Hey Guys,
I received this product from L’Oreal Paris, it is a Retinol Serum which is part of their Revitalift Laster range. So far it’s available at Boots and Lookfantastic.
L’Oreal Website: HERE
Price: £24.99
Volume: 30ml
Who is it for?: For people who want quite a strong retinol (not a derivative) and can’t get a prescription grade. And those who want a retinol that is potent from the first drop to the last drop.
What is it?: A stable 0.2% Retinol Serum in an emulsion.
NOTE: Supposedly this retinol is 3x more effective reaching the epidermis (inner layer of the skin) compared to using a regular retinol serum.
What does it do?: It is meant to visibly reduce the look of fine lines and deep wrinkles (over time and with continued use).
Lasts: 6 months after opening.
NOTE: Conversions: Retinol —> Retinal —> retinoic acid (aka tretinoin) – this is used in the skin. So this product requires 2 conversions to get to a usable form in the skin.
NOTE: This is strong, so first-time retinol users should either use this very sparingly or begin with a lower % first.
Packaging: A Glass bottle with a plastic dropper/lid. The dropper isn’t tricky to use but due to the nature of the product’s texture, it doesn’t suck up a whole bunch of product. It works for a retinol serum because obviously you don’t use a huge amount, just a few drops.
Cruelty Free?: L’Oreal have stated on the packaging that they do not do animal testing.
Description / How it works and some more info:
- Retinol is known to be more effective than derivatives (i.e. Retinal / Retinaldehyde) – but not as effective as Retinal (HERE) or Tretinoin. Retinol helps to renew the skin, reduces an uneven skin texture and helps with deep wrinkles and fine lines.
- This particular Serum has been formulated (stabilised formula) to remain potent the whole time it’s in use i.e. the first drop is as potent as the last drop.
- L’Oreal also state that the system in which this product has been formulated, ensures that the pure retinol is absorbed and taken in by the skin (to ensure maximum efficacy).
Timeline of Results:
After immediately using: The skin looks + feels moisturised (I would agree with the moisturisation).
In 1 month: The skin’s texture begins to refine.
In 4 months: There should be a notable reduction in wrinkles and deep wrinkles
Note: In a clinical study they tested wrinkle reduction (both deep and shallow) after 4 months and women noticed a 36% reduction of wrinkles. If you would like to read more about this study then please check the website HERE
Directions: ”Apply 3-4 drops to clean, dry skin in the evening. Follow up with a moisturiser if desired. Always use a minimum of SPF 20 the morning after. In case of discomfort, space out applications.” – From the L’Oreal website.
Week 1: Use 2 nights per week
Week 2: Use every other night
Week 3: Use nightly as tolerated. It is normal to experience some initial redness, tingling or dryness while using Retinol. If this happens, stop using it for a few days then use less frequently. If severe irritation develops and lasts, discontinue use and talk to your doctor. Avoid sun exposure. Avoid contact with eyes and lips: if contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water. Do not use in conjunction with other Retinol products (From the Package Instructions).
Key Ingredients: Retinol (0.2%) and Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate) – this is macro so it sits on top of the skin. This formula aims to tackle wrinkles and moisturise/hydrate the skin. 11% Glycerin (makes the product milky) + 3 lightweight oils which supposedly help keep the retinol stabilised. The product was formulated to keep the product potent and also comfortable.
Ingredients: Aqua/Water, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Isonyl Isononanoate, Pentylene Glycol, Dicaprylyl Ether, Glycine Soja Oil / Soybean oil, Propylene Glycol, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Citric Acid, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Discuccinate, Retinol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl taurate, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Isostearate, PPG-6-Decyltetradeceth-30, Tocopherol, Xanthan Gum, Benzyl Alcohol, Citronellol, Isoeugenol, Limonene, Linalool, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum/fragrance (EU B264237/1).
Swatch / Texture:
This totally reminds me of the Hylamide SubQ Eye Serum. It’s got that Emulsion/milky-type quality to it which means that this product is like a liquid-type moisturiser (it has some weight to it! thicker than the Laneige Cream Skin Refiner and more like the Laneige Cream Skin Oil Cleanser). It does not feel sticky, it doesn’t feel tacky and does feel soft and smooth. It’s got a slight cooling sensation when applied and is easy to spread! It is obviously thicker than more watery or gel-like serums, so it doesn’t entirely disappear into the skin and feels more like a silky-type serum sitting on top of the skin.
I will say, it’s not a neat drop when dropping this onto the skin. It sort of has that same residual gloopiness as Snail Mucin does. It shows this product does have some weight to it for a serum.
You can see it has that milky-like texture.
Fragrance?: As you can see in the ingredients list, this contains both fragrance and essential oils. The company have stated that this product has been tested on sensitive skins (Disclaimer: ”’Our skincare product tolerance is evaluated on all skin types, even sensitive skin, and tested under dermatological control with a minimum of 600 applicants.”) So it is up to personal preference on whether this bothers you or not.
In terms of the smell: This smells like shampoo or a bar of soap. It is a pleasant ”clean” scent which doesn’t go away even after rubbing in.
Overall Thoughts: I am a bit disappointed that this contains fragrance and essential oils as I personally don’t like either in my skincare products, and especially in products that contain actives such as retinol (i.e. adding potentially irritating ingredients when the skin is being sensitised/irritated, like retinol does to the skin).
HOWEVER the texture of this product and its moisturising capabilities is pleasant! I can’t talk about the efficacy of this as I haven’t used this for long, but the texture is nice and if you want a 0.2% retinol formula, then this is decent! It just depends if you like an emulsion-like texture and if you don’t mind fragrance.
Dupe?: An Unfragranced/free of Essential oils version is the Reintol 0.2% In Squalane HERE – HOWEVER that is in oil and not in a nicely textured emulsion.
NOTE: Conversions: Retinol —> Retinal —> retinoic acid (aka tretinoin) – this is used in the skin. So this product requires 2 conversions to get to a usable form in the skin.
Other L’Oreal Products I’ve Swatched / Reviewed are HERE
My Skin Type: I am acne prone and have slightly dehydrated combo skin. My skin is usually tight where the cheeks and eye area is and the outer parts of my face. My T zone is oily. My skin isn’t a fan of thick/heavy formulas so I opt for lightweight formulas to prevent it from clogging up. My skin doesn’t like essential oils either and I try to avoid fragrance when I can.
Disclaimer: I am a skincare enthusiast and not a skin expert. I am not qualified to give out dermatological advice. This type of advice should only be given by a medical practitioner. Upon trying / using any of the reviewed products on the blog, please follow the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings and please seek medical advice if needed.
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