Life Plankton Elixir Anti-Aging Serum
Life Plankton Elixir Anti-Aging Serum
Product Description
Product overview
A regenerating anti-aging serum enriched with 5% Life Plankton, Vitamin C (Ascorbyl Glucoside), and triple-weight Hyaluronic Acid. This lightweight, fast-absorbing elixir defends, soothes, and promotes skin cell renewal for visibly smoother, firmer, and more radiant skin in as little as 8 days.
5% Life Plankton Concentration
The highest concentration of Biotherm's patented Life Plankton extract, containing 35 nutrients that stimulate skin regeneration and strengthen the skin barrier.
Texture & feel
SENSORY5% Life Plankton Concentration
The highest concentration of Biotherm's patented Life Plankton extract, containing 35 nutrients that stimulate skin regeneration and strengthen the skin barrier.
Triple Hyaluronic Acid Complex
Three molecular weights of Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed HA, and pure HA) for multi-layer hydration from surface to deeper skin layers.
Stable Vitamin C (Ascorbyl Glucoside)
A stable derivative of Vitamin C that brightens skin tone, supports collagen production, and provides antioxidant defense against environmental stressors.
Blue Beauty & Eco-Designed
Packaging uses 40% recycled glass and 100% FSC-certified paper. Life Plankton is 100% natural, biodegradable, and renewably sourced from the French Pyrenees.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids or hydroquinone, but contains Alcohol Denat. and Parfum. Consult your doctor before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Contains Bifida Ferment Lysate (ferment), Octyldodecanol (fatty alcohol), and PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate (ester) which may feed Malassezia yeast.
Dermatologically tested and confirmed non-comedogenic by the brand. No comedogenic ingredients detected by independent analysis (WIMJ).
Free from parabens, colorants, mineral oil, and EU fragrance allergens. Suitable for sensitive skin including the eye area.
Estimated at 2.8–4.2% concentration. May cause dryness or irritation for very sensitive or compromised skin barriers. Acts as a penetration enhancer in this formula.
Can be layered with retinol, Vitamin C serums, and chemical exfoliants. Apply this serum first, then follow with targeted treatments.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSBifida Ferment Lysate ~5–8%Proven
A probiotic-derived ingredient (lysate of Bifida bacteria) that helps strengthen the skin barrier, reduce irritation, and support the skin's natural microbiome. It is the second ingredient on the INCI list, indicating a high concentration.
- Function: Moisturizing, antioxidant, skin barrier support, and evening skin tone
- Research: Studies show ferment lysates improve skin hydration and reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL)
- Note: Same core active used in Lancôme Advanced Génifique (sister brand under L'Oréal)
Vitreoscilla Ferment (Life Plankton) 5%Patented
Biotherm's signature ingredient, a thermal plankton extract from the French Pyrenees containing 35 nutrients including proteins, vitamins, amino acids, lipids, and trace elements. Protected by 8 patents.
- Function: Skin regeneration, soothing, strengthening skin barrier, and antimicrobial defense
- Clinical data: Acts on 8 skin dimensions: balance, firmness, fairness, resilience, luminosity, smoothness, purity, and refinement
- Source: 100% natural, biodegradable, and renewably produced in France since 1994
Triple Hyaluronic Acid Complex <1%Proven
Three forms of Hyaluronic Acid for multi-depth hydration: Sodium Hyaluronate (high MW, surface hydration), Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid (low MW, deeper penetration), and pure Hyaluronic Acid.
- Sodium Hyaluronate: High-molecular-weight HA for surface hydration and skin barrier protection
- Hydrolyzed HA: Smaller molecules penetrate deeper for plumping and anti-wrinkle effects
- Pure HA: Additional hydration support and moisture retention
Ascorbyl Glucoside (Vitamin C) <1%Proven
A stable, water-soluble derivative of Vitamin C. It converts to active ascorbic acid on the skin, offering brightening and antioxidant benefits with better stability than pure Vitamin C.
- Function: Brightening, collagen support, antioxidant protection, and reducing hyperpigmentation
- Stability: More stable than L-Ascorbic Acid, resistant to oxidation at various pH levels
Adenosine <0.5%Proven
A well-researched anti-aging ingredient that promotes skin repair, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and soothes inflammation. Widely used in premium anti-aging formulations.
- Function: Anti-wrinkle, skin-soothing, and cell energy support
- Research: Recognized as an effective anti-wrinkle active by regulatory bodies at concentrations as low as 0.04%
Salicyloyl Phytosphingosine <0.5%Promising
A lipid-based active that combines salicylic acid with phytosphingosine (a ceramide precursor). Helps unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and support the skin barrier without the harshness of traditional BHA.
