L’Oreal Men Expert Vita Lift

A male friend of mine uses this and wanted to know what was good about it.  It’s a two part daily moisturiser with an Orange Firming Gel (Pro-Tensium) and a White Anti-wrinkle cream (Pro-Retinol).  My first thought was that it looks similar to Revitalift under the women’s skin care and indeed it is has the same claims but the colour red has been used instead.

Is it a Gimmick to have a two part face cream?
Not always, there are some ingredients that will not work in a gel (carbomer) base and some ingredients that are better suited to a gel base.   Looking at the INCI list on the box (which I think combines both parts) carbomer isn’t mentioned, so this may well be a gimmick for this particular product, or a way to give less products as despite the normal 100ml looking box, there is only 30ml of product!

Ingredients

There is only 1 ingredient list under 781796 2, which I initially thought referred to the white cream in part 2, but when I noticed Red and Yellow colours near the top of the list, I realised this would be for the orange gel part and I noticed Retinyl Palmitate at the bottom of the list which would be for the white cream.

Ascorbyl glucoside – a stable form of vitamin C for brightening, and anti-oxidant benefits

Acetyl trifluoromethylphenyl valylglycine – is a high end skin conditioning agent – I couldn’t find too much data on this, but there are many natural skin conditioners out there ie shea butter that would probably just as effective

Ethylhexyl methoxycinammate & drometrizole – these are sunscreens, so a good product to see, the pack doesn’t advertise SPF so its possible its function is to protect the product from UV degradation

Palmitic acid – emollient (quite a basic product)

Limonene – a natural citrus odour

Peppermint Leaf extract – I suspect this is the “Pro-Tensium” as its known to have a uplifting, invigorating effect in the skin – doesn’t sound that high tech to me!

Retinyl Palmitate  (Pro-Retionol) – is a form of Vitamin A, and is more gently as its 20% weaker than Retionoic Acid and as it’s 3^rd from bottom of this list its used in miniscule amounts to make much difference.

The remainder of the ingredients are typical for skincare namely water, humectants, silicones, oils,  alcohols, thickeners/stabiliser, colours, preservatives etc. 

The Claims

1.    Pro-Tensium for making skin feel taut and firmer – a very fancy name for Peppermint Extract.
2.   Pro-Retinol a powerful ingredient for wrinkles, yes Retinol is, but this is a weaker version used at a very low level.
3.   Hydrated skin for 24 hours – possibly Acetyl trifluoromethylphenyl valyglycine is responsible for this
4.   Smoother and more supple skin – any emollient, especially petrolatum (Vaseline) would do this
5.   Non greasy, non sticky, quickly absorbed – a high silicone content would make it non greasy and the absence of carbomer in the gel would make it non sticky.

Rating (by my friend)
Value for money – £11.00 for a 30ml – 6/10 – I do think it’s expensive for a 30ml product that is neither high-end nor natural in my opinion
Effectiveness – 8/10
Pampering factor – apparently men don’t rate this!
Recommended – Yes (I really need to introduce him to new products!)