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Biossance Review: 10 Best Biossance Products

SKIN CARE REVIEWS

11.03.22DISCLAIMER

There’s some skin care brands that choose to formulate their products with a variety of beneficial ingredients, while other brands discover the powerful benefits of a single ingredient and use it in all of their products.

The latter is true for Biossance, a brand that uses squalane as the key ingredient throughout their entire range of skin care products.

But perhaps you’re wondering: what the heck is squalane? And how can it benefit my skin?

We’re going to answer these questions and more in our Biossance review. We’ll give you all the details you need to know on squalane, including the research that supports its use in skin care.

We’ll also discuss the brand’s best selling products, formulation details, Biossance reviews from real customers, and more.

OUR TOP SKINCARE PICKS

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1Carrot & Stick Review
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-Biossance

Biossance products reviewed

 

What Are The Top 10 Best Biossance Skin Care Products?

Biossance skin care products can treat a variety of common skin concerns, such as aging skin, dry skin, dull skin, and oily skin. The types of skin care products they currently offer include moisturizers, oils, masks, serums, cleansers, eye care, and lip care. Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 best Biossance products.

 

Biossance Squalane Oil

If you’re into facial oils, Biossance Squalane Oil is one to try. It contains just one ingredient: squalane.

We’ll get into the nitty gritty on squalane in the Key Ingredients section below. For now just know that squalane oil feels weightless and absorbs instantly, helping to lock in moisture and leave the skin feeling super soft.

As one reviewer says, “​​One would think greasy when they see the word oil. This is not at all. I apply it on dry areas after I finish my foundation and it’s really moisturizing, but not greasy at all. It disappears but you can feel how soft it leaves your face.”

What’s great about Biossance Squalane Oil is that it can also be used on your hair to help tame flyaways, split ends, and frizz. In fact, you can use this oil anywhere on your body that needs a little extra moisture.

Bottom Line: Biossance Squalane Oil is a multitasking oil that can be used on your face, body, and hair to moisturize and protect.

Alternatives: We recommend this retinoid oil serum.  It contains Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, an ingredient that provides similar benefits with less irritation.

 

Biossance Squalane + Phyto Retinol Serum

If you’re trying to prevent or reduce signs of skin aging, then you’ve probably heard that it’s a good idea to add a retinol serum into your nightly routine. Maybe you’ve tried a retinol product, but you’ve experienced the common (yet annoying) side effects of retinol, like skin dryness and peeling. If so, then the Biossance Squalane Phyto Retinol Serum could be a good option for you.

Bakuchiol has been shown to produce many of the same effects of using retinol, including the ability to diminish the appearance of wrinkles and reduce the effects of sun damage (including uneven skin tone). One of the main benefits of bakuchiol is that it provides retinol-like effects without irritation.

For example, a 2019 study published in the British Academy of Dermatology compared bakuchiol and retinol in a head-to-head 12-week, double-blind clinical trial on human subjects.

For the study, 44 participants received either a twice-daily 0.5% bakuchiol product or a once-daily 0.5% retinol product. Both groups saw improvements in hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and redness, and there was no statistically significant difference between their results.

This suggests that using bakuchiol twice a day is as effective as using retinol once a day. Another benefit is that the bakuchiol group reported less skin scaling and flaking than the retinol group.

Plus, there are additional supporting ingredients in Biossance Squalane Phyto Retinol Serum, such as squalane, niacinamide, sodium hyaluronate, and rosehip oil.

Bottom Line: Biossance Squalane Phyto Retinol Serum is an anti-aging serum that provides many of the same benefits of retinol (reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven skin tone) without the irritation.

ALTERNATIVES: Carrot & Stick The Repair Serum. It contains 7 peptides for smoother, firmer looking skin.

 

Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream

As a winner of Allure’s 2020 Best of Beauty Award and 2021 Glamour Beauty Awards “Best Eye Cream”, we know this Biossance eye cream has got to be good.

