Recently I was invited to preview the upcoming North American launch of a skincare brand that while unfamiliar to me, has a strong European following; introducing Laboratories Filorga Paris, founded in 1978 by Dr. Michel Tordjman – the man who ‘developed hyaluronic acid-based injectible products for the medical profession before Botox took off‘, as well as the creator of NCTC, an anti-aging mesotherapy product that subsequently went on to become the brand’s best-selling NCTF® product.

For over 40 years now, Filorga has been a leading provider of skincare products, both for the medical profession and consumer markets, creating cutting-edge non-surgical anti-ageing solutions that include line fillers, polyrevitalizing injections (NCTF®), peeling and photo-stimulation (LED). As skincare has become something of an obsession with me, I was excited to put this brand through its paces; after a brief consultation, PR sent me a curated selection of products to try based on my skin type and needs.

Testing period: 4 complete weeks (both day & night)

 

 

Laboratoires Filorga Paris

 

Foam Cleanser (CAN $35.00) | A clear liquid facial cleanser that transforms into a foam as it emerges from the pump nozzle dispenser. Made with no artifical scents, there is a still a distinct fragrance from the white lily in the formula, a clean fresh floral that while initially obvious, seems to dissipate rather quickly.

Key ingredients include:

• high molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid
• caprylyl capryl glucoside
• white lily

Action:

• hydrating
• soft surfactant
• soothing

This 4-in-one product (cleanses, removes makeup, moisturizes, tones) is the first cleanser to include Hyaluronic Acid, which has the benefit of leaving skin feeling both clean as well as moisturized. Totally non-greasy, 2 pumps are all that are needed to cleanse the entire face and neck (in the mornings I use only 1 pump of foam – no need for overkill) with the product rinsing off easily, and no tight-skin feeling left behind – just a fresh, soft & clean sensation. This product has now become one of my favourite cleansers in my skincare rotation, as I am not only happy with how well it removes the day’s makeup, but for how my skin feels after … definitely something I intend to continue using. Suitable for sensitive skin as well.

Laboratoires Filorga Paris | Foam Cleanser

 

Skin Structure Firmness Redefinition Serum (CAN $95.00) | A milky-white facial serum of light/medium density with a quick penetrating texture that melts into the skin with a water-like consistency (leaving no sticky or greasy residue behind), coming with a dropper applicator. The scent seems to be a slightly mellower version than that of the cleanser – a fresh & pleasant white floral that while noticeable, dissipates once the product is absorbed into the skin.

Key ingredients include:

• Chronospheres of Hyaluronic Acid and NCTF
• Voluform
• Collaxyl
• Dynalift

Action:

• anti-aging
• cellular stimulation
• restores face volume
• boosts skin density
• skin-lifting

The next important step after thoroughly cleansing, is application of a serum; I absolute love serums for the way they feel as well as how effective they are in augmenting the beneficial properties of other skincare subsequently applied on top. With Skin Structure, I used 2 drops only (both morning and night) that I rubbed between my palms then pressed onto my face (ears and neck included) and lightly massaged that all in – working quickly, as this texture literally disappears into the skin lightning fast. As I don’t have access to complicated scientific equipment to accurately measure results, I let my eyes & mirror be the judge, and after just 2 weeks of using this serum on a consistent basis, my skin felt softer to the touch and also appeared noticeably more even toned.

 

Laboratoires Filorga Paris | Skin Structure Firmness Redefinition Serum

 

Nutri-Filler Nutri-Replenishing Cream (CAN $95.00) | A dense white facial cream moisturizer with a soft & buttery-like texture, bearing the strongest scent level of the same fresh white floral fragrance as the rest of this range (even though naturally derived, it’s still worth noting for those with sensitivities). Extremely hydrating and suitable for all skin types – even the driest – this cream is meant to not only soothe and add suppleness, but help firm and tone facial contours as well (think of it as Botox, without the painful injections).

Key ingredients include:

• Chromospheres of Hyaluronic Acid and NCTF
• Shea Butter
• Argan Oil
• plant extracts
• red seaweed

Action:

• deeply nourishes and replenishes skin
• redefines facial contours

When I began testing this cream, I initially felt that it would be much too rich for my skin type (which runs normal to combination, with oil issues along the t-zone area) as I’m used to less emollient moisturizers. Interestingly though, I began seeing how the serious hydration found with Nutri-Filler began benefitting my skin — which for some reason seemed to need more moisture than ever before (I’m guessing the previous harsh Winter coupled with the present hardcore hot Summer, might have something to do with my skin’s current situation). Fine lines and pores appeared diminished, and this after only 1 week of use; that being said, I did find that it took longer than I’m used to for the product to become absorbed into my skin (and never fully, for that matter), although it did make applying foundation on top that much easier , as long as I waited a good 1o-15 minutes before adding any makeup.

