Lancome Genifique Reviews
Will Lancôme's Génifique serum make your skin feel magnifique or just bleak?
Lancôme Génifique Overview
New Génifique Youth Activating Cream Serum from Lancôme promises to bring youth back to your skin. According to the manufacturer, in lab tests, the active ingredients showed increased gene activity and a higher production rate of skin proteins that are usually associated with youthful-looking skin. Lancôme’s Génifique Youth Activating Cream Serum is said to restore the youthfulness of skin and it is implied that it will also reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
A Closer Look at Lancôme Génifique
Careful readers will note that the reduction of wrinkles is only implied, rather than outright stated. When taking a deeper look into the ingredients, the reason for this becomes evident. There are the standard suspects included, largely in the form of long chemical names and various stabilizers. But what is missing is more concerning. There are no dedicated wrinkle-fighters in the composition of this serum.
It relies solely on this “gene boosting activity” which is claims to have, but none of the ingredients listed have that power. The main beauty component is a probiotic, which is good for skin health and can certainly have skin benefits. It can help to smooth rough skin and decrease skin sensitivity, which are good things. But what about deep wrinkles and stubborn crows feet? Their study made no mention of them.
In 2009, Lancôme’s parent company, L’Oreal, conducted an in-house study of this serum’s main probiotic. It was randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled, to eliminate as much bias as possible. However, what is chosen to be reported and what is left out still leaves an opportunity for bias, as it can never be completely eliminated. In the results of the trial, participants showed significant decreases in skin sensitivity and reduction in facial skin roughness. But what of wrinkles? Not a word.
To their credit, however, Lancôme Génifique doesn’t claim to reduce wrinkles, even if it is heavily implied. It claims to “target the key signs of youth”, and while wrinkles are the chief among the signs of aging, they are not the only skin woe. Génifique does say it is geared towards helping with radiance, tone, elasticity, smoothness, and firmness. Of those, firmness is the only one which might imply wrinkle reduction and be unfounded. Otherwise, the science backs up the remaining majority of their claims.
Positives
- Claims to boost gene activity and enhance the production of youth proteins
- Hydrates and softens skin
- Smoothes and retextures the surface of skin
- Provides all-day hydration
Negatives
- Only studies were conducted in-house by parent company
- Fights some aging signs but not all
- No powerhouse wrinkle-reducers
- Price-point makes it inaccessible for many potential customers
- Lack of explanation for “gene boosting”
Key Ingredients
Lancôme is a luxury brand, valuing performance over price point to deliver exceptional beauty products. Which is why one might expect beauty industry leaders like Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid, or maybe Arginine, in most products on the shelf. However, Génifique Youth Activating Cream Serum has none of these. Instead, it is comprised of a few general skin care staples like Glycerin, Limonin, and Xanthan Gum, which aren’t heavy wrinkle-fighters, but still help with the skin in various areas. Génifique’s big weapon against aging comes in the form of a unique probiotic, explored in depth below.
Bifida Ferment Lysate
Although this complex is the result a fermentation and bacteria, it is not at all as scary as it sounds. Bifida is a friendly bacteria, a probiotic in fact. When it is fermented, it produces a specific yeast called Bifida Ferment Lysate. This restorative complex is thought to offer UV protection and help offset skin oxidation. It also hydrates skin, and has a minor soothing degree. It is man-made, but from a natural process (fermentation), making it a natural ingredient. Studies in the Journal of Dermatological Science have studied Bifida Ferment Lysate as far back as 2006, and deemed it both safe and effective, even if it is not the fastest acting or incredibly beneficial for drastic wrinkle repair.
Citric Acid
This natural chemical component has many uses in and on the human body. It is classified scientifically as an alpha hydroxy acid, more commonly referred to as an AHA. AHAs are exfoliants, used to sluff off dead skin and leave a fresh palate for new, regenerated skin to grow. It’s also a natural form of Vitamin C that can help to protect skin cells from free radicals. Be warned, however. AHAs can be too intense for some, particularly those with dry or irritable skin to begin with. AHAs promote flaking of dead skin, sometimes leaving slight redness as they begin to work. This can irritate any sensitive skin into a worse condition.
Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid (HEPES)
More widely known by the acronym HEPES, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid is used to create a neutral pH level in water-based solutions such as this serum. Human skin is just barely acidic, like the surface of a tomato. Putting neutral pH chemicals and solution on your skin is the best possible scenario for most people, as it will prevent reactions that typically make skin vary too far on the pH scale and become dry or oily. Too much acid and skin is oil central; too much base and it is dry as a bone, which can cause more wrinkles. HEPES is most helpful by trying to align skin with the neutral safe zone.
Glycerin
While it can be derived from plant oils or synthetically produced, Glycerin is a popular beauty cream ingredient which balances the natural moisture levels within your skin. It does so by virtue of being a humectant, meaning that it draws water from the air into the skin’s outer layer. It then forms a barrier over the skin, letting nothing else in or out. That is a nice protective feature, but also a potential danger if other chemicals are along for the ride with it, and now trapped under a glycerin blanket on the skin. Whenever a product has Glycerin on the ingredients list, always be certain to cleanse your skin thoroughly before use.
Full List of Ingredients
Water, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Dimethicone, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Adenosine, Faex Extract/Yeast Extract/Extrait De Levure, 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.
Directions: How to Use Lancôme Génifique
Lancôme recommends using this serum as the second part of a daily skin care regimen. First, cleanse your face thoroughly using warm water and mild soap, then allow to air dry. Using the exclusive self-loading dropper, apply the perfect amount of serum across the facial skin and gently massage until absorbed. Lancôme suggests following with an eye cream and facial moisturizer as well, which they offer for sale. This serum can be used for both morning and nightly skin routines.
The Final Word on Lancôme Génifique
Lancôme Génifique claims to enhance the appearance of youth, and it does… somewhat. While wrinkle-fighting clearly is not a top priority with this serum, it does have some good things going for it. Studies and customer reviews agree that it softens skin and visibly improves radiance and tone, giving users a “glow”. However, it is wise to note that studies do have bias and many customer reviews included the notation that there was an incentive provided for the opinion. Overall, Génifique moisturizes well, and has few sensitivity risks, but is lacking entirely in the wrinkle reduction department.
To find out more about anti-aging products, including ones which are made to combat the worst wrinkles, check out our other reviews!
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