In case you didn’t know it already, my combo skin has played a trick on me and got all dried out in the past few months.
And, when skin is dry, there’s only one thing to do: use a hyaluronic acid serum, like La Roche Posay Hydraphase Intense Serum. Here’s why:
What’s In La Roche Posay Hydraphase Intense Serum?
HYALURONIC ACID TO HYDRATE SKIN
Hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant that attracts, and binds to the skin, up to 1000 times its weight in water. It makes your skin practically drown in water. And, it works well both at high and low humidity conditions, so, now matter where you are, this WILL save your skin.
La Roche Posay Hydraphase Intense Serum contains a form of hyaluronic acid called hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid. Don’t be scared. This simply means that hyaluronic acid is made small enough to allow you to penetrate deep into the skin.
Once there, research shows it can hydrate skin, reduce roughness, and restore softness and plumpness. And did you know that when skin is well plumped up, your wrinkles look smaller too?
Related: Why You Need Hyaluronic Acid In Your Skincare Routine, No Matter Your Skin Type
ALCOHOL TO ENHANCE PENETRATION
Alcohol Denat is one of the most misunderstood ingredients in skincare. Word on the street is that it’s terribly drying and irritating.
To an extent, that’s true. The reason you feel so bad after you gulp down one too many cocktails is that alcohol is drying out every cell in your body, giving you a bad case of dehydration.
Does the same thing apply to skin when you slather alcohol on it? It depends. If alcohol’s all you’re slathering on, then yes, it will dry out your skin.
But if you use alcohol together with moisturizing ingredients, they’ll counteract its drying effects. Science confirms this. Recent studies show that alcohol isn’t as drying as we once thought.
Having said this, everyone’s skin is different. If your skin is particularly sensitive to alcohol denat and doesn’t tolerate it well, this serum isn’t for you.
But what’s alcohol doing here, anyway? Alcohol in skincare enhances the penetration of actives ingredients. It’s the cheapest way to do the job.
Related: What Does Alcohol-Free In Skincare Really Mean?
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Texture
Its gel-like texture is very lightweight too, so it sinks quickly into my skin, without leaving a greasy residue behind.
Fragrance
Subtle and clean.
How To Use It
Morning and/or night, after cleansing/exfoliation and before moisturiser. If you’re using an antioxidant/retinol serum too, apply that first.
Performance & Personal Opinion
La Roche Posay Hydraphase Intense Serum is one of those satisfying skincare products that gives you quick results.
As soon I put it on, it deeply hydrates my skin, so that it feels softer to the touch, looks smoother and healthily plumped. And, these effects lasted till night, even on the coldest of days.
As it makes skin so smooth, it’s also the perfect base for makeup. And, it doesn’t cause breakouts.
I do have a small complaint, though. I wish the formula contained more antixodants. As it is, it only contains a sprinkle of them, and skin needs a lot more than that.
Who Is This For?
Everyone can use it, but it’s best suitable for dry skin.
Who Is This NOT For?
Fragrance may irritate sensitive skin.
Packaging
A sleek and practical tube with a pump applicator.
Does La Roche Posay Hydraphase Intense Serum Live Up To Its Claims?
| CLAIM | TRUE? |
|---|---|
| 24 hour smoothing rehydrating serum. | It doesn’t last 24 hours, but it lasts from morning till evening. |
| Skin looks smoothed, softer and more radiant. | True. |
| Melt-in, fresh and non-greasy gel texture. | True. |
| Tested on sensitive skin. | The keyword here is tested. Just because something was tested on sensitive skin, doesn’t mean the result was positive. |
Price & Availability
£22.00 at Escentual, Feel Unique, and Look Fantastic
Do You Need It?
If you’re looking for a Hyaluronic Acid serum, this is a good option to consider.
Dupes & Alternatives
- La Roche Posay Heal B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum (£27.75): available at Feel Unique and Look Fantastic
- Niod Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid (£25.00): available at Beauty Bay and Cult Beauty
- Paula’s Choice Resist Hyaluronic Acid Booster ($34.00): available at Dermstore, Nordstrom, Paula’s Choice and Selfridges
- The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (£5.90): available at Beauty Bay, Cult Beauty and Feel Unique
- Vichy 89 Mineral ($29.50): available at Dermstore and Feel Unique
Ingredients
609713 01, Aqua, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat., Glycerin, BIS-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Paraffinum Liquidum, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Arginine PCA, Serine, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Ammonium Polyacryldimethyltauramide, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum
I am horribly ignorant when it comes to chemistry and biology, but I do know that there are a lot of different kinds of alcohols. Whereas rubbing alcohol (Isopropyl alcohol) is extremely harsh and drying, others, like SD Alcohol 40, (ethyl alcohol–the kind we drink) allow active ingredients to be absorbed. I’m guessing the alcohol is in this serum to allow the hyaluronic acid to get into the skin.
Poppy, yes, the alcohol helps the hyaluronic acid penetrate the skin, and makes the texture thinner, too. Unfortunately, though, that’s also one of the alcohols that can be drying. 🙁
Very informative and great post as always! I wanted to ask if oily skin girls can omit the use of AHA and only use BHA.. Or should we use a combination of both?
Rachel, yes, you can use only BHA. I guess you could alternate them, but it’s BHA that’s gonna benefit your skin more, so just stick with that.