It has a creamy, rich texture that absorbs instantly without feeling greasy, helping the skin to instantly feel soft and supple.

Over time, this Biossance eye cream can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles thanks to paracress extract.

Paracress extract helps to lift saggy eyelids by reducing muscle tension, as well as reorganize and tighten collagen fibres by stimulating the fibroblasts. Ultimately, this results in firmer and smoother skin.

Bottom Line: The Biossance eye cream has a creamy rich texture that instantly helps to moisturize and soften skin, while decreasing signs of aging over time.

ALTERNATIVES:  If you are concerned about aging around the eyes including bags, one product we recommend is Carrot & Stick The Eye Cream.

 

Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen

    This Biossance sunscreen is a 100% non-nano, non-toxic SPF 30 mineral sunscreen that is guaranteed to protect the skin without leaving behind a white cast like most mineral sunscreens. Its lightweight texture blends into all skin tones, leaving a soft, dewy finish.

    Like all Biossance skin care products, the formula contains squalane, along with plenty of other emollients to help lock in moisture and soften skin.

    One unique ingredient in the Biossance sunscreen is water lily extract, which contains tannins, alkaloids, saponins, and polysaccharides. These components provide a strong nourishing, moisturizing, and regenerating effect on the skin, which helps to cool and calm skin after UV exposure and heat stress.

    Bottom Line: The Biossance sunscreen provides broad spectrum SPF 30 protection thanks to non-nano zinc oxide, along with the added benefits of water lily extract and squalane.

     

    Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil

    If you’re dealing with pesky dark spots and uneven skin tone, Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil is calling your name.

    This isn’t your average face oil. Sure, it contains squalane to soften and moisturize skin. But it’s also infused with the stable, oil-soluble vitamin C derivative known as tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate.

    Once absorbed into the skin, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate is converted to ascorbic acid (the active form of vitamin C). Ascorbic acid exerts potent antioxidant activity, stimulates collagen synthesis, and reduces the appearance of dark spots through inhibition of melanin synthesis. The result? Brighter, firmer skin!

    The only thing we don’t love about Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil is the inclusion of fragrance.

    Bottom Line: Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil combines squalane with an oil-soluble vitamin C derivative to moisture, firm, and brighten skin.

     

    Biossance Squalane + Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Serum

    This resurfacing serum includes 10% lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates and enhances cellular renewal by increasing cell turnover rates in the upper layers of skin. It also acts like a magnet to attract and retain moisture in the skin.

    While all skin types can benefit from this serum, it’s ideal for those dealing with rough, bumpy, and/or dull skin. Applying this serum nightly should help to promote a smoother and softer texture, visibly diminished fine lines, and an overall brighter complexion.

    Biossance Squalane + Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Serum is even a good choice for those with sensitive skin since lactic acid is the gentlest out of all the AHAs.

    Bottom Line: Biossance Squalane + Lactic Acid Resurfacing Serum gently exfoliates and increases cell turnover, leading to smoother, brighter skin.

     

    Biossance Squalane + Omega Repair Cream

    This is a rich facial cream that absorbs quickly to hydrate skin without feeling greasy, heavy, or sticky.

    It’s formulated with lipids that mimic and support skin’s natural moisture barrier: squalane, omega fatty acids, ceramides and plant sterols. These lipids help nourish, plump, and hydrate your skin.

    This cream also includes nourishing emollients like caprylic/capric triglyceride and shea butter, as well as the moisture magnet sodium hyaluronate.

    Bottom Line: Biossance Squalane + Omega Repair Cream is a rich facial cream that’s formulated with lipids that mimic and support skin’s natural moisture barrier.

     

    Biossance Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer

    This gel moisturizer glides onto the skin effortlessly and feels weightless. It’s formulated with probiotics to help calm and soothe skin with visible redness — even skin with rosacea.

