Lancôme youth activating concentrate how to use

When it comes to widely beloved skin-care products, most brands that have been in the game for as long as Lancôme has, have a hero product that’s both well-known and well-loved.

And if you’ve worked in beauty anytime in the past decade, you’ve probably tried them all. I have…for the most part. I may have been living under a rock, but somehow I missed the memo on Lancôme’s Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Serum. Until now.

Photographed by Aaron Lippman

All the Goldilocks-levels of product testing I do for my job brought me to Lancôme’s Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Serum. Its main active ingredient is 10% Bifidus Prebiotic (aka 10 percent bifida ferment lysate.) Plus, it happens to be one of the brand’s top sellers. The serum’s main ingredient is actually what got my attention in the first place. What kind of beauty editor would I be if I didn’t pick up any ingredient savviness along the way? Fermented ingredients were my initial gateway into a six-to-10-step skin-care routine ages ago. I was beyond impressed with its ability to rapidly fade hyperpigmentation marks and brighten my overall complexion — it was the first time people actually complimented me on my skin.

As someone with well-behaved skin, for the most part, I’m still prone to dehydration, hyperpigmentation, and the occasional dull spell or congested pores. Breakouts aren’t a major issue for me other than the occasional hormonal party crasher, which usually ends up leaving a dark spot on its way out, regardless of whether I pick or not. (Rude!)

I’m not too fussy about retinol or Botox yet, but I am on a multi-step program in my skin-care routine. Double-cleansing, toner, moisturizer, and sunscreen are always in the mix, but I’ll often go rogue with serums and treatments — the entire goal of which being to be carded well into my 40s.

Anyway, while in the midst of a meh skin spell, replete with tired-looking skin around my eyes, dull texture, and a couple of post-blemish marks taking their sweet time on the way out, I added the Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Serum to my morning and evening routine, tucked in between my toner and moisturizer steps. The self-loading dropper makes it easy to dose out each application. The serum itself feels like a silky liquid; it’s quite lightweight, spreads easily, and absorbs quickly — no sticky feeling afterward. I did notice that my skin did feel considerably more quenched right after applying it, though. My eye cream and moisturizer seemed to apply more easily on top of it. (Are serums actually a bit like primers for moisturizer? Perhaps.)

Photographed by Aaron Lippman

After following this routine for a week — seven days, if you want to get specific — I noticed that my skin felt plumper and more hydrated, like it had gone on some wellness retreat without me, returning slightly changed and with a subtle glow up that spoke either of a life of extreme comfort or else a newly acquired secret. My skin suddenly had the smug confidence of someone with a winning hand in poker. I guess it only takes seven days for my skin to develop a superiority complex. If a sense of mystery is attractive in a woman, my skin is basically Carmen Sandiego after using this serum for one week.

I understand why Lancôme offers so many size options for this serum on its website. There are five sizes to choose from, in varying price points — I can’t think of any other skin-care brands that would bother divvying up one product into five different size options. The smallest size at 0.67 ounces is $52. The largest size is 3.4 ounces, and that’s $178. So you’ve got options beyond wearing a rotating set of disguises to cop multiple free samples at the Lancôme counter.

We put the Lancôme Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate to the test after receiving a complimentary sample from the brand. Keep reading for our full product review.

As a freshly minted 30-year-old, I’m enamored with anti-aging skincare products. From retinol and serums to overnight masks and peels, I’ll happily slather anything on my face that promises smoother fine lines and an even, supple complexion (even if I have to risk a pimple or five) in the name of prevention. 

So when the top-rated Lancôme Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate came across my WFH desk, I was intrigued—this cult-favorite elixir promises to address 10 key signs of aging while deeply hydrating and nourishing the skin. But never mind the marketing jargon—flesh-and-blood beauty fanatics across Sephora, Ulta, and the like claim that this serum lives up to the hype. It boasts an impressive 4.4 stars on Sephora, 4.8 at Ulta, and another 4.8 on the Lancôme website, totaling roughly 10,500 (mostly) positive reviews. 

After quickly glancing at the ingredient list, I slathered a full dropper of the silky liquid across my freshly-cleansed face, followed up with my daily moisturizer, and proceeded to repeat this process each day for the next two weeks. Find my unfiltered thoughts on this hero serum below, including whether or not it’s earned a long-term place in my skincare routine.

Lancôme Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate

Best for: All skin types, particularly dry skin. 

Uses: Formulated with bifidus prebiotic, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides, this silky serum delivers a potent dose of hydration while strengthening the skin’s moisture barrier to defend against environmental pollution and UV rays. 

Potential allergens: Not likely 

Active ingredients: Bifidus prebiotic 10% 

Clean?: No; contains PEGs.

Price: $105 for 1.7 oz.

About the brand: Lancôme is a legacy French beauty brand known for its luxurious and timeless skincare, fragrances, and makeup. It’s been around since the 1930s and remains a respected, popular beauty brand to this day.

