Which Biologique Recherche Serum Should I Use?
Here’s your intro to the French brand’s famous quintessential serums.
For the skin care minimalist, it’s easy to dismiss the serum as just another beauty product you don’t need. But while it’s true that skin care serums are not required in a basic routine, adding one (or two!) to your daily regimen can deliver a world of benefits, especially if you’re looking to address a specific skin concern.
Simply put, serums are skin care products designed to deliver a high concentration of active ingredients to the skin. They’re typically light in consistency, often gel-based or liquid, and contain smaller molecules compared to that of lotions and creams, allowing them to be more easily absorbed.
But of course, not all serums are created equal, with some formulas more potent—effective—than others. This is where cult-favorite French brand Biologique Recherche (BR) comes in. A company founded by artisanal skincare experts, BR boasts of some of the best serums trusted by dermatologists and beauty authorities alike.
An intro to quintessential serums
In the BR world, “quintessential serums” are known as the purest formulations in the whole range. Along with “targeted serums,” they are used in the treatment stage of the Biologique Recherche routine, primarily because they’re specifically formulated to target different skin imbalances. Unlike targeted serums, though, the active ingredients featured in quintessential serums are mostly amino acids and short peptides.
Each serum is formulated to treat a specific skin imbalance and can be mixed or used together to create your own unique blend. Of course, if you’re just starting out, it’s best to start slow with just one or two formulas.
Not sure where to begin? Here, we’ve listed down the BR serums you can use depending on your skin issues and goals. For a customized routine or to know more about other products, you can book an online consultation with our resident dermatologist, Dr. Maximin Navarro, a Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) fellow, and Michelle Navarro, founder of Bella Pelle Philippines.
The Concern: Signs of Aging
Serums to try:
What it’s known for: Anti-aging bio Serum that smoothens fine lines and wrinkles
How it works: One of the most popular anti-aging serums in the BR range, this formula offsets the skin’s loss of elasticity to prevent and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, even in the eye and mouth areas.
Ideal for: All skin types
What it’s known for: Toning and firming formula
How it works: This botanical serum provides a tensing effect on the skin, smoothening and tightening the epidermis while boosting collagen production and skin cell renewal.
Ideal for: Dull, devitalized complexions and combination and/or seborrheic skin
What it’s known for: Anti-glycation wrinkle-reducing serum
How it works: This serum was developed to combat glycation, a process in which sugar molecules in the skin fiber adhere to the collagen and elastin proteins, contributing to the lack of firmness and formation of wrinkles. It also provides antioxidant action to protect against pollution, sun exposure, and heat.
Ideal for: All skin types
You may also want to try:
 Biologique Recherche Matriciel Visage |
 Biologique Recherche Collagene Marine |
The Concern: Dryness
Serums to try:
What it’s known for: Instant moisturizer with anti-dehydration properties
How it works: This formula contains cellular oligopeptides to moisturize the upper layers of the skin and restore skin’s water balance. It also works to strengthen, regenerate, and brighten the complexion for a healthy, luminous appearance.
Ideal for: Combination or seborrheic skin
What it’s known for: Moisturizing and soothing serum
How it works: An unparalleled source of hydration for the skin, this features hydro-fixing active ingredients that help cells capture water and retain them, alleviating dryness and providing long-lasting hydration.
Ideal for: Devitalized or stressed mature skin
What it’s known for: Intensely hydrating bio-serum (It’s the most potent hydrator among BR serums!)
How it works: An extremely moisturizing formula, it contains milk proteins to improve skin’s natural defense and elasticity, all while providing intensive treatment for dehydrated or even sun-exposed skin.
Ideal for: Very dry skin
The Concern: Dullness and/or pigmentation
Serums to try:
What it’s known for: Brightening and purifying marine serum
How it works: This glow-getting serum brightens and unifies the complexion, reduces dark circles under the eye area, and works to renew, regenerate, and repair stressed, devitalized, and dull skin (including smokers’ skin!).
Ideal for: Dull, devitalized skin
What it’s known for: Healing and repairing serum
How it works: This unique formula contains placental biostimulin protein extracts to strengthen and rebuild the skin, helping target skin concerns—from post-acne scarring to uneven tone. As it speeds up skin healing, it restores suppleness, lightens discoloration, and refreshes the complexion.
The Concern: Clogged pores and/or acne
Serums to try:
What it’s known for: T-Zone perfector and acne fighter
How it works: Recommended for the spot treatment of problematic areas, this balancing serum helps regulate sebum production, tighten the pores, and purify the skin. It also contains anti-microbial properties, salicylic acid, and zinc to treat and prevent acne breakouts.
Ideal for: Acne-prone, combination, and oily skin
What it’s known for: Pore tightening and skin purifying serum
How it works: This rebalancing and repairing formula is rich in soothing active ingredients that helps tighten dilated pores, reduce oil, and prevent comedone formation. It refines skin irregularities for a smoother, clearer complexion.
Ideal for: Devitalized and mature skin with enlarged pores
Check out the complete Biologique Recherche catalogue here.
Want to learn more? Read about the beauty routine of this dermatologist’s wife here, and then discover the finest skincare products, like these Biologique Recherche serums, all thoughtfully selected for you by Bella Pelle Philippines here.
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SHOP OTHER PRODUCTS:
 Biologique Recherche Serum PIGM 400 |
 Biologique Recherche Le Grand Serum |
 Biologique Recherche Serum 3R |
 Biologique Recherche Serum T.E.W.L. |
RELATED READS:
- What Exactly Is A Finishing Serum—And Do You Need One?
- 10 Firming Superstars For Tighter, Younger-Looking Skin
- Minimalist Skin Care Is In—And Here’s A Multitasker To Get You Started
