Product Review: Clarins Double Serum Complete Age Concentrate

As I have previously declared I love Clarins products, and the fact that their products are based on plant based ingredients. And starting to see the signs of ageing, and would do anything to help delay this, I was I was excited when I was asked to trial the *Clarins Double Serum Complete Age Concentrate. Here are my thoughts;

What They Say:

Powered by 20 pure plant extracts and potent, high-tech molecules—Double Serum’s innovative, dual chamber system combines two age-defying formulas into one groundbreaking serum that reactivates skin’s vital functions. The result: firmer skin, reduced wrinkles, a more even skin tone and less visible pores in just 4 weeks".

RRP: $90.00 (30ml) – Available from department stores, select pharmacies, and Adore Beauty Online.

What I Say:

Having ageing skin with beginning lines, wrinkles, dullness and pigmentation, I am always on the lookout for a great product to help delay these signs. However, as I also have combination skin, prone to breakouts, I am also very cautious, as sadly very heavy and concentrated anti-ageing products often do make my skin feel more oily, congested and sadly breakout too.

The serum has been on the market for quite a while, but this one is newly launched formula with more targeted action.  

Clarins claims that the serum can:

1. Can boost hydration by + 75%* up to four hours after application, delaying the appearance of wrinkles and maintaining skin’s softness and comfort.

2. Can increase the speed at which nutrients penetrate the skin’s cells, restoring suppleness.

3. Can improve cell oxygenation, so that skin regains radiance.

4. Can stimulate the activity of two genes involved in skin protection, to protect against premature ageing.

5. Can regenerate the skin by boosting the production of collagen and glycosaminoglycan’s, so that skin maintains its firm, smooth, dense appearance.

The core ingredient in the Clarins Double serum contains is cangzhu extract, which has been specifically developed for Clarins. It stimulates G protein, a key protein of cell membranes, which amplifies the message, sent to cells by the formula’s active ingredients. Cangzhu extract thus helps to boost significantly the efficacy of the other 20 powerful plant extracts contained in Double Serum.

The serum also contains burdock extract, organic marshmallow extract and katafray bark extract help the stimulation of the skin’s natural moisturising factors and help with moisture retention in the dermis and epidermis. It also contains kiwi fruit extracts, organic perilla oil and organic macadamia oil, work to improve cell nutrition and the reinforcement of the lipidic cement.

To oxygenate the skin, the ingredients used are maritime pine extract, organic rosehip oil and arnica extract target improved cell oxygenation, while organic green tea extract, pistachio tree extract, organic quinoa extract and oxydendron extract, have been included to work on the neutralisation of free radicals and the reinforcement of the skin barrier. And finally, organic green banana extract, lemon thyme extract, unsaponifiables of avocado and hop extract, Phytosphingosine, organic oat sugars, survixyl IS™ and bocoa, have been added to preserve epidermal renewal potential, by reinforcing the dermal network fibres and surface tightening.

After now having used the Double Serum for over a month and I am happy to say that the serum has no made my skin more oily, more congested, or made it break out.

In saying that, the Double Serum is oilier than most other serums that I have used, so I simply found that it was too greasy for my skin to use during the day, also as I felt that it reduced the wear of my makeup. Rather I have just been using it at night under my night cream.

Being a little oily it takes a few minutes to absorb into the skin, which I do not find a problem, as I simply apply it before brushing my teeth at night, and afterwards I’m ready to add my night cream.

And the serum is very concentrated, just two small pumps is more than sufficient. I simply pump the serum into the palm of my hand and mix well. Clarins has developed a special technique for applying their products , and do recommend that the serum is applied this way in order for the product to work properly. After the product has been warmed by your fingertips and palms of hands, press hands onto the face and neck to allow the product to sink in. You can see the full application guides here.

And the next morning I wake to soft, smooth radiant skin. My skin is simply so thoroughly moisturised that it is glowing, - and without feeling greasy. In fact, after having used the serum for several weeks, I actually find that the serum as helped control and balance the oil production in my skin, so it no longer feels as oily and pores in the t-zone area seems to have reduced in size.

And what is even better, my skin tone seems more even, and some old acne scars seems to have softened too, as have the fine lines around the eye area and on my forehead are less noticeable. I am so impressed.

The unique pump bottle is separated into two vials, one that Hydric system, and the other the Lipidic system. These two separate phases, presented in side-by-side vials, enable the otherwise impossible combination of water and oil soluble ingredients with no risk of incompatibility or instability, and without recourse to emulsifiers. And I love the fact that it comes in a pump bottle, it is not only so easy to use, it is also so much more hygienic thank constantly having to dip your fingers into a jar. But how difficult it will be to completely empty the bottle, only time will tell.

The serum has a pleasant natural scent, which I really like. It is subtle, and quickly disappears once the serum has absorbed into the skin. But while I do like the scent, I did notice on the ingredients list that the serum contains fragrance, which I do find a shame for a brand that is otherwise trying to brand itself as being natural.

At $90 for 30ml, this is not exactly cheap, but as it is so concentrated a bottle will last you for quite some time. And after having used the serum for over a month, I still have well over half a bottle left.

I already know that my skin will enjoy using this serum as we head towards winter and my skin gets a little drier, it will give it the much needed moisture boost and protection that it needs. And seeing so great results after a month, I can’t wait to see what continued use will do to my skin!

What do you think of the Clarins Double Serum? Have you ever tried any Clarins products? What is your favourite serum?

* Some products may have been kindly provided for editorial consideration, and have been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy, and reviews are 100% honest and based on personal opinion and experience. Note that The Beauty & Lifestyle Hunter is not a professional or expert, so please do not substitute these opinions as professional advice. 

Also note, this post may contain affiliate links, which means you pay no extra, but I get a small commission fee if you click through and buy something. And if so, thank you much for your supporting the running costs of my blog. xx


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