Finding the right products for your skin type can be a bit like finding the right pair of jeans – no easy task. Then filter it by clean and easily accessible and we might as well be searching for a needle in a haystack.
If you’ve been in the clean beauty space, you know that purchasing your favorite products usually requires going to several different websites. Thankfully, times are changing and the terms, clean and convenient, are no longer mutually exclusive in the clean beauty world.
The Biossance skincare line is one such example. It’s a safe and effective skincare brand that is cleaner than most formulas and can be purchased not only from their website but also through Amazon and Sephora.
Biossance cares as much about the health of people as they do about animals and the environment. You will see their passion on display in the ingredients they use, the Leap Bunny certification and the recyclable packaging they use.
*Affiliate Disclosure: I do have affiliate links in this blog post. If you purchase something from my link, I will receive a small commission from the sale. This comes at no cost to you but is paid by the company. I do not take becoming an affiliate with any company lightly. If I am, it’s because I believe in the company and their product.
*Suzi (Gurl Gone Green) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
What Makes Biossance Unique?
Biossance is a vegan skincare line that supports youthful, glowing skin for all skin types. In terms of affordability, it’s a good value for your money.
It is known for their patented, sugarcane derived squalane oil which is at the foundation of all their products. Our bodies make squalane but unfortunately as we age our squalane levels decrease too.
The superpower behind squalane is that it restores lost moisture for every skin type. In fact, squalane is recognized by the National Eczema Association for its ability to help calm and protect the skin.
For example, their highly rated Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil comes in at $74.00. It is not cheap but in comparison to other products on the market, it’s a good price point.
As a side note their Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil was the Glamour Beauty Awards Readers’ Choice Winner for 2022 for “Best Face Oil”. Allure also recognized the Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil as the Readers’ Choice Winner in 2021.
Related Content: Tula Skincare Review (All The Details)
Is Biossance Actually A Clean Brand?
Although Biossance isn’t all-natural or organic and doesn’t get a perfect 10 for some of their ingredient choices, they are considered a clean, sustainable and eco-friendly skincare brand.
Biossance bans over 2,000 ingredients that are known to be toxic to humans and the environment. They also claim that all of their ingredients are ethically and sustainably sourced.
The ingredients in Biossance products meet the following standards:
- EWG (Environmental Working Group) Verified
- Cruelty Free
- Nontoxic
- Paraben Free
- PEG FREE
- Synthetic Fragrance Free
- Vegan
Questionable Ingredients
Phenoxyethanol is a controversial ingredient because it is a synthetic preservative. It is used to keep cosmetic products free from bacteria and mold growth.
It’s important to note that there is no free phenol in phenoxyethanol and it’s only considered to be an irritant to the skin, eyes, and lungs when it’s a stand-alone ingredient in a concentration of 100%. However, in a finished product its concentration is 1% if not less. I always reach out to companies when I see this ingredient listed because it can be contaminated with 1,4 dioxane if it doesn’t come from a clean source. 1,4 dioxane is a known carcinogen.
I did email Biossance and this was their response:
Thank you so much for reaching out to Biossance Customer Care!
We focus on creating clean products, which means formulating with ingredients—whether synthetic or plant-derived—that have been validated to be extremely safe and non-irritating to skin, as well as ethically sourced and environmentally friendly. We ban over 2000 potentially harmful ingredients from all our formulas which is more than even the most strict personal care product regulations world wide, and all the ingredients in our OTC formulas are listed as safe ingredients in the EWG’s Skin Deep database.
Our environmental certification through EWG allows for phenoxyethanol usage at certain levels, and we include it at less than 1%. Phenoxyethanol has been regarded as a safe ingredient by the EU when used within certain parameters. I hope this information is helpful, please reach back out with any further questions!
With love and squalane,
I was not happy with their response. Not answering the actual question at all. This happens a lot with brands when you start to dig a little deeper.
Another sometimes questionable ingredient is palm oil, which is used in some Biossance products. You will find palm oil listed as Sorbian palmitate.
Only RSPO or the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil certified Palm Oil is used so that animals or humans aren’t hurt. The RSPO has developed a set of environmental and social criteria which companies must comply with in order to produce Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO).
Related Content: 18 Best Clean Skincare Brands
All Star Ingredient – Squalane
The desire of Biossance to make a positive impact on the world led them to convert renewable sugarcane into squalane oil. Sharks used to be hunted for this valuable oil that their livers produce, but thanks to technology, Biossance found a way to not only sustainably produce this oil but also save 2 million sharks in the process.
Squalane oil is at the heart of Biossance and the base for all of their product formulas. It is hydrating, yet weightless and non-comedogenic and easily absorbed into the skin.
According to Biossance, squalane oil penetrates 20x deeper than other moisturizing oils and also helps other skin care ingredients work 40x harder.
Vegan and Cruelty-Free
Biossance products are vegan, cruelty-free, and Leaping Bunny Certified. In short, their products are nontoxic for humans and for the environment.
