Editor Reviews

This sunscreen is quietly impressive. It manages to pull off a finish that’s rare in this category: matte, but not drying. The texture spreads easily and feels lightweight, almost like wearing nothing. There’s none of the greasy, sticky, or heavy after-feel many sunscreens have. In fact, the finish leans slightly hydrating, with a soft, silicone-like smoothness — dry to the touch, but not tight or uncomfortable. I’m not sure how they balanced that, but they did. It also has a subtle beige tint, which might help to even out skin tone, though I couldn't really tell (but my skin isn't too uneven to begin with). It's probably there to avoid casting a stark white cast. The ingredient list is relatively short and to the point, which isn't very exciting, but makes sense for a product marketed as suitable for sensitive skin. The UV filters are well chosen — titanium dioxide, Tinosorb M, and Uvinul A Plus — offering solid broad-spectrum (UVB + UVA) protection without relying on filters that are typically problematic for sensitive skin. The rest of the formula focuses on hydration and comfort: humectants and emollients keep the skin soft and moisturized, while silica helps achieve the matte finish without drying the skin out. There’s nothing fragranced or obviously irritating here, and overall, it reads as a gentle and streamlined formula that should work well for sensitive skin, as promised. It’s also marketed as a “clean” sunscreen, and while that term is broad, the formula leaves out some of the UV filters most often criticized for environmental impact - the filters it does use (titanium dioxide, Tinosorb M, and Uvinul A Plus) are generally considered more eco-friendly compared to older options. In short, this is a sunscreen that does exactly what it says it does — protects the skin, doesn't trigger sensitive skin, and is reef-friendly. The ingredient list isn’t particularly exciting or extensive, but in this case, that’s exactly the point. Sometimes simple really is better.

This is an expensive moisturizer. Obscenely expensive, in fact — which makes everything about it fair game for scrutiny. Texture-wise, it’s thick and rich, but not stiff or pasty. It has a certain fluidity to it, though spreading it takes effort — very much in the realm of "90s sunscreen" where you were left with a white cream patch somewhere that wasn't blended well enough. If you dislike tackiness or the feeling of product sitting on your skin, this will probably test your patience. Apart from that, after application, it's pleasant on the skin. On irritated or sensitive skin days, it feels gentle and soothing. No sting, no weird reactions. Just a nourishing layer. As for the anti-aging claims, that’s where it gets more complicated. This formula is positioned (and priced) as a luxury anti-aging moisturizer. Ingredient-wise, however, it reads more like a high-end barrier support cream rather than a cutting-edge anti-aging treatment. At its core, it’s heavily emollient. The base includes squalane, sunflower seed oil, argan oil, avocado oil, evening primrose oil, shea butter, and glycerin — all excellent for moisturizing, softening the skin, and preventing transepidermal water loss. These will make skin look smoother and more plump, which can create the appearance of reduced fine lines. This is not true wrinkle reduction — it's symptomatic improvement through hydration. The antioxidant blend (including vitamin E, green tea extract, and some plant oils) helps fight oxidative stress. Again, solid for prevention, but not unusual or exclusive to expensive products. Where the anti-aging claims rest is probably largely on its peptides (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8, Oligopeptide-177) though their benefits are modest. Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8 soothes and reduces redness, while Oligopeptide-177’s effects are unclear and likely limited to general skin support rather than true anti-aging. What’s missing are category-defining anti-aging actives:

• no retinoids (gold standard for reversing photoaging);
• no vitamin C in meaningful amounts (well-researched collagen support and antioxidant);
• no growth factors or epidermal growth stimulators, despite the brand's heavy marketing language about "cell renewal."

In simple terms: this is a very nice, soothing, hydrating, and comforting moisturizer — rich enough for dry or irritated skin — but its anti-aging claims are modestly supported at best. This is not a formula that will push visible age reversal or remodeling. It maintains, protects, and comforts. At this price point, the formula does not justify itself based on ingredients alone. In short: rich, protective, pleasant on sensitive skin, but hardly revolutionary.

