Another Saturday, another Weekend Read and after writing last weekend about dancing on our platform with the brands we respect and support, some words about Life Extension and their supplements. Scientific credibility matters, it matters rather a lot, and for more than four decades, Life Extension has invested heavily in independent research on ageing and disease, funding the science before bringing innovative compounds to market.

It is this precise scientific rigour that separates excellence from manufactured hype, because Life Extension has never chased trends, resonating deeply with our own ethos. They bring products to market only after rigorous research, often years, sometimes decades, ahead of an ingredient becoming ‘fashionable’ elsewhere, and so I want to take a look at some of those cutting-edge and pioneering products, beginning with Neuro-Mag®, with a note to say that we are offering a 15% discount across each of the Life Extension products, across the weekend, ending at midnight BST, Sunday 18 October.
Life Extension Products (offer ends at midnight BST, Sunday 18 October)

Unlike most forms of Magnesium, which struggle to cross the blood-brain barrier, Neuro-Mag® is formulated with Magnesium L-Threonate, a form developed by MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) researchers specifically to raise Magnesium levels within the brain itself, where standard forms simply cannot reach. In a randomised, placebo-controlled human trial of older adults with early cognitive impairment, twelve weeks of supplementation was associated with a reversal of measures of brain age by more than nine years.

A more recent 2026 trial found a comparable improvement, of around seven and a half years, in cognitive age estimates after just six weeks. Beyond this, wider research is consistent and Magnesium L-Threonate has been shown, in pre-clinical studies, to increase the density and strength of connections between brain cells, precisely the mechanism thought to underpin its effects on memory. As such, Magnesium L-Threonate remains one of the most compelling stories in cognitive science today.

I just want to caveat this by saying that the same research on Magnesium L-Threonate found no measurable benefit for sleep, mood or anxiety, so for the avoidance of doubt, we endorse and recommend Neuro-Mag® specifically for healthy cognitive function and given its unique ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, we believe it can offer meaningful support for headaches and migraines too, although the direct research remains less extensive than for Magnesium broadly. For sleep, mood or anxiety, Magnesium Complex, a full-spectrum formulation offering eight different forms of Magnesium, remains our recommendation.
VH Editorials: Preventing Headaches and Migraines; Neuro-Mag® by Life Extension; DoSe Magnesium Complex £22 for 60 Capsules

Staying with identifying compounds long before they become familiar, Essential Youth L-Ergothioneine launched in 2022, after several years of dedicated research, and the rest is history because it has become one of our bestselling supplements. L-Ergothioneine, an amino acid, is found naturally in mushrooms and almost nowhere else. The human body cannot manufacture it and we rely entirely on diet, or supplementation, to obtain it, absorbed via a highly specific transporter that then carries it directly to the tissues under the greatest oxidative stress, the skin, the eyes, red blood cells and the mitochondria within our cells.

It is often described as one of the most powerful antioxidants we know of, and in laboratory testing it has outperformed both vitamin E and CoQ10 at neutralising free radicals. Notably, it is an effective scavenger of hypochlorous acid, a particularly damaging molecule that few other antioxidants are capable of handling efficiently. Research has shown it helps protect skin cells against UV-induced damage, supporting the skin’s own antioxidant defences, yet separately, in a study of over three thousand people, higher Ergothioneine levels were associated with meaningfully reduced cardiovascular risk.

This is one of several reasons why L-Ergothioneine continues to be studied extensively, most specifically in the wider conversation about healthy ageing. On from that, we offer two strengths, Essential Youth L-Ergothioneine at 5 mg and Mega L-Ergothioneine at 25 mg and it is worth pointing out that the higher dose has been the subject of recent, and ongoing, clinical research. The Zajac trial, published in 2025, compared the two doses directly and found the 25 mg dose delivered a sixteen-fold rise in blood levels, against a six-fold rise at 10 mg, and that difference matters rather more than the numbers alone suggest.

