Originally launched in 2009, the Lancôme Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Serum (C$99 for 30 ml) has received countless accolades and remains one of the bestselling serums on the luxury skincare market. Last year, Lancôme relaunched the serum with a new and updated formulation designed to boost the skin microbiome. Now made with seven prebiotic and probiotic ingredients, the serum balances the microorganism ecosystem that protects, regulates, and repairs our skin. Today, I wanted to share with you my in-depth review of the reformulated serum, along with a look at two other products from the Advanced Génefique family: the Advanced Génifique Yeux Light-Pearl Serum (C$91 for 20 ml) and Advanced Génifique Yeux Eye Cream (C$88 for 15 ml). To read on, click.......
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| Lancôme | Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Serum |
Packaged in a luxurious glass bottle paired with a convenient self-loading dropper dispenser that refills each time the cap is twist shut, the Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Serum is formulated with three plant-based prebiotics (mannose, alpha-glucooligosaccharides, and beta-fructooligosaccharides) that are essentially a combination of sugars that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria and restrict the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Four probiotic fractions derived from three strains of bacteria and one yeast are also added to further support the microbiome. In addition, the serum contains hyaluronic acid to increase skin hydration. Unfortunately, the Advanced Génifique formulation contains both drying alcohol and dimethicone (third and fourth ingredients, respectively), which are two ingredients I try to avoid due to their questionable effects on the skin. I know there are many differing opinions on their usage but I personally try to steer clear.
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| Lancôme | Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Serum |
With a light and fresh citrus floral scent, the serum has a runny and lightweight texture that spreads and absorbs very nicely. The finish has no sticky or filmy residue and it layers and mixes well with other products. Unlike a lot of other serums designed to boost hydration, Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Serum is more about its active ingredients (the prebiotics and probiotics) and therefore needs to be paired with a good cream or facial oil to really maintain hydration and nourishment. I've been using the serum for a few weeks now and have noticed only minimal improvements in the overall appearance of my complexion. While I do believe that the microbiome-supporting ingredients are beneficial to the skin, I don't think the serum has the right key ingredients (ex. niacinamide, vitamin C, retinol, AHA/BHA) to drastically target specific skin concerns (ex. dullness, fine lines, enlarged pores). So all in all, the Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Serum is a nice addition to any skincare routine but if you are looking to address specific concerns, it may leave you disappointed, especially at such a high price point.
Ingredients: Water, Bifida (Bifidobacterium Longum Bacteria) Ferment Lysate, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Dimethicone, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Adenosine, Yeast Extract, Peg-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Salicyloyl Phytosphingosine, Ammonium Polyacryldimethyltauramide/Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Limonene, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Octyldodecanol, Citronellol, Fragrance.
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| Lancôme | Advanced Génifique Yeux Light-Pearl Serum & Eye Cream |
Described as an eye-brightening serum, the Advanced Génifique Yeux Light-Pearl Serum comes in a sturdy glass bottle paired with a unique teardrop applicator. With a flexible neck, the cooling metal applicator is designed to massage the eye area during application. However, this is not great in practice as the applicator is always completely coated in serum, making it impossible to use it as a massager without applying an excessive amount of product around the eyes. Additionally, because the applicator makes contact with the skin and is then dipped back into the bottle, contamination may be an issue.
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| Lancôme | Advanced Génifique Yeux Light-Pearl Serum |
With a lightweight consistency similar to that of the Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Serum, the Light-Pearl Serum is formulated with probiotics from yeast and bacteria. Additionally, the formulation contains escin (from horse chestnut), adenosine (from yeast), and caffeine to depuff eye bags and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Unfortunately, this eye serum also contains alcohol and dimethicone. In fact, four different types of silicone are used in the serum! This undoubtedly creates the illusion of a smoother under eye area but it may also interfere with makeup application and lead to patching and pilling. Overall, this is a nice lightweight eye serum with some potent depuffing ingredients. It's great for those that struggle with dull, swollen eye area in the morning. However, if you do wear makeup, the serum may interfere with the application of foundation and concealer.
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| Lancôme | Advanced Génifique Yeux Eye Cream |
Packaged in a petite glass jar, the Advanced Génifique Yeux Eye Cream is described as a "brightening eye cream" that "directly combats signs of fatigue such as dark circles, dryness, fine lines, and wrinkles". Formulated with yeast and bacteria-derived probiotics, the cream has a rich and nourishing texture. It applies nicely but can feel a bit heavy so a little goes a long way. Again, the formulation is heavy on the silicones (five different kinds are used) and it also contains drying alcohol and PTFE (aka Teflon, the same stuff used on non-stick pans), a very questionable ingredient used to add a slippery texture to the cream. I know it seems like I'm being super critical of the ingredients of this collection but given the plethora of clean, affordable products we have on the market, it's hard to justify the use of potentially harmful ingredients, especially when they are paired with the high price tag of the Lancôme prestige. I know this is a pervasive problem with a lot of high-end skincare brands but I think it's time for changes, which can start with Lancôme.
Ingredients: Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Alcohol Denat., Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Polysilicone-11, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene, aka Teflon), Methylsilanol/Silicate Crosspolymer, CI 77891/Titanium Dioxide, Mica, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Adenosine, Chlorphenesin, Polygonum Fagopyrum (Buckwheat) Extract/Polygonum Fagopyrum Seed Extract, Salicyloyl Phytosphingosine, Ammonium Polyacryldimethyltauramide/Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Steareth-8 Methacrylate Copolymer, Dimethiconol, Limonene, Propylene Carbonate, Caramel, Disodium EDTA, Citronellol, Parfum/Fragrance.
