Review: Clarins's HydraQuench Biphase Intensive Serum

My very first encounter with Clarins is the HydraQuench Biphase Intensive Serum which was approximately a year ago. I am of combination skin type but suffers from dehydration every now and then, its the "troublesome"- dry on the outside, oily inside kind of skin type.

At that time, i am using one of my HG of all time- the Plantidote Serum by Dr Andrew Weils for Origins, it is still good nevertheless but sometimes it might prove to be a little rich for me, especially my skin is prone to breakouts if i am not careful. So, i am on the quest of finding a serum/moisturizer that is strong enough to keep it hydrated, something lighter but powerful.. : )

This is where the HydraQuench Serum comes into place, containing extracts of the Katafray bark (to help restore skin's hydration), Alfalfa (smoothen premature wrinkles) and rich in Omega 3, Inca Peanut oil (to restore skin's balance), i should think this just might be the 1 lightweight yet heavy duty serum/moisturizer that i am looking for.

In terms of packaging, the nice little glass bottle comes with a pump that is hygienic and 1 pump should be sufficient to cover my entire face. But with repeated daily usage, i do not know why, there seems to be a thin ring of blue gel-like substance formed just at the opening of the pump.. hmm......

Texture-wise, it is watery and slightly oily but as long as the serum is fully absorbed into the skin, there isn't any trace of oil at all. As the serum is made up of 2 parts (hence the word-Biphase included in the name), you have to shake the bottle each time before use so that the ingredients are able to "work" together.

Like all Clarins products, this serum is no exception, it is slightly scented but it is hardly detectable after application. Perfumed or scented products are never a huge issue for me, unless, 1. they are pungent, or 2. i have a irritation reaction to it, or 3. i simply hate the smell, other than the reasons above, i say if the product works for you for all the right reason, just grin and bear with it for a while.

Performance-wise, the watery serum did perform its job properly and very well at it too, i would say. There are times whereby i skipped the moisturizer and just slapped on this serum before hitting the sack. That alone is sufficient to keep my face moisturized the entire night and curb my occasional bouts of eczema.

I took my chance and bite the bullet a year and half ago for the 1st bottle and now i am into my 3rd bottle. I would need to confess that in between the bottles, i did "strayed" to other products (thinking that it might be better than this) but i will always return to the serum.

Clarins's HydraQuench Biphase Intensive Serum



The 2 layers of liquid shown


A closer look at the serum


Watery texture of the serum

After the application, where the serum is fully absorbed into the skin

Would i buy it again?

Hell, yes! Its already a indispensable member of my HG family.

Priced at S$97.00 for 30 ml, available at all Major Departmental Stores.

Main Ingredients: Aqua, Glycerin, Paraffinum Liquidum, Isohexadecane, Isononyl Isononanoate, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium PCA, Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil, Benzophenone-4, Parfum, Sodium Chloride, Tromethamine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Acrylate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Disodium Edta, Chondrus Crispus extract.