Jump To:
Our Editorial Review
Customer Reviews

Perricone MD Cold Plasma Sub-D

Perricone MD Cold Plasma Sub-D

Overall Rating

1.8

15 Customer Reviews

Write a Review

Summary

Cold Plasma Sub D is a skincare product designed to tackle the signs of aging and give you a smoother, wrinkle-free complexion.

Pros

  • Transparent ingredient list
  • Active ingredients have clinical evidence of skincare benefits
  • Customers reviews indicate it works for many users

Cons

  • Sneaky auto-ship program with 3x higher costs than introductory order
  • Many customers complained it doesn’t work
  • More expensive than competitors with the same active ingredients
  • Ingredients may have negative side effects

Cold Plasma Sub-D Review: Is It Worth It?

By Lydia Noyes

Updated on: Feb 24, 2020

Celebrity-endorsed beauty products abound, but determining which ones you can trust to deliver what they promise is a far more difficult challenge. Cold Plasma Sub-D skin cream is one such product that claims to address the visible signs of aging along your jawline, chin, and neck.

Dr. Nicholas Perricone is a board-certified dermatologist, founder of Perricone MD, American celebrity doctor known for his self-help books on weight loss and staying youthful. Guthy-Renker, Perricone MD’s parent company, is one of the world’s largest direct marketing companies for beauty, skincare, entertainment and wellness products.

Cold Plasma Sub-D, a flagship product of the brand, will purportedly infuse your skin with a blend of proprietary ingredients through “Plasma Technology” to take years off your face. The idea is that using this cream will result in firmer, more youthful-looking skin, a crisper, more defined appearance along your chin and jawline, and less loose skin around your face and chest.

Can you trust Cold Plasma Sub-D to deliver what it promises? Learn from our analysis whether this skincare solution makes sense for you.

How Does Cold Plasma Sub-D Work?

Cold Plasma Sub-D works as a neck cream with a proprietary “liquid crystal delivery system” to penetrate the skin with key ingredients that restore a youthful appearance.

According to the company’s self-reported consumer-use study, 87% of customers reported an improvement in the firmness of the skin around their neck area after 45 days of regular application.

To use, apply Cold Plasma Sub-D around your chin, jawline, neck, and chest, massaging it into place with circular motions. For best results, the company recommends using it twice daily in the morning and evening.

Analysis of Ingredients

Cold Plasma Sub-D’s complete ingredients list is:

Water, Glycolic Acid, Tyrosine, Dimethyl MEA, Isopropyl Palmitate, Acetyl Carnitine HCl, Arginine, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Phosphatidylcholine, Thioctic Acid, Rosa Moschata Seed Oil, Vaccinium Macrocarpon Seed Oil, Ceteareth-20, Caffeine, Dimethicone, BHT, Saccharomyces Ferment, Magnesium Aspartate, Zinc Gluconate, Phenoxyethanol, Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Phytic Acid, Carnosine, Disodium EDTA, Elaeis Guineensis Oil, Astaxanthin, Copper Gluconate, Tocotrienols, Sorbic Acid, Fragrance/Parfum, Limonene, Tocopherol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Linalool, Alanyl Glutamine

Many of these ingredients act as skin nourishing and restoration agents.

Glycolic Acid, for example, is commonly used for chemical peels. It’s an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that works to loosen dead skin cells off the surface of your skin so that new cells take their place. It’s also used to stimulate collagen and elastin production to ensure that these new skin cells are of high quality.

Likewise, dimethyl MEA (DMAE) is a compound produced by the brain that is also considered beneficial for reducing fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, as well as to improve the overall appearance of aging skin. One small study found that the compound enhanced water content in the skin after eight weeks of regular use.

Others, such as glyceryl stearate, tyrosine, isopropyl palmitate, and acetyl carnitine HCI, act as thickeners, preservatives, and emulsifiers.

A few of these ingredients may have potentially harmful side effects. The ones that caught our attention are:

  • PEG-100 Stearate: This moisturizing ingredient is made from natural oils and stearic acid, and the EWG Cosmetic Database indicates that it it’s been linked to a host of health problems, including cancer, reproductive problems, and kidney toxicity. Despite these concerns, the FDA considers PEG-100 stearate to be safe for topical use at concentrations under 25%, and it’s a common ingredient in skincare products.