- Function: Mild exfoliation, anti-inflammatory, pore refining, and barrier repair
- Note: Not the same as free salicylic acid; this is a lipid conjugate with gentler action
27 ingredients
Aqua/Water, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Dimethicone, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Octyldodecanol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Vitreoscilla Ferment, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Adenosine, Xanthan Gum, PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Pentylene Glycol, Faex Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Salicyloyl Phytosphingosine, Tocopherol, Parfum, Hyaluronic Acid
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply after toner and before your regular serum or moisturizer. Use both AM & PM. Can also be used around the eye area.
How to use
HOW TO USEDispense 3–4 Drops
After cleansing and toning, squeeze the dropper to dispense 3 to 4 drops of the elixir into the palm of your hand.
Warm Between Palms
Gently rub the serum between your palms to warm it up. This helps activate the formula and ensures even distribution.
Press & Massage
Press palms firmly against cheeks, chin, forehead, and neck. Then massage in gentle upward motions for full absorption. Safe for the eye contour area.
Follow with Moisturizer
Allow 30–60 seconds for absorption, then apply your regular serum or moisturizer on top. In the morning, always finish with sunscreen.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You want a lightweight, fast-absorbing anti-aging serum
- You have dehydrated skin that needs a hydration boost
- You are looking to improve radiance, fine lines, and uneven skin tone
- You want a probiotic-based serum that supports the skin microbiome
- You prefer eco-conscious, sustainably produced skincare
- You need a gentle first-step serum that pairs well with other treatments
Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (contains fermented ingredients and esters)
- You want a high-potency Vitamin C serum (concentration here is modest)
- You have extremely dry skin and need a rich, occlusive formula
- You are very sensitive to alcohol in skincare (contains Alcohol Denat.)
- You are looking for a budget-friendly option (premium price point)
- You prefer completely fragrance-free products
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESUltra-lightweight texture absorbs quickly without adding shine or greasiness. Matte finish is ideal for oily skin types.
Provides good hydration through Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin, but very dry skin will likely need a richer moisturizer layered on top.
Balances hydration across different face zones without overwhelming oily areas or neglecting dry patches.
Free from major allergens and dermatologically tested. Contains Alcohol Denat. and Parfum, so patch test recommended for very reactive skin.
Non-comedogenic formula with pore-refining Salicyloyl Phytosphingosine. However, not suitable for fungal acne due to fermented ingredients.
Targets fine lines, wrinkles, loss of radiance, and uneven tone with Adenosine, Vitamin C, and regenerating Life Plankton extract.
Results timeline
MONTH 2+ (56 DAYS)Instant Hydration & Soothing
Skin feels immediately more hydrated, plumped, and soothed. The lightweight texture absorbs quickly and creates a smooth, prepped canvas for the rest of your routine.
85% noticed immediate hydration boostRadiance & Texture Improvement
Skin texture feels 75% smoother. The complexion begins to look more luminous and even. In 70% of cases, the skin's water-oil balance is improved. Skin appears 52% more radiant according to clinical testing.
75% reported smoother skin textureVisible Anti-Aging Results
Fine lines appear reduced. Skin feels 90% younger and 92% more regenerated. Skin tone looks 95% clearer and 93% more even. Post-acne marks and pigmentation begin to fade noticeably.
92% felt skin was more regeneratedLong-Term Regeneration
Continued improvement in firmness, elasticity, and overall skin quality. 83% feel their skin is smoother. Barrier function is strengthened. 95% reported that friends noticed a visible improvement in their skin.
95% received compliments on their skinRatings by platform
2K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing texture that layers well under makeup
- Visible improvement in radiance and skin texture within the first week
- Soothing and gentle enough for sensitive skin and the eye area
- Elegant, luxurious dropper packaging with eco-friendly design
- A little goes a long way — 3–4 drops per application
- Clinically tested with measurable results in multiple skin parameters
- Paraben-free, colorant-free, and mineral oil-free formulation
- Pairs beautifully with other serums and moisturizers
Criticized
- Premium price point — expensive compared to similar bifida-based serums
- Contains Alcohol Denat. which may irritate very sensitive or dry skin
- Scent is divisive — some love the aquatic note, others find it unpleasant
- Not fungal acne safe due to ferments and esters
- Vitamin C concentration is modest for those seeking high-potency brightening
- Some users report initial breakouts during adjustment period
- Very dry skin may find it insufficient without a heavier moisturizer
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESSame parent company (L'Oréal). Shares 22 common ingredients including Bifida Ferment Lysate as the hero active. Adds Lactobacillus for additional probiotic benefits. More widely available but similarly priced.
