Do you have normal to combination skin that can sometimes feel dry on the surface? My face always feels like that in between seasons. Iโm constantly on the lookout for moisturisers that can deeply hydrate my skin yet still feel lightweight and non-oily. Gels and milky moisturisers donโt pack so much a punch, moisture-wise, and some feel quite sticky on skin. On the other hand, Iโm often a little weary of creams and balms, most are just too rich and heavy for combination skin.
Iโm exceptionally impressed with Dr.Ci:Laboโs Aqua-Collagen-Gel range of all-in-one moisturising gels. Dr.Ci:Labo is Japanโs top-selling cosmeceutical brand, and the well-loved moisturiser is its most famous and often imitated product. The range has four types available to suit different skin types and concerns, but my favourite is the BIใปHAใปKU. A thick, slightly transparent gel to balance and brighten combination skin, itโs one of the rare few that actually feels (and is) deeply hydrating yet lightweight at the same time. Not all combination-skinned people want a pore-tightening gel formula or something that is light and mattifying. Some (like me), especially getting into central air conditioning months, need something more moisturising that will quench the majority of the face without making the oilier bits worse.
Dr.Ci:Labo Aqua-Collagen-Gel BIใปHAใปKU could be easily misconstrued, I think โ any hint of the words โgelโ, โfast-penetratingโ, and โlightโ and I instantly think of something that will be watery and high in alcohol. This isnโt. The thick creamy jelly formula absorbs quickly leaving the skin feeling hydrating and soft, but not greasy or sticky in the slightest.
It contains three Vitamin C derivatives (Ascorbyl Glucoside, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, and Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate!) and Dipotassium Glycyrrhizinate to brighten skin and protect against dark spots. Thereโre also Hyaluronic Acid, Collagen, Amino Acids, Ceramide, Coenzyme Q10, and Squalane to moisturise and strengthen the skinโs natural moisture barrier. The nutrient cocktail is nano-encapsulated to enhance and deepen absorption into the skin layers, making it more effective and also more longlasting.
I warm a small hazelnut-sized blob (mini spatula is included) between my palms and then press it onto the skin, and it really does seem to balance and perk up the skin, leaving it feeling velvety soft and smooth. Even when I use the gel quite sparingly, it still packs quite an incredible punch and worked wonders on flaky cheeks. It plumps, refreshes, and completely banishes any signs of dryness.
Those with dry (non-sensitive) skin who need something more moisturising would do well with Aqua-Collagen-Gel Super Moisture EX. Itโs excellent at soothing dry, flaky skin, but perhaps a little too rich for combination T-zones, and definitely not suitable for breakout-prone skin. My tester with dry mature skin (a.k.a. my mum) gives this a huge seal of approval. (There is an anti-ageing version, tooย โ Enrich-Liftย โ texture and moisture level akin to Bikaku, but I still prefer the latter.)
I canโt find anything that I donโt like about the gel โ the pot is well-designed and there is protective disc and spatula inside the lid to keep product fresh โ itโs a great lightweight moisturising gel that does brighten and pep-up skin. It spreads very easy, and you donโt need loads in every application to see results.
Dr.Ci:Labo Aqua-Collagen-Gel Bihaku costs ยฅ4,200 for 50g and ยฅ8,400 for 120g from Dr.Ci:Labo Japan. It is also available on Dr.Ci:Labo USA for US$55/50g and on Dr.Ci:Labo Singapore for $70 SGD/50g.
I bought a 120 g bottle of Labo Labo Super-Moist-Gel EX from a Japanese drugstore. It is the only kind of cream produced by Dr. Ci:Labo Japan that store carries. It costs only ~3000yen. Did I buy the same thing? Thanks.
This product hydrates well but its not true that your face does not feel sticky after application. Before applying my 2-way cake powder, I actually had to dap my face lightly with a tissue after applying the gel because of the stickiness.
I guess it depends on your skin type and the climate youโre in. My skin is on the drier side of the combination and the Bihaku version sinks right in. It absorbs completely in 1-2 minutes with no stickiness whatsoever. Perhaps youโre using too much or itโs too moisturising for your skin type? I generally donโt use the full suggested amount during the daytime.
This sounds exactly like the kind of product Iโm looking for in the summer, when my skin is terribly oily yet dehydrated. Thanks for the review!