I don’t know about you, but I think experiencing acne in my 30s is unacceptable! I have enough to deal with as a mom, wife, angry pharmacist, business owner, etc. Not to mention, now more than ever, I want to feel comfortable and confident in my makeup-free skin. Not only for me but as an example to by boys. Can you relate? So, when my beauty product guru friend started posting about Biologique Recherche, I couldn’t help but watch and listen. I immediately ordered Biologique Recherche Masque Vivant and later fell in love with Biologique Recherche P50 1970!
If you are considering trying this line, please keep reading. Biologique Recherche is not a size fits all product, and it’s not cheap either! You’ll want to find a Biologique Recherche official seller, and I’ll let you know here who I recommend. Spoiler alert, she’s fantastic, and so are the fast shipping and free samples.
What is Biologique Recherche?
Biologique Recherche is a French biological skincare line that has been around since the 1970s. The product line started with a family of skincare experts, namely Yvan and Josette Allouche.
Biologique Recherche is a no-frills skincare line. The ingredients are raw, pure, and concentrated. There are no artificial fragrances to ensure the products remain pure and with a low incidence of an allergic reaction. Only utilizing cold made formulations preserves the structure of high-quality active ingredients.
Biologique Recherche designs products for beauty professionals who want results. There is no direct to consumer marketing, and you can’t even buy products on their website. The packaging is simple and far from flashy, almost old looking. In other words, it’s a no-bullshit skincare line that is crazy effective if used properly.
Biologique Recherche P50 1970
I’ve heard Biologique Recherche P50 1970 called “stinky water that burns your face,” and I couldn’t agree more! With that said, I’d pay double the $103 price tag (for the largest size) based on the results I’ve seen in 2 weeks. It’s the most well know of the Biologique Recherche, has been called “magic in a bottle,” and rumor has it Madonna uses it.
Biologique Recherche P50 lotion isn’t a typical lotion, but a clear and watery liquid that you apply similarly to a toner. It exfoliates, lightens dark spots, treats acne, regulates sebum, and will make your skin glow. The smell is “medicinal,” to put it kindly. But I could care less because it works fantastic.
Here is a full list of the actions of Biologique Recherche P50 1970:
- Removes dead cells and impurities
- Helps to purify and regulate sebum secretion
- Enhances epidermal renewal
- Improves the strength and quality of the epidermis
- Hydrates the top layers of the epidermis thanks to its keratolytic action
- Balances the surface pH of the skin
- Enhances the efficacy of the other Biologique Recherche products used after it
Here are the ingredients in Biologique Recherche P50 1970:
Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Phenol, Niacinamide, Vinegar (Acetum), Ethoxydiglycol, Magnesium Chloride, Lactic Acid, Arctium Lappa Root (Burdock Root) Extract, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Sulfur.
Biologique Recherche P50 1970 is the most talked-about and well known. But, there are many Biologique Recherche P50 lotions:
- Lotion P50 1970: mature skin, oily, or acne-prone skin
- Classic Lotion P50: normal or combination skin
- Lotion P50V: mature skin
- Lotion P50W: more moisturizing for sensitive or damaged skin
- Lotion P50 PIGM 400: for pigmentation or discoloration, sensitive skin
The other P50 lotions, image from www.biologique-recherche.com
Biologique Recherche P50 1970 Contains Phenol
Lotion P50 1970, Classic Lotion P50, and Lotion P50V contain phenol, while Lotion P50W and Lotion P50 PIGM 400 do not contain phenol. Phenol is an exfoliant and also has antimicrobial qualities. Europe prohibits phenol in beauty products because it’s a known lung irritant when inhaled and can irritate the skin at high concentrations. Phenol is the numbing ingredient in throat sprays light Chloraseptic.
Phenol can be harsh, but it’s also a crazy fabulous exfoliator. It sounds like many start with Biologique Recherche P50 1970, uses it for a few months, and then transition to one of the milder versions. This line is so personalized to the individual. You absolutely must consult an expert when choosing your products (more on that below).
You should avoid phenol is pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant soon.
Where to Buy Biologique Recherche P50 1970
Here’s the kicker. BR doesn’t even sell products on their website. Dr. Allouche feels strongly that the line should remain a professional brand sold by educated aestheticians and spas. It’s only available in about 150 spas throughout the United States. Of those, only a handful sell products online. Here are a few I found; most require an account to see pricing. I order from Aida Bicaj exclusively, and I’ll explain more below.
Aida Bicaj
Aida Bicaj is a facialist in New York who most credit for bringing Biologique Recherche to the United States. She is a skincare guru but also a very kind and relatable person. I say that because an average 37-year-old working mom like me who lives in the Texas Hill Country has her phone number. Ok, I imagine it might not be her only cellphone, but I can text her questions! That’s not a brag, but a testament to the customer service and excellent education Aida provides to her clients.
Aida’s team will reach out after a purchase to see if you would like a consultation, or you can send them a message as well. I recommend buying a gift card first and then using it toward the products Aida Recommends. When you order, the products ship lightning fast, and you’ll receive free samples as well. Ordering through Aida Bicaj’s website has been smooth and makes me feel like a VIP.
My Biologique Recherche Regimen
I spoke to Aida for a few minutes one Friday afternoon as we waited in the Dairy Queen drive-through with my screaming kids. The conditions weren’t ideal, but Aida was so knowledgeable about the Biologique Recherche products as well as so kind! I’ll be honest, I was intimidated to speak with her but felt so silly afterward because she was so great. Here is the Biologique Recherche regimen Aida Bicaj recommended for me:
- Lait VIP O2
- P50 1970
- Masque Vivant
- Masque VIP 02
- Elastine Serum Authentique
- Serum 3R
- Creme Metamorphique
- Gel ADN Silkgen
- Crème Contour Yeux et Lèvres Biofixine Smooths
If you are like me, you probably don’t have $1000 in spare change to drop on skincare. So, I didn’t purchase all nine products Aida recommended right away! But, here’s how I’ve split up my orders to stay on budget:
First order (right after the call): Lait VIP O2, Masque Vivant, Masque VIP 02
Second order (3 weeks later): Serum 3R, Creme Metamorphique
Third-order (next month): Elastine Serum Authentique, Gel ADN Silkgen
I haven’t decided if I’m going to order Crème Contour Yeux et Lèvres Biofixine Smooths. I’ve been using and liking Monat Eye Smooth, and I just ordered Stem Cell eye cream from Juvanaé to try. Both are a little lower price point.
My Biologique Recherche Before and After So Far
I’ve been using the products for about four weeks, and I’m impressed. Hands down, I credit the Biologique Recherche P50 1970, but I love all the products so far. My skin is brighter and clearer, and my pores are smaller. I feel more confident in my makeup-free skin. Here is my before and after so far.
Final Thoughts on Biologique Recherche P50 1970
If you’re looking for the best products, the best ingredients, and the best results, Biologique Recherche is the best. The products are costly, but they worth it. Biologique Recherche P50 1970 is the real MVP, and I think this is the first product you should incorporate. With that said, there are many P50 lotions, and it’s essential to get the right one for you. I highly recommend you purchase a gift card through aidabicaj.com and do a phone consultation with Aida. I hope this helps you find the best skincare and your confidence. Feel free to reach out if you have questions.
