Review: L'Oreal Revitalift 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum | Gin and Glow

Few months ago, L'Oreal released their newest skincare product, a hyaluronic acid serum. This serum was trending for weeks, I saw it on Instagram, blogs, websites and many more. Everyone who got the PR package seems to really love it.

Not to brag but I actually won this bottle from Beauty Journal's giveaway. I really wanted to try the serum but it's not even in store yet, but at that time luck was on my side. If we're being brutally honest, I've never felt interested in L'Oreal's skincare products, I like their haircare and makeup but that's about it.

If you're interested in the review, please keep on reading!

Formulated with 1% micro HA (low molecular weight) and 0.5% macro HA (high molecular weight), this serum claims to intensely hydrate, smooth and plump the skin. 

It comes in a slightly fancy rectangular, transparent glass bottle with a pipette. It's pretty standard for a serum but I think the rectangular shape of the bottle adds a bit of chicness. I also like glass bottles because not only they're more eco-friendly, they also look nicer on my vanity.

The serum itself is a clear, slightly viscous liquid - it has a bit of a slip and very pleasant to apply. Once applied, it melts into the skin and absorbs rather quickly, leaving no trace of residue behind. L'Oreal uses sodium hyaluronate and sodium acetylated hyaluronate in this serum, two forms of hyaluronic acid I really like. These two combined will give you intense hydration and also create a barrier that prevents loss of moisture.

Upon first application, I notice a visible plumping effect and an instant boost of hydration. It is so rare for me to see a visible plumping effect (usually I see it in expensive products). After using it for a longer period of time, I notice that this serum doesn't just hydrate the skin, but it also maintain hydration levels so my skin is well-hydrated all day long (so hydrated it looks glassy). My skin also appears healthier, radiant and feels more supple and bouncy.

I've been using this for 2 months now and I'm almost out, I'll definitely repurchase for sure. Since incorporating retinoids to my already intense skincare routine, I like to use hydrating products and my current go-to combination is layering the COSRX Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner under this serum. Works beautifully.

What I like most about this product is the texture. It feels great, it's non-greasy and it doesn't pill (most hyaluronic acid serum causes pilling, especially the affordable ones). I also like the results, the instant plumping effect, the superb hydration and the non-comedogenic formula. I can only describe this as a 'drugstore product that feels high end'. I love my hyaluronic acid serum from Allies of Skin (reviewed here), but this one is also a great one and it's 1/5 of the price.

This product is formulated with HEPES, and I notice that a lot of people are very concerned about it. Let me put it this way, there is no concrete study on how HEPES cause DNA damage, there is a study proving that it does - in the presence of gold (Au), do we have gold on our skin? Don't think so. Maybe we do in our system, but very little amount. If you're that worried, you can always pair this with a good antioxidant like vitamin C, use the vitamin C serum first and then this (pH level thing).