    Probiotics collaborate with your skin to restore the microbiome, the term for the trillions of microorganisms, like bacteria, fungi, and viruses, that live on your skin.

    Some of these microorganisms are beneficial. According to WebMD “Some microbes act like a natural antibiotic. They also help keep your skin acidic, which many germs don’t like.”

    However, if harmful microorganisms outnumber the good guys, skin conditions like acne, sensitive skin, and bumpy, uneven skin texture can develop. Thus, keeping the microbiome balanced is critical in maintaining healthy skin.

    Bottom Line: Biossance Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer helps to calm skin with visible redness while supporting the skin’s microbiome.

    ALTERNATIVES: Carrot & Stick The Moisturizer. It’s overflowing with potent plant proteins, vitamins, peptides and amino-collagen. 

     

    Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum

    Another Biossance vitamin C product is the Squalane + Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum. The opaque green bottle houses 10% 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, a stable vitamin C derivative that helps to prevent dark spots and brighten the complexion.

    The formula also includes white shiitake mushroom extract, which starts degrading dark spots immediately and continues correcting discoloration with continued use.

    The final brightening ingredient in this dark spot serum is licorice root extract, one of the best naturally-derived ingredients for hyperpigmentation.

    According to a publication in the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, “Licorice extract improves hyperpigmentation by dispersing the melanin, inhibition of melanin biosynthesis, and inhibition of cyclooxygenase activity thereby decreasing free radical production.”

    Bottom Line: A dark spot serum that combines 10% vitamin C with white shiitake mushroom and licorice root extract to fade dark spots and brighten the complexion.

     

    Biossance Squalane + Omega Repair Hand Cream

    This deeply moisturizing protective hand repair cream combines squalane with omega fatty acids, ceramides, and emollients like shea butter and caprylic/capric triglyceride.

    Together, these ingredients help to comfort dry, chapped, and/or irritated hands for immediate relief while boosting radiance for dewy, healthy-looking skin without adding shine.

    There’s also vitamin E in this repair cream, which functions as a potent antioxidant to protect skin from free radical damage.

    In addition to its powerful antioxidant activity, vitamin E helps the skin retain moisture by strengthening the skin’s barrier function.

    Bottom Line: A moisturizing hand repair cream that combines squalane with reparative ingredients and vitamin E to comfort dry, chapped, and/or irritated hands.

    How Much Do Biossance Skin Care Products Cost?

    Biossance skin care products are mid-range in terms of cost; they aren’t cheap but they are ridiculously expensive. For example, Biossance Squalane Oil costs $32 USD for 3.3 oz, while the Biossance Sunscreen costs $30 USD for 1.7 oz.

    Where to Buy Biossance Skin Care Products?

    Biossance skin care products are sold on the brand’s website, as well as several third party online retailers such as Sephora, HSN, and Amazon.

    Is Biossance Cruelty Free?

    Biossance is cruelty free and the products are officially Leaping Bunny Certified. Leaping Bunny Certification means Biossance skin care products are free of animal testing at every stage of product development.

    Is Biossance Vegan?

    Yes, Biossance skin care products are vegan. Biossance products contain no animal ingredients or by-products in the manufacturing process or final product and no animal testing is involved in any part of the process

    Biossance Reviews

    Biossance reviews on the brand’s website are overall very positive. 

    On The Derm Review, comments were limited.

    For example, one negative review says, “My one star is for Biossance, not this article. I have been using Biossance for years now, and I loved it! I have always had beautiful, clear and radiant skin to the point people would ask me for recommendations. I love the rose oil, so when I saw this moisturizer I thought “I MUST try it!”. I bought the set back in December 2023, started using it around January 8th 2024 and within a few days, my entire face broke out in hives. I had this crazy allergic reaction that has left my skin super sensitive, bumpy, with scars and dark spots. I messaged the company hoping for an apology, to send them the product back, my refund and maybe a gift card. I would have happily continued using all their products, but to my surprise this company is as shady as they could be. Messaging customer service I was met with unprofessionalism. The four people that have been talking to me for the past couple weeks – Leah, Imogen, Ayeisha and Millie, have been incredibly rude and of no help. Every week is the same story, they need more time to investigate it but what are they investigating if they refuse to let me send them the product (so they can investigate it). I decided to take it to Instagram then, trying to be heard. They have deleted all my comments and blocked me. I have created 4 new accounts, and the same thing, comments deleted and blocked, which proves to me they are definitely trying to hide something (also, funny enough, there is no bad comments on their posts, interesting, right?:”

