#28 Clarins Double Serum Light
Is it worth it?
I have been thinking very hard on why would I even recommend the new Clarins Double Serum Light Texture. I mean the original Double Serum (which you can find my extensive review here) is impeccable and the unique selling point is on the elegance of the well-extracted and formulated blend of plant oil. Double Serum is basically Clarins’ most heavily marketed product, and is the product the brand seems to have invested so massively in its publicity the brand almost wanted the public to have an instant connection when it comes to Clarins.
Brand says that it is the exact same scientific innovation of a double formula composed of the same 21 plant extracts with proven anti-ageing effectiveness, in the same innovative packaging, now in a lightweight texture.
If the only difference is just lighter texture, so why the big fuss? If someone hates the emollient feeling of a non-water based serum, would they then convert into a devotee like any long-standing user of the product. After the multiple reformulations and dozens of marketing campaign later, is it wise to have a identical product but only different in texture?
What is it then?
Everything like the classic Double Serum. Read it here. The difference is literally the texture – same incl., same benefits, same fragrance, same packaging.
Same option given on single / double pumps, which very frankly, one pump will never be sufficient to visibly observe results of the skin, in my opinion.
The Innovation:
Brand says:
Two years of research, the testing of 20 raw materials and 250 formula trials were necessary to develop the unique lightweight texture. The new lipidic phase has been modified by 70% compared to Double Serum. It combines a new trio of super-lightweight molecules selected for their volatility: “evanescent” oils which transport the key ingredients to the skin, then disappear, leaving an instant “bare skin” finish with no oily residue. In this way, they enable perfect diffusion of the key ingredients with no oily feel on the skin.
You will like this if:
Oily / Oily-combination skin – Obviously, when your skin has sufficient sebum, you don’t need anything further. Many skins of this category that I know of opt for Double Serum, and now the light texture during the PM routine, instead of using it twice per day. However, you do you, whatever suits best!
Seasonal swaps – when the weather gets even hotter and humid, spring and summer have arrived and a lighter or the feeling or less emollient and occlusive texture (not applicable to this product anyways) appeals to your lifestyle.
More make-up friendly – heavy skincare is never make-up friendly, too much oil only help make up to slip away. If you one heavy handed skincare user like me, the lighter texture might come in handy!
You are lad? - I mean the general perception is that dudes like ‘lightweight’ skincare that is ‘barely there’ is still very prevalent when it comes to marketing skincare. I don’t have any market research or customer data that back me up on this, but it is certainly not the case for me and many other males around me who maintain a sophisticated skincare regime. The brand does have a consumer study that indicate that if paired with ClarinsMen Energizing Gel, 100% of the respondent indicated the Double Serum Light Texture boosted the effect of the gel.
This is a consumer study, so take it with some caveat, however a study is better than none.
My take
Like the classic, you still get dual-phase – there will still be the oil composition. Though, as the name suggest it is a lighter texture, this is not the dimmish into nothing serum. Once it goes onto the palm/face/skin, you’ll still experience a slip, and that’s the beautiful plant oils and extracts Double Serum franchise is famous for. The serum’s texture is ‘lightweight’, runnier but not massively so. The beauty of the texture of the ‘oil’ component is the soft and spreadability of the serum gliding across the skin – a concept that is absent in a water-based serum.
I however, agree to the brand’s statement on ‘bare feeling’ and ‘no oily residue’ when it comes to the dry down of the serum (which is seconds or minutes later depending on how dehydrated the skin is). The original serum stays on the surface of the skin a little longer, providing the ‘nourishing’ layer that is perfect for drier / dehydrated / sensitised skins that require some scaffolding and blanket-y comfort. With the classic Double Serum, most skin can use the serum as a single treatment step that is nourishing enough to omit a facial oil.
I suppose the light texture is more appealing to hot climate, oily-combination and / or men skin, it will be still a hard battle to convince and convert someone who totally dislike the slight emollient layer that goes onto the skin on the initial application. The offering is definitely wise, however I am curious to see how the product perform in comparison to its original peer.
Would I repurchase
Yes – but more likely the classic. Personal preference.
*product is kindly gifted as a PR by Clarins Malaysia. Not sponsored, not required to, genuine user-experience and opinions.