Five Stars

2026-02-20    -lapointe

Wow

Showed promise until I was left with red, burning skin.

2026-01-06    -Blackrain

**** Reviewed by my wife ****This product was a bit of a surprise as it is billed as a "lotion" but it is a clear liquid that acts more like a toner. Even more curious, when reading the ingredients listing, it mentions moisturizers AS WELL AS acids that are typically used to dry skin.When used, it went on and laid there in a rather sticky state and soon after absorbed entirely. My skin felt tighter and nice - for a moment or two. Then it started to burn. It was not a bad burn but it was uncomfortable enough that I needed to try and neutralize the sensation with a lotion. End result, redness that lasted for an hour.To be fair, I have sensitive skin, not wildly so but sensitive nevertheless. I did not dare to continue using this product a 2nd time. Also, to be fair, I let my sister try it and she reported that it was effective in cleaning her face and her skin felt tighter and more youthful but after a more aggressive application her 2nd try with cosmetic pads the next day, she experienced some redness. She went for a 3rd day and scrubbed much less and still experienced some temporary redness but enjoyed the results. Her take on it is that it is "alright" but not something that she would recommend as a "wow" product.Based on her experience/opinion and my own, we both agree that this is NOT for people with sensitive skin and not something that we would recommend overall.

Worth the price IMO! Skin feels smoother and looks more evenly toned

2026-02-06    -A

This was my favorite of the Institut Esthederm products that I got to try - I will definitely want to buy another bottle once I run out of this. I like that they’re not stinging about the size as it comes in a big bottle.The scent is all-natural, like very diluted honey. Nothing has been added to make it smell “better” which is something I appreciate and I wish more companies would avoid adding unnecessary and possibly irritating ingredients just to change the color or fragrance of their products.The lotion is like a toner in consistency, very liquidy, which is why they recommend using a cotton pad/puff to apply it. I find that wasteful so I just tip the bottle into the palm of my hand and let a bit out and use my other hand to pat the lotion onto my skin.I actually noticed differences in my skin texture after the first use. The first time I used it, I used it before bed, after washing my face and before putting on my usual night moisturizer. When I woke up and washed my face, I noticed my skin felt smoother and looked a little more evenly toned and clear/bright.The one disappointment I had about this product was its claim that it could regulate sebum production. As a super oily person, that immediately caught my eye and I was so hopeful that my skin would suddenly be normal and matte all day! I put it on after my shower and before applying my daytime moisturizer and makeup. Alas, my skin was just as oily within two hours and after several weeks of daily use, I have seen no difference in the oiliness of my skin. In all other aspects, the claims about soothing, clarifying, decongesting and purifying skin has proven to be true so I’m still loving this product!For those with sensitive skin, be aware that this does have salicylic acid in it. Not everyone’s skin reacts well to SA so maybe patch test before applying it all over.INGREDIENTS:Aqua/water/eau, propylene glycol, peg 12 dimethicone, sodium citrate, propolis cera/propolis wax, cire de propolis, zinc gluconate, salicylic acid, carnosine, algae extract, disodium adenosine triphosphate, sodium chloride, citric acid. es500v1.

Showed promise until I was left with red, burning skin.

2026-01-29    -Blackrain

**** Reviewed by my wife ****This product was a bit of a surprise as it is billed as a "lotion" but it is a clear liquid that acts more like a toner. Even more curious, when reading the ingredients listing, it mentions moisturizers AS WELL AS acids that are typically used to dry skin.When used, it went on and laid there in a rather sticky state and soon after absorbed entirely. My skin felt tighter and nice - for a moment or two. Then it started to burn. It was not a bad burn but it was uncomfortable enough that I needed to try and neutralize the sensation with a lotion. End result, redness that lasted for an hour.To be fair, I have sensitive skin, not wildly so but sensitive nevertheless. I did not dare to continue using this product a 2nd time. Also, to be fair, I let my sister try it and she reported that it was effective in cleaning her face and her skin felt tighter and more youthful but after a more aggressive application her 2nd try with cosmetic pads the next day, she experienced some redness. She went for a 3rd day and scrubbed much less and still experienced some temporary redness but enjoyed the results. Her take on it is that it is "alright" but not something that she would recommend as a "wow" product.Based on her experience/opinion and my own, we both agree that this is NOT for people with sensitive skin and not something that we would recommend overall.

