Bionova Bioactive Cream Activator

First things first, as with my other Bionova reviews, if you haven’t been keeping up, make sure to FIRST read Bionova: The Next Generation in Skincare, then read Bionova Nano Skin Tech: First Impression, THEN come back here!

At first, I was a bit confused about this product and what it was. My confusion was short lived, as Bionova is great about providing instructions and advice. The Cream Activator is used right after cleansing, but right before applying the Anti-Stress Care. It basically takes the place of both a toner and a serum- don’t we all love to save time and money?!

The Bioactive Cream Activator enhances the performance of the Nano Complexes in the Nano Skin Tech creams, such as the Anti-Stress Care. In other words, the term “cream” does not apply to the product itself; instead, it means it activates the cream you are about to put on. A separate toner is not needed because the Cream Activator maintains the skins optimal pH balance as well as helps clear blemishes and congested skin, and prevents breakouts. A serum is not needed because the Activator  also revitalizes the complexion, reduces skin irritation, and helps the skin look visibly younger (Bionova, n.d.).

Like the Bioactive Facial Mask, the Cream Activator contains some familiar ingredients, such as hydrolyzed collagen and elastin. It also contains the same glutathione and acetyl cysteine (see explanation here). It contains preservatives, such as imidazolidinyl urea, which inhibit bacterial growth. It’s far less likely for this ingredient to cause an allergic reaction than other preservatives. It’s also a better option that using alcohol in the formula, which can dry out the skin, and cause even more irritation (DermNet, 2014).

The Cream Activator also contains some great active ingredients, like carnosine. Carnosine is a dipeptide, a naturally occurring combination of two amino acids (beta-alanine and histidine), which has been proven to reverse the signs of aging in senescent cells (Barron, 2015). Another superb ingredient is adenosine, which is rated as a “best” by Paula’s Choice– that’s high praise coming from Paula Begoun, who is known for picking apart ingredients even more than me. I’ll admit the word “adenosine” jumped out at me because of my history as a coroner, considering adenosine triphosphate (or lack thereof) plays the major role in rigor mortis! Anyway, adenosine occurs naturally in our cells and is classified as a cell-communicating ingredient and helps support healthy cellular activity. Adenosine also functions as an anti-irritant (Begoun, 2015).

As a result of the bioactive ingredients, the Cream Activator has the same fresh smell as the cleanser. It’s quite viscous, so it spreads very easily. Bionova recommends applying the Anti-Stress Care immediately, while the Activator is still wet. My skin has been responding very well to this regimen, and I can’t wait to post my results!

Bionova Bioactive Cream Activator is available at Dermstore.com, Barney’s, and directly from Bionova.

See also:

Bionova: The Next Generation in Skincare

Bionova Nano Skin Tech: First Impression

Review of Bionova Bioactive Cleanser

Review of Bionova Bioactive Facial Mask

Sources:

Barron, J. (2015). Carnosine, key for natural anti-aging solutions. The Baseline of Health Foundation. Retrieved November 6, 2015, from www.jonbarron.org.

Begoun, P. (2015). Adenosine. Ingredient Dictionary. Retrieved November 6, 2015, from www.paulaschoice.com.

DermNet (2014). Allergy to imidazolidinyl urea. DermNet NZ. Retrieved November 6, 2015, from www.dermnetnz.org.