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I am NOT a skincare guru.
It is incredibly flattering when my blogging buddies call me that, and I am happy and grateful for everyone reading here and trusting my reviews, but I would never (ever!) claim that title for myself.
You see: This is NOT an INCI blog. I am not a chemist, nor do I have any experience working in the industry.
I am a doctor, and even though I have read a ton of scientific publications and dermatological textbooks, I would be lost if I had to come up with my own formula.
While I do think that I know more about skincare than the average person (even more than the average beauty blogger), I am still not an expert in this field, as blogs like Lab Muffin tend to teach me.
There is still so much to learn, and until I know everything, being called a skincare guru simply feels wrong.
So keep that in mind while reading my review on the Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum.
What Caudalie Claims:
Both effective and natural, this anti-dark spot serum boosts radiance and helps even the skin tone.
Facts
Prize and size
One bottle (glass, comes with a dropper) contains 30 ml and retails for 47,00 € on the website here.
Texture and smell
Milky, slightly runny, absorbs easily. Smells nice, but in a very subtle way. (Did I mention that I am also NOT good at describing scents?)
Application and effects
I tried it both morning and night, which worked equally well, as it is nicely hydrating and absorbs fast so it won’t interfere with anything you put on top. My skin felt plump and hydrated, but I did not notice any difference in hyper pigmentation.
Ingredients
Favorable ingredients
- Butylene Glycol: Humectant, draws moisture to the skin
- Glycerin: Humectant, draws moisture to the skin
- Squalane: Occlusive, non-oily oil, natural in skin
- Tocopheryl Acetate: More stable form of Vitamin E, antioxidant
- Palmitoyl Grapevine Shoot Extract: potent antioxidant, helps with hyperpigmentation
- Glyceryl Stearate: Fatty acid, naturally occurring in the human body, emollient
- Bisabolol: Emollient, antiinflammatory
- Caprylyl Glycol: Emollient
Other ingredients
- Ceteareth-20: Emulsifier
- Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer: Stabilizer
- Potassium Sorbate: Preservative
- Xanthan Gum: Improves viscosity
- Carbomer: Thickener
- Sodium Hydroxide: pH adjuster, can be irritating
- Sodium Phytate: Chelating Agent
Unfavorable Ingredients
- Parfum
Moisturizing ingredients with the emphasis on emollients, antioxidants, but only two ingredients that target hyperpigmentation, and one backed up by brand studies only. No Vitamin C, no Niacinamide, none of the usual suspects.
Does it live up to its claims?
No.
At least not if you ask me (Reminder, NOT a skincare guru). This is a nice, hydrating formula, but not a powerful dark spot serum. I mean, it might help in lightening them due to the added Vitamin E, but I think if you are serious about fighting your age spots, you need more.
Would I repurchase?
No.
You might have already guessed that. It is a very nice serum, with a very nice texture and a very nice effect on my skin, but for the claims (and the price) I want more.
Who do I recommend it to?
Caudalie fans, obviously. The texture and feel of the product is great.
Also, if you are just starting out your skincare journey, or only have a little hyperpigmentation, the bonus set featuring this one and the Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Essence (reviewed here) might work very well.
More Caudalie?
Caudalie Premier Cru Serum (here)
Caudalie Grape Water (here)
Caudalie Cleanser (here)