Why might estriol be chosen over estradiol for facial skincare?

Estriol is often chosen over estradiol for facial skincare because it is a gentler, less potent form of estrogen that works effectively at the skin’s surface without entering the bloodstream. Here at Alloy, we use estriol in our M4 skincare line because:

  • Estriol is highly effective at boosting collagen, restoring moisture, and improving elasticity—key factors that decline during perimenopause and menopause.
  • Topical estriol acts locally, so it does not impact blood estrogen levels, making it safe for everyday use and suitable even if you are not a candidate for systemic hormone therapy.
  • Early studies and clinical trials have shown that estriol is particularly effective for skin health, helping to maintain thickness, hydration, and resilience.
  • Estriol is more gentle than estradiol, reducing the risk of unwanted systemic effects while still delivering visible anti-aging benefits.

If you want to learn more about the science and see the clinical results, check out our detailed article: What Is Estriol, and What Is Estrogen’s Role in Skin Health?

For a quick video explanation, watch the chapter “Vaginal Estrogen vs. Estriol Face Cream” from our YouTube series, which explains why estriol is the preferred choice for facial skincare: Watch here

Explore our prescription-strength M4 Face Cream Rx and other M4 products to see how estriol can help your skin look and feel its best: M4 Face Cream Rx Product Page


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