  • Ceteareth-20: As an emollient and emulsifier, ceteareth-20 thickens solutions and helps other ingredients dissolve. Though there’s considered to be little evidence for toxicity, the ethylene oxide content of ceteareth-20 can lead to contamination with 1, 4 dioxane, which is a known carcinogen that can penetrate the skin. For this reason, cereareth-20 shouldn’t be used on damaged skin.

  • Phenoxyethanol: Used as a preservation agent in cosmetics and perfumes, phenoxyethanol is a known skin irritant that can cause eczema or severe allergic reactions. If infants accidentally ingest this compound, it can trigger nervous system problems.

  • Limonene: As a chemical found in citrus fruit rinds, limonene is a popular additive in food, cosmetics, and cleaning products. Though the FDA classifies this compound as a safe food additive, it’s known to cause skin irritation for some people when applied topically.

  • Tocopherol: This antioxidant-rich form of vitamin E is commonly used in skin care products for its ability to combat free radical damages. While there’s an increased risk of prostate cancer associated with taking high doses in supplement form, it shouldn’t cause any problems when used topically.

Key Takeaways

Cold Plasma Sub-D seems to have at least two active ingredients that show clinical evidence of reducing wrinkles, improving your skin cell’s regeneration rate, and helping you look younger.

However, packaged within these ingredients are compounds that have the potential to cause adverse side effects that range from skin irritation to severe organ toxicity.

You will need to assess whether the benefits may be worth the potential risks.

Pricing, Guarantee, and Ways to Buy

Cold Plasma Sub-D isn’t currently available on the Sub-D website as a standalone purchase. Instead, you can purchase this product as part of two kits:

  • Face, Eye & Neck System: Includes Cold Plasma Sub-D, High Potency Amine Face Lift, and three bonus items—Face Finishing Moisturizer, High Potency Eye Lift, High Potency Evening Repair ($79.95).

  • Face & Neck Firming Duo: Includes both the Cold Plasma Sub-D and the High Potency Amine Face Lift ($49.95).

Shipping for both kits is $5.99.

Note that buying either of these kits will sign you up for an auto-ship program. One month after purchase and every three months after that, you will receive a new supply of Cold Plasma Sub-D.

You will be charged $79.95 plus $3.99 for shipping each month for the Face, Eye & Neck System, which makes the total cost of each new shipment $239.85 plus $11.97 shipping. The Face & Neck Firming Duo costs $49.95 plus $2.99 per month, for a final price of $149.85 plus $8.97 per delivery.

Every Cold Plasma Sub-D purchase includes a 60-day money-back guarantee for the purchase price, minus shipping and handling. There is also no requirement that you stay in this auto-ship program after your first order, and you can cancel your subscription at any time by contacting customer service.

You can purchase Cold Plasma Sub-D on other sites without signing up for a subscription program, including Sephora, Ulta Beauty, and Amazon. On these sites, the product retails for $74–$95 per jar.

Analysis of Customer Reviews

There are customer reviews for Cold Plasma Sub-D on HighYa (1.6/5), Sephora (3.7/5), Ulta Beauty (4.2/5), and Amazon (3.6/5). Here’s a summary of what they say:

Common Compliments:

  • Produced real improvements on the skin
  • Created tighter looking neck skin over the long term
  • Lightweight and non-greasy for easy application

Common Complaints:

  • Produced bumps on some user’s necks
  • All Perricone creams seem the same, regardless of intended use
  • No difference for skin after using the whole jar
  • Fishy smell when first applied
  • Led to skin irritation after regular use

The Bottom Line

Cold Plasma Sub-D includes a few ingredients that show real potential for delivering skincare benefits like fewer wrinkles, a better dead skin cell turnover rate, and a generally tighter appearance.

However, these benefits come at the cost of a formula filled with questionable ingredients that show evidence of causing skin irritation and potential organ problems over time.

In the same way, the real cost of this product will likely be deceiving for many customers, as all orders on the company website automatically enroll you in a subscription program where you will pay more than three times the price of your initial order for every future delivery.