    Our Verdict

    Overall, we think that the Biossance products are formulated well and there are many positive Biossance reviews for customers who noticed results after using these products.

    Pros

    • Products contain evidence based ingredients (squalane, shea butter, sodium hyaluronate, etc)
    • Many positive Biossance reviews
    • Biossance is cruelty free

    Cons

    • Some products packaged in jars, which we cause delicate ingredients to degrade over time due to exposure to light and air
    • Some products contain fragrance

    What Are Some Alternatives to Biossance Skin Care?

    If you’re looking for skincare products to address the signs of aging, we recommend Carrot & Stick. Carrot & Stick maximizes the use of powerful ingredients and minimizes the use of superficial ones, resulting in advanced skincare solutions that help promote healthy, more youthful-looking skin. We recommend The Repair Serum, followed by The Moisturizer.

    References:
    Adv Food Nutr Res 2012;65:223-33.
    Dermatoendocrinol. 2009 Mar-Apr; 1(2): 72–76.
    WebMD “What Is The Skin Microbiome?”
    J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2013 Jan-Mar; 6(1): 4–11

     

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  • Caroline Original review: Feb 26, 2024. Reply

    My one star is for Biossance, not this article. I have been using Biossance for years now, and I loved it! I have always had beautiful, clear and radiant skin to the point people would ask me for recommendations. I love the rose oil, so when I saw this moisturizer I thought “I MUST try it!”. I bought the set back in December 2023, started using it around January 8th 2024 and within a few days, my entire face broke out in hives. I had this crazy allergic reaction that has left my skin super sensitive, bumpy, with scars and dark spots. I messaged the company hoping for an apology, to send them the product back, my refund and maybe a gift card. I would have happily continued using all their products, but to my surprise this company is as shady as they could be. Messaging customer service I was met with unprofessionalism. The four people that have been talking to me for the past couple weeks – Leah, Imogen, Ayeisha and Millie, have been incredibly rude and of no help. Every week is the same story, they need more time to investigate it but what are they investigating if they refuse to let me send them the product (so they can investigate it). I decided to take it to Instagram then, trying to be heard. They have deleted all my comments and blocked me. I have created 4 new accounts, and the same thing, comments deleted and blocked, which proves to me they are definitely trying to hide something (also, funny enough, there is no bad comments on their posts, interesting, right?).

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    Biossance Peptide Eye Gel Review

    Biossance has made a name for themselves as one of the first companies to be able to create sugar-cane derived squalane. Squalane is actually refined squalene, but while these two ingredients sound incredibly similar, their origins differ quite a bit. While squalane is only sourced from plant-sources, squalene is actually only found in shark liver and up until recently, was the only method for obtaining either ingredient. Today however, with the advancements that Biossance has pioneered, products like the Biossance Peptide Eye Gel can safely and sustainably utilize this powerhouse ingredient to add weightless hydration and moisture to the skin. The peptide eye gel, as well as the other products in the Biossance line combine active ingredients alongside their sugar-cane derived squalane to create a uniquely effective yet gentle formula. This product in particular contains a blend of swiss apple stem cells, eyeseryl, argireline to help to visibly brighten the under eye area while also minimizing the appearance of dark circles and puffiness. With all of this in mind, we would recommend this type of product to those of you who are looking for a potent and effective eye gel that is gentle enough for those with more delicate or fragile skin.

