If you have been eagle-eyed you might have noticed a new iteration of the L’Oreal White Perfect range at the local pharmacies – L’Oreal White Perfect Laser. The products, currently just the Essence and Day Cream, are housed in metallic deep blue packaging and the formula has been improved so the effects are now reportedly equivalent to that of getting laser treatment.
One word: Wow!
Ok 2 words: Wow, really?!
“Some cosmetic ingredients can be as efficient as IPL” said Ms. Elisabeth Bouhadana, Scientific Communications Director of L’Oreal Paris International who is based at the L’Oreal offices in Paris. Ms. Bouhadana spoke to some of the local media via video conference a little while ago about this new range, and answered some questions like “Can using skincare compare to laser treatments?” and “Why does the day cream only have SPF19?” I’ll share some of her insights here 🙂
What is the L’Oreal White Perfect Laser range?
The Essence and Day Cream is, I might say, an upgrade of the existing White Perfect range of serums and creams. The people at L’Oreal noted how popular laser treatments were in Asia as treatments for skin tone and pigmentation/dark spots, and formulated a product accordingly that they say can deliver results similar to that of IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatment. Essentially, you are supposed to be able to get the results without:-
- pain
- paying big bucks
- side effects
I personally have tried the White Perfect range before but the old version from a while back. I was using some of it even before I started blogging but I found I preferred the Revitalift range better so I stuck to that one. Used up copious bottles of the Revitalift Essence over the years before I got itchy and drifted off to what I thought were greener pastures 🙂
According to Ms. Boudahana, the key ingredient is Ellagic Acid which is used to correct spots, prevent dark spots from forming and to even out and brighten the skintone. The benchmark against IPL found that the results from using the topical products were almost as impressive as undergoing laser treatment – up to 60%.
Another thing Ms. Boudahana was keen to point out is that the side effects of laser and IPL are many and there is a possible rebound factor when you stop undergoing the treatment. With topical treatments if you stop using it, there are little to no side effects. I must say there’s some truth there. I’ve personally had a trial laser experience and I hated it. I didn’t think it did anything for my skin and in fact, seemed to make it more sensitive. I stopped it because I wasn’t seeing benefits and I personally do get better (and am more comfortable with) results from topical treatments even if all they do is just lighten and not remove pigmentation spots, and even if they take a while to work. I guess I’m not fussy that way 🙂
Why only SPF19?
As for the question raised by a member of the media as to why the Day Cream contains only SPF19 PA+++ while most products in the market have a higher sun protection factor, or at least a more rounded number, Ms. Boudahana was keen to point out that 19 was the most comfortable measurement of sun protection filters in the cream. Any higher and it would have been too thick and we’d we walking around with white faces. They were also aware that it would not be comfortable to apply, and so the cream would be suitable for most, if not all skin types. Personally, I would suggest wearing another layer of high SPF over this in our sort of tropical sun because SPF19 doesn’t quite cut the mustard. Its just me though – the SPF50 and up user 😀
To another question about whether the product was suitable for oily skin (the cream does feel a bit thick) Ms. Boudahana said that the cream was non comodegenic but the level of comfort would depend on the amount one applies to the skin. So, someone with oily skin would apply less and someone with dry skin may be comfortable with more.
Quick thoughts
I personally haven’t tried this range, but I did find that the sample of the cream was a bit thick, although after a little massaging, it did sink into the skin without leaving an oily sheen. It must be noted that I have slightly dry skin so it might explain why I found it quite comfortable. I must say however that the scent is quite strong in both the Essence and Day Cream so those who are sensitive to scent may not like this one very much.
Edit to add: I personally do not think any topical product is equivalent to or comparable to results obtained through laser treatments. However, I personally did not experience wonderful results from a few sessions of laser (there was little to no visible improvement) and so my preference is to use topical products.
Do please share your thoughts if you have tried anything from this range. This has been out for a couple of months now, so I’m sure many of you have already either checked it out or tried it so do share your thoughts if you have. I’m not sure if I will, but if I do, you will be sure to hear (read?) of it 😉 If you have thoughts on it, do share – I’m sure many will find it useful 🙂
Paris B
L’Oreal White Perfect Laser Essence Price: RM139.90 L’Oreal White Perfect Laser Day Cream Price: RM59.90 Availability: Major pharmacies
i’ve got a small tube of serum of this range! the samples they gave out in MV…time to test it out!
Hope it works for you! 😀
I have one question: What is an essence? I haven’t heard about them in the west 😉
An essence is what would be known as a “serum” in the West 🙂 More concentrated ingredients in a usually lighter serum base.
I have been undergoing laser treatments for nearly 1 year now and I have to say that no topical product can come close. Right after the session, any clogged pores clear up within days instead of my usual weeks.
My derm explained that IPL is a quick fix but the results are not sustainable long term as the light energy only penetrates superficially. You need at least 5 sessions of laser treatment to see a subtle improvement. I did not like IPL as it gives me hives.
Funny how people approach beauty based on marketing spiels. I would go and skim through the scientific literature before trying a new skincare ingredient. Some topicals like vitamin A, C, E and niacinamide have been proven to work. I’d put my money on these instead of exotic extracts and temporary effects had by loading a product with humectants.
Hi Firn, its great to know that laser treatments are working well for you. I personally didn’t experience anything wonderful from my sessions – pores looked the same, pigmentation was the same or even worse and my skin looked dull. It was very strange because I’ve spoken to many people who tell me wonderful stories about laser treatments they have undergone. Maybe I should give it a go again 🙂
As for topical treatments, while I don’t think they are comparable to laser (Thank you for the reminder, I knew I forgot to mention this!) it is for the most part, affordable to many and for some people, even a minor improvement is acceptable. Still, I never really had great results from this range but I have from other brands and products which I’m more willing to spend on.