Customer reviews indicate that many users loved this product, while others didn’t think their skin looked any different after using it. Some even complained of skin irritation.

We advise you to be cautious when purchasing Cold Plasma Sub-D. If you plan to try it, purchase it somewhere other than the company website so that you aren’t inadvertently looked into an auto-ship program until you know whether you like it enough to commit.

Customer Reviews

1.8 Stars out of 15 Reviews
5 Star:13% 4 Star:6% 3 Star:0% 2 Star:6% 1 Star:73%
20% Recommend This Product
Start your review of Perricone MD Cold Plasma Sub-D:
Sort Reviews By

Posted on Aug 23, 2023

Auto ship without knowledge

By Alisa B., Fort Worth, TX, Verified Reviewer

Auto ship without consent. More than 3 times the price without any idea of the price or knowledge of shipment. Also, very shady business practice. I would be extremely careful about ordering from them. Also, the products broke out my skin.

Length of Use: Less than 3 months

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

No “pros” were specified in this review

Extremely expensive

Broke out skin

Too harsh on face and neck

Helpful Review? 1 Person Has Voted

Posted on Mar 1, 2021

Read the fine print - pricing scam!

By Cindy B., Seattle, WA, Verified Reviewer

I actually thought the product was pretty good - did see some difference, but I ultimately canceled because it was so deceptive in how they lure you in with a $49 kit then I come to find out the next kit costs almost $300 which they sneakily spread into 3 payments of $92 each month once they have your card. Really dishonest. And to top it off, their website has no way to adjust shipment timing.

Length of Use: Less than 3 months

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

Skin was somewhat smoother after use

Luxurious texture

Customer service lady was polite and professional

Misleading

Rip off pricing

Website inoperable- can't adjust shipping schedule

Helpful Review? 3 People Have Voted

Posted on Feb 16, 2021

Great product!

By Terry A., Union, MO, Verified Reviewer

I have been using Perricone MD Cold Plasma Sub-D for 15 years. I am 74. The skin on my neck and chest is smooth! It's worth the price! The company is very helpful and works with me to adjust the timing of repeated mailings. I receive many compliments and am told that I have great skin! I highly recommend the product!

Length of Use: 2+ years

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

It works!

Has helped me to look younger than I am!

Skin looks smooth and youthful!

No “cons” were specified in this review

Helpful Review? 4 People Have Voted

Posted on Jun 22, 2020

Not worth the money

By Amy S., Yuba City, CA, Verified Reviewer

I was so excited to receive the Perricone MD Cold Plasma Sub-D that I started the minute I opened my package. I was surprised at how tiny of a jar it was and wasn’t expecting all the other miniature creams. I tried for a couple of days and the Plasma Sub D smelled horrible but I thought no pain no gain. Lol. I started breaking out when using how the instructions told me to use it. I decided it wasn’t for me so I called to let Perricone know that it wasn’t for me. Right about that time the COVID-19 started and no one was at the office on phones so there was a message to use the website. I looked for days how to let them know to stop my shipment but by then another one arrived, so at that point, through PayPal I already had paid out $90.17 and $92.00. I finally got ahold of someone at Perricone and told them to stop sending and that it irritates my skin. I thought that was the end of it.

Now I just got a bill for over $200 that needed to be paid, I called them and asked about the invoice and he said something about a third shipment and I said I never received a third, thank God. I still have the first and second that I am not using, I said it was ridiculous how much money they want for tiny bottles, and it irritates my skin. I am not paying anymore, I told him I have it all here. He told me to send it all back to them. I hung up and now I am thinking why do I have to go through the trouble of sending all these tiny bottles back and pay for shipping and I already paid them over $180. I am over it, this company is horrible. What a nightmare during the already nightmare of COVID-19 lockdown. I will stash all these 20 small bottles of crap and if they want them back they can come and get them.

Sorry for the rant.

Length of Use: Less than 3 months

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

What I thought it was going to do for me

The smell and irritation of my skin

Customer service

The high cost for tiny bottles of extra things that came with the cold plasma

Helpful Review? 6 People Have Voted

Posted on Mar 20, 2019

Nasty reaction.