    INGREDIENTS

    Biossance Squalane Oil Review

    Biossance 100% Squalane Oil contains just one ingredient: squalane oil sustainably sourced from sugarcane. It is claimed to replenish lost moisture, calm irritation, help to maintain hydration, and leave the skin exceptionally soft. Your skin contains its own version of squalane known as squalene (note the e). Squalene is the biochemical precursor to cholesterol and the whole family of steroid hormones in the human body. It is produced by the oil glands in the skin, and plays an important role in skin lubrication and protection. However, the amount made and retained in the skin decreases over time. It peaks in our teens and then starts to decline in our 20’s, leaving skin rough, dry and vulnerable. Since squalene is very unstable, Biossance uses squalane because it is a saturated and stable hydrocarbon that mimics squalene. Squalane helps to replenish the skin’s lipid barrier, which is composed of corneocytes (dead skin cells) held together by a mixtures of lipids (ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids, squalene, etc.). A strong, intact barrier is important to keep moisture in and keep things like allergens, bacteria, and irritants out. When the barrier is weakened, these intruders can pass through the top layer of skin, causing damage that ultimately leads to common skin conditions such as acne, rashes, sensitive skin, and even signs of aging. Replenishing the skin’s lipid barrier with products like Biossance 100% Squalane Oil can help to prevent these problems.

    INGREDIENTS

    Biossance Squalane Marine Algae Eye Cream Review

    BiossanceSqualane Marine Algae Eye Cream is a rich, anti-aging eye cream that is said to revitalize and bring a lifted look to eyes. As the name implies, a key ingredient in this eye cream is squalane. Squalane is a saturated and stable hydrocarbon that mimics squalene (note the e) that is naturally found within the skin, resulting in softer and better hydrated skin. This eye cream also contains astaxanthin, a carotenoid (carotene pigment) found in algae that functions as the strongest natural antioxidant known. As an antioxidant, astaxanthin helps to prevent oxidative damage to skin after exposure to UVA radiation. A final key ingredient in Biossance Squalane Marine Algae Eye Cream is paracress extract. When applied to the skin, paracress extract easily penetrates the skin and reduces muscle tension, thus reducing wrinkles by relaxing the skin. Paracress extract has been clinically tested to target the appearance of deep wrinkles and loss of skin firmness. It was found that Paracress extract can help to reorganize and tighten collagen fibres by stimulating the fibroblasts. Ultimately, this results in firmer and smoother skin.

    INGREDIENTS

    Biossance Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum Review

    BiossanceSqualane + Phyto-Retinol Serum is a lightweight anti-aging serum that is said to reduce the look of lines and wrinkles while visibly firming skin-without the irritation or sensitivity associated with retinol. This serum contains bakuchiol, a plant-derived alternative to retinol. Bakuchiol is an east asian plant seed extract that provides many of the same benefits as retinol, including the ability to diminish the appearance of wrinkles and reduce the effects of sun damage (including uneven skin tone). Biossance Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum also features niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3 that has the ability to repair the skin barrier and improve skin moisture, as well as reduce inflammation, blotchiness, hyperpigmentation, acne, and wrinkling. Another key ingredient is squalane, a saturated and stable hydrocarbon that mimics the skin’s natural squalene (note the e). Squalane helps to replenish the skin’s lipid barrier, which is composed of corneocytes (dead skin cells) held together by a mixtures of lipids (ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids, squalene, etc.). A strong, intact barrier is important to keep moisture in and keep things like allergens, bacteria, and irritants out. This serum also includes sodium hyaluronate, the salt form of hyaluronic acid that draws moisture into the upper layers of skin to improve skin hydration. Of note, Biossance Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum contain several ingredients that can be problematic for the skin, including bitter orange oil and the fragrance ingredients linalool, geraniol, and limonene. These ingredients have the potential to cause sensitization and irritation.

    INGREDIENTS

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