My derm reminded me that lasers don’t give immediate results and that the changes will be subtle (unless you had a resurfacing procedure which is not so common). I find that immediately after a session, my pigmentation darkens but it fades even more after about 2 weeks. Lasers also give you different results depending on the practitioner. My doctor uses a combination of 4 lasers (Nd yag, pulsed dye, cooltouch and coolglide) on me.
My main beef is that most products appear to give great results but only due to intense hydration. Most users are initially delighted with the results but baseline complaints remain the same which is why people change products looking for the next best thing.
It might be the laser procedure then. I was prescribed some creams to use as well and my pigmentation got worse (never got better even after a couple of weeks) and skin looked dull all the time. I’m not sure I’m willing to go through it again because of the initial trauma LOL! But I guess its one of those things. Its good that you had a good experience because not everyone’s that lucky 🙂
I did go to another derm who prescribed Obagi which contained hydroquinone for me. I found that cream just made my pigmentation worse so I stopped. I’m now using a vit ACE serum and Strivectin’s vit C and niacinamide serum. My sunspots are progressively lightening, I’m glad to say.
I think you hit the nail on the head! I was using Obagi too and I swear it was making my pigmentation (and skin generally) worse! I’m not glad you experienced it but I’m glad I’m not seeing things 🙂 Now that you’ve mentioned it I might be braver to try laser again in future 🙂
I did ask my original doctor about hydroquinone and she said it can cause paradoxical post inflammatory hyperpigmentation which is why she doesn’t use it on her patients. Yea so I highly recommend reading what futurederm.com has to say about hydroquinone and investing in a good antioxidant serum. 🙂
Thanks Firn, it’s been most helpful 🙂
I personally didn’t think that the effects are equivalent to that of getting laser treatment. Hope you’ll make a review abt the essence. Will it be as good as Clinique Even Better Dark Spot Corrector or better (which I doubt LOL).
Hey Mira, I’m not sure if I’ll be giving them a go. Not terribly keen on it to be honest because my previous experiences with White Perfect was just so-so. If I do, will be sure to blog it 🙂 I too don’t believe its as good as laser but maybe it’ll keep more pockets happy LOL!
I first saw it in guardian few weeks ago. I was quite intrigued by it, yet sceptical at the same time. But i don’t think i will try it due to its strong scent.
I am one of those who feel that topical skincare will not have the same effect with laser treatment as i have a friend who did it before and the result is quite satisfactory for her. However, i didn’t know why it doesn’t work for you. Could it have to do with different skin has different result like normal skincare does? Does laser treatment also have something like that?
I don’t know Nani. Maybe it was a different treatment or a different laser. I was told I’d see results but the fact was that I didn’t and I also had to use some prescribed creams in conjunction with the laser, that I was uncomfortable with and which I realised made me unhappy about my skin condition. I’m a little sceptical and afraid of procedures like this because I am aware that it can go very far wrong and the price of correction can be far too high for my liking so I stick to topical treatments that I am comfortable with 🙂
Hi Paris, I’ve bought the essence when it was launched and am still using it so can’t tell much about the effects. However, I only use it at night and texture wise it is quite light. I didn’t buy the day cream as I’m afraid it might be too oily for my combination skin. If not mistaken, the retail price for the essence is RM79.90. I personally think you don’t need IPL treatments coz you looked cute and natural with your freckles.
Eh I was quoted over RM100 maybe it was on offer when you got it? I’ll double check. I hope it’ll work for you. Perhaps if you don’t have a serious pigment problem, it would help even out skintone or even just plump up the skin 🙂 Thanks for the compliment – am hoping to keep my freckles cute so they don’t become pigmentation patches! 😉
Saw these in Watsons 2 weeks ago. The whole “more effective than IPL” tagline stopped me in my track, and I actually stop to read the labels on the bottle/box. 😀
I’ve never really used a brightening essence/serum before. I’m currently on my first brightening essence (Aqualabel blue bottled one), and that’s because I got it for free. 😛 LOL.
Even with that, I only use it 2-3 times a week. So, yeah, you can tell I’m not really committed to a brightening regime yet. Haha. But I’m now more diligent with sunblock application already ~pat on the back~. 😉
Yay for sunblock! *pats you on back too* Which did you eventually find to your liking or at least satisfaction? 🙂 I think brightening skincare isn’t a must and I personally don’t believe in using it long term. I like it to help even out skintone ocassionally but I then switch away in favour of something anti aging or hydrating because I’m getting old y’see? Haha!
It’s the Biore UV Watery Essense SPF50. So far, it’s the one and only sunblock that I’m comfortable and willingly apply every single day. 🙂
Me too! I’m more favorable of a hydrating regimen. And slowly starting to explore anti-aging product options. Haven’t really started one yet though. 🙂
Its good to know you’ve found a sunblock you’re comfortable using daily. Its our first defence against aging! 😉
I like that it seems very well researched and targeted towards a specific treatment, but I don’t think this would work out for my oily skin.
I don’t think you’d even be able to get it outside of Asia Becca! We Asians and our whitening LOL!
Do you use the Essence + Day Cream in the morning, and just the Essence at night?
I believe that’s how its meant to be used. Essence twice a day, and the Day Cream only in the day.
may I know what will be its price in rupees