[REVIEW] Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream (Before and After)

[1]🐠Ingredients Breakdown [2]Instructions [3]Results VS. Claims [4]Before&After [5]Verdict

Price: SAMPLE US$7 (3ml) [with 4ml of peptide eye gel], US$54 (15ml) [Same prices at Sephora]
Texture: Medium-thick cream
What you get: 3ml or 15ml
Cruelty-free: Yes
Instagram: @biossance

+INGREDIENTS

Ingredients of the Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream: Water (Aqua), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (Emollient), Squalane, Glycerin, Sorbitan Olivate (Emulsifying), Cetearyl Olivate (Emulsifying), Jojoba Esters (Soothing + Emollient + Moisturizer/Humectant), Glyceryl Stearate SE (Emulsifying), Panthenol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer (Viscosity Controlling + Emulsion Stabilising), Cetyl Palmitate (Emollient), Spilanthes Acmella Flower Extract, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Sorbitan Palmitate (Emulsifying), Dunaliella Salina Extract, Astaxanthin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol (Preservative), ♦️Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Citric Acid (Buffering)

🐠In-Depth Ingredients of Interesting Ingredients:

Squalane: Squalene is naturally produced by the body, but its production slows dramatically after age 30. Squalane is its synthetic counterpart and repairs, deeply moisturizes, and has anti-aging benefits. Squalane is usually sourced from shark liver, or alternatively from olives, wheat germ oil, or rice bran oil. However, Biossance has developed a technology that extracts it from sugarcane.
Glycerine: Widely used as a quality Hydrator (occurs naturally in skin, and its chemical structure attracts water). You can find this ingredient in most good skin-replenishing products.
Panthenol: Moisturizing (penetrates deep into the layers and gets converted into Pantothenic Acid (B5)) + Possibly Anti Acne (B5) + Wound healing (‘‘Promotes skin cell proliferation’’) + Anti-inflammatory (‘‘Help reduce the appearance of UV-induced redness and may alleviate the itchiness associated with dermatitis.’’) + Skin barrier protection (B5 is involved in the creation of lipids, which themselves play a significant role in preventing moisture loss from the top layer of the skin)
Spilanthes Acmella Flower Extract: Contains a compound called Spilanthol, which has Antioxidative + Anti-inflammatory + Anti-aging + Antifungal properties. A cosmetics and pharmaceuticals ingredient manufacturing company, Gattefossé, has conducted research and claims that the combination of Spilanthes Acmella Flower Extract and Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (present in this Biossance formulation) ‘‘Stimulates fibroblast activity, provides support to the collagen fiber network and restores firmness and smoothness of the face and the body. It specifically reduces the crepey appearance on the neck and decolleté. It targets cell communication to reorganize and retighten the dermal architecture. It has natural lifting and visibly reduces deep wrinkles and firms the skin, even after initial application. It enhances the density of the skin, leading to a reduction in roughness’’ [Source]. There aren’t any independent studies to back this up as of date.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5:🔴[Not enough research] Anti-aging (It is composed of a chain of amino acids which are said to ‘‘communicate with the skin’s collagen production systems and boost its production’’) + May improve hydration and skin elasticity (‘‘may interact with hyaluronic acid and elastin production systems’’) + Potentially helps to support a healthy skin barrier + The manufacturer of this ingredient did two studies on volunteers which yielded results in the improvement of wrinkle appearance, firmness, and elasticity of the skin, as well as look of pore size.
Dunaliella Salina Extract: Contains a high content of Beta-carotene, some research indicates that some forms of beta-carotene get converted into retinol in your skin when applied topically. Retinol is Anti-aging + Photoprotective + Anti-acne + Treats hyperpigmentation + Maintains healthy skin functions. One study also demonstrated that Dunaliella Salina Extract potentially prevents thermally induced skin aging (heat increases collagen degradation and accumulation of abnormal elastin fiber in the skin).
Astaxanthin: 🔴[Not enough research] This is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. However, most studies are made on the oral administration of this ingredient rather than its topical application. All current studies of its topical application cannot yield solid conclusions since they combine either oral + topical administration or topical application of Astaxanthin + another ingredient. A study is needed on the topical application of this ingredient alone, but the results are promising so far: reduction in wrinkle, an improvement in skin elasticity, and moisture.
Sodium Hyaluronate: Hydrating (water-binding properties) + Wound healing (promotes microcirculation)
Tocopherol: Vitamin E (Most abundant antioxidant found in human skin, works as a photoprotective agent + Anti-inflammatory ). Popular culture suggests that it also helps in wound healing, but this is not adequately backed up by research.

