With the luxury skincare industry projected to be worth a whopping $109 billion by the end of 2027 [1], there’s no shortage of products available that claim to be the key to getting perfect skin. Whether they’re meant to treat acne, age spots, or wrinkles, they always come packed with the promise of transforming your face- and subsequently your life- only to leave you wondering if you’re really helping your skin reach its fullest, most radiant potential.
It’s hard to find the perfect product, but there’s one special liquid that many beauty editors and experts agree should be considered a must-have for anyone looking to get a healthy beautiful glow – Biologique Recherche’s Lotion P50.
Created in the late 1970s by French duo Yvan and Josette Allouche, Lotion P50 serves as the second step of Biologique Recherche’s famous 3-step spa facial routine. It’s described as an exfoliating and purifying face lotion that regenerates the users’ skin to give them a more balanced pH and leave them with a healthier overall appearance. The AHA/BHA formulation features a mixture of ingredients such as Niacinamide, vinegar, and various root extracts to help calm irritation, remove dead skin cells, and regulate oil production.
Even though it’s actually more of a liquid acid toner than a cream lotion, its reputation still precedes it well. Its incredible effects have led to it being called everything from “Jesus in a Bottle” to a raw concentrate of unicorn tears and is hailed as many womens’ secret weapon for achieving high-end skin.
It currently comes in five different formulations used to treat the most common skin issues:
- P501970 – The original formulation that also contains Phenol, a mild numbing agent. Only available for purchase in France and USA. Regulates oil production & rejuvenates.
- P50 – The original formula minus Phenol. Regulates oil production & rejuvenates.
- P50V – Features added vitamins to boost the luster of the skin. Brightens & tones.
- P50W – The most gentile version. Best for sensitive skin or new users. Calms & stabilizes.
- P50 PIGM 400 – Used to treat hyperpigmentation.
I began considering P50 after reaching my wits ends over stubborn “mascne” – acne caused by wearing COVID face masks. My formally healthy skin was now irritated, overly oily, and desperately in need of a miracle. I knew over-the-counter products weren’t going to cut it, so I decided to finally give it a try. At $106 per 8 ounces, this magic elixir certainly doesn’t come cheap. Or easy.
Biologique Recherche products are only available at their own branded spas or via a few licensed retail spas. For those not living in a major metro, the best way to get your hands on Lotion P50 is to order online from NYC’s famous Rescue Spa.
I started with a 1.7oz trial size just to test the waters; With shipping, the final cost came to $40. It arrived in the mail two days later and after one wear, immediately became a staple in my nightly routine.
Like many new users, I was first taken aback by the vinegary smell, but I continued on. I patted the liquid onto my face and neck using gentle circular motions and almost immediately noticed a pleasant tingling sensation. It was a bit intense but invigorating and made me feel like the product was already working.
I followed up with a nighttime moisturizer afterward before heading to bed, unaware of what was to come.
The next morning I was astonished at how bright my skin looked! While I still had the acne and ruddy texture I went to bed with, I now had a smoother, more luminous-looking complexion.
It wasn’t so noticeable that others would see an immediate change but I certainly could. The glow made me look extremely hydrated and well-nourished; My cheeks were soft to the touch and the stubborn texture on my forehead smoothed out, giving way to a magnificent dewiness.
I was very impressed and excited to see the results from long-term use. Here is the breakdown of my results after using it 2x a day for five weeks:
Week 1: Brighter appearance. I also applied it to my neck and décolletage.
Week 2: New cystic pimples stop forming and the texture on my forehead continued to smooth out.
Week 3: The few fine lines on my neck drastically faded. Any existing acne had dried up and quickly healed.
Week 4: Both the texture on my forehead and cystic pimples on my cheeks completely disappeared.
Week 5: Soft, firm, ultra radiant appearance. Other products absorbed into my skin better. No longer experiencing irritation. Only hyperpigmentation spots remained on my cheeks.
Needless to say, I quickly followed up with an order for the PIGM 400 version.
Final Score: 10/10
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