Biossance dropped a new version of their Vitamin C Rose Oil and the internet is clutching its pearls. The old formula is gone — replaced with something that smells less like a garden and more like a lab.
The real issue? They swapped squalane percentages and nixed the actual rose extract. Fans are furious because the texture went from “luxe cloud” to “slick puddle.”
It’s still $72 for 1 oz. The brand claims “brighter, firmer skin in 4 weeks” — same as before. I bought it because the OG made my dull winter face look alive.
Squalane Base Shift
Less squalane, more silicones — feels lighter but less cushiony.
Vitamin C Type
Still THD ascorbate (stable, non-irritating) but lower on the ingredient list now.
Fragrance Swap
Synthetic rose scent instead of actual rose flower extract. Huge L for aroma nerds.
Photo: ibnu ihza / Unsplash
Hero actives are THD ascorbate (vitamin C ester) and squalane — but the squalane dropped from near the top to middle of the list. The rose oil is now fragrance, not a functional ingredient.
- Squalane: Hydrates without greasiness — but there’s less of it
- THD Ascorbate: Brightening vitamin C that won’t sting
- Tocopherol: Vitamin E to stabilize the C
- Fragrance (Rose): Pretty smell, zero skin benefit
Photo: Mariia Shalabaieva / Unsplash
Pours like water, spreads fast, absorbs in about 20 seconds. The old one took 10 seconds but left a dewy veil — this dries down almost matte. First thought: “Did I put enough on?”
Week 3 and my skin looks fine — not glowing, just fine. The surprise? No breakouts, but also no “wow” moment. It’s become a boring moisturizer step instead of a ritual.
Photo: Igor Rand / Unsplash
Dark spots faded maybe 10% after a month. Texture stayed the same. No irritation, but also no compliments on my “glow.”
The reformulation is a lateral move at best — it works, but it lost the soul that made people obsess over it. Not bad, just forgettable.