By Disne F., Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, Verified Reviewer

I purchased my products from the Shopping Channel. I have had many products from Perricone and I like them, they are very smooth and feel really nice on the skin (I have not seen much results from anything yet, just the same). But there are two products "cold plasma sub D" and "High potency face firming activator." These two products have a strong smell and after using these a couple of times, I started getting very itchy and my skin turns red like it has been burnt. I have found this very disappointing, since the products are not cheap and after 30 days with the Shopping Channel, you cannot send it back. The strange thing is, I did not react the first few times, so when I started having the reaction, it was too late to send it back. I figured there was nothing else I could do, so I have waited several months and I decided last night to try the face firming activator again. That one had given me the least amount of trouble. I put it on my jawline and up as far as my ears and went to sleep. I awakened scratching myself, and when I got up the area was itchy, red, and looked like I had a first-degree burn. I really don’t know what is causing this and I’ve only used about a quarter of each of these products. I also use cold plasma, neuropeptide firming moisturizer, face finishing moisturizer, and firming eye cream with no problems. I would love to hear if anyone else has had this sort of reaction. I am not a person, that normally has any kind of reaction to anything.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 8 People Have Voted

Posted on Mar 11, 2019

RUINED SKIN

By Marcia M., Guilderland, NY, Verified Reviewer

After one application my skin turned bright red and it burned. This is months later and my skin still hasn't healed. It feels like sandpaper. Trying to contact Perricone is impossible. Emails are never answered.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 5 People Have Voted

Posted on Feb 19, 2019

Good results

By Diane P., Ohio, Verified Reviewer

I am a skeptic when it comes to creams and potions. I am, however, surprised at the results of the Plasma Sub-D; not dramatic, but enough to make me go "hmmmm." Received the Sub-D as a sample, used it up, started to feel like my neck wrinkles were minimized, and bought a pot of it. Again - not dramatic results, but I don't necessarily want to look 30 (I'm 50), just want to take the edge off. For me, a former Botox junkie, this product is good enough.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 4 People Have Voted

Posted on Aug 17, 2017

Love it

By Sarah Brown, Indiana, Verified Reviewer

I actually love the Cold Plasma Sub-D. It works for me even if it is just the appearance, but isn't that what we all want? And the price for my jar of Sub-D plus my free mask and eyelid serum was $29.95. I just order it when I need it, and it lasts a long time. My neck looks better since I have been using it. I smell no fishy smell. Try it for yourself. I have used a few jars and love it.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 6 People Have Voted

Posted on Feb 22, 2017

Be cautious

By Colleen, California, Verified Reviewer

I ordered the Cold Plasma Sub-D (in a kit). After receiving it, I tried a couple of the other products, and they were fine, including the mask. Two nights ago I applied the Sub-D and woke up the next morning with a red, puffy neck that burned. I haven't put anything on my neck since, and this morning when I woke up my neck is not quite so red or puffy but it still burns, and the skin feels rough and stiff. Not exactly the results I was going for.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 32 People Have Voted

Posted on Jan 13, 2017

Doesn't do a thing

By Wanda, Jacksonville, FL, Verified Reviewer

Three weeks into the Cold Plasma Sub-D and the full kit, and nothing. I have been religiously taking it as directed, but nothing. For this price I could have had ten units of Botox, which would have actually helped.

Do not waste your time and money. My Mom is 87 years old and has used plain Ponds for 50 years, and that's our best bet.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 31 People Have Voted

Posted on Dec 27, 2016

Not happy, no results.

By Tina Holly, OH, Verified Reviewer

I have not seen ANY RESULTS, I believe it is a scam like all the others. All the women they use in the commercial look good before the treatment. And if it is as great and wonderful with FANTASTIC results, why does Dr. Pericone have such wrinkled skin? He also wears a very high collar to hide his neck.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 31 People Have Voted
Showing 1-11 of 15

Our Promise to You

In order to safeguard you and ensure helpfulness and relevance, our compliance team manually assess every customer review before it goes live.

We have a zero-tolerance policy for fake reviews, and companies cannot control or alter any reviews at any time.