Back in the day, one of the very first products I tried from Clarins was from their Hydraquench range. Anyone remember using that? That was back in 2009. In 2011, I had little revisit of the Hydraquench range. Both times, one of the products that stood out for me was this very same one I’ll tell you about today – the Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Intensive Moisture Quenching Bi-Phase Serum.
Thereafter, Clarins and I parted ways, meeting occasionally, but never serendipitiously, to talk about their hydrating range. So, when I found out that it was no longer called Hydraquench, but now called Hydra-Essentiel, and boasting a brand new key ingredient, I was surprised. Then again, Clarins is no stranger to embracing new names and ingredients for their iconic products.
The only product I’ve since tried from the Hydra-Essentiel range is this very same bi-phase serum. We have certainly come full circle! 😀 I’ll call it the Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Bi-Phase Serum for short, as it is a mouthful otherwise!
As the name implies, and as per its predecessors, the Hydra-Essential Bi-Phase Serum is a two-phase product. An oil that floats on the surface of the light, water based serum. Before using, you must shake it up to mix, whereupon it forms an emulsion.
The new ingredient used by Clarins in this new and improved formula, is the extract of the Kalanchoe or Leaf of Life – a resilient succulent from Madagascar. This leaf is able to survive in harsh weather conditions, sudden climate changes and under environmental stress. Harnessing this, Clarins says that this will help your skin remain hydrated, plump and radiant.
Lofty promises, Clarins! This is what the product looks like after I’ve shaken it up. It will take on a slightly milky texture, but quickly separates back out once you leave it for a while.
When you pump it out, it is a pale blue, just like its predecessors, and less milky than I expected. It is very light, almost like water. Yet, if you look closely, you will see the little oil droplets on the surface.
There are a few things I like about this serum. It is very lightweight and absorbs very quickly into the skin. In my case, almost too quickly. I started out using 1 pump of product. It was sucked into my skin like a sponge. I now use 2 pumps. And it still disappears in a flash!
I like that it offers some hydration for my skin. However, I strongly believe that this would be much more suited for someone with less dry skin. If you have oily skin, you can use it too, as it is so light, it’ll just sink right in, and might even help rebalance your oil levels in your skin. But for me, this isn’t quite enough. It is a little odd, as it claims to be suitable for most skin types, including dry skin. I can use it in the day, but it’s a no-go for night use. My skin just cries out for more. But back in 2009, I loved it. Ah youth! 😛
I also like that the scent is now lighter than it was before. It carries the same scent from the previous range, the one I remember so well. But previously, it was strong. Far too strong for me. Now, it is a whiff of flowers. Still not a favourite for me, but far more tolerable than before.
I must mention the pump here. Previously, it was a spray dispensing system. Now, it’s a pump and I find the product dispenses rather vigorously, so if you aren’t careful, it can splash. And you would want to be careful.
I am a little conflicted therefore about this Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Bi-Phase Serum. It is a decent product, but I’ve just outgrown it.
IN A NUTSHELL
The Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Intensive Moisture Quenching Bi-Phase Serum is a very lightweight, water based serum with a light layer of oil floating in it. Before using, you must shake it up, before dispensing. Use 1-2 pumps in the palm of your hand, and smoothen onto your face. It does seem to delivery an almost instant boost of hydration to my skin, and help it stay hydrated. But, for me, it is a little too light for my tastes. I use it in the day, but I need something heavier in the night. The signature scent is still there, but much lighter than it was before. Good for someone in the market for a lightweight hydrating serum, but not if you have very dry skin. Also, if you have sensitive skin, the fragrance might irritate.
PROS: Beautiful packaging, Lightweight texture absorbs quickly into the skin
CONS: Pricey, Heavily fragranced, Does not seem to hydrate my drier skin very well
WHO WILL LIKE THIS: Someone who wants a lightweight hydrating serum but who isn’t sensitive to fragrance
PRICE: RM248 | US$59 for 30ml
WHERE TO BUY: Clarins counters and spas
For those interested in what the ingredients are for the Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Bi-Phase Serum here they are.
