Does Bioderma Pigmentbio C-Concentrate have an identity crisis?
It claims to be a “high security Vitamin C cure for intense pigmentation correction”, but to me, it’s more of an exfoliant with Vitamin C benefits.
Who’s right and, most importantly, can it really fade away dark spots? Let’s find out:
What’s In Bioderma Pigmentbio C-Concentrate?
GLYCOLIC ACID TO EXFOLIATE SKIN
Glycolic acid is the smallest member of the Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) family. Size matters here. Because it’s so small, Glycolic Acid penetrates skin more easily. Translation: it works better and faster than other AHAs (like lactic and mandelic acids).
But what does Glycolic Acid do?
It’s an exfoliant. It dissolves the glue that holds skin cells together, so they can slough off and reveal the smoother and brighter skin underneath.
This trick makes skin softer to the touch, smooths out the look of wrinkles, AND reduces dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
Bioderma Pigmentbio C-Concentrate contains around 8% Glycolic Acid. It’s not as powerful as the peels you can get at the derm’s office, but with regular use, it will fade away your discolourations.
One more thing: Glycolic Acid hydrates skin, too. It works by attracting moisture from the air into your skin and binding it there. This makes it a wonderful choice for dry skin.
Related: The Complete Guide To Glycolic Acid: What It Is, What It Does, And Side Effects
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SKIN-LIGHTENERS TO REDUCE DARK SPOTS AND HYPERPIGMENTATION
Bioderma Pigmentbio C-Concentrate is packed with actives that brighten skin and reduce dark spots:
- Ascorbyl Glucoside: A Vitamin C derivative that brightens skin and reduces dark discolourations. It’s not as effective as L-Ascorbic Acid, but it’s gentle enough for sensitive skin, too.
- Niacinamide: A form of Vitamin B3 that hydrates skin, fights wrinkles, soothes irritations, reduces sallowness, and yes fades away dark spots, too. It works even at small concentrations (between 2 and 5%).
- Azelaic Acid: Naturally produced by the good bacteria on your skin, it helps treat both acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation. But you need at least a 15% concentration for it to work.
- Licorice root extract: This natural extract contains glabridin, a substance that inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme that’s necessary to produce melanin. Stop the excess production of melanin and dark spots slowly fade away.
The catch? All these skin-lighteners are present in tiny amount. With regular use, you’ll see a difference. But this serum can’t compete with a 15% Azelaic Acid serum or Alpha Arbutin. If you have stubborn or old dark spots that won’t fade, those are still your best options.
Related: Battle Of The Skin-Lighteners: What Is The Best Alternative To Hydroquinone?
Texture
Lightweight and gel-like. Sinks in quickly.
Fragrance
Clean and subtle.
How To Use It
Every other night, after cleansing. Here’s how:
- The first time you use it, press firmly with both thumbs on the pack’s cap to release the Vitamin C powder into the bottle.
- Screw on the dropper applicator and give the powder a good shake for 10 seconds.
- Apply 5 drops every evening to face and neck.
I honestly don’t get why the Vitamin C powder comes separate. It’s true L-Ascorbic Acid is highly unstable and goes bad quickly. Adding it in right before you start using the product ensures freshness and keeps it effective for longer.
But this serum doesn’t contain L-Ascorbic Acid. It has Ascorbyl Glucoside, a derivative that’s much more stable. You don’t have to add it last minute for it to work its best.
This is just extra work for the consumer. Me no likey.
Related: How Can You Tell If Your Vitamin C Serum Has Stopped Working?
Performance & Personal Opinion
As I mentioned above, Bioderma Pigmentbio C-Concentrate is more of an exfoliant than a Vitamin C serum. Why?
Just look at the ingredient list. This baby contains 8% Glycolic Acid and only 2% Vitamin C. Guess what’s really gonna fade away your dark spots?
Glycolic Acid is also the reason why you need to use this at night. I like to layer Vitamin C under sunscreen to boost sun protection, but exfoliating during the day is a no-no. It can make skin more prone to sun damage.
Does it work? I can’t vouch for its ability to fade away dark spots because I have none (lucky, I know). But I can tell you this: I’d totally use this to fade away dark spots left behind by pimples. It’ll take a while to get rid of them completely, but it gets the job done.
If you’re dealing with melasma or other forms of stubborn hyperpigmentation, this alone isn’t enough. Exfoliation must be a part of your routine (and this serum is a good way to get your fix). But, you also need something stonger like 20% Azelaic Acid, Alpha Arbutin or prescription Hydroquinone.
Either way, this serum is slightly hydrating. Plus, it makes skin softer, smoother, and a little radiant. When you remove old dead cells, light can reflect better off your skin, giving it a dewy glow.
Related: How To Fade Away The Dark Spots Left Behind By Pimples
Who Is This For?
- Dry, sun-damaged skin
- New dark spots (especially those left behind by pimples)
Who Is This NOT For?
It can’t single-handedly fade away old and stubborn dark spots.
Packaging
A white bottle with grey accents that evokes the feel of luminosity. The dropper applicator is practical, too.
P.S. The bottle is small. You only get 15ml.
Does Bioderma Pigmentbio C-Concentrate Live Up To Its Claims?
| CLAIM | TRUE? |
|---|---|
| Reduces the intensity and size of existing dark spots. | With regular use, it helps reduce them. |
| Prevents the appearance of new pigmentation spots. | It helps a little, but only if you wear sunscreen religiously (that’s the #1 cause of dark spots). |
| Smoothes and refines skin texture for a better light reflexion. | True. |
| Evens out and brightens complexion (skin radiance is restored). | True. |
| Hydrates for 8 hours. | It’s a little hydrating, but I’m not sure its powers last for 8 hours. |
| Light and enveloping gel-cream texture – Fast absorption. | True. |
Price & Availability
£23.00 at Escentual
Do You Need It?
If you’re looking for an exfoliant to help you fade dark spots faster, this is a great option to consider.
[penci_review]
Dupes & Alternatives
- Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant (£28.00)
- The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside (£8.90)
Ingredients
Aqua, Propanediol, Glycolic Acid, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Propylheptyl Caprylate, Sodium Hydroxide, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Pentylene Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Citrate, Lysine, Azelaic Acid, Mannitol, Xylitol, Sodium Metabisulfite, Andrographis Paniculata Leaf Extract, Rhamnose, Saccharide Isomerate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Tocopherol, Fructooligosaccharides, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract, Fragrance
