L’Oreal Derm Intensives 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum Review & Swatches

L’Oreal Revitalift Derm Intensives Hyaluronic Acid Serum ($29.99) is a new facial serum that promises to plump skin while restoring bounce and helping it to retain more moisture. Hyaluronic Acid has become the crème de la crème ingredient in most skincare for the past five or so years. It’s a popular ingredient that aids in keeping skin looking youthful not to mention it also allows aging skin to retain a good deal of moisture which gives the complexion a more youthful, smoother look.

It’s an ingredient that’s heavily featured in my own daily night routine as I really do feel like it keeps my drier skin much more hydrated and moist. And I do hope, as the years past, it’ll also keep my skin looking smooth and youthful.

I was happy to see L’Oreal embracing it in such a major way but also, had some concerns since L’Oreal is notorious for introducing what I call, “great skincare ideas” but proceeding to ruin them with crappy ingredients like heavy fragrances and alcohol. I’m happy to report L’Oreal Revitalift Derm Intensives Hyaluronic Acid Serum actually has zero fragrance. I feel like I said that in a crowded room of people and suddenly everything got quiet and a pin could be heard dropping to the floor. Yes, zero fragrance. Who knew that was even possible? L’Oreal is very, very, very fond of putting a good deal of fragrance in their skincare! I think it’s great they finally got the notice that many people don’t like nor want it in their skincare. I can’t say I mind fragrance, I find it adds to my skincare experience! It makes me feel dare I say, feel fancy? However, I also realize fragrance can also be potentially damaging to my skin as well. So, it is nice to see they left it out of this launch.

Actually, they left a lot out. The ingredients here are fairly basic. There’s no alcohol, no fragrance, not a ton of unnecessary fillers, it’s fairly simple and to the point but sadly, not exactly an ideal pick.

First off, it does depend heavily on both water and glycerine as the main ingredients. Those are the first two ingredients followed by Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid and after that Sodium Hyaluronate aka Hyaluronic Acid. They probably would have really killed it if Hyaluronic Acid followed right after the water and glycerin but sadly the addition of HEPES may or may not be an issue. I’m not a chemist, I am ever learning about skincare and understanding it. According to Beautypedia, although not tested, HEPES actually causes free radical damage in the presence of oxygen which sort of blew my kind. The point is to protect my skin against free radical damage not actually wear a product that will aid in creating it. It actually acts as pH and considering it is third on the list of ingredients that’s an awful lot inside this serum to take a chance on my skin. The question is, am I doing more harm or good when using this? As I said, no studies have been performed but why risk it when I have a slew of other skincare that contains Hyaluronic Acid minus anything that might cause free radical damage?

That being said, I still tested this out and thankfully enough I didn’t love it so much that I felt robbed not using it due to the addition of HEPES. The formula is just not that great and isn’t exactly my ideal Hyaluronic Acid experience.

Here’s the thing.

This actually a truer form of Hyaluronic Acid which means you’ll be getting that weird, tacky, dry feeling that Hyaluronic Acid is known for. I hate that. When I started using Hyaluronic Acid I was sorely disappointed how weird, tacky, and dry my skin felt after application. It’s actually a pretty standard feeling with serums that have a high level of Hyaluronic Acid but being as dry as I am it isn’t always a pleasant one. I have since learned there are a number of fantastic products out there that don’t give me that weird tacky dry feeling but sometimes you will still run across products that have this type of set.

It’s weird because initial application is great. This has a light water gel texture that absorbs very easily into my skin however, after a few minutes my skin feels very tight and a bit tacky. I’d call it a dry feeling. I had this same reaction when I used Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum.

Anyway, I did carry on testing this for four weeks and thus far I can’t say I’ve noticed any visible changes in my skin. But changes could take years when it comes to skincare. I might wake up in twenty years and say thank god I used L’Oreal Revitalift Derm Intensives Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum daily because I still look 19. I will say I had no averse reactions to it but I didn’t feel terribly hydrated or like my skin was retaining more moisture. I was hoping that my skin would appear brighter and less dull due to the addition of such a large helping of Hyaluronic Acid but I still felt fairly dry. I get better results from using my beloved Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Hyaluronic Acid Lotion and Cosrx Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Power Essence in regards to hydration and moisture retention.

I think the packaging is also a problem. The serum is housed in a beautiful 1 oz clear glass dropper bottle which is vanity worthy however, the clear bottle won’t keep light from spoiling the contents. You’ll want to make sure to keep it in a dark area.

I think L’Oreal really has something here. The lack of fillers like mineral oil and fragrance is a step in the right direction. I just think they missed the mark in a few areas such as packaging and potential harmful ingredients. I like where L’Oreal is going lately with their skincare and I hope they perfect their drugstore line soon.

L’Oreal Revitalift Derm Intensives Hyaluronic Acid Serum has potential but didn’t quite meet the mark.

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