A supplement is only ever as useful as the amount our bodies can actually absorb, so a sixteen-fold rise means the higher dose isn’t simply providing more L-Ergothioneine, it is ensuring that considerably more of it actually reaches the bloodstream, and from there, the tissues that need it most. Both strengths remain worthwhile, but the higher dose is most closely tied to the research and where the evidence currently points.
Essential Youth L-Ergothioneine by Life Extension; Mega L-Ergothioneine by Life Extension

Rather differently, but no less remarkable, Astaxanthin is a compound belonging to an entirely different family altogether, the carotenoids. Where Ergothioneine seeks out and accumulates in tissues already under stress, Astaxanthin works by sitting within the cell membrane itself, where its unique molecular structure allows it to neutralise free radicals on both the inside and outside of the cell simultaneously.

There is, however, a genuine obstacle with Astaxanthin, it is fat-soluble, and mixes poorly with the water-based environment of the body, which has always limited its absorption. To overcome this, Astaxanthin has been formulated with Phospholipids, a proprietary blend derived from sunflower, which research shows enhances absorption by nearly twelve-fold compared to Astaxanthin taken alone. Sourced from freshwater algae, it arrives at our cells already prepared to be used. It has the ability to cross the blood-retinal barrier, offering protection for our eyes, and it has also been shown to be of value in supporting the immune system and skin health.
Astaxanthin with Phospholipids by Life Extension

The final Life Extension product I want to talk about is Water-Soluble Pumpkin Seed Extract. Pumpkin seed has a long history of traditional use for bladder health, but the whole seed is only ever partly water-soluble, and it is those water-soluble constituents, rather than the seed’s oil, which research has shown offer superior support for the muscles that control the bladder.

Japanese scientists patented a method to extract and concentrate these specific compounds, making them far more efficiently absorbed than the seed itself, and the resulting formulation has been studied in human trials, with maximum benefits typically emerging after six to eight weeks of consistent use. This is an important supplement because as we age, we frequently encounter a weakening of the bladder and its sphincter muscle that controls the release of urine. Shabir examines this health concern in his article, linked below, because losing control of your bladder can be a very embarrassing concern with widespread implications.
VH Editorial: Treating An Overactive Bladder; Water-Soluble Pumpkin Seed Extract by Life Extension

Moving on, and mirroring the same philosophy with our own formulations, there would be no point whatsoever to simply repeat what already exists, as that would defeat the whole purpose, which has always been to recommend, and endorse, best-in-class formulations. There is no compromise. A formulation is either cutting-edge and pioneering, or it isn’t, and there’s no middle ground between the two.

So, some straight talking. Collagen Tripeptide Complex was formulated with the smallest, most bioavailable form of collagen available, because anything larger simply isn’t properly absorbed. NAD+ Generator was built around RiaGev®, rather than a single, ordinary precursor, precisely because the science demanded something more considered. Superior Joints was built around Natural Eggshell Membrane, because the clinical evidence behind it is genuinely compelling, and Hyaluronic Acid, which is supercharged with BioPerine®, is dosed at a level the research actually supports. I’ll stop there, but not before I throw a 15% discount across each of the four supplements.
DoSe Collagen Tripeptide Complex; DoSe NAD+ Generator; DoSe Superior Joints; DoSe Hyaluronic Acid Capsules High Strength (offers end at midnight BST, Sunday 18 October)

And so, from the rigour of science to something rather simpler, but no less exceptional in its own way, Soapsmith’s Kings Road Scented Candle, which has been released alongside their Bloomsbury Scented Candle, which I wrote about a couple of weeks ago. Once again, this is a limited edition candle and I am already in a mild state of panic because limited really does mean limited and I absolutely adore both of these candles for several different reasons, not least because the fragrance throw is exceptional, which is the second time I have used the word ‘exceptional’ in one paragraph, but I don’t actually care.

The King’s Road Scented Candle is inspired, quite specifically by the King’s Road itself, its cultural contrasts, its restless creative history and, most evocatively, the era of love and peace that once defined it. The fragrance reflects that mood entirely, earthy Patchouli and creamy Sandalwood, grounded by incense and lifted with just a whisper of Oud, which I love, in and of itself. I think I may have to request that both these candles become a permanent offering because some things, once discovered, simply shouldn’t be allowed to disappear.
King's Road Scented Candle by Soapsmith £40 for 300 grams; Bloomsbury Scented Candle by Soapsmith £40 for 300 grams

