BioClarity and a Review
When BioClarity reached out to me I was a bit hesitant as acne wasn't something that I largely struggled with. But the more I chatted with the brand, I quickly learned that it's also good for redness - which is something that I personally struggle more with. In addition, it's also good for reducing pore size and helps to soothe and calm your skin overall.
BioClarity is one of those three-step product programs, stocked with a Cleanser, Treatment, and Restore Gel. BioClarity is both Cruelty-Free and Vegan which is something that is important to me. I don't claim to be a cruelty free blogger, but I do try to use cruelty free products where I can - both makeup and skincare wise. And it's great to build up a collection of products that are CF so I can always give recommendations to others. The key ingredient that separates BioClarity from other brands is Floralux, a naturally derived compound that is made from chlorophyll, in addition to salicylic acid. It helps to soothe skin and alleviate redness - all while combating acne. Sounds perfect, right?
BioClarity claims to be suitable for all skin types and to test that claim I reeled in the use of my boyfriend (read: his face) to test these products with me. A bit of background about our skin: my skin is more on the normal / combination side, I get the occasional pimple but struggle more with dry patches, an oily T-Zone, and red cheeks. My boyfriend's skin is a bit on the opposite ends of the spectrum - he has some areas that are more dry and flakey, while others are more oily. He does get the occasional pimple as well but struggles more with large pores. (hi beb if you're reading - sorry if I'm sharing too much). The BioClarity range seemed good for both of us in different ways, so I thought it'd be good to get the insight of two people instead of just one!
Let's get into the three products:
CLEANSER | The cleanser is a nice gentle cleanser that will help cleanse your skin and get rid of dirt and oil. BC recommends using a quarter sized amount of product which personally I find to be a bit too much. Since this lathers up pretty well, a penny/nickel side is good enough for me to use all over my face and carry down through my neck. I find this one to be unscented (maybe it's just me), but I think it would be a good option for those with sensitive skin. It isn't too harsh and it seems to be an effective cleanser. Personally I prefer something as part of a double cleanse - and the Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser is my cup of tea. This one faired well in conjunction with that.
Some key ingredients here are cucumber fruit extract, green tea leaf extract, and chamomile flower extract. Cucumber is known to sooth and calm your skin with it's cooling factor. The green tea has powerful antioxidants that help to clean and detoxify skin naturally. While the chamomile helps clear excess dirt and oil out of the pores and soothing skin at the same time.
TREATMENT | They note on the product itself that this stuff is strong and note a small warning not to overdo it. As this is a treatment, they recommend that this is used in AFFECTED areas only - not on a large unaffected area. Be sure to let this dry completely before moving onto the last step. This does have 2% Salicyclic Acid which is the active ingredient in the treatment. It also contains lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, oat kernel extract, and squalane! The oat kernel helps keep skin naturally hydrated and paired with hyaluronic acid this treatment isn't overly drying. In fact, it's one of the least drying acne-targeted products I've tried. In my boyfriend's words - this stuff stung like a m-- f--. Be warned (lol). It works, but personally I prefer tea tree oils instead. My bf is gladly taking this off my hands as it works for him!
RESTORE GEL | This is the 3rd step in the regime and has a bright green color. This particular step includes BioClarity's key ingredient - Floralux. This is a nice and cooling gel which feels great all over your face. This one was actually my favorite of the bunch! I started using this both day and night, regardless if I had used the first/second steps. Paired with essences which have quickly made their home in my skincare routine, I have noticed a significant reduction in redness in my skin. The dark green color can be a bit scary - but trust me, it all blends away completely. If you're a bit hesitant on this, I'd recommed keeping it for night-time use.
The main ingredients in the restore gel are water, witch hazel water, niacinamide, Floralux, squalane, and licorice root extract. Licorice Root is invigorating and helps to cool skin in the process. Squalane is something I've been dabbling with more lately and particularly have been using the oil from The Ordinary. Squalane is an excellent moisturizer and helps leave skin hydrated, plump, and soft. It's a non-greasy and super light texture which absorbs into the skin fast. In addition, squalane is typically one of the least likely ingredients to clog pores or cause acne - it's perfectly light and suitable for all skin types. It also helps the healing process for cracked/chapped skin and helps soothe eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis. Furthermore, it is a natural antibacterial and helps keep acne at bay. It's a no brainer that BioClarity ended up using it in as an ingredient for multiple products in their line. Niacinamide is an anti-inflammatory and something that my skin loves and is familiar with - all thanks to Glossier's Super Pure serum.
The cost is $29.95 for a 30 day supply, including shipping. Depending how quickly/slowly you use products, this could either last you longer (or shorter). I know that BioClarity has been making its way around the beauty/skincare community, and what some others mentioned sticks out to me too. Currently BioClarity can only be purchased as a 3-item set - meaning that you have to buy this as a complete set and cannot buy products individually. This is definitely difficult for those, like me, who are only really a fan of one item in the entire set. Especially as a beauty enthusiast I love to trial new products constantly - so sets like these are not the best option for me. But it's very likely that the products could be perfect for you or someone you know!
BioClarity was kind enough to give me a code to share with you all! You can receive 50% off your first month using the code 'CINDY'. This is a good bargain and if you're even the slightest bit curious in trying the products, it's well worth it for the amount of products you get to try out. I am not receiving any commission from this link so please do feel free to use it :)
* This post was a sponsored collaboration by BioClarity. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. Feel free to read my disclaimer for further information. Remember that all sponsorships and collaborations are funneled back into this little corner of the internet!
Thank you to my boyfriend for being my model / guinea pig and also tidying up his bathroom to use as my backdrop for this mini photoshoot :)