Embryolisse Lait Creme Retinol Review: ‘Must-try’ French moisturiser
The much loved French skincare favourite gets a “supercharged” upgrade but does it live up to the hype?
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It’s the “holy grail” skincare product that sells a tube every 20 seconds. (Yep, there’ll be another one added to cart by the time you reach the end of this sentence.) And the latest version may just even be better than the original.
A star of the French beauty scene, you’ve likely seen or at least heard about the iconic Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré. Regularly name-dropped as a must-try product by makeup artists, celebrities and beauty aficionados alike, the French pharmacy skincare favourite has earned its status thanks to its rich, multipurpose, results-driven formula that leaves skin soft, smooth and hydrated. Put simply, it’s the moisturiser all the other moisturisers are worried about … especially now you don’t have to go to France (or beg your closest family or friends while they’re there) to stock up on it.
Now, the brand has released an innovative new version, Embryolisse Lait-Crème Rétinol-Like that promises an exciting first: all the hydration of it’s original with the added benefit of a retinol-like active ingredient. So what’s it like and is it worth the hype?
Embryolisse Lait Creme Retinol Like 75ml, $50.15 (down from $59) at French Beauty Co
Embryolisse Lait Creme Retinol
WHAT’S SO EXCITING ABOUT THE EMBRYOLISSE LAIT-CREME RETINOL-LIKE?
A tried and tested skincare ingredient favourite, retinol has definitely been in the spotlight more recently. A trending ingredient for good reason – it works – the side effects of its powerful results are also the reason many can’t use it.
With a brand DNA that revolves around creating multipurpose products that work in a lot of ways for everyone, the clever brains at Embryolisse have created a retinol-like moisturiser that offers impressive results but is also gentle enough to be suitable for those with sensitive skin, pregnant or breastfeeding. Tapping into a trend while creating a timeless product with a twist? Win!
As someone who’s always been a little nervous or overwhelmed about incorporating a retinol into my skincare regimen, this is the perfect entry point for getting a taste of the added benefits of using more powerful active ingredients without having to worry about some of the downsides like skin irritation or increased sensitivity.
Normally priced at $59, it’s not necessarily budget but it is great value considering its multi-use, especially when compared to other retinol products.
The high-performance, natural alternative allows for a boosted everyday moisturiser that’s excellent value, suitable for sensitive skin, and doesn’t compromise on efficacy.
Even better? The humble tube actually offers five products in one. You can use it as an anti-wrinkle moisturiser, smoothing makeup base, regenerating mask, replenishing night mask and revitalising body lotion. Talk about a high achiever …
The texture is rich but still feels nice and light on the skin, absorbing fast but with results you can feel for a while after. My skin genuinely felt silkier and softer and after a few weeks of regular use, while fine lines and wrinkles don’t bother me too much, I definitely noticed it appeared smoother, too.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EMBRYOLISSE LAIT-CREME RETINOL-LIKE AND THE ORIGINAL?
It’s everything you love about the original with the added benefits of French Big Clover, which targets wrinkles. And 79 per cent of surveyed customers reported a significant decrease in the average depth of fine lines and wrinkles.
The texture and thickness is very similar to the original, known for its rich but fast-absorbing formula, and it’s also in that handy aluminium tube packaging which looks tres chic on your shelf or in your toiletries bag.
As well as your everyday morning moisturiser, you can also use it as a skin treatment mask by applying a thicker layer and leaving on longer before rubbing in or as a night cream in the evening. Even better? You don’t have to use or take multiple products when you go away – simply throw in your bag and happily apply from head to toe.
OK, SO WHAT ARE THE INGREDIENTS? WHAT IS FRENCH BIG CLOVER?
Think of it as your gentle anti-ageing active ingredient friend. Vegetal Retinol-like French Big Clover claims to be just as effective as Retinol at stimulating collagen production and smoothing skin, without some of the less desirable effects of Retinol, including dry and irritated skin.
You may have heard of Bakuchiol, a popular ingredient from the same Vegetal Retinol-like category, that mainly comes from India. Wanting to source an ingredient from the brand’s home of France, Alfalfa Extract aka French Big Clover is a more responsible alternative, flourishing in fields populated by pollinating insects which encourage genuine biodiversity.
HOW SHOULD I INCORPORATE IT INTO MY ROUTINE?
I quickly adopted the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Rétinol-Like into both my morning and night-time routines. It’s the ideal final skincare step to create a perfect, dewy base for makeup, as well as provide lasting hydration when applied before bed at the end of the day. And it’s not just me – 91 per cent of surveyed customers described it as an effective make-up base.
As a serial overpacker, I loved that I could take it with me on a weekend away and use it across my face and body rather than having to pack several products.
WHO IS IT SUITABLE FOR?
Everyone! That’s kind of the beauty of it. However it’s particularly great for those who cannot tolerate retinol or are scared of it, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
The formula is packed only with the most essential and effective ingredients, is dermatologist approved, and tested on 100% sensitive skin.
WHAT IS THE FINAL VERDICT?
Love it! A supercharged version of the iconic original, after a month of use it’s earned itself a regular spot in my skincare regimen. The French approach to beauty, less is more, is a welcome one and I always feel reassured with a brand that’s pharmacy-approved.
WHAT ELSE IS WORTH TRYING FROM EMBRYOLISSE?
Known for its smart, multi-tasking skincare for over 74 years, the brand has plenty more must-try products. The original Lait-Creme is a great place to start with hundreds of reviews dubbing it “the best moisturiser ever”. Their Beauty Oil is another French fave, a versatile product that can be used on face, body and hair for extra glow and hydration. The Complexion Illuminating Veil BB also combines the best of skincare and makeup for coverage without the cake-y feel.
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Brittany Stewart is a curly-haired beauty journalist and podcaster with an extensive collection of red lipsticks that look the same but definitely aren’t. From her award-nominated podcast, Beauty Island to her funny and insightful beauty newsletter, she shares stories of beauty across people, products and more. You can find Brittany on Instagram @brittanybeautybts
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