This eye cream's texture is fluid and hydrating, and while it does stay a little tacky after application, it’s not sticky or heavy. It isn’t particularly occlusive either, which makes it comfortable for daily use without feeling suffocating or greasy. There’s a hint of tint to the formula, but once applied, I don’t notice any real evening out of skin tone or disguising of dark circles. It disappears into the skin and that’s that — no concealer effect here. The ingredient list is quite interesting. Alongside humectants and emollients (glycerin, sodium PCA, shea and cacao seed butters), there’s a reasonable lineup of brightening and antioxidant extracts — coffee extract, apple extract, watermelon extract, and chamomile, among others. These could help somewhat with general skin tone uniformity and puffiness, but let’s be clear: dark circles caused by vascular issues (like when you don't have enough sleep and slower circulation, combined with thinner skin, makes darkness more noticeable) are not going to be solved by plant extracts. For pigment-related issues, these may offer some support over time — but dark circles aren't typically due to hyperpigmentation. That being said, having antioxidants in any skincare formula is never a bad thing. A quick note on formulation sensibility: this is intended for both morning and evening use, and thankfully, seems designed accordingly. While it does contain glycolic acid, it’s far down the list, likely at a very low concentration for gentle smoothing rather than exfoliation — though sunscreen is always a must, regardless. Titanium dioxide is also present, but given its placement, it’s almost certainly used as a colorant rather than a UV filter, so don’t expect meaningful protection from it. Additionally, while linalool and limonene are included, they appear right at the end of the list and don’t make the formula feel particularly fragrant — so they’re likely present at very low levels, which makes them less concerning. In short: this is a pleasant, hydrating eye cream with a good supporting cast of antioxidants and brightening agents — but, as with any eye cream, it ends up being too expensive per ml. Especially when I (again, as with most eye creams) inevitably use it all over my face anyway.

This is a fluid, easy-to-spread vitamin C serum that doesn’t waste any time showing results. It contains 15% tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, a stable, oil-soluble form of vitamin C, and on my skin, the brightening effect is pretty much immediate. Granted, my skin responds quickly and well to vitamin C, but even so, this feels effective right away. It stays a little tacky after application—not unpleasant, but definitely present. If you layer other products on top, it settles down, but the finish is something to be aware of if you prefer your serums to disappear completely. As for comfort, it’s generally good. I can use this daily, though I do get some tingling around my eyes when that area is sensitized due to mechanical action ( caused by removing eye makeup. I know this is because of the 15% vitamin C, not necessarily the fragrant ingredients at the end of the list, but still, their presence annoys me: orange peel oil, tangerine peel oil, linalool and limonene. Yes, they’re tucked away at the bottom of the list, but they’re noticeable (I can smell them clearly). They add nothing useful - at least, nothing that isn't purely aesthethic or sensorial - and at worst, they’re just another thing that could aggravate skin irritation on a serum that already contains vitamin C and glycolic acid. Beyond that, the formula is otherwise quite well-rounded. There’s squalane and glycerin for lightweight hydration and skin-softening, plus jojoba esters for extra emollience. Saccharide isomerate offers longer-lasting hydration benefits, helping to bind water to the skin. A few extra skin-soothing and antioxidant ingredients are tucked in too, like tocopherol (vitamin E) and soy sterols, which help support barrier function and enhance stability. In the end, this is a fast-acting, brightening serum that does what it promises. It delivers visible radiance and is well-formulated overall—except for the unnecessary fragrant oils, which feel like a poorly thought-out addition in an otherwise serious formula. If you tolerate fragrance and want immediate glow, this will likely impress. But for those of us who prefer our actives without distractions (or potential irritants), it’s hard not to wish they had left the perfumery out of it.

