Reactivating the youth of my skin? Lancomes Advanced Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate

As I am quite into serums (if you couldn’t tell already from my previous raves here and here), I was delighted when I got a generous sample size of Lancomes Advanced Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate with a recent purchase.

I mean, “Youth Activating”, I didn’t have to read any further to start daydreaming about my 35 year old self, asked for the ID while buying booze.
Not that I buy alcohol almost ever, but maybe I would if I got asked my age more frequently.
It is the little things sometimes.

Lancome Advanced Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate

But pointless dreams aside, the 5 ml included in the sample lasted me four weeks, which is the minimal amount of time I need to review skincare. Usually I stick to six weeks, to make sure my skin went through all its hormonal ups and downs as well as my common attempts (and fails) to cut out sugar and rely on the superfoods only.


What does Lancome claim?
“Inspired by groundbreaking discoveries in genetic research, Advanced Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate acts on ten signs defining a youthful appearance. After just seven days, your skin will look and feel youthful and supple, fine lines will be diminished and the skin tone will be evened out.”

Facts:
There are two sizes, 30 and 50 ml. 30ml retail for 79,50 € here.
5ml lasted me for about a month, so I am sure you can do the maths yourself.
I used one drop and applied it with my fingertips every morning after toning and before my moisturizer.
There was no smell and no sticky residue.

One drop of fluid

Active Ingredients:
– Bifida ferment Lysate: a yeast. I will go into more detail below.
– Glycerin: hydrating
– Ascorbyl Glucoside: Vitamin C; brightening, antioxidant
– Sodium Hyaluronate: hydrating
– Yeast Extract: a yeast. I will go into more detail below
– Xanthin Gum: smoothes

The yeast are the ingredients that are referred to in the “groundbreaking discoveries in genetic research”-part.
Sadly, I wasn’t able to get further information which groundbreaking discoveries exactly Lancome means, as there have been quite a few, but I found some research done on a yeast ferment extract (not Bifida, but a different yeast) working as an antioxidant.
The only research on Bifida I was able to dig up was made regarding stomach issues and digestion after drinking it.

As downside, there is a quite large amount of alcohol (third place on the ingredient list) included.
The other (in my opinion) unfavorable substance is Castor Oil.
I don’t know if you followed the debate whether or not mineral oil should be included in skincare, so let me just summarize the key points for you:
Some people claim that Mineral Oil breaks them out by “clogging the pores”. That may be true for some, I never had an issue with it.
The more important drawback is how Mineral Oil works: It creates a layer on the surface, leaving the skin feeling smooth and hydrated. That wouldn’t be a bad thing if this layer wasn’t that dense that thing you put on top will be able to penetrate the skin.

Does it live up to its claims?
No.
I didn’t notice any difference at all in my skins appearance, neither after seven days as claimed nor after the full four weeks. In fact, my face felt a little bit tight after applying it, maybe due to the alcohol. There were, however, no adverse effects, breakouts or worsening.

Will I (re)buy?
No.
I personally wouldn’t put anything containing Mineral Oil on my skin as part of my skincare regime. I believe it prevents the good stuff I apply afterwards from working. But this is still controversial.

Who would I recommend it to?
If you don’t mind the Mineral Oil and the alcohol, you may give it a go. But to be completely honest, this is quite expensive, and there are cheaper alternatives out there which are just as good or way better.

Have you tried this before?
And how do you think about Mineral Oil?
Are you as tempted as I am if you read “Scientific Research”?

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