♦️Controversial Ingredient:

Ethylhexylglycerin: Either used as a texture enhancer or a preservative. I don't give particular importance to researching these types of ingredients; going to different sites and comparing what's being said about them usually allows me to determine whether they are considered safe to use or not. For this one, incidecoder, Paula's choice, skincarisma, and cosdna all had nothing negative to say. However, the European Union has "classified it as an irritant with limited evidence of eye toxicity," so some people react badly to it, and I happen to be one of those people. Not all eye cream formulations containing Ethylhexylglycerin irritate my eyes; while some have turned the area red immediately upon application, this one didn't have such an obvious reaction. Also, note that EWG used to classify it as "an irritant with limited evidence of eye toxicity" but now has changed its score from 1/10 to 2/10 as more organizations are classifying it as an irritant. Will the score get higher? Stay tuned to find out.

+HOW TO USE THE Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream

[REVIEW] Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream Texture — Gently apply to entire eye area using ring finger.
Massage around the eye, out to temple and underneath the brow bone (can be used on eyelids).
Use twice a day, morning and night.

+what does the Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream do?

Claims taken from the Biossance product page.

1.Instantly lifts and firms: The skin around my eyes isn’t droopy, so I can’t really attest to that, but from an ingredients perspective, Spilanthes Acmella Flower Extract potentially has a muscle-relaxing effect which has been shown to reduce wrinkles and fine lines by the manufacturer of this extract (no independent study have shown this). So technically, this should be true, but don’t expect any dramatic results. After 25 days of using the Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream, I saw no difference in either the skin under my eyes or in my eyelids which are a bit droopy by nature.

2.Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles: Yes, just look at the before and after pictures. My fine lines immediately get plumped after the application of this eyecream. I don’t have wrinkles there, but I’m guessing the results would be similar, albeit much less dramatic. The ingredient list is full of anti-aging and hydrating ingredients, which help with this plumped-up effect. However, do note that I have not seen a real difference in fine lines when the cream is not applied. This means that they have only gotten plumped up and less apparent when I apply this product topically, but there was no structural difference after continuous use. Judging from its ingredient list, this eyecream is either not penetrative enough to reach the epidermis, or it just needs more time to show any significant results.
3.This marine algae eye cream's melt-in texture delivers deep hydration and a perfect canvas for makeup: Yes, although the cream is very hydrating and moisturizing, it penetrates quite quickly and doesn’t leave any tacky feeling behind. I’m told that this is also perfect for makeup application, but I don’t wear concealer or foundation, so I wouldn’t be able to validate that claim. One thing to note is that the Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream doesn’t leave me with a dewy finish, it almost completely gets absorbed, and my skin looks and feels mate. Some people like this, but I personally don’t. As I’m used to dewy finishes, I found myself reaching for this product during the day even though my eye area felt perfectly hydrated and moisturized, but this is more of a me-problem.

Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream (Before and After)

This is an eyecream with a superb list of ingredients, which should, in theory, have potent powers when it comes to anti-aging preventative care. However, I haven't personally enjoyed it because I like dewy finishes, and I've used products like the Purito Centella Green Level Eye Cream ($10.18) and Kiehl's Avocado Eye Cream ($32), which had noticeably made me look like I had slept 8 hours when I had slept none. This Biossance eyecream simply doesn't compare.

The results I got did not amaze me. I saw no difference whatsoever until I meticulously looked at the before and after pictures. Although the ingredients are amazing, I'm left with a 'meh' feeling. Would I recommend this? Meh again. If you would like to try it out and have the money to do so, go ahead, but I do suggest that you buy the sample version (7$) instead as it will last you quite a while, and that way, you won't have to splurge 54$ on something you might not end up loving.

One important thing to note is that this formulation contains Ethylhexylglycerin, a preservative that could potentially irritate your eye area. I've been irritated by a lot of different eyecream that have it, but the way it's incorporated in Biossanse's formulation did not irritate me. However, this might not be the case for you if you have very sensitive skin.

+There are many things that can cause irritating/contact dermatitis, some people are allergic to coconut oil or even kiwi or green tea. In contrast, others enjoy these compounds' benefits, but my issue with adding an ingredient like Ethylhexylglycerin is that it is completely unnecessary. There are well-researched preservatives out there, some even derived from natural ingredients and with some added benefits (if you’re into that kind of stuff). So why use an ingredient that has the potential to irritate and be toxic to the eye area when specifically formulating an EYE cream? The only benefit is that it’s cheaper to formulate, but irritation and inflammation have been linked to premature aging, so the ‘benefit’ isn’t one, to begin with.