You may have come across Exuviance skin care products online, or on the shelves at Ulta. For me, it wasn’t until recently that I got a chance to try out some of their products, which they were kind enough to send me for review, one being the Exuviance SkinRise Bionic Tonic (seriously love that name!). So today I wanted to share my experience using this tonic, beginning with a little background on Exuviance skin care.
About Exuviance
Exuviance is one of several lines of skin care products from NeoStrata. They offer dermatologist developed skin care that uses patented antiaging ingredients backed by evidence from numerous scientific and clinical studies. Their products are clinically proven to ‘reduce lines and wrinkles, increase firmness, smooth texture and even skin tone’, and deliver full-strength antiaging benefits without irritation.
Exuviance SkinRise Bionic Tonic
What it Does
The Exuviance SkinRise Bionic Tonic comes in the form of single use pads that are drenched with a moisturizing, antioxidant, and anti-aging tonic. The tonic is said to ‘enhance clarity, smoothness and firmness for the radiant complexion’. It’s recommended for any and all skin types, and it’s also alcohol-free and non-irritating.
Main ingredients and benefits:
• Formulated with a triple blend of Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs) – Gluconolactone, Glucoheptonolactone and Lactobionic Acid
• Multi-Antioxidant protection from Pro-Vitamins A,C and E
• Infused with Cucumber and Eucalyptus to refine and stimulate
• Green tea extract tones and helps to protect the skin from the damaging effects of free radicals and harmful environmental factors
After digging a bit deeper into the benefits of Polyhydroxy Acids in particular, here’s what I found on each:
- Gluconolactone – Gluconolactone is a second-generation alpha hydroxy acid. It provides similar effects to glycolic acid, but offers the added benefits of gentleness and antioxidant function. (1) Although more research is being done on Gluconolactone’s effects on photoaging, in one study, signs of photoaging were significantly reduced after six and twelve weeks of twice daily use, including firmness, sallowness, fine lines, wrinkles, roughness, hyperpigmentation and pore size (2).
- Glucoheptonolactone – A plant-derived polyhydroxy acid that is hydrating and provides antioxidant chelation effects. (3)
- Lactobionic Acid – Lactobionic acid is derived from the milk sugar lactose. It has several beneficial properties that can form the basis for desirable cosmetic claims, including its antioxidant function, lightening and moisturizing effects. (4)
How to Use
According to the directions, these tonic pads work well after your morning and evening cleansing routines. (I’ll typically use them after my morning cleansing routine – I explain why below.) Here are the steps on how to use the pads:
1) On a cleansed face, smooth applicator pad over entire face
2) Massage in remaining surface fluid
3) Follow with daytime moisturizer with sunscreen
Exuviance SkinRise Bionic Tonic Review
Application – The pads make it super quick and easy to apply the tonic. I really like the initial sensation of the formula on my skin – it feels very cool and refreshing. It also leaves a slight tingly-cool sensation that lasts about 10-20 minutes following the application. The pads that contain the tonic are pretty thoroughly soaked – it typically takes me about 30-40 seconds to distribute it all over my face and neck. I’ll then massage the tonic into my skin.
Formula – The formula itself is pretty thick and a little sticky feeling – it almost feels like a mask the way it sits on top the skin. The biggest downside is that it leaves my face looking super shiny. Even after applying both serum and moisturizer over top, and blotting with a paper towel, my face still had a very noticeable shine all over. With that in mind, and the fact that the tonic takes about 30-40 to fully absorb in my skin, I now only apply this in the evening as part of my nighttime skin routine.
Results – I love using this as a nighttime treatment, because the next morning I wake up to soft, supple skin. I started to notice that my skin was looking more toned and a little tighter feeling after just the first use. The only drawback is that because the formula is so heavy, it makes my already oily t-zone even oilier. That’s why I’ll typically rinse it off in the morning – if left on the skin, it makes it difficult to apply an powder-based makeup over top.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I really enjoy using this tonic – it’s very refreshing and really smooths and evens your skin. As I mentioned though, I find it works best when applied at night. Otherwise, make sure you leave plenty of time in the morning to allow the tonic to absorb, and stick with liquid makeup products over top.
Exuviance SkinRise Bionic Tonic is priced at $45 on Exuviance’s website and comes with 36 pads (will last 3 months if used 3 times per week). You can also find Exuviance products in retail stores such as Ulta, as well as here on Amazon for slightly cheaper.
Have you tried Exuviance skincare products?
What are some of your favorite skin treatments (serums, tonics, etc)?
