. What I really like about One Skin is that even if I can't see significant changes, I can trust that the peptide science of the product is working behind the scenes to create healthier skin over time. I'd much rather spend my money on this than another “high end” moisturizer that does nothing beyond offering hydration. Use code HNG15 at checkout to save 15 percent!

The Science: Why Senescent Cells Matter in Skin Aging (and all Aging)

To appreciate what the OS-01 peptide claims to do, it helps to understand the concept of cellular senescence in skin aging:

• Senescent cells secrete inflammatory and tissue-damaging molecules.
• Over time, accumulation of these cells impairs skin repair and accelerates visible aging like wrinkles, thinning, dullness, and loss of elasticity.
• Senotherapeutics are drugs or treatments that clear or modulate these cells. Sensotherapeutics is a growing field of longevity science, extending beyond cosmetics into tissue health and regeneration.

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All of this means that a product that can reduce or modulate senescent cells in skin represents a meaningful innovation beyond traditional anti-aging approaches.

If you've seen my NIRA articles, you know I'm all about aging somewhat gracefully and finding products and devices that can accomplish this safely and easily at home!

Not only has One Skin improved the look of my skin over time, it's a very simple system with just three main products: cleanser, moisturizer and eye cream. However, they just added an amazing lip product that I've been testing and they also have hair growth serum and body lotion. I've just started the hair serum as well, so I'll update on that in the future!

OS-01: What the Research Shows

1. Pre-Clinical Study on Human Skin Models

In a 2023 study published in npj Aging, researchers screened more than 900 peptides to identify one that reduced markers of senescence in human dermal fibroblasts. This peptide known as OS-0 was shown to:

• Reduce expression of senescence markers like p16^INK4a and inflammatory cytokines.
• Decrease biological (epigenetic) age in ex vivo human skin samples.
• Improve structural resemblance to younger skin, with better collagen and elastin organization.
• Act via modulation of the PP2A enzyme complex, enhancing DNA repair and genomic stability.

The authors concluded that OS-01 safely reduced the biological age of human skin, positioning it as a novel senomorphic peptide. OS-01 makes senescent cells behave more like youthful ones.

2. Clinical Split-Face Study

A 2024 double-blind, vehicle-controlled study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology tested OS-01 in 22 participants over 12 weeks. One side of each participant’s face received the peptide cream and the other received a placebo.

Results included:

• Improved skin barrier (significantly reduced transepidermal water loss).
• Reduced periorbital wrinkles and smoother surface texture.
• Increased hydration, radiance, and elasticity compared to baseline.

The authors concluded OS-01 promotes overall skin health by strengthening the barrier, protecting against dehydration, and reducing fine lines and texture irregularities.

3. Body Lotion Study and Inflammation Markers

In a Dermatology Times report, older adults (ages 61–85) using OS-01 Body Lotion for 12 weeks showed:

• Up to 41% improvement in hydration on the upper arm.
• Reduced IL-8, an inflammatory biomarker.
• Improved skin barrier and reduced dryness-related irritation.

Together, these studies suggest that OS-01 isn’t just another anti-aging cream that doesn't deliver. It actually functions at a cellular level to improve how skin behaves biologically.

My Personal Experience and One Skin Review After Almost 12 Months

After incorporating One Skin products into my daily skincare routine in February of 2025, I definitely see improvements in my skin. Through contest prep, lots of travel, plenty of stress, I’ve seen meaningful improvements in overall texture, hydration, and resilience.

What I Like

• Stronger barrier function: My skin felt less tight and reactive post-workout and after multiple showers on some days.
• Improved texture and firmness: I started noticing subtly smoother tone around month three.
• Better recovery: During calorie-deficit phases and travel, my complexion stayed consistent and hydrated. While snowboarding in February and March is where I noticed the biggest difference. Despite moisturizing during the dry Utah winters other years, my skin would be consistently irritated and dried out. This year, my skin stayed hydrated and smooth with One Skin OS-01.
• Science-backed approach: I appreciate the focus on science backed, cellular health and clean ingredients rather than superficial marketing claims.
• Less Wrinkles: It's difficult to tell for sure, but overall it *seems* like my wrinkles have softened. Where I can tell in these photos is that there is a vertical wrinkle under my eye that definitely looks less obvious.

What I Didn’t See

• Changes were gradual with no dramatic overnight wrinkle reversal. It's not a quick fix miracle, I had to use it consistently over time to see results.
• As someone with variable nutrition and training stress my results may have been better with a more “normal” testing period, but really, who has that?!
• Data sets are still small, so more long-term studies are needed.

Overall, I found the results consistent with the research. I experienced improved hydration, smoother texture, and stronger barrier health. Again, it's not a miracle cream (I wish one existed!), but a steady, biologically relevant upgrade to your current skin care routine.

How OS-01 Fits into a Skin-Health and Longevity Plan

For anyone living an active lifestyle, especially those focused on performance, travel, and longevity, the connection between cellular health and skin resilience is key. Here’s how to integrate One Skin intelligently:

1. Morning and night application: Use OS-01 FACE after cleansing, before SPF or moisturizer.
2. Pair with nutrition: Maintain adequate protein (one gram per pound of ideal body weight), vitamin C, zinc, and omega-3s to support collagen synthesis and repair.
3. Protect your investment: Daily facial sunscreen remains essential, I've been using the OS-01 FACE SPF along with the rest of the system.
4. Consistency and tracking: Take progress photos every 3 to 4 months to document skin texture and tone changes. I didn't do enough of this and now I wish I had!
5. Synergy with lifestyle: Combine One Skin with hydration, sleep, and recovery, especially during prep, travel, or calorie restriction. Basically all of your healthy habits can work together synergistically to give you the best skin possible.

Summary & Verdict

• Science: Peer-reviewed data supports OS-01’s ability to reduce senescent cell burden and improve skin barrier and hydration.
• Experience: Noticeable improvements in smoothness, barrier health, and radiance after 10 months of use.
• Fit: Ideal for those pursuing longevity, recovery, clean ingredients and skin resilience as part of a whole-body approach.
• Limitations: Subtle changes, small sample sizes, and higher cost but it has strong scientific credibility. Although the initial investment is a little more, the products go a long way, I'm still on my first bottle of eye cream and second moisturizer after 10 months.

For me, One Skin aligns perfectly with the Heal Nourish Grow philosophy: optimizing your body and skin from the inside out with evidence-based tools. It’s not magic, but it’s meaningful.

Where to Learn More

Explore the full product line and research at OneSkin.co. They have some amazing holiday deals right now too, so be sure to check those out while you're there.