In 2012, I discovered a major skincare secret during a spa treatment in Quiberon. I was wrapped in a wrap of seaweed, mud, and clay, like a salmon wrapped in tinfoil.
The spa therapist asked me, “Do you know Biologique Recherche?” I hadn’t. She promised to tell me more after the treatment. While waiting for the seaweed wrap, I wondered what this brand could possibly offer. I had been reporting on skincare for seven years, covering all the hottest products and nearly every spa treatment around the world.
Yet, I had never heard of this mysterious brand. After the treatment, I was eager to explore the world of Biologique Recherche. I was immediately struck by their skin diagnostics, scientific approach, treatment regimen, and rich ingredients. I realized that their products were high-end and only sold in spas or professional salons.
Eventually, I stumbled upon their brand’s star product, Biologique Recherche P50. The P stands for peel, which requires 50 days of peeling.
I spent a little time learning about the history of the product and did some research to learn more about the brand. In 1970, biologist Yvan Allouche created an exfoliating lotion as a gift for his wife Suzette, a physiotherapist.
Very tasteful, right? The lotion was then used by clients at their Parisian clinic for one purpose only – to work. After growing in popularity locally, international demand followed and the Biologique Recherche brand was born.
In 2000, their son, Dr. Philippe Allouche, reformulated the Biologique Recherche P50 brand and launched several versions for different skin needs.
The core function and goal of the product is to rebuild the epidermis. While the skin naturally exfoliates and sheds old skin, this process slows down with age, which is where P50 comes into play.
It gradually and gently exfoliates while enhancing the skin’s moisturizing and protective functions, purifying and conditioning active ingredients.
Although I was impressed by what I learned, I didn’t take the plunge after leaving Quiberon. I decided not to buy the Biologique Recherche P50 Body Lotion. I convinced myself that the product might be too active.
I formed my own theory, telling myself that everyone’s skin is unique, you can’t try everything (even though I take pride in trying beauty products), and exfoliation only works for some people.
At that time, I was a big believer in the microbiome – the good bacteria on the skin – and I would rather roll in the mud than exfoliate. The idea of exfoliation made my skin crawl.
I continued to closely follow the developments of this excellent brand, and although I was very interested, I was afraid to take the plunge. After all, I get along well with my dead cells.
More than six years later, in 2018, I was settled in Montreal and read a post about “Biologique Recherche P50” again.
At the time, I was the marketing director of a luxury skincare brand, where I met Danuta Mieloch. Maybe the name means nothing to you, but I recognize her as a legend in the skincare world.
Danuta is the founder of the famous Rescue Spa in Philadelphia and New York. Many beauty lovers consider her the queen of skincare, and she is responsible for the success of the Biologique Recherche P50 series.
Although the product has been around for nearly 50 years, it has been reborn in the modern era and is now loved by beauty journalists, influencers, celebrities, IT experts and skincare experts. What is the magic behind this lotion?
Danuta told me: it gently exfoliates and restores the skin’s acidic pH to help skin achieve the balanced complexion and radiant skin we dream of.
After talking to Danuta, I was finally ready. Only, a few years later, I was recommended to use the P50 PIGM 400 formula designed for seniors. After a brief cry, I took the advice and bought this highly praised product.
Looking at the pearlescent bottle with gold lettering, I felt like I was in an 80s science lab. When I got home, I put on latex gloves and solemnly twisted the cap off, as I had heard that this product was known for its vinegar-like smell.
However, this was not the case with P50 PIGM 400. I poured the lotion onto a cotton pad and applied it to my face, neck, and upper chest. I used it three times a week at first, gradually increasing to twice a day, morning and night.
On my first use, I noticed that my skin was drier than usual, so I made sure to hydrate it. By the fourth use, my laugh lines had faded, and I noticed that my complexion was radiant when I looked in the mirror during ballet class.
Over time, I noticed that the acne on my chin disappeared after a week. It was amazing! My skin was less dry after each use.
After a month, my complexion looked more perfect and my skin texture was smooth and soft. After 50 days, my skin was more elastic and my skin tone was more even.
Finally, I look back at what I’ve learned about this product over the past six years and completely understand why it’s so popular. So why is Biologique Recherche P50 Lotion so highly regarded?
Simple, because this product is really, really effective. Although I’ve encountered a lot of resistance, I insist that if you try it, you’ll quickly become a P50 fan.
