HELP! Bad reaction to Biossance Squalane + Phyto Retinol Serum

[kimberlyP99]

Hi Everyone! First time posting here. I just purchased Biossance’s Squalane Phyto Retinol Serum and after one use (overnight), I woke up with a terrible reaction. My face/eyes/mouth were swollen, red and burning. It progressively got worse and now on day 2, my face is still swollen and I’ve now broken out  with whiteheads ALL over the place. It’s burning and painful. This serum is the only change I made in my skincare regimen, and I generally do not have very sensitive skin. This is the first time I have ever experienced a reaction, and I have used retinol before without any issues. 

Please help! How do I fix this? What can I do to treat it? Thank you in advance!! I really appreciate your help!!

[ginavellaaa]

Used the clean skincare certified sample bag from Sephora. Each day I tried a new product. Tried the biossance on a Saturday night, throughout the night the sides of my cheeks were itchy. I woke up to a very swollen and tight face. Sunday I took Benadryl and the swelling subsided a little and was not as itchy. Monday morning I woke up to still swelling and tiny pus white heads everywhere similar to fire-ant bites and the itchiness moved down to my neck and my skin is starting to peel. Something in the product needs further testing I have never reacted to a product like this before. 

[rachelmkj]

This is happening to me right now!! I used this serum in my night time skincare routine last night and I woke up with swollen eyes and face.  My face is hot to the touch and super red and inflamed.  I have no idea what to do, this is still day one.  I’m scared.  I don’t recommend this product at ALL! I don’t have sensitive skin or anything but this definitely hit me like a truck! STAY AWAY.

[sfray]

I've had a similar problem but not as extreme. The first time I used this product it was fine but the second time my face was red, felt hot to touch, and has an almost gritty texture now. It's day three for me and I have noticed a lot of dryness and whiteheads on my chin (where I'm prone to hormonal acne) but no where else. I've simplified my skincare routine (I usually do 10 steps) to just the double cleanse which I feel the oil kind of helps but might just be me, a toner to help even out the texture, and moisturizer. As much as I hate the whiteheads I've been avoiding anything too harsh such as acne creams.

No matter where I look I could not find any answers to this issue but it seems like it is pretty common. Hopefully your issue has been resolved so this is mostly for people who experience this and don't know where to turn. I'm still waiting for my skin texture to return to normal but at least my face isn't red anymore. 

[KittyKat1369]

Hello! Im having the exact same issues with these products as you were. Not as extreme as some of these other posts but spot on with the first time being fine and then following with the heat, itchiness and the gritty texture!! Did you stop using them all together or were you able to pinpoint which product it was? I bought a few different ones and I and LOVE the way some of them smell and feel. I'd hate to waste them all if it's just the one thing. I've also had zero experience with retinol or squalane products before so it probably wasnt even a smart buy for me 🙄

[GG84]

@kimberlyP99 I would probably consult a doctor if your eyes and mouth are swollen.. 

[quspork]

Oh, gosh, that sounds terrible, @kimberlyP99! I'm sorry you're having a negative reaction. With what you've said, I would probably pop a Benadryl and scale back my routine to a very gentle cream cleanser and aloe until the redness and swelling subside. And definitely discontinue use of the Bioessence serum! I hope it clears up for you quickly!

[kimberlyP99]

Thank you for the advice! The swelli

ghas subsided, but I’m left with a ton of whiteheads covering my face! Ugh. They’re horrible. Not sure what to do with them! Use acne meds, pop them, moisturize, etc...

Hopefully this will all go away soon!!

[Vivimeow]

@kimberlyP99 hi I have just used the serum without looking at the bad reviews and now my eyes are swollen and face felt tight and a bit swollen as well with tiny little pimples or whiteheads

how did you end up clearing your face? Did you have to see a doctor or ? Thanks !!

[kimberlyP99]

I’m sorry you’re dealing with this. It’s so awful. I washed and moisturizer my face with very clean products with oatmeal in them. I didn’t use makeup either. Eventually it went away. It was the longest and most itchy 5-7 days of my life. Try not to pop them so you’re not left with scars! Unfortunately the only thing that works is patience 🙁 it’s really awful.

[Vivimeow]

Hi, Could i know which mild products you are using for removing the whiteheads? you've mentioned products w/ oatmeals do you have the brand that i can look into? because i'm having the swollen and the tiny little pimples and whiteheads all over my face. I have just used it once.....

[kimberlyP99]

Hi there, I’m sorry I’m just seeing your message now. I used First Aid Brauty, Aveeno and Eucerin. I hope it’s better!