New to the revamped Vichy Aqualia Thermal line this Fall is the Boosting essence water, the first essence water in Canadian drugstores.
Scientifically, essences have smaller molecules to travel deeper in the epidermis, with texture even lighter than serums (which are known for having the highest concentration of active ingredients).
Aqualia Thermal essence water is to offer deep and long lasting hydration that might be stripped away previously with cleansing, and soothe the skin.
First to note: despite the name, the product is more of a very runny lotion than a water. The flip cap closes tightly though, no leakage risk.
Supposed to be applied after cleansing, morning and night, this product is an extra step before your serum and moisturizer.
A quick hydration test at Shoppers showed that my skin was dehydrated (surprisingly), so I sure was a candidate for this but the fact that it did not absorb as fast as most serums and took a few minutes to dry, I have not been using it daily during more than a month of testing.
I do feel the hydration effect after the product goes on, but overtime, not super noticeable compared to what a serum already offers. Ultimately, I would prefer a true essence water that I can spray on and move on with a serum right away.
Here is the milky texture of the essence water. Again, quite runny, so work fast to rub it in once it is on your face.
Ingredients: 688788/10, Water, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Propylene Glycol, PEG-20, Butylene Glycol, BHT, BIS-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Potassium Hydroxide, Carbomer, Dimethicone, Dimethiconol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, etc.
The product is suitable for sensitive skin. I would suggest it for those who needs the hydration boost to the serum that does other jobs (anti aging, anti perfection, etc.).
The bottle is 6.7oz/ 200ml, retails $29.95.