Clarins Double Serum and my experience using it
Packed full of plant extracts, its unique dual-phase hydric and lipidic anti-aging formula preserves skin's youthful glow.
If I have to choose only one step in my skincare routine that I can spend most of my money on, that is the step with the serums. It's where I get a dose of potent actives that can actually go inside my skin, not just sit on it or be rinsed away after a couple of minutes like it's the case with the cleansers for example.
In my skincare journey, one of the most luxurious French cosmetics brands I've spend my money on, is Clarins. The multi-tasking Double Serum is one of my favorite Clarins products I've used up and repurchased.
What is Clarins Double Serum and how does it work?
Clarins Double Serum is an anti-aging treatment serum that is formulated to help the skin cells in their five vital processes: (1) hydration, (2) nutrition, (3) oxygenation, (4) regeneration and (5) protection.
The formula is packed full of active plant extracts - 21 plant extracts, to be exact, but more on that later.
What is more interesting to me is that the anti-aging formula of the Double Serum is dual-phased: hydric and lipidic. That means we get water- and oil-based face serum in one unique product. Here is where the "double" in the name of the serum comes from: both the water- and the oil-elements are contained in separate parts of the bottle. And let me assure you, despite the oil element, there is absolutely no greasiness to the product.
The first version of the Double Serum was introduced in 1985. Since then the formula has been changed several times, and the last formulation introduces turmeric, alongside the original 20 plant extracts, as "Turmeric is renowned for its exceptional anti-aging properties", says the brand.
What benefits I see from using Clarins Double Serum?
I keep repurchasing Clarins Double Serum because it helps my skin look way more hydrated and less dull. It adds a dewy freshness and youthful radiance to my 33-year old face. The pores on my T-zone look diminished and overall my skin is firmed and restored. It's so fabulous that even my colleagues have noticed the difference in my skin.
How do I apply Clarins Double Serum?
I start off with cleansing my skin and gently patting it dry. If I need to change the appropriate dose of the Double Serum, I rotate the dial of the push button from small to large or vice versa. To be honest, I tend to use the large dose more often.
Always apply your serum before your moisturiser.
I pump a dose of the serum and try to warm it up between my hands. Then using my fingertips and with very gentle motions, I apply the serum on my face, down to my chin, jaw and neck.
Lastly, I follow with my moisturiser.
How often do I use Clarins Double Serum?
I use the Double Serum once a day - usually as part of my evening routine before my moisturiser. Only if I feel my skin is particularly stressed, then I apply it twice a day - morning and evening before my day and night creams. "The oil and water molecules in Double Serum are smaller than richer creams and moisturisers and penetrate into the deeper layers of skin" says the brand.
Plant extracts
Antioxidant plant extracts: Turmeric (Curcuma Longa Root Extract), Organic Teasel (Dipsacus Sylvestris Extract), Edelweiss (Leontopodium Alpinum Extract), Ginger lily (Hedychium Coronarium Root Extract), Huang Qi Goji Berry (Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract), Kiwi fruit (Actinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract), Cocoa (Theobroma Cacao Extract), Organic marsh samphire (Salicornia Herbacea Extract)
Skin conditioning plant extracts: Mary’s thistle (Silybum Marianum Seed Oil), Quinoa (Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract), Oat (Avena Sativa Kernel Extract), Avocado (Persea Gratissima Oil Unsaponifiables), Beautyberry (Callicarpa Japonica Fruit Extract), Banana (Musa Sapientum Fruit Extract), Red jania extract (Jania Rubens Extract), Mango (Mangifera Indica Leaf Extract), Orthosiphon (Orthosiphon Stamineus Extract), Leaf of life (Kalanchoe Pinnata Leaf Extract), Horse chestnut, Myrothamnus - a.k.a. Resurrection Plant
What age group is Clarins Double Serum for?
I've been using Clarins Double Serum for the past two years and I'm 33 years old now, as you know. The brand says that the Double Serum is an anti-aging product "any woman over 25 can use". It's also suitable for "all ethnicities, all skin types—even the most sensitive skin".
Texture
The two phases of Clarins Double Serum are never in contact inside the bottle. With separate pump dispensers the two formulas are mixed only on application and always in an ideally balanced ratio. The texture combines the lightness of a gel with the comfort of a cream. When applied on the skin the serum is instantly absorbed and doesn't leave a greasy film.
Scent
Clarins Double Serum has a floral perfume scent. The scent is temporary and disappears altogether when I apply my moisturizer on top of it.
Packaging
Clarins Double Serum comes in two sizes, a 30ml and 50ml bottle. As I explained earlier, there's a pump mechanism with a rotating dial designed to extract just the right amount of the serum. The bottle itself is a double-vial bottle which contains two different types of liquids - the oil-based liquid and the water-based liquid.
The price
Yes, the Double Serum is expensive. So, I’d suggest trying out some sample of this on your face in store to see if you like the formula and texture before purchasing. Also, when used only in the evening, it lasts a long way.
After all, nourishing the skin with so many good ingredients is worthwhile investment in the longevity of the natural, beautiful skin we all seek.