Biossance Squalane Phyto-Retinol Serum Review

About a year ago, I started noticing a line — a deep, menacing line — smack dab in the middle of my eyebrows. It was the start of the lovely "11s," my dermatologist told me, and most likely the result of squinting from the sun my entire life. (For context, I was born and raised in the lovely, always-80-degrees state of Florida.) Ever since then, I've been on the hunt for a formula (sans Botox) that would clear up my line — for good.

And let me just say, I've tried just about everything. Wrinkle-fighting serums made to boost elasticity, check. Over-the-counter retinoids, been there. Hell, I've even started incorporating facial massage into my skin-care routine to "stretch out" my skin. Like, I said, I've tried everything. On a whim, I decided to try something new, though: a pseudo "retinol" from a new, plant-based skin-care brand, called Biossance — and I've got to be honest here, never in a million years did I think the Environmental Working Group-approved treatment would start to clear up my, ahem, wrinkle, but... it did. (Well, it's at least started to clear up my "11.")

World, allow me to introduce you to my new favorite, the Biossance Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum. Despite its moniker, Biossance's line-fighting formula technically isn't a retinol. According to the brand, the Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum is made with a plant-based alternative to the vitamin A derivative, called bakuchiol. Like retinol, bakuchiol is said to reduce fine lines, boost elasticity, and improve one's skin tone overall. It's also made with moisture-boosting hyaluronic acid, texture-smoothing niacinamide, and hydrating squalane.

Knowing this, I immediately began incorporating the serum into my nighttime skin-care routine. After cleansing and toning, I gently tap a nickel-sized dollop of the creamy formula into my skin, focusing on my forehead and my line. After letting it set in for a few minutes, I follow up the Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum with my moisturizer and eye cream before hopping into bed.

Now that it's been about three weeks of using Biossance, I've noticed my line has slowly (I repeat, slowly) started to shrivel up. Of course, I'm not expecting fine line-erasing magic over here (it's not Botox), but I'll take the shrivel over no shrivel any day of the week.

If you're interested in trying the Biossance Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum, you can pick it up in this month's Beauty Box.

Available in the April 2018 Allure Beauty Box.