This is a thicker fluid—not oily or sticky, just pleasantly substantial—that spreads easily and layers well. It has a subtle natural blue tint courtesy of the copper peptide. It sinks in quickly and doesn’t interfere with makeup or other skincare. No heaviness, no occlusive film. Just a smooth, hydrating layer. Formula-wise, this is quietly sophisticated. The peptides take center stage here: Copper Tripeptide-1, Tetrapeptide-30, and Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-52 all help signal skin cells to stay productive (by producing collagen and elastin). Copper Tripeptide-1 also pulls double duty as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, which makes it extra appealing for sensitive or compromised skin. Backing them up is a thoughtful lineup of soothing and antioxidant ingredients like aloe, ectoin, green tea extract, and turmeric—all great for calming irritation and reinforcing the skin barrier. Hyaluronic acid handles hydration, while squalane gives that familiar silky emollience without feeling greasy. Nothing here is too heavy or aggressive, which makes it easy to use daily and suitable even for delicate skin. Of course, this isn’t a high-octane anti-aging powerhouse. There’s no retinol, and it’s not meant to resurface or radically transform. Instead, it’s a very well-rounded, soothing, and hydrating formula that leans into peptides as the next-best anti-aging support. For people who can’t or don’t want to use stronger actives (or who just want something gentler for daytime), this makes sense—and works. Overall: well-behaved, elegant, and easy to trust. I can see why this is one of Biossance’s more popular products. It's pleasant, functional, and quietly effective—but for those with more resilient skin who enjoy something a bit punchier, this may feel a little too polite for daily use.

This moisturizer is a great example of what happens when a formula plays it safe—and nails it. The texture is interesting: quite occlusive and thick but not greasy, and it doesn’t feel oily nor tacky once applied; instead, it has a waxy, silicone-like finish that sits on the skin like a protective film without smothering it. Despite its richness, it somehow avoids feeling heavy. It’s extremely comfortable to wear, even on fragile, compromised skin. On days when my skin feels dry, tight, and angry, this feels like relief in a bottle. There’s no stinging, just calm, hydrated skin. Ingredient-wise, this is a textbook barrier repair formula: ceramides, cholesterol, glycerin, hyaluronic acid—all the usual suspects. It’s clearly designed for skin that needs support, not stimulation. There’s nothing flashy here—no vitamin C, no retinol - but I think that’s the point. This is a reliable, no-drama moisturizer for sensitive skin or recovery days. That said, for my own resilient skin, it’s not the most exciting option for daily use. I like a little more action in my moisturizers — a brightening agent, a mild exfoliant, something tthat adds a bit more than just hydration. But when my skin is stressed, this is one of the few I don't dread putting on because it won't cause any adverse reaction. Safe, simple, soothing. A comfort product through and through, like chicken soup for your flu-ridden skin.

I should preface this review by alerting the reader that this, to date, my favourite cleanser. Ever. It is also very validating to verify that my classification algortihm matches my personal sentiment of the product - sometimes ratings don't look 100% aligned because my opinion tends to be a bit more positive than my scoring algorithm (my skin is pretty resilient and I find that I have a high tolerance for formulations that are not as well balanced as they could be). In this case though, the formula fully backs up my high opinion of the cleanser. User experince-wise, this cleanser comes in a pump bottle and has a very typical gel texture that is easy to spread on the skin —nothing fancy, nothing new, but it's familiar and gets the job done. It’s marketed for normal to oily skin, but I can use it without issues even when my skin is extremely dry. It rinses off completely, leaving the skin feeling clean with zero residue—no oil, no film—but without that tight, over-stripped feeling that cleansers targeting oily skin often deliver. My skin just feels...clean. Comfortably clean. Whch makes sense, since it contains glycerin and hyaluronic acid to help retain hydration. Beyond that, the formula includes some solid skin-barrier supporting ingredients: ceramides (or it wouldn't be a CeraVe product), cholesterol, and a touch of niacinamide, another personal favourite, because this ingredient seems to go with anything and benefit everyone. There is no fragrance or essential oils, which are mostly aesthetic anyway, and their absence is a win for sensitive skin. And last but not least, it's cheap. Safe, effective, reliable, inexpensive. Overall, a superb product.

