i was recently approached by a long lost 'friend' on facebook whose sole purpose seemed to be to generate interest in selling Nerium AD a new product sold through multi-level marketing and containing extract of oleander of all things.  i told him i would look into the product and let him know.  i am finding it difficult to even conduct independent research because google results for even topics such as 'nerium scam' lead to blogs of 'brand partners' whose goal it appears is to redirect the reader to their sales pitch site.

paula begoun has a very harsh review of the product which i would take as gospel and there are a couple of MDs who also sell an anti-aging product who have taken on the task of calling the ingredients into question.  you folks are the cosmetic chemists in my world and i trust that i would get solid information from you.  i have already developed a negative perception of the company behind nerium based on their financial statements (my area of expertise as a former general manager of a natural foods store), combined with numerous consumer complaints about the product and the company's failure to honor their money back guarantee, worst of all are the adverse reactions reported by some on sites such as amazon and how 'brand partners' gang up on these reviewers and attempt to sell their product.  i think we all know the pit falls of multi level marketing so the brand partner responses should come as no surprise.

i think that as cosmetic chemists, you are in a unique position to be able to address the issues of this product's ingredients.  my impression based on information found at beautypedia.com as well as the MDs i mentioned above (bare faced truth -- http://barefacedtruth.com/2012/11/18/when-you-dont-have-the-answer-stonewall-be-a-bully-neriumgate-part-1/) is to stay far, far away from this product because i know my own skin, my rosacea and sensitivity issues and have had to be placed on prednisone in past instances of adverse reactions.  it seems this company not only does not honor it's guarantee but does not even bother to acquire information regarding adverse reactions which i consider to be bad business and unethical.

i would love to hear your opinions.  the company's website is http://www.nerium.com/default.aspx?ID=www, your opinions on the 'real science' portion would be a great service.  i think the more information that can be put out about potential harm (cell death via oleander extract) the better off consumers will be and i ask for your help here.

the ingredients as stated by the company's website are below - i am familiar enough with most of them, but again, would appreciate your input.

NAE-8 Proprietary Blend (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf,
Nerium Oleander Leaf Extract),

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf,

Proprietary Protein
(Collagen, Elastin, Glycosaminoglycans),

Oryza Sativa Bran Oil,
Stearic Acid,
Cetearyl Glucoside and Cetearyl Alcohol,
Glycerin,
C14-22 Alcohol and C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside,
Glyceryl Stearate,
Ricinus Communis Seed Oil,
Cetyl Alcohol,
Olus Oil,
Chondrus
Crispus Powder,
Sodium Borate,
Dicaprylyl Ether,
Hydrolyzed Quinoa,
Sodium Isostearoyl Lactylate,
Dimethicone,
Sodium PCA,
Proprietary Blend (Caprylyl Glycol, Glycerin,
Glyceryl Caprylate, Phenylpropanol),
Parfum,
Sodium
Hydroxymethylglycinate,
Tocopherol