[Review] Hydra-Essentiel Bi-phase Serum from Clarins

This post is also available in: Français

Whenever someone reads my article on hormonal acne, the comment is the same: I would love to buy the Hydra-Essentiel Bi-phase Serum, but it’s too expensive.

I’m recommending this product because it’s expensive. I recommend it because it’s F*ING AWESOME!

Well, I’ll tell you why I recommend it.

Because it’s a miracle. It’s a shame to ignore such a great product.


I used to work indirectly for Clarins (a famous French cosmetics brand) in my previous career. While I was waiting to be trained by the brand, I thought I should be interested in the products and even test them. I went to the Clarins corner in the Printemps store and started asking questions. I didn’t have a routine at the time, so it was obvious that my skin was dehydrated. The saleswoman gave me some samples, without any obligation to buy.

Because that’s how it is at Clarins, they are so convinced of their products’ quality that they give out samples everywhere. Among the samples I received, there were 2ml of the Hydra-Essentiel Bi-phase Serum. I giggled inside, thinking, “what could 2ml of product do to convince me to buy the full size”?

And you know what? Even though I wasn’t earning a lot of money back then, the next day I went back to the store and bought a full-size.

From the very first use, the serum gave me such hydrated and supple skin, I was like “OMG, what’s happening to me?”

At that time, I didn’t know how to read the composition, I didn’t have a routine, so I thought maybe it was the effect of a first serum on me.

But years later, when I passed by a Clarin’s booth at the airport again, with an in-depth knowledge of active ingredients and a 10-step routine, I repurchased it and am thrilled to confirm that it really is a serum unlike any other.

I have searched, there are no dupes possible. No serum comes close.

Ingredients

COMPOSITION* :AQUA/WATER/EAU, GLYCERIN, ISOHEXADECANE, ISONONYL ISONONANOATE, HYDROGENATED POLYISOBUTENE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, SILYBUM MARIANUM SEED OIL, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, XYLITYLGLUCOSIDE, SODIUM CHLORIDE, ANHYDROXYLITOL, PARFUM/FRAGRANCE, PHENOXYETHANOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, ALCOHOL, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, XANTHAN GUM, XYLITOL, ATRACTYLOIDES LANCEA ROOT EXTRACT, DISODIUM EDTA, CAPRYLYL/CAPRYL GLUCOSIDE, GLUCOSE, BUTYL METHOXYDIBENZOYLMETHANE, KALANCHOE PINNATA LEAF EXTRACT, RIBES NIGRUM (BLACK CURRANT) BUD EXTRACT, MALTODEXTRIN, ORTHOSIPHON STAMINEUS EXTRACT, CITRIC ACID, SODIUM BENZOATE, TRIS(TETRAMETHYLHYDROXYPIPERIDINOL) CITRATE, POTASSIUM SORBATE, CI 61565/GREEN 6, CI 42090/BLUE 1, CALLICARPA JAPONICA FRUIT EXTRACT, CI 60730/EXT, VIOLET 2, TOCOPHEROL, ASCORBIC ACID, [V2968A]

This facial is enriched with organic kalanchoe extract, a powerful natural hydration activator that boosts the skin’s production of hyaluronic acid*. Its beauty plus? It refines skin texture and smoothes the skin surface. A moisturizing treatment that provides comfort and freshness to your skin. Quenched, it regains all its radiance and beauty.

* Skin water fixing sponge molecule

Even if this serum does not contain hyaluronic acid, it boosts hyaluronic acid production by the skin. More hyaluronic acid = more humectant, more water that will be drawn to the skin’s surface => you have to seal in the moisture at all costs, with a moisturizing cream. This is mandatory and non-negotiable!

Packaging

Clarins really likes products that are impossible to formulate.

Since the skin needs oil and water, they have two best-selling products with watery ingredients and oily ingredients in the same bottle. Water and oil don’t mix, so for one of their best sellers(Double Serum, Sephora link Marionnaud link Nocibé link ), they came up with a double-pump system to properly distribute the ingredients. For the Anti-thirst serum (Sephora link Marionnaud link Nocibé link ), the system is simpler: you just have to shake the bottle before use. Two pumps are enough for the whole face (even if I could bathe in it, but considering the price per liter, we will avoid it).

The packaging is extremely classy! The bottle is made of glass, it is blue, and the liquid inside is blue too. I love it. It’s so luxurious! I brought it with me during the first part of my world tour, and despite the difficult conditions, the bottle didn’t break. It’s just heavy, so it’s not practical for traveling, but the cap never broke.

Texture

Very liquid absorbs very well. The skin drinks it instantly. We do not feel the oily part.
The next day, you can clearly see that the skin is plumped up. It’s crazy! From one day to the next! Even for thirsty skin, which has been neglected for ages.

Odor

This serum has a distinctive smell. Not too strong but memorable. It’s like a flower smell, but it’s not a real flower. I really like it!

Price

We’re going to hurt ourselves by talking about the price. But this serum lasts a long time because 2 pumps are more than enough. 30ml lasts me 2 months since I alternate it with other cheaper serums.

In addition, the sites offer, several times a year, 25% off or 30% off on your favorite product. Don’t miss it!

This post is also available in: Français

Anh est toujours très occupée à profiter de jolies choses, et à fabriquer de petites bricoles de ses propres mains. **** Hi, my name is Anh. I am a Vietnamese-French DIY passionate, beauty lover and cosmetic tester.

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