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Biossance Skincare Mystery Bag Review – December 2019

Jessica Hapak
ByJessica HapakJan 10, 2020 | 8 comments

Biossance is a clean beauty company that focuses on sustainably-sourced squalane as a key ingredient in all of their formulas. They recently released a limited-edition mystery bag, which is now sold out.

My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).

About the Biossance Skincare Mystery Bag

The Box: Biossance Mystery Bag

The Cost: $70

The Products: “We’ve handpicked 6 of our bestsellers (including two full-sized products) for just $70, delivered in our reusable jute tote.”

Ship to: The US for free.

Biossance Skincare Mystery Bag Review

Everything came in this reusable jute tote, which came in handy when I was moving this past week! It was surprisingly sturdy, and I will be putting this to good use. Also, before we dive into this review I think it would be helpful to go over what squalane is since it is the signature ingredient from the brand. First off, some sources of squalane can be harvested from shark liver, and our skin naturally produces squalene in its moisture barrier, but our skin's production decreases as we age. Having it as a skincare ingredient is going to help with retaining moisture and calming redness, and I personally am a big fan. This shouldn't make oily skin more oily if that is a concern of yours- just start with a small amount before you go to bed and see how you like it.

 

Squalane + Glycolic Renewal Facial, 2 oz - Retail Value $68

I try to avoid intense exfoliation in favor of more gentle exfoliation, but that doesn't have to be my permanent position. This has some exfoliating powerhouses with glycolic, lactic, malic, and tartaric acid, along with squalane and licorice root to calm any inflammation and irritation from all of those acids. I wouldn't use a mask this strong more than once or twice a month for my personal skin needs, but my skin was definitely more soft and brighter after using.

 

100% Squalane Oil, 3.3 oz - Retail Value $32

I recently had the joy of getting an upper respiratory infection so bad I had to brace myself to swallow and I partially ruptured my eardrum from trying to balance the pressure in my ears (such a fun time!). While I was feeling like the walking dead, the last thing I cared about was my skincare routine- and I was actually in Arizona visiting my mom at the time, where the air is much drier. I had packed this in my travel bag, and this bad boy is the only thing I slathered on my face for two nights after I washed any sweat off my face. This pure oil helps my skin hold onto its moisture both when I’m too sick to deal or when I’m layering ten different products because I felt like it. 

 

Squalane + Rose Vegan Lip Balm, 0.08 oz - Estimated Value $4.50 (Buy the 0.35 oz version for $18)

I wanted to love this- I love squalane, I love rose, and I love the packaging. But while this is packed with good ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and algae (plus the obvious!), my lips were left craving the nourishment provided by non-vegan ingredients like beeswax or lanolin. My lips get pretty dry, though, and if you're looking for a vegan lip balm alternative this did do a good enough job that I would recommend it.

 

Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum, 0.34 oz - Retail Value $29

I am in love with the ingredients list on this serum- three out of the first five are squalane, niacinamide, and Bakuchiol, which is a plant-based retinol alternative. Niacinamide is great for brightening and evening out your complexion, and if you’ve read this far I think you know how great squalane is.  This was a winner, and I felt the hydrating ingredients balanced the Bakuchiol well since retinol and retinol alternatives can be drying. This travel size comes in at one-third the size of the full-size version, too, which is awesome.

Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil, 0.85 oz - Retail Value $10

Along with squalane, this cleansing oil is made with oat kernel oil and did a great job of breaking down a full face of makeup. This was gentle on my skin, but I don't have any issues with most essential oils. This is made with lavender and rosemary oil along with limonene and linalool, so be mindful if your skin is sensitive to fruit and essential oils.

 

Squalane + Peptide Eye Gel, 0.14 oz - Estimated Value $14.40 (Buy the 0.5 oz version for $54)

I love this eye cream! If I didn't have enough eye creams from subscription boxes, I would have already purchased the full size. This is the perfect morning eye cream for me. It is a lightweight gel that absorbs into my skin very quickly, and along with squalane this also has aloe, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and caffeine. While eye creams can't do much for hereditary dark circles, this definitely added a boost to my eyes after a restless night of sleep.

The Verdict: I was so excited to review this box, and I am happy to report it did not disappoint. I loved trying out more from the Biossance line, and I definitely found a few new favorites in both that eye cream, cleansing oil, and pure squalane oil. If you've been interested in trying Biossance, I definitely recommend picking up their next mystery box. Value-wise, everything in this kit adds up to $157.90.

To Wrap Up:

Can you get this box if you order today? No, this is now sold out.

Value Breakdown: This box cost $70 and I calculated an estimated total value of $157.90. That means you're paying approximately the following per item:

  • Renewing Mask: $30.14
  • Pure Oil: $14.18
  • Lip Balm: $1.99
  • Serum: $12.85
  • Cleansing Oil: $4.43
  • Eye Gel: $6.38

Craving more skincare? Check out our list of the best beauty subscription boxes, as recommended by our readers!

What do you think of the Biossance Skincare Mystery Bag? Did you order one?

Jessica Hapak
Jessica Hapak
I am a staunch believer that pineapple doesn’t belong on pizza and when I’m not working as a family law attorney I enjoy hiking the Louisiana trails (alligator sightings are a favorite!) or relaxing with Duchess, my cat. I’m a sucker for anything labeled a mystery box and I’ve never met a bath bomb I didn’t like.

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8 comments

Luna

Biossance has a new mystery bag out now! 🙂 It’s $65, includes 6 products with two being full size. The bag included is different too!

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Luna

Also, enter code RENEW for 3 free minis & free shipping.

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Swati

Can you please add a clarification that Biossance uses plant based squalene? Their big selling point is that they don’t use shark liver because the demand for cosmetics with squalene is leading to the extinction of many shark species. Thanks!

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Beth

This looks like a great box! I did have to laugh that a commenter predicted the full size item in the original post, though – the pure squalene oil is the cheapest product in biossance’s lineup and lo and behold, everyone received it!

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Nicole

This is such a great value and loved the variety of items. Awesome breakdown and review!

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julia

I’m so glad I ordered this when it was avabilable. I got the full sized moisurizer which I was thrilled with. I use every single thing and love them all. I’ll be jumping on this again if they offer it. I really like this brand.

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Blushandbats

I wish I picked one of these up! The value is awesome. I have a trial size of the eye cream and it’s lasted sooo long

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LJ

I’m a fan of this brand and like the cleansing oil for my skin (dry and sensitive). I didn’t order this since I have so many other products I need to use from other subscriptions, but this seems like it was a solid deal for some of their more mainstream products.

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