When I was stocking up on Eucerin’s Hydro-Balance Refreshing Hydrating Cream (it has replaced my Clinique’s Moisture Surge. I’ll talk about this in a future post), Eucerin’s latest range of skincare products, Hyaluron-Filler, caught my eye. And since it contains hyaluronic acid, which I have yet to try, I thought I’d give this a go.

I’ve been using this for over a month now, so I think it should be all right for me to review this moisturiser.

First of all, what the heck is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid* (also known as hyaluronan) is a naturally occurring biopolymer, which serves important biological functions in bacteria and higher animals including humans. Naturally occurring, hyaluronic acid may be found in the tissue of higher animals, in particular as intercellular space filler.

The effect hyaluronic acid seems to have on the skin is at the level of promoting the formation of collagen. These are the fibres that firm the skin. Hyaluronidase, an enzyme that breaks down collagen fibres, is produced by free radicals and UV radiation. These factors breaks down fibres of collagen can cause premature wrinkles and sagging of the skin. Focusing on hyaluronic acid, it would seem reasonable therefore, that reducing the free radicals is a major key to reducing the hyaluronidase enzyme and secondly to promote normal levels of hyaluronic acid in the skin.

Scientific mumbo-jumbo aside, it plumps the skin from inside out, making it appear smoother.

Okay, now back to the review.

When you remove the cover of the moisturiser, you’ll find it sealed with aluminum foil. I find this a very hygienic way of packing the cream in to avoid contaminants, because I’ve seen people (okay, me included. Sometimes *gulp*) at the stores removing the cover to give it a sniff and a feel before buying.

The texture of the cream is quite thick and rich for the skin. Which made me wonder at first if this was good for oily skin, because I was afraid it might break me out, as my skin cannot take creams which are too rich. It did break me out, after using it for a few days. I persevered on with the cream, determined to find out if it actually works.

Over a week on, the pimples were gone, and I started to notice a difference in my skin. The dry, peeling skin at the corners of my mouth were gone. The skin was hydrated. The cheeks do appear “plumper” and smooth. This was all great news for me.

A while later, it broke me out once more, on my forehead. That was when I realised that I’ve been using a little too much of the moisturiser on my skin. As I have a very oily T-zone, I cut down the amount of cream I slathered on the area (just a touch of the finger on the cream was enough), whilst maintaining the same amount on the cheeks.

Once I got the amount of cream right on my face, I started getting smoother skin. I use this only at night, and when I put it on, my skin will look very oily. However, the very next morning, the shine on my T-zone is gone, and I wake up with, believe it or not, visibly smoother skin.

Oh I kid you not.

Who do I recommend this for?

I’d recommend this for those with dry skin and stay for long periods in an air-conditioned room. I would not recommend this for those with oily skin in a hot and humid climate because it’s far too rich. It works for me here because the humidity is relatively low and I can thankfully get away with it.

A snag about this cream though – I do not like the smell. It smells something like processed soy beans, lots and lots of soy beans. Now I love soy milk, but this is just meh. But I’m sucking it up because it works for me, and I’m determined to at least finish the jar to come to a final conclusion on whether I’d repurchase or not (I most likely will).

Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler Wrinkle Filling Night Treatment (50ml) is available at Malaysian drugstores like Watsons and Guardian, and is sold at RM98.

What I like about it: Good night cream which hydrates the skin, making it appear fuller.

What I did not like about it: The smell. Too bean-y!

You can also read more about Eucerin’s Hyaluron-Filler range and hyaluronic acid on Viva Woman.

*Source: Hyaluronic Acid – The Latest Craze In “Natural” Skin Care?