Apart from setting sprays, skin mists always felt to me like glorified, expensive water. The Jordan Samuel mist, however, felt like something else. I believe they’ve changed the packaging to include a gentler mister, but my version still had the aggressive one. It deposits big water droplets on the skin, so it has to be a prep step rather than a finishing one. Spray violence factor aside, once on the skin, the mist feels nice and hydrating. It gets tacky to the touch as it dries down, but it's not oily. On my skin, it does feel like a “creamy” water — a liquid that's a bit richer than plain H₂O. The instructions suggest using this right after cleansing, and I definitely agree that’s the best time to apply it. Even with gentle cleansers, if I’m removing makeup, my skin will likely feel tight afterwards because I’m diligently cleaning and stripping my face of its superficial contents. Spraying this on immediately alleviates that feeling — but unlike spritzing plain water, this contains a nice mix of humectants and soothing ingredients (like cucumber and vitamin B5). Essential? No. But it’s nice to have. It serves its purpose of hydrating and refreshing, and provides instant relief after a thorough cleanse. Not sure I’ll repurchase at €34 for 120 ml, but I’ll gladly use it up.

This comes in an opaque tube with a pump, and the cream has quite a fluid texture that still takes a bit of work to spread on the skin. I blame the sunscreen ingredients, since this particularity is quite common in products with high SPF. It has a yellow tinted white colour that I can imagine will leave a white cast on darker skintones. Another thing of notice is the scent: this smells like lemon scented dishwasher soap. This feels occlusive on top of skin and leaves a bit of shine - not enough to make me look oily, but it is noticeable. As the day goes on I don't find that I get shinier, so it's tolerable for combination skin types. Oily skin may find this too greasy and heavy. I also tested it with makeup on top, and I found that it did not improve nor worsen my makeup wear or application. It just did not interfere with it. I did find it moisturizing, but I feel I could use more hydration – maybe pairing it with a hyaluronic acid serum would solve that need (even though there is hyaluronic acid in it). There are a few noteworthy ingredients (apart from the sunscreen): carnosine, which is an antioxidant and cell-communicating ingredient, two good anti-aging qualities; squalane and arginine (good moisturizers) and blueberry seed oil (another good antioxidant). Still, I would like to have seen a few more antioxidants - specially considering the price point. I could definitely do without the perfuming ingredients. They are at the bottom of the list, so supposedly at the lowest concentration, but honestly, even if there is not a big risk of them irritating the skin, they are irritating my soul. The scent dissipated after a few minutes, but I just don't enjoy it. The sunscreen costs 79€ for 50ml. Is it worth the price? Not really. I gladly used it up, but I won't repurchase.

This is the moisturizer with the highest SPF I tried from Paula's Choice. It's the most occlusive of the three sunscreens I've tried, which makes sense since it's meant for normal to dry skin. Even though it is the thickest and the closest to a traditional facial sunscreen, it's not heavy nor difficult to spread. It also has a light sunscreen scent. Performance-wise, I never felt the need to reapply the moisturizer throughout my outing (but then again, I never do with anything with an SPF of 30 or higher), and my skin always felt hydrated when I used it. On rare occasions, I felt my skin was a bit too greasy. Lovely user experience aside, it is a very well-formulated cream. There are a lot of famously great ingredients here: glycerin, niacinamide, shea butter, vitamin E. Apart from containing a lot of hydrating and emollient elements, this contains a decent amount of skin-soothing (allantoin, licorice extract, aloe vera, oat extract) and antioxidant ingredients. It's around 35-45€ per 60 ml. Paula's Choice isn't necessarily the most affordable brand, but for what you get, I find the price very much worth it.