Neostrata is a brand that continues to impress me. Their no nonsense, basic, and effective approach to skincare has made me a fan! In this post, I will be reviewing the Bionic Face Serum, with 10% Lactobionic Acid.
My skin type
Oily, acne scarring on cheeks and chin.
What it’s supposed to do
This is an antiaging serum that’s supposed to fade fine lines, get rid of hyperpigmentation.
From the brand:
This concentrated daily-use serum is formulated to restore skin radiance and amplify the benefits of other antiaging products across all key photoaging parameters, including fine lines, wrinkles, pore size, laxity, and mottled pigmentation. 10% Lactobionic Acid, a potent antioxidant, builds skin’s support and protects it by inhibiting MMP, the enzyme that breaks down collagen and GAGs, skin’s support structure. Together with Vitamins A, C and E, Lactobionic Acid also has been shown to provides intense moisturization and reduction in the appearance of fine lines, pore size, laxity and mottled hyperpigmentation. Can be applied to target areas such as eyes or around the mouth, as an all over facial treatment, used alone or layered under other products. Fragrance-Free. Dye-Free. Ideal for use post-procedure.
pH is 3.8
Ingredients
Note: I pasted the ingredients below from the website; the ingredients on the box (pictured above) differ slightly in order. I can only logically assume the ingredients on the box pertain to the product I received and the ingredients on the website are either a reformulated version, or something that hasn’t been updated. One noticeable difference is the position of the Tetrahexyldecyl (Vitamin C) Ascorbate; on my box it comes before the Retinyl and on the website, it comes after.
Aqua (Water), Butylene Glycol, Lactobionic Acid, Glycerin, Polysorbate 80, Arginine, Retinyl (Vitamin A) Palmitate, Tocopheryl (Vitamin E) Acetate, Tetrahexyldecyl (Vitamin C) Ascorbate, Polyquaternium-10, Disodium EDTA, Chlorphenesin, Methylparaben.
How I use it
I really whittled down my skincare regimen for the past two months. I am currently only using around five products each morning and evening, this being one of them. I use this serum after cleansing and spritzing my face with a “homemade” toner consisting of lactic acid, this glycolic acid tonic solution from The Ordinary, all diluted with water. I use three pumps of the serum to cover my whole face. For the size and cost, this is probably too much to be using, however, it’s just enough that I feel like I’m covering every part of my face. It leaves behind a sticky residue that disappears once you move on to the next stage of your regimen. In general, you will want to apply some kind of moisturizer after using this.
How long I used it
I started using it the first week in June and ran out a few days ago (July 19).
What I like about it
I love that it has a short list of mostly active and recognizable ingredients; it’s refreshing to see skincare products that don’t have 30 ingredients. I am also confident this serum has been instrumental in fading my acne scars. I have been using it in concert with my Neostrata Foaming Glycolic Face Wash, which only helps. In addition, as I mentioned before, I am also using a glyco-lactic acid toner I made, as well as an oil-based moisturizer I made that includes alpha lipoic acid, tea tree oil, prickly pear seed oil, and squalane. I have reviewed that here. My skin seems to really respond to this particular skincare regimen.
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| May 26, 2017 |
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| July 12, 2017 |
Interestingly enough, this serum contains vitamins A, C, and E. In the skincare world, I feel like “hardcore” skincare tend to believe that vitamin A and C don’t mix but I like to follow the science. This issue was first brought to my attention in my post on the Ordinary’s Vitamin C Suspension. After someone in the comments left a note about me mixing my retinol with the suspension to stop the pilling, I decided to revisit the issue. Fact is, there just isn’t enough data on it, in my opinion. So for me, it’s trial and error. My use of product in this case leads me to believe that they can play well together. This serum is a good example of that.
What could be better
It is very hard to tell how much product is left in the bottle because it’s not a transparent bottle and the bottle is quite heavy. I do wish the bottle was see-through.
Joy Factor
On a scale of 1-10, this serum is a 7-8. I like it and I think it’s effective, especially when used with other Neostrata products. It’s pretty expensive ($78.00 for 30 ml or 1 fl. oz.) so keep that in mind.
Where to indulge
-XX
*The products in this post were provided by the brand for my honest review. All opinions are always my own.