Five Stars

2026-01-31    -lapointe

Wow

Worth the price IMO! Skin feels smoother and looks more evenly toned

2026-01-20    -A

This was my favorite of the Institut Esthederm products that I got to try - I will definitely want to buy another bottle once I run out of this. I like that they’re not stinging about the size as it comes in a big bottle.The scent is all-natural, like very diluted honey. Nothing has been added to make it smell “better” which is something I appreciate and I wish more companies would avoid adding unnecessary and possibly irritating ingredients just to change the color or fragrance of their products.The lotion is like a toner in consistency, very liquidy, which is why they recommend using a cotton pad/puff to apply it. I find that wasteful so I just tip the bottle into the palm of my hand and let a bit out and use my other hand to pat the lotion onto my skin.I actually noticed differences in my skin texture after the first use. The first time I used it, I used it before bed, after washing my face and before putting on my usual night moisturizer. When I woke up and washed my face, I noticed my skin felt smoother and looked a little more evenly toned and clear/bright.The one disappointment I had about this product was its claim that it could regulate sebum production. As a super oily person, that immediately caught my eye and I was so hopeful that my skin would suddenly be normal and matte all day! I put it on after my shower and before applying my daytime moisturizer and makeup. Alas, my skin was just as oily within two hours and after several weeks of daily use, I have seen no difference in the oiliness of my skin. In all other aspects, the claims about soothing, clarifying, decongesting and purifying skin has proven to be true so I’m still loving this product!For those with sensitive skin, be aware that this does have salicylic acid in it. Not everyone’s skin reacts well to SA so maybe patch test before applying it all over.INGREDIENTS:Aqua/water/eau, propylene glycol, peg 12 dimethicone, sodium citrate, propolis cera/propolis wax, cire de propolis, zinc gluconate, salicylic acid, carnosine, algae extract, disodium adenosine triphosphate, sodium chloride, citric acid. es500v1.

More Toner, Less Lotion - Works Well

2026-01-17    -Amazon Canada Reviewer

I had the opportunity to try three of Institut Esthederm's skincare products: this lotion, the serum: Institut Esthederm Esthe-White Brightening Youth Serum, anti-dark spots treatment for hyperpigmented skin - 1oz, and the night cream: Institut Esthederm Brightening Repulping Youth Night Care Esthe-White, anti-dark sport night treatment for hyperpigmented skin - 1.67oz. All performed well.I typically buy premium makeup, hair and skincare products and yet I'd never heard of this brand before - so needed to do some research. If you Google their name (Esthederm), you'll find the main site in France, with links to other countries' sites. The Canadian one seems to be only in French and since I'm unfortunately not fluent enough in it, I had to click on the US site to get some English to understand.From the site:"Institut Esthederm was founded by a French pharmacist and biologist specialising in cellular technologies, Jean-Noël Thorel. He has conducted a wealth of research into skin bio-ecology, and is founder of the brands Institut Esthederm, Bioderma and Etat Pur. In the 1970s, the sun-loving researcher devised a different approach to sun protection that went against traditional ways of thinking. Based on optimised tanning and natural skin protection, it is strongly anti-photo ageing."Interestingly, what Institut Esthederm claims sets it apart from many other skin care companies is its unique water. Water often comprises over 70% of the ingredients. From their site:"Water can take the form of a liquid, solid or gas.But there is a fourth state that it can take - known as “interstitial” - which is the water contained in our bodies - physiological water. Related to cell metabolism, it is the vital element that ensures the function, health and beauty of our skin. Inspired by this water that is naturally present in the skin, Institut Esthederm has developed Cellular Water, which consists of ingredients similar to the components of interstitial water, which is vital for life.Blending perfectly with the skin, it optimises its metabolism and helps protect its youthfulness."So it's an interesting, cellular-conscious, mindful and forward-thinking brand. But does the stuff actually work?Yes, it does what it claims. I really liked this so-called lotion. It is, in fact, closer to a toner or skin balancing microcelle water/rinse. Oddly the scent reminds me of chocolate martinis - it's a slightly sweet alcoholic smell. It might not be for everyone, but it's unique. I've used this lotion with a cotton pad both before and after cleansing my face with other products, and it shows some extra dirt has been taken off. It's helped clear my skin around my chin.The only drawback (and hence a star is deducted) is that it's so so expensive. I get now that they use a fancy kind of water (and this is a largely water-based item). If this were, say, $30, it'd be 5 stars. But if you are OK with spending this much on a toner, it is a good one. I personally will not buy this item again but might buy one of the other ones (such as the face serum). Another minor niggle is the packaging doesn't feel 'premium' the way other brands' packaging does. The box it came in feels a bit flimsy. But the bottle itself is a nice, tall size, with a well-constructed screw cap. No complaints there.In sum, this is a nice toner-like item which, if you can afford the extra-premium price tag, will be a welcome addition to your skin care routine.