Biossance Product Reviews
**My sister Rose also tested the products who has oily/combination skin. I also tested the products and I have dry skin. Wanted to get two different skin types to weigh in on products**
Squalane + Amino Aloe Gentle Cleanser
Squalane + Amino Aloe Gentle Cleanser is a soothing gel cleanser that removes impurities and makeup. It provides a deep cleanse through a non-stripping formula for a soft, hydrated complexion.
Key Ingredients
- Squalane – Mimics the body’s natural hydrating oils to provide weightless moisture to deliver active ingredients deep into the skin.
- Organic Aloe Vera Leaf Juice – Gently hydrates, calms, and leaves skin refreshed.
- Moringa Extract – Purifies and dislodges impurities and irritants like environmental pollutants.
Cost
$28.00
Review
My Sister: I have tried a lot of cleansers and with my oily skin, it’s hard to find a cleanser that actually removes my makeup and doesn’t leave a film behind on my skin. This cleanser did it for me. I love the feel of it on my skin and it deep cleans without using harsh ingredients that strips my skin of its natural oils.
Suzi: Having dry skin this cleanser was too stripping of my skin overall. It did clean my skin and remove makeup, but it felt too tight afterwards.
Related Content: Best Natural Face Washes
Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil
Biossance claims that Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil helps to brighten, firm, and hydrate skin all in one step. It increases skin radiance by improving tone and texture.
Key Ingredients
- Squalane – A weightless and non-comedogenic oil that locks in moisture.
- Vitamin C – Oil-soluble, shelf-stable Vitamin C brightens skin and boosts skin’s elasticity.
- Chios Crystal Oil – firms and revitalizes skin for a more youthful look.
Cost
$74.00
Review
My Sister: I used it at night over my serum and moisturizer and I was nervous that my face would be a greasy mess or that my face would breakout but none of the above happened. In fact, the oil is lightweight and quickly absorbed into my skin.
Suzi: I really loved how this felt on my skin. As a lover of all things squalene, I loved how this felt so nourishing to my skin but not oily or greasy. Absorbed so well. Still wouldn’t be something I had to repurchase in the future.
Related Content: Best Natural Vitamin C Serums
Squalane + 10% Lactic Acid Resurfacing Serum
This best-selling serum is supposed to deliver dramatically smoother and more luminous skin overnight by dissolving dead surface cells. It can also be layered with other Biossance products to amplify their benefits.
Key Ingredients
- Squalane – A weightless and non-comedogenic oil that locks in moisture. Derived from sugarcane.
- Clover – Supports cell turnover by boosting lactic’s exfoliating benefits. Renews skin from environmental pollution.
Cost
$65
Review
My Sister: While I’m not sure I saw a complete transformation overnight, I will say that my skin felt smoother and it didn’t irritate my skin. It’s a product I will continue to use.
Suzi: I am with my sister, it wasn’t amazing by any means. My skin felt slightly smoother with a couple uses, but overall nothing that stood out to me. I have more products that I would recommend that are similar in clean beauty that work a lot better.
Related Content: Best Natural Exfoliants For Dry Skin
Omega Repair Cream
Its claim to fame is that it’s an ultra-hydrating repair cream that improves the appearance of fine lines by supporting the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
Key Ingredients
- Hyaluronic Acid – Supports hydration and plumps the surface of the skin through its water-retaining molecules.
- Squalane – A weightless and non-comedogenic oil that locks in moisture. Derived from sugarcane.
- Omega Fatty Acids – Easily absorbed group of fatty acid molecules that plump, hydrate, and restore skin’s natural moisture.
- Ceramides: Helps to prevent moisture loss.
Cost
$60
Review
My Sister: While this is one of Biossance’s best-selling products and the reviews seem to back up its product claims, it was not my favorite for the price point.
The participants of Biossance’s clinical trial used the repair cream twice a day, and for me it’s too heavy to wear during the day. If I had dry skin that needed some TLC then this might be my go-to cream so as with anything, context is everything.
Suzi: This was definitely one of my favorite products from Biossance. I love a good facial cream in the winter for my dry skin. I would apply it morning and night and it sunk into my skin well. My makeup went on smoothly and my skin still felt moisturized in the afternoon which is the true test for me!
Related Content: Best Natural Moisturizers (For Your Skin Type)
Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream
Contains powerful ingredients meant to create a lifted look to the under eye while minimizing fine lines and wrinkles.
Key Ingredients
- Pink Marine Algae- Has been shown to visibly reduced fine lines and wrinkles in as little as 7 days.
- Paracress Extract– Almost instantly can visibly lift and firm skin.
- Squalane– A weightless and non-comedogenic oil that locks in moisture – really creates a great canvas for under makeup wear. Derived from sugarcane.
Cost
$56
Review
My Sister: I didn’t notice any difference in my eye area using this. Wasn’t impressed.
Suzi: I was also not impressed by this eye cream. It hydrated my eye area but that’s it. I didn’t notice a brightening or lifted effect at all.
