The Biologique Recherche Guide
Lotion P50 is step two of the Biologique Recherche method: after the Lait, before serum and cream. Here is where it fits morning and evening, which version suits your skin, and what it pairs with.
Lotion P50 is Biologique Recherche’s signature exfoliating lotion and the cornerstone of its method. Used after cleansing and before serum and cream, it exfoliates the skin’s surface layers so the products that follow can do their work.
There are five face lotions in the range, each built for a different skin: P50 for oily skin, P50T for oily skin going through a delicate phase, P50W for thin or sensitive skin, P50V for skin lacking tone, and P50 PIGM 400 for dull, uneven pigmentation. Below: where it fits morning and evening, how to start, and what it does and doesn’t pair with.
How it works
The same order works morning and evening. Only the last step changes.
Massage a Biologique Recherche Lait over face, neck and décolleté, then rinse with cool water. Choose the Lait for your skin.
Dab over face, neck and décolleté with a cotton pad in upward strokes. Don't scrub, and keep away from the eye area. In week one, dampen the pad with water first. From week two, use the lotion on its own.
Apply your serum morning and/or evening, as its label directs, with upward massage strokes. Go gently with strong actives: see compatibility below.
Shop serumsExfoliated skin is more sensitive to UV. Avoid sun exposure straight after applying P50, and end every morning routine with a broad-spectrum SPF.
Shop sun protectionFind your match
Step 1 · CleanseLAIT S.R.Purifies and rebalances combination and oily skin.
Step 2 · ExfoliateLotion P50Purifies and regulates excess sebum.
Together $125.00
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Step 1 · CleanseLAIT S.R.Mattifies while it soothes.
Step 2 · ExfoliateLotion P50TBalances oil through a delicate skin phase.
Together $180.00
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Step 1 · CleanseLAIT DERMO-SSoothes fragile, reactive skin.
Step 2 · ExfoliateLotion P50WProgressive exfoliation that hydrates and calms.
Together $180.00
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Step 1 · CleanseLait E.V.Replenishes lipids as it cleanses.
Step 2 · ExfoliateLotion P50VTones and energizes tired skin.
Together $190.00
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Step 1 · CleanseLait VIP O2Oxygenates and purifies dull skin.
Step 2 · ExfoliateLotion P50 PIGM 400Brightens uneven pigmentation. Ideal as a first P50.
Together $190.00
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Shop the edit
Exfoliating & Brightening Lotion
For dull skin with uneven pigmentation. Exfoliates and brightens. Biologique Recherche recommends it for first-time P50 users.
Exfoliating & Purifying Lotion
For thin, dehydrated or sensitive skin. A progressive exfoliation with hydrating, soothing ingredients, often the first P50 for sensitive skin.
Exfoliating & Purifying Lotion
For skin lacking vitality and tone. A gentle, progressive exfoliation enriched with vitamins to tone and energize.
Exfoliating & Purifying Lotion
The purifying original, for oily skin and skin prone to congestion or thickened texture. Exfoliates, purifies and rebalances.
Exfoliating, Balancing, Calming Lotion
For oily skin going through a delicate phase. Exfoliates, mattifies and helps regulate excess sebum while keeping skin hydrated.
Questions
Lotion P50 sits in the same place either way: after your Lait, before serum and cream. Start in the evening, every other night for the first week or two, then build to nightly and, if your skin stays comfortable, morning and evening. On mornings you use it, finish with SPF.
Biologique Recherche advises against using Lotion P50 during treatment with retinoic acid, which includes prescription tretinoin. With an over-the-counter retinol, don't layer the two in the same routine. Use them on alternate evenings, and check with your dermatologist or esthetician first.
Every P50 already contains exfoliating acids, so skip extra AHA or BHA toners, peels and scrubs in the same routine. Biologique Recherche specifically says not to combine Lotion P50T with AHA products.
Add a vitamin C serum after Lotion P50 only once your skin is used to the lotion, or keep vitamin C for the morning and P50 for the evening. Lotion P50 PIGM 400 already contains vitamin C.
A light tingle for a few seconds is normal, especially in the first weeks. Burning, lasting redness or flaking means you should use it less often or switch to a gentler version such as P50W or P50T. Never apply it to scratched or irritated skin.
Yes. Biologique Recherche advises avoiding sun exposure straight after applying Lotion P50, and freshly exfoliated skin burns more easily. Wear a broad-spectrum SPF every morning.
No. Keep every P50 lotion away from the eyes and eye area. If any gets in, rinse with clean water for one to two minutes.
Biologique Recherche doesn't give pregnancy guidance on its product pages. Check with your doctor before starting or continuing any exfoliating lotion while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Biologique Recherche suggests Lotion P50 PIGM 400 for first-time use and P50W for sensitive skin. Use the skin-type picker above, or book a consultation with our team.