Bon produit

2026-01-03    -sylvain legare

parfait

Bon produit

2026-01-20    -sylvain legare

parfait

More Toner, Less Lotion - Works Well

2026-01-30    -Amazon Canada Reviewer

I had the opportunity to try three of Institut Esthederm's skincare products: this lotion, the serum: Institut Esthederm Esthe-White Brightening Youth Serum, anti-dark spots treatment for hyperpigmented skin - 1oz, and the night cream: Institut Esthederm Brightening Repulping Youth Night Care Esthe-White, anti-dark sport night treatment for hyperpigmented skin - 1.67oz. All performed well.I typically buy premium makeup, hair and skincare products and yet I'd never heard of this brand before - so needed to do some research. If you Google their name (Esthederm), you'll find the main site in France, with links to other countries' sites. The Canadian one seems to be only in French and since I'm unfortunately not fluent enough in it, I had to click on the US site to get some English to understand.From the site:"Institut Esthederm was founded by a French pharmacist and biologist specialising in cellular technologies, Jean-Noël Thorel. He has conducted a wealth of research into skin bio-ecology, and is founder of the brands Institut Esthederm, Bioderma and Etat Pur. In the 1970s, the sun-loving researcher devised a different approach to sun protection that went against traditional ways of thinking. Based on optimised tanning and natural skin protection, it is strongly anti-photo ageing."Interestingly, what Institut Esthederm claims sets it apart from many other skin care companies is its unique water. Water often comprises over 70% of the ingredients. From their site:"Water can take the form of a liquid, solid or gas.But there is a fourth state that it can take - known as “interstitial” - which is the water contained in our bodies - physiological water. Related to cell metabolism, it is the vital element that ensures the function, health and beauty of our skin. Inspired by this water that is naturally present in the skin, Institut Esthederm has developed Cellular Water, which consists of ingredients similar to the components of interstitial water, which is vital for life.Blending perfectly with the skin, it optimises its metabolism and helps protect its youthfulness."So it's an interesting, cellular-conscious, mindful and forward-thinking brand. But does the stuff actually work?Yes, it does what it claims. I really liked this so-called lotion. It is, in fact, closer to a toner or skin balancing microcelle water/rinse. Oddly the scent reminds me of chocolate martinis - it's a slightly sweet alcoholic smell. It might not be for everyone, but it's unique. I've used this lotion with a cotton pad both before and after cleansing my face with other products, and it shows some extra dirt has been taken off. It's helped clear my skin around my chin.The only drawback (and hence a star is deducted) is that it's so so expensive. I get now that they use a fancy kind of water (and this is a largely water-based item). If this were, say, $30, it'd be 5 stars. But if you are OK with spending this much on a toner, it is a good one. I personally will not buy this item again but might buy one of the other ones (such as the face serum). Another minor niggle is the packaging doesn't feel 'premium' the way other brands' packaging does. The box it came in feels a bit flimsy. But the bottle itself is a nice, tall size, with a well-constructed screw cap. No complaints there.In sum, this is a nice toner-like item which, if you can afford the extra-premium price tag, will be a welcome addition to your skin care routine.