Squalane + Prebiotic Gel Moisturizer
A moisturizer that will bring balance to your skin while calming inflammation and redness.
Key Ingredients
- Probiotics- Helps to bring balance to the complexion, while also minimizing redness and inflammation.
- Red Seaweed- Calms the skin.
- Ginger Extract- Reduces redness.
- Swiss Garden Cress Sprouts– Brightens skin while evening out skin tone.
- Squalane– A weightless and non-comedogenic oil that locks in moisture – really creates a great canvas for under makeup wear. Derived from sugarcane.
Cost
$54
Review
My Sister: I was excited to try this with oily skin, but after using it there wasn’t anything to write home about. It didn’t do anything for my skin, other than hydrate. I didn’t notice less redness, which would have been nice.
Suzi: This was a no go for me. I didn’t think it was going to do much for my skin, since I have dry skin and this is more for combination and oily skin. It wasn’t nourishing enough for my skin.
Is Biossance Worth It?
If you have been looking to make the switch to a clean skincare line then I think Biossance is a decent option. It wouldn’t be my top recommendation. They are a “somewhat” clean skincare line that is relatively affordable, emphasize sustainability and easy to access. I wish they were more transparent with their ingredients. I’ll be sure to include if they email me back regarding phenoxyethanol.
I’ve tested their products for both my morning and nighttime routine and there were no major design flaws, just preferences depending on skin type. I find some products worked better for my sister’s oily/combination skin and others worked better for my dry skin.
Share your favorite Biossance product below!
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Hi I’m 57years old looking to find safe and clean products for aging facial skin. Was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. I never have thought about using clean beauty products till now and how important it really is. I would greatly love your input regarding this. Thank you so much😊 what brand do you recommend??
Hi Tina,
I would recommend Beautycounter’s Countertime line. It’s hydrating and also active with ingredients that will help with anti-aging. From plant-derived retinols, to antioxidants. You can check it out here: https://www.beautycounter.com/suziswope?goto=/product/countertime-collection
Hi Suzi, I’m 55 and have combo skin, a little redness on the cheeks, sometimes breakouts in T zone, starting to see fine lines and sagging. Need a clean product line to tackle aging, blemish, sensitive skin. Any recommendations? I can’t seem to find one that hits all the marks for me…
Hi Maria,
Have you looked into True Botanicals? They offer a line for sensitive skin and also target fine lines, etc. Also, you can always cherry pick from different lines. Sometimes I find that works when there are a lot of specific skincare needs. Here are some options if you’re willing to cherry pick: For a cleanser, I would look into Herbivore Botanicals Pink Cloud Rosewater + Tremella Creamy Jelly Cleanser- fabulous for getting your skin clean but not stripping. I also love Indie Lee’s Brightening Cleanser. For an oil that is great for aging skin but also for sensitive skin is Le Prunier’s Plum Oil. Also, Squalene is great for those with combination skin and sensitive. Very nourishing but non-comedogenic. I also would recommend OSEA’s Blemish Cream. A great everyday moisturizer that isn’t going to add extra greasiness to the skin. Hope that helps!
Hey Suzi! I love all of your articles and insight on various products. I’m currently on the hunt to find a clean skincare line for my 11 year old daugther (11 going on 25). She very badly wants to follow all of the current tween/teen trends like Drunk Elephant. However, I know not only are these lines not “clean”, they also aren’t appropriate for young skin. Are there any brands that you feel are not only clean, but also ok for younger skin?
Stay posted as Suzi has a full blog post coming out that is all about skincare for teens! You can also check out her favorite affordable clean beauty brands here: https://gurlgonegreen.com/2023/08/24/affordable-clean-beauty/
I have been using Biossance for years now, and I loved it! I have always had beautiful, clear and radiant skin to the point people would ask me for recommendations. I love the rose oil, so when I saw this moisturizer I thought “I MUST try it!”. I bought the set back in December 2023, started using it around January 8th 2024 and within a few days, my entire face broke out in hives. I had this crazy allergic reaction that has left my skin super sensitive, bumpy, with scars and dark spots. I messaged the company hoping for an apology, to send them the product back, my refund and maybe a gift card. I would have happily continued using all their products, but to my surprise this company is as shady as they could be. Messaging customer service I was met with unprofessionalism. The four people that have been talking to me for the past couple weeks – Leah, Imogen, Ayeisha and Millie, have been incredibly rude and of no help. Every week is the same story, they need more time to investigate it but what are they investigating if they refuse to let me send them the product (so they can investigate it). I decided to take it to Instagram then, trying to be heard. They have deleted all my comments and blocked me. I have created 4 new accounts, and the same thing, comments deleted and blocked, which proves to me they are definitely trying to hide something (also, funny enough, there is no bad comments on their posts, interesting, right?).
Hi Caroline,
I’m so sorry you’ve been dealing with this! Hoping you find some resolution.