You noticed the new ingredient list too? Yeah, so did I. And honestly? My first thought was *why fix what wasn’t broken.*
The original was a one-and-done glow. Now? I’m side-eyeing the bottle. The real issue isn’t just the formula swap — it’s that the texture went from “sinks in immediately” to “sits on my skin like a polite oil slick.” That’s a problem when you’re paying for speed.
🔬 **The Original vs. The New**
This is Biossance‘s squalane + vitamin C rose oil — $48 for 1 oz. The claim: brighten + hydrate in one step. I tried it because I wanted a glow without a 10-step routine.
1. **Squalane base** — Was the thinnest squalane I’d ever used. Absorbed in 10 seconds flat.
2. **Vitamin C derivative** — THD ascorbate. Stable, non-irritating. Actually worked.
3. **Rose oil** — Smelled like a fancy spa, not grandma’s bathroom.
⚠️ **What’s Actually Inside Now**
New formula swapped out some of the squalane for a heavier ester. It’s still “clean” but feels richer — borderline greasy. Hero ingredients are still there, but the ratios shifted.
– **Squalane**: Still the star, but less of it. Boo.
– **THD Ascorbate**: Same vitamin C. Still brightens.
– **Tocopherol**: Vitamin E. Good for barrier repair.
– **Rose flower oil**: Still there. Still smells lovely.
👃 **First Impressions: Nope, Then… Okay**
Texture is thicker. Oily. First pump felt like I’d accidentally grabbed body oil. Took a full 2 minutes to absorb — felt like forever.
Week 2 honest update: my skin adjusted. It’s not *bad*, just different. The glow is still there, but now I have to blot after 4 hours. Surprising win? The new formula actually plays nicer under makeup — no pilling.
💡 **One Thing** Warm 2 drops between your palms and press — don’t rub. Cuts the greasy finish by half.
💸 **Real Results: Did It Actually Do Anything?**
Skin is brighter. No breakouts. But the old version gave me the same result in half the time with zero residue.
✅ **Buy if** you have dry or mature skin and want a glow that lasts through winter.
⏭️ **Skip if** you’re oily or live in humidity. You’ll look like a glazed donut.
💰 **Worth it?** Only if you loved the original and can’t find it. Otherwise, save your $48.
🧪 **Final Verdict: Reformulation Roulette**
It’s still a good oil. But it’s no longer a *great* one. The magic of “absorbs instantly” is gone.
7.5/10 — Good glow, greasier glow
🛍️ **Where to Buy** Sephora or the brand site. Get the travel size first — trust me.