There has been much hype surrounding Lancome’s launch of Genifique - a new serum that promises to “reactivate” the youth in your genes using gene therapy technology. Lancome’s Genifique, which flaunts gene research in its very name, has raised quite a few eyebrows in the scientific community. Scientists are worried companies are using gene therapy as a marketing tool way before the science has matured enough to be able to meet customer expectations and produce results. If consumer expectations aren’t met, gene therapy funding may be compromised in the future, possibly hindering the advancement of one of the most promising fields of research today. 

In any case, here is our analysis of Genifique:

A breakdown of the “active ingredients”:

• Bio-Lysat (bifida ferment lysate): This is a type of bacteria found in the digestive system. It has no known effect on skin when applied topically.

• Hepes (hydroxyethylpiperazine ethane sulfonic acid): This ingredient is a buffering agent, perhaps intended to reduce irritation from other ingredients. 

• Phystosphingosine-SLC (Salicyloyl Phytosphingosine):  Their ’star’ active ingredient. A study, published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, suggests that salicyloyl-phytosphingosine (SP), when topically applied to the face, reduces the depth of wrinkles and improves skin texture in photoaged skin. However, this study was funded by Degussa, the same company that developed the ingredient. Since we could find no independent studies to verify these claims, the jury is out on this ingredients efficacy. Lastly, the ingredient is not included at a very high concentration. 

 

Possible Skin Irritants:

Denatured Alcohol: Denatured alcohol is extremely drying and irritating to the skin, and can also cause free-radical damage.  This is the #4 ingredient in Genifique. We believe this may be why many users are experiencing severe dryness and acne after using this product for a few days. It does not make sense to have this ingredient in a serum intended to prevent aging - this has certainly left us scratching our heads. 

Veracity of Claims:

Genifique claims to work by reactivating our ‘youth’ genes. It is important to note that just because a gene seems to be less active in aged skin does not mean that acting on that gene will prevent wrinkling. Additionally, the only active ingredient worth investigating further has one small study done by the manufacturer of said ingredient. There is an obvious conflict of interest there and more research is needed to back up this ingredient. 

All in all, Lancome’s Genifique seems to be a lot of hype and very little substance. There are better wrinkle remover options out there that include time proven active ingredients and lack irritating ingredients. The amount of denatured alcohol in this serum alone is enough to opt for something better. You’re paying a lot of money for an unproven active ingredient mixed with a good amount of skin irritant. Best to spend your money elsewhere. 

Verdict: Thumbs down!