Frequently Asked Questions

Lotion P50 by Biologique Recherche is a multi-purpose French skincare product capable of combining the benefits of exfoliating, purifying, toning, and moisturizing all in one product. This exfoliating toning lotion enables the reconstitution of the epidermal shield. Once reinforced, the epidