Martha Stewart’s A30 Elemental Serum is a topical skincare product from ELM Biosciences, developed by Stewart and dermatologist Dhaval Bhanusali from a custom formula. It is not the green juice recipe in Vogue’s 2024 story about her skincare routine, and neither that routine nor the serum has been shown to explain her appearance. The serum’s ingredients and editorial test coverage are worth understanding separately from its marketing claims.
What is Martha Stewart’s A30 serum?
A30 Elemental Serum is a product by ELM Biosciences. Harper’s Bazaar reported that Stewart and dermatologist Dhaval Bhanusali worked for five years to turn Stewart’s custom formula into a retail serum. Stewart told the magazine, “I’m very curious about chemistry, I’m very curious about science, and this is the result [of both] right here in this little bottle.” (Harper’s Bazaar)
The name can be confusing: Vogue’s 2024 feature used “The Secret to Martha Stewart’s Ageless Skin?” in its headline and described her green juice recipe. That is a different subject from the later topical A30 serum. (Vogue)
What is in the serum, and what is it meant to do?
Harper’s Bazaar reports that the formula includes the brand’s patent-pending A30 Complex, which the brand positions as an antioxidant, along with bakuchiol, hyaluronic acid, blue tansy, squalane, and vitamin C. The reporting describes the product as designed to address concerns including visible signs of aging, UV damage, pigmentation, dehydration, and irritation. These are intended uses and brand claims, not proof that the finished serum produces those outcomes. (Harper’s Bazaar; Glamour)
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Stewart said of its intended audience, “This serum is not necessarily just for aging women,” according to Harper’s Bazaar. Skin responses to ingredients vary, so readers should check the complete ingredient list and consider personal sensitivities rather than assume a product is suitable for every skin type. (Harper’s Bazaar)
What do product tests establish?
Glamour recounts impressions from four editors with different ages and skin types. It distinguishes short-term appearance observations from assessing long-term UV damage. The Daily Beast describes a three-week editorial test. These accounts can offer anecdotal impressions of use, but neither is a controlled clinical trial of the finished serum or a guarantee of results for other users. (Glamour; The Daily Beast)
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Bhanusali, ELM Biosciences co-founder and dermatologist, told The Daily Beast, “The science has evolved, but most skincare hasn’t.” That is his perspective on the product’s premise; it is not independent evidence of clinical efficacy. (The Daily Beast)
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How much does it cost, and what else is in the line?
Harper’s Bazaar reported a $135 price at the time of its coverage. That is a dated reported price, not a verified current price; check ELM Biosciences for current price and availability. The line also includes the A30 Elemental Night Cream and Inner Dose Daily Skin Supplement. The night cream was described as a newer launch in 2026 coverage, and Martha Stewart’s site presents it as a complement to the serum and supplement. The supplement is ingestible, unlike the topical serum and cream. (Harper’s Bazaar; Martha Stewart; Elle)
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How to assess whether it suits your routine
- Check the full ingredient list. The named ingredients in coverage are not a substitute for the complete label, especially if you have known sensitivities.
- Keep expectations proportional to the evidence. Editorial impressions and a short test are not the same as a controlled trial or a promise of results.
- Compare like with like. If weighing it against another antioxidant serum, compare full formulas, intended concerns, tolerability, how each layers with sunscreen or makeup, evidence type and duration, and current price for the amount provided. The cited coverage does not establish a head-to-head clinical comparison.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