Also from L'Oréal group. Features dual Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin B5 instead of fermented actives. Fragrance-free and more affordable. Lacks the probiotic regeneration angle but excels at pure hydration.
Another L'Oréal sibling. Focused on Hyaluronic Acid and Vichy Mineralizing Water. Simpler formula without ferments or Vitamin C. Excellent budget hydrator but lacks the anti-aging and regenerating depth of Life Plankton.
Contains Bifida Ferment Lysate in its formula at a lower concentration. A fraction of the price but with simpler supporting ingredients. Good entry point to ferment-based skincare on a tight budget.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. No refrigeration required.
Glass dropper bottle with chrome-finish cap. Eco-designed with 40% recycled glass and 100% FSC paper outer box. 100% recyclable.
Yes — the 30ml size is under 100ml and TSA/carry-on approved. All sizes fit easily in a toiletry bag.
Frequently asked questions
FAQThe formula does not contain retinoids, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens — the most commonly flagged ingredients during pregnancy. However, it does include Alcohol Denat. and Parfum (fragrance), which some healthcare providers may advise avoiding. We recommend consulting your OB-GYN or dermatologist before incorporating this serum into your pregnancy or breastfeeding skincare routine.
No, this serum is not considered fungal acne safe. It contains Bifida Ferment Lysate (a fermented ingredient), Octyldodecanol (a fatty alcohol), and PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate (an ester) — all of which are ingredient classes known to potentially feed Malassezia yeast. If you have fungal acne, consider alternatives like Vichy Minéral 89 or a simple Hyaluronic Acid serum without ferments.
Yes! The Life Plankton Elixir is designed as a foundational first-step serum and layers well under other active treatments. Apply this elixir first after cleansing/toning, then follow with your retinol, Vitamin C, or chemical exfoliant. The soothing properties of Life Plankton may even help buffer potential irritation from stronger actives. If you're using multiple actives, introduce them gradually to avoid overwhelming your skin.
This serum is formulated for all skin types and is especially well-suited for combination, oily, and normal skin due to its lightweight, fast-absorbing texture with a matte finish. Dry skin types will benefit from the Hyaluronic Acid hydration but should pair it with a richer moisturizer. It's also dermatologically tested for sensitive skin and safe to use around the eye area.
According to Biotherm's clinical testing and user reports, immediate hydration and soothing effects are noticeable from the first application. Within 8 days, skin texture feels up to 75% smoother and the complexion appears 52% more radiant. After 28 days of consistent use, users report improvements in 10 signs of aging including fine lines, firmness, evenness, and clarity. For best results, use twice daily (AM and PM) as directed.
Apply the Life Plankton Elixir as step 3 in your routine: after cleansing and toning, but before your treatment serums and moisturizer. It serves as a "step 0" booster serum that preps the skin and enhances the absorption of products applied afterward. In the morning, always finish with sunscreen. It can also be applied around the eye area.
No. The Life Plankton Elixir is officially non-comedogenic and has been dermatologically tested. Independent ingredient analysis (WIMJ) found zero comedogenic ingredients in the formula. It has a comedogenic rating of approximately 1 out of 5. However, as with any skincare product, individual reactions vary — if you have very acne-prone skin, we recommend patch testing first.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Once opened, use within one year for optimal efficacy and freshness. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. With recommended usage of 3–4 drops twice daily, the 30ml bottle typically lasts approximately 2–3 months, the 50ml lasts 3–5 months, and the 75ml lasts 5–7 months.
Verdict: The Biotherm Life Plankton Elixir is a well-formulated, clinically backed anti-aging serum that delivers noticeable hydration and radiance improvements within the first week. Its probiotic-rich formula featuring 5% Life Plankton, triple Hyaluronic Acid, and stable Vitamin C makes it a strong all-rounder for most skin types — particularly combination, oily, and mature skin. The lightweight texture, elegant packaging, and eco-conscious design add to its appeal. However, the premium price tag, presence of Alcohol Denat., added fragrance, and incompatibility with fungal acne keep it from a perfect score. If you are looking for a luxurious first-step serum that boosts your entire routine, the Life Plankton Elixir is an excellent choice — just be aware of the limitations and consider budget-friendly alternatives from the same L'Oréal family if price is a concern.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Bifida Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
Irritation
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Alcohol Denat.
|
|
|
| 3 |
Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Antifoaming Agent, Skin Protecting
|
|