About My Skin: Combination, acne-prone, and a bit dull

My skin sports dry patches and painful cystic acne in nearly equal measure—a combination that often results in a dull complexion overall. Aside from my love of testing potent anti-aging products, I try to keep my skincare routine as simple and consistent as possible—a heavy moisturizer or harsh peel can easily induce an acne or eczema breakout in minutes. I generally look for lightweight products that contain soothing humectants and gentle yet hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, to replenish my skin and keep breakouts at bay.

The Scent and Feel: Runny yet absorbent with a faint citrus scent

The consistency and feel of the Lancôme Youth Activating Concentrate immediately reminded me of a hyaluronic acid serum—it has an almost slimy texture yet is incredibly absorbent and lightweight. My skin basically drank this serum; it was completely dry to the touch just minutes after application and layered beautifully underneath my moisturizer and foundation. It boasts a very faint citrus scent that almost reminds me of a refreshing laundry detergent (in a good way). Overall, I’d say the texture and scent fall distinctly into the “pro” column.

The Ingredients: A bit of a mixed bag

Lancôme Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate’s hero ingredient is definitely the 10% bifidus prebiotic, or bifida ferment lysate. This fermented ingredient does the same for your skin that a probiotic supplement does for your gut: nourishes and adds to the “good” bacteria present to create a healthy, balanced environment. Per the brand’s website, it also protects your complexion against UV damage (though you should still wear SPF!) while reinforcing the skin’s vital moisture barrier for optimal hydration. Coupled with replenishing hyaluronic acid and antioxidant vitamin C, this serum is just as hydrating as it is balancing. Ceramides like phytosphingosine round out the formula and help the skin retain moisture. 

With that said, this product also contains a good amount of alcohol denat (the third ingredient on the list), in addition to potentially irritating scent ingredients like limonene, citronellol, and fragrance. While the former is likely what gives it its absorbent, fast-drying consistency, alcohol denat can be drying and may counteract the work of the hydrating bifidus prebiotic, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides. While alcohol isn’t all bad, many people avoid any and all beauty products that contain alcohol, so it’s really a matter of personal preference.

The Results: Great for balancing out dull, dehydrated skin

Because Lancôme's Youth Activating Concentrate is so intensely hydrating, you see results pretty quickly—my skin looked noticeably quenched with a subtle glow after the first application, and this only improved as time went on. I also love how lightweight and absorbent it is—it’s innocuous enough to layer underneath my moisturizer and makeup without having to worry about clogging pores or inciting a breakout. In a way, I see it as a really low-risk product; I don’t feel like I’m tempting a breakout or skin irritation when using it, which is somewhat rare for my sensitive complexion. 

Of course, I say all of this as a person that chiefly deals with dry, dull skin—I’m not sure whether a person with an oily, hydrated complexion would notice the same drastic improvements. What’s more, I’m not sure if “anti-aging” is the right word for this product; I feel like the soft skin, plumped lines, and dewy complexion are a result of its hydrating properties rather than strong anti-aging ingredients, like retinol.

The Value: A bit pricey for the ingredient list

While Lancôme's Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate does boast a few hero ingredients, there are other products on the market that contain a combination of bifidus prebiotic, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C without some of the more drying ingredients mentioned above. What’s more, I do feel like this product falls into the “hydrating” category rather than the “anti-aging” category, and when you view it from that perspective, there are countless cheaper hydrating products out there (for example, Neutrogena's Hydro Boost line). The serum still does a good job and is worth a try, but it's far from the only purchase you can make if budget is your priority.

Similar Products: You've got options

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum: This is definitely the most comparable product on the market to Lancôme's Youth Activating Concentrate—it’s no surprise that it has garnered similar hype and reviews. This iconic Estée Lauder serum ($75) is formulated with bifida ferment lysate, lactobacillus ferment (another helpful probiotic), hydrating glycerin, and hyaluronic acid to deliver comparable hydration and bounce.

Good Light We Come in Peace Probiotic Serum: This buzzy elixir from Good Light ($24) contains bakuchiol, lactococcus ferment lysate, carrot seed oil, and blue tansy to nurture your skin’s microbiome while fading hyperpigmentation and calming inflammation.

Glossier Super Bounce: If you’re looking for a solid hyaluronic acid serum, Glossier's Super Bounce ($28) is an affordable pick packed with soothing ingredients like pro-vitamin B5. Fans say it made their skin extra soft, smooth, and supple.

Final Verdict

 Lancôme’s Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate is a great, low-risk buy if you’re looking to hydrate and replenish your skin without layering on potentially irritating, oily ingredients. I don't think this necessarily qualifies as "anti-aging," but it had visible benefits and I’ll definitely continue to use this before bed to boost my skin’s hydration overnight.

How do you use Youth Activating Concentrate?

Do you use Lancome Genifique in the morning or night?

What is Lancôme Youth Activating Concentrate?

What are the benefits of Lancome Advanced Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate?