I discovered Biossance last September when searching for mineral sunblocks that appeared sheer on dark skin. After visiting the company website, I quickly learned that their products were EWG Verified, categorized as Clean at Sephora, and highly praised by users. Since I also happened to be in need of a new face wash, toner, and night cream at the time, I quickly fell down a rabbit hole of customer reviews. After a few days of heavy research and a Labor Day sale that couldn’t be beat, I pulled the trigger and ordered more than a few skincare products from Biossance’s award-winning line. Keep reading for my honest review.
Before I share my opinion, it’s important to note that Biossance is known for their signature vegan squalane derived from sugarcane. Traditional squalene (spelled with an “e”) is commonly sourced from shark liver oil but is typically made from olives and amaranth in clean beauty products. This specially made eco-friendly, squalane is a key element in the Biossance skincare line as it provides a sustainable form of this popular moisturizing ingredient. Okay – now to my review.
Squalane + Tea Tree Cleansing Gel
- The Verdict: I really like this face wash. The scent is refreshing, and a little goes a long way. The formulation has an excellent foaming quality and is effective at cleansing my skin while still being gentle. For these reasons, I would definitely purchase it again.
- Price: $29.00 Full Size
Squalane + Hyaluronic Toning Mist
- The Verdict: I was super excited to try this toner but was pretty disappointed with it considering the high price point. I don’t feel like the hyaluronic acid made any difference in keeping my skin hydrated, and I, also, quickly became frustrated by the wide spray. Since tons of product was being lost in the air, I started using this toner with a cotton round instead. Once again, I purchased all of the items mentioned in this post last September. I probably have about a month’s worth left of face wash and repair cream. However, I ran out of toner two weeks ago! Long story short – I don’t think this product is anything special because I didn’t experience any added benefits compared to less expensive toners that I’ve used in the past.
- Price: $32.00 Full Size // $18.00 Travel Size
Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen
- The Verdict: This product is the only reason I ever discovered the Biossance brand, and let me tell you that the hype is real. This zinc-based sunblock absorbs quickly into my medium brown skin and doesn’t leave a white or purple cast like other mineral sunblocks tend to do. It’s a broad spectrum SPF 30 UVA/UVB sunblock made with 14% zinc oxide and non-nano particles. It has a PA+++ rating and is also reef safe which makes it excellent for the beach! The squalane in this product is highly effective because this sunscreen also serves as a moisturizer making it a two-in-one day cream perfect for daily use. Last but not least, the formulation is lightweight, minimally scented, and wears wonderfully under my mineral powder makeup. I will absolutely be buying this again.
- Price: $42.00 Jumbo Size // $30.00 Full Size
- The Verdict: Although I am not in love with the shea butter scent, the texture of this cream is thick and decadent. It comes in a sustainable glass jar and is full of wonderful ingredients. This product absorbs decently well but still leaves a slight greasiness on the surface of my skin. It’s a great moisturizer but nothing compared to Ursa Major’s Golden Hour Recovery Cream. For that reason, I will not be purchasing it again.
- Price: $58.00 Full Size
- The Verdict: Just like the toning mist, I was incredibly excited to try this product since I love all things rose and Vitamin C. The scent is lovely, and the bottle & dropper are perfection. Unfortunately, the oil itself does not fully absorb into my skin which is a major turnoff for me. Overall, I like this product but would never purchase it again.
- Price: $72.00 Full Size // $32.00 Travel Size
Squalane + PHYTO RETINOL SERUM
- The Verdict: I’m thirty-five years old and just became interested in the idea of using a retinol for anti-aging purposes. Fortunately, the trial size of this serum came as a free gift with my purchase, and I was able to try out my very first retinol product for free. Unlike your standard chemical retinol, Biossance’s serum is plant-based and made from bakuchiol which is much more gentle than traditional Vitamin A derivatives. The product goes on nicely, but I, honestly, cannot tell if it’s made a difference in my skin. Since there are a variety of less expensive, bakuchiol-based retinoids on the market and because fine lines and wrinkles are currently one of my lowest concerns, I won’t be purchasing this product again.
- Price: $72.00 Full Size
Squalane + Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Serum
- The Verdict: Along with retinol products, I recently became interested in AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) to help combat dark spots and promote healthy cell turnover. The first time I used this serum, I immediately felt the tingling sensation on my skin and new the lactic acid was working. The pump bottle is well designed and easy to use. I will definitely be buying this stellar serum again because of its smooth texture and ability to exfoliate overnight.
- Price: $62.00
Squalane + Glycolic Renewal Mask
- The Verdict: Just like the Resurfacing Night Serum, this product is amazing! I rarely use face masks but will absolutely be buying this item again because the results are instant. This mask is jam packed with AHAs and fine mineral spheres that thoroughly exfoliate your skin plus hyaluronic acid and squalane to help moisturize. After just 3-10 minutes of relaxing (I leave it on for a full 10 minutes) and a gentle massage of the spheres over your face while rinsing, you are left with baby soft incredibly refreshed skin. This mask is gentle, effective, and a game changing skincare product for sure. It’s a definite must-try.
- Price: $48.00 Full Size // $28.00 Travel Size
I hope you enjoyed the reviews above.
Please note that Biossance products are on the pricier side so it’s wise to take advantage of holiday sales and first time shopper deals when purchasing their items in order to save a little bit of money.
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