Continuing with seasonal gifts, three from This Works. Dream To Sleep is a considered wind-down ritual in a box containing three full-size products, Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, Deep Sleep Shower Gel and Deep Sleep Body Cocoon, all formulated around the same signature blend of Lavender, Vetivert and Camomile. It is designed to be used in sequence, the Deep Sleep Shower Gel to cleanse, the Deep Sleep Body Cocoon to nourish skin with shea butter and nourishing oils, and finally Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, misted across the pillow just before sleep. Dream To Sleep is £30, with a value of £62.
Dream To Sleep by This Works £30 (Limited Edition)

Seventh Heaven takes that same pillow spray, Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, and multiplies it. Seven individual 5 ml sprays are included in this set, one for each night of the week, supporting a good night’s sleep, but it’s also a small, thoughtful gift, and a genuinely practical one, compact enough for travel, yet generous enough to actually last. Seventh Heaven is £16, with a value of £49.
Seventh Heaven by This Works £16 (Limited Edition)

Finally, from This Works, Blissful Bodycare is a trio of travel-sized body moisturisers, each with its own distinct purpose. Deep Sleep Body Whip (30 ml) carries that same calming Deep Sleep fragrance, Perfect Body Vit C Glow (30 ml) brightens with vitamin C, Hyaluronic acid and vitamin B12, and In The Zone Body Lotion (30 ml) is infused with Coconut Oil, Eucalyptus and Petitgrain, refreshing the senses rather than winding them down. The morning after the night before. Perhaps. Blissful Bodycare is £15 with a value of £30.
Blissful Bodycare by This Works £15 (Limited Edition)

Just one more seasonal gift before we finish and then a brand new product launch, but first the Weleda Amber Divine Gift Set, which brings together two body care essentials to create a sensorial cleansing and moisturising ritual. The first, Amber Divine Shower Cream (200 ml) is a creamy shower cleanser with a captivating fragrance of warm Vanilla notes with soft Amber tones of Labdanum and Vetiver and the second, Amber Divine Hand Cream (50 ml) is a rich hand cream blended with Sesame Seed oil, Glycerin and Shea Butter. They come together in a vibrant Magenta velvet bag and with product details linked below, a separate link to all available seasonal gifts.
Amber Divine Gift Set by Weleda £14.95; Seasonal Gifts

To end, two items of headline news. The first is that iS Clinical have launched a new product, Daily Active Smoothing Toner, an essential step that exfoliates, hydrates and balances the skin to maximise sequential skincare treatments. This high-performance blend of AHA, BHA and PHAs helps gently resurface while maintaining the skin’s natural moisture balance. Sodium Hyaluronate and Aloe Vera deliver lightweight hydration, while Panthenol and Allantoin help soothe, comfort and support the skin barrier.

To complete the formulation, Witch Hazel, combined with a blend of fruit extracts, helps refine the appearance of pores, reducing excess surface oil and leaving skin looking smoother, clearer and more balanced with a healthy-looking glow. And if that’s not enough, more headline news because Bryan and Alec, aka my LA boyfriends, have just been in London and we spent several wonderful hours together.

Happy me, I danced around the table with Daily Active Smoothing Toner in one hand and Camera Ready in my other hand, which would have been a bit much had we been in a restaurant, but it was fine, I was in my own home and I cooked the food. I don’t actually know what else to say, except that Daily Active Smoothing Toner is everything and more in one formulation, as you would expect from the boys, Bryan with his background in biochemistry, psychology and genetics, and Alec who had the entrepreneurial experience and instinct to build two brands out of Bryan’s science. I came along for the ride over twenty years ago, and what a ride it has been.
Daily Active Smoothing Toner by iS Clinical £48 for 180 ml; Camera Ready by Icon Skincare £47 for 20 grams

Into the Saturday only treat, and with every order placed for £35 or above, excluding p&p, we will automatically send you one of several gifts* from our sharing cupboard. We have rather a lot of gifts to share, so I can’t be specific, but whichever gift you receive, I hope you enjoy using it, but I will also add that at this time of year, rather a lot of you save the gifts and use them as stocking fillers. Makes sense.

Finally, a song for the believers.
I’m A Believer by The Monkees; The VH Playlist

Happy weekend. Happy everything.

With love

Gill x