Laboratoires Filorga Paris | Nutri-Filler Nutri-Replenishing Cream

Laboratoires Filorga Paris | Nutri-Filler Nutri-Replenishing Cream

Time-Filler Eyes Absolute Eye Correction Cream (CAN $75.00) | A milky white eye cream in a silky texture that melts rapidly into skin, and which bears a more subtle version of the same signature scent. Upon application, there is a light initial cooling sensation and once fully absorbed, skin also feels slightly more taut.

Key ingredients include:

• Chronospheres of Hyaluronic Acid and NCTF
• Synake
• sea funnel
• Hyaluspheres
• sea extract + plant complex rich in Albizia Julibrissin
• Matricide with Provitamin B5 (panthenol)

Action:

• anti-aging
• cellular stimulation
• helps smooth contraction wrinkles
• micro-filling of dehydration wrinkles
• treats dark circles
• promotes and strengthens eyelash growth

The skin around the eyes is thinner and more sensitive than that of the rest of the face, so it makes sense to use a separate eye cream designed specifically for that delicate area. Applying Time-Filler Eyes twice daily to both the under-eye area (which includes crow’s feet & laugh lines — all the way to the temples, in fact) as well as my upper lid, I really liked how easily this product spread and how quickly it was subsequently absorbed into my skin. It wasn’t until the second week of use that I actually noticed changes: fine lines appeared somewhat plumper and there was even a new – albeit slight – firmness I could both feel and see around the orbital area. As I’ve never suffered from dark circles, I can’t state how well this cream works in the capacity of eliminating them and while the hollows under my eyes (thank you, diminishing collagen) haven’t filled up, I can still see some improvement in that area as well. Bonus: no irritation or stinging sensation, even when applied twice daily.

Laboratoires Filorga Paris | Time-Filler Eyes Absolute Eye Correction Cream

Laboratoires Filorga Paris | Time-Filler Eyes Absolute Eye Correction Cream

 

 

Skin-Absolute Night Ultimate Anti-Aging Care (CAN $195.00) | The ‘star’ ingredient (figuratively AND literally) of this premium night cream is meteorite extract (yes, you read that right) and aims to help your skin regenerate while you sleep. Bearing a sharper but still quite pleasant version of the same signature scent, the first thing you notice is the colour: charcoal, followed by the unique texture which is almost jelly-like in consistency and bears suspended shimmery particles. Slower to fully absorb than the day cream, and may leave behind a slight tackiness.

Key ingredients include:

• Chromospheres of Hyaluronic Acid and NCTF
• meteorite extract
• brown seaweed
• collagen peptide
• bran extract
• Vitamin C

Action:

• potent anti-aging treatment to target visible signs of aging while you sleep
• helps fade dark spots
• boosts skin’s radiance
• wrinkles appear smoother
• improves evenness of complexion

I confess to being the most excited about this product, because, well….METEORITE (need I say more?). The charcoal/black colour (which looks light grey at some angles, deep black at others – as seen in the photos below) was another surprise and while it does apply with a grey translucency, no traces of the colour are left behind once the product becomes fully massaged into the skin. The texture is almost like whipped jelly and a little goes a long way; after cleansing then applying the serum and eye cream, I didn’t need much to cover my entire face & neck (thankfully, as this product is on the steeper end of the price spectrum) but I did have to wait a good 15 minutes before I could say it felt more or less absorbed into the skin. After about only a week of consistent use, I woke up to softer, more even toned skin, with a healthy radiance to my face that even my family remarked upon. I did notice an odd slippery feel to my face upon my morning wash, but nothing that lingered.

NOTE: Skin-Absolute is exclusive to Holt Renfrew at both the Bloor St. and Yorkdale locations.

 

Laboratoires Filorga Paris | Skin-Absolute Night Ultimate Anti-Aging Care

Laboratoires Filorga Paris | Skin-Absolute Night Ultimate Anti-Aging Care

 

Laboratoires Filorga Paris | Skin-Absolute Night Ultimate Anti-Aging Care (detail)

 

Laboratoires Filorga Paris | Skin-Absolute Night Ultimate Anti-Aging Care

 

I’m so happy to see that skincare is becoming more and more mainstream, and not just something associated with an older demographic – a concept I wish had been popular when I was younger … but I digress. Skin care itself has come a long way, with what seems like daily innovations and newly discovered ingredients, all at a wide range of price points; what makes Filorga extremely interesting, is the decades of science behind the products as well as the good results I personally obtained after 4 weeks of consistent testing – and I stress consistent, because for any benefits to be both seen and felt, you need to apply your chosen skin care regimen religiously. Admittedly, this range veers on the higher end of the price scale, but after 4 weeks of testing, I’ve only managed to finish half of the contents – which means you can break down the cost per item over approximately 8 weeks of use each. After going over the products available through the brand’s website, there are several I have my eye on and I definitely intend to give them a try in the near future.

Filorga products are available in Canada at Murale, select Shopper’s Drug Mart/Pharmaprix store, Holt Renfrew and Nordstrom. Find more information on the brand via www.filorga.com

 

 

 

Press samples kindly provided for my unbiased consideration