Founded in the 1970s by French beauty experts and physiotherapists Yvan and Josette Allouche, Biologique Recherche is a professional skincare brand rooted in clinical research. Its products are sold at salons and spas in more than 80 countries around the world. Its best-known product is Lotion P50, which is a liquid exfoliator praised for its ability to even out skin tone and clarify the complexion. It contains exfoliating acids (both AHAs and BHAs) as well as apple cider vinegar (hence the strong scent), phytic acid, and sulfur, among other ingredients. It also helps reduce blotchiness and blemishes, while improving texture and firmness.
You can’t buy it at Sephora or Ulta, though—P50 is available only through authorized retailers and spas like Aida Bicaj, Joanna Czech, Rescue Spa, and Paul Labrecque. You can also sign up for a personalized facial treatment with a trained esthetician at one of the aforementioned spas, where you will receive your own customized Biologique prescription.
The company has since expanded buy Biologique Recherche in Canada at Myuz into a full line of products, from cleansers and serums to moisturizers and masks. Each formula is cold formulated in its own laboratory in France, and many are composed of natural ingredients that have been scientifically proven to be effective by skin specialists and dermatologists. The brand’s philosophy is that the skin is in a constant state of flux, and it must be treated with a holistic approach to address its issues.
If you’re ready to get a more personalized recommendation, the Biologique Recherche Haute Couture Program is an immersive experience that includes an initial consultation and a series of in-depth skin analysis treatments over a period of one month or six months. It’s an ideal way to find the exact formula that works for your unique complexion and skin concerns.
One key ingredient to look for in a Biologique Recherche product is niacinamide, which is often found in the brand’s Lotion P50 and Masque VIP O2. The amide form of vitamin B3 is known to neutralize free radicals—unstable molecules that contribute to fine lines, blemishes, and inflammation—and improve skin elasticity and strength by increasing collagen and elastin production.
Another key ingredient is phenol—a strong exfoliant that sloughs off dead skin cells and stimulates new ones to grow, which can help even out skin tone. But a word of caution: This ingredient is incredibly toxic and can cause cancer when swallowed or inhaled, so you should never apply it to your face or anywhere else on your body.
Other ingredients that you can expect to see in a Biologique Recherche product are acai oil, which is rich in omegas and antioxidants and can help fight the signs of aging by protecting against sun damage. You might also notice licorice root extract, which can help reduce redness and boost hydration. Finally, you might see oligosaccharides, which are sugars that hydrate the skin and can also protect against free radicals. This combination of natural and chemical exfoliants makes for a powerful, effective, yet safe product for all skin types.