Back in the day, my favourite product was really their cream from this same range. The scent was far lighter, and it was a lovely moisturiser that was lightweight and sank nicely into my skin without any greasy residue, kept it lovely and hydrated, and felt lovely. I however, haven’t tried the new formulation, so I’m unable to say if it’ll work as well. But judging by this serum, I’d say it should. That one was good stuff 🙂
Does this Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Bi-Phase serum tickle your fancy? Did you ever try it when it was called Hydraquench?
I can’t believe it’s been almost 10 years since I first tried this! Goodness me LOL 😀
Paris B
p/s If you are interested in this, and you don’t mind a slightly used product (it’s hygienic as it’s in a pump and I keep my stuff nicely in cool dark rooms) drop a note in the comments and I’ll get back to you. Malaysia only, I’m afraid. If more than 1 person is keen I’ll have to do a quick draw 🙂
Wan says
March 7, 2018 at 9:25 amHi paris,
I I would love to have this for sure..my skin also dehydrated and I enjoy the hada labo hydrating essence prior to any day or night moisturiser.
I used to use hydraquench cream and serum very long time ago too..lol
Paris B says
March 7, 2018 at 12:24 pmHaha so you remember Hydraquench too! 😀 I haven’t used the Hada Labo essence in a while. Must go and take another look at it. Thanks for reminding me.
Wan says
March 8, 2018 at 12:39 pmIkr..hada labo is a great budget skincare to substitute the more high end serum. Both the blue and white bottle essence are good. V
Paris B says
March 16, 2018 at 1:05 pmYep I totally agree! I’m using the gold one which I love to bits! But seriously, for hydration, it outperforms many other more expensive products I’ve used.
Margaret Cheong says
March 7, 2018 at 9:26 amI am keen in this skincare, the serum is lighweight for daytime.
Paris B says
March 16, 2018 at 12:59 pmHi Margaret, yes it is light. Unfortunately I had to do a quick draw and the lot fell to Angelina. Hopefully you get to try this 🙂
Sim says
March 7, 2018 at 1:44 pmCan I have a try on this product since I am looking for a suitable hydrating product? Do not think I will spend RM248 for a hydrating serum, my wallet is crying..
Paris B says
March 16, 2018 at 1:02 pmSorry Sim, the lot fell to Angelina 🙁 But if you are looking for something hydrating that isn’t too pricey, consider Hada Labo. Their Premium Hydrating Lotion is a product I use daily (love it!) and you can try their essence too, for more oomph 🙂
Sim says
March 16, 2018 at 9:49 pmThanks for your recommendation. I am currently using their lotion, serum and even the moisturizer (empty bottle) after your recommendation.hopefully you can share more affordable and effective products especially on vItamin c.
Paris B says
March 23, 2018 at 11:25 amIf I come across any affordable options that I like or work for me, I’ll be sure to share 🙂
Angelina says
March 7, 2018 at 2:03 pmInterested! I’m afraid you have to do a quick draw.
Paris B says
March 16, 2018 at 1:02 pmLucky you, the lot fell to you! I’ll drop you a note for your mailing details in a bit 🙂
Angelina says
March 23, 2018 at 1:51 pmThank you. I didn’t receive any notification about your reply to my comment. Maybe my mailbox is broken. THANK YOU!
Bugs says
March 9, 2018 at 11:32 pmI remember the bi-phase Hydra-Quench serum. The scent was too strong for my liking and the serum was not enough for my dehydrated skin back then (dry on the inside but oily on the outside ). The staffs always told me that my skin was oily and always recommend the oily range, but my skin will be itchy and tight after trying the oily range. Some time later, another brand told me that my skin was actually dehydrated…. * palm on face* I no longer using Clarins for some time now, mainly because of the strong scent in their product.
Paris B says
March 21, 2018 at 5:48 pmYou know, I think we’ve all gone through being mis-diagnosed as oily skin without being told that our skin is also dehydrated. Or maybe people were just not so well educated back then. Like you, while I do like some of their products, their scent is too strong. My complaint in most of these French brands. It’s a pity, because really, I feel it’s unnecessary. But to the French, it’s essential!