by Todra Payne
When I die, I want to be buried on 5F at Bergdorf Goodman (preferably near Marc by Marc Jacobs). Until I meet my demise, I’m making it a point to shop there whenever I pop into Manhattan for a day trip. Believe it or not, BG has some great sales (the only racks I ever visit) – post season. A few months ago, I got a pair of the most creative shoes ever for $125. They were originally $350. Score.
So I’ve established that BG is one of my favorite shopping experiences. I don’t hate on them – normally. But today, I am feeling less than warm+ fuzzy about the legendary store. Here’s why. They do a daily blog post called, Today’s Style Tip. And the one for today said,
“You’re never too young for neck cream.”
I re-read that. You’re never too young for neck cream. Really? NEVER? That’s news to me. I’ve always assumed there are many years of a young woman’s life when she can just coast without freaking herself out over neck wrinkles. But maybe I’m wrong. Maybe every mom should be marching her 12, hell, 8-year-old daughter to Bergdorf’s for neck cream.
After all, you want the little one to know all she can about anti-aging tactics. I clicked on the link to the product that accompanied this style tip (how is neck cream “style?”) and found out why this tip is so valuable – to Bergdorf’s, that is. 
This freaking cream costs $225!
I wanted to see an ingredients list. What makes this product so costly? As usual, there is no complete ingredient list, just some really fancy sounding marketing speak.
Formulated exclusively with the patented SYNTOC ACTIF delivery matrix, the MOISTURE RICH COMPLEXE, a synergistic combination of natural moisturizing factors and skin protectants, is delivered 24x deeper into the dermis to help increase essential hydration and render skin supple, smooth and more flexible.
Huh? What exactly is a SYNTOC ACTIF delivery matrix? Anybody? Take a guess. I have no idea, either. They do give a paltry list of select ingredients (the ones that sound natural and good for you). Aloe, shea butter, avocado, cucumber oil, jojoba, hazelnut, etc.
All of these are great moisturizers, but I can get them in products made by small, natural brands. I’d get a purer product AND walk out with $190 in change.
Am I wrong here? Let’s hear your take on this.
Hi Irma,
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment and give further explanation on the delivery system. So many times these things are bogus fluff to impress/confuse the consumer. So the science behind this one is spot on, it’s just the “style tip” that’s silly
Dear Ms. Payne,
You are correct in questioning the technology of syntoc actif, but the company will be torn between too much science talk or not enough.
Syntoc actif is a new transdermal delivery system developed by an Australian Biotech company Phosphagenics, primarily to transport drugs like insulin and oxycodone through the skin without a needle.
The technology allows the ingredients to penetrate as deep as they claim, without entering the blood system.
Working on medicines the company realised that it would take cosmetics to a new level. It is scientifically proven.
LMDB was the first company in USA to license the technology, and unfortunately it comes with a price.
However, ask yourself, would you rather pay half the price for something that just sits on the surface of your skin, and maybe makes you feel good, or double the price for something that actually clinically works on the deep layers of your skin to repair as well as improve the feel and look of your skin.
If you want to research it more, you can visit http://www.phosphagenics.com
The original name of the system is TPM, or targeted penetration matrix.
Good luck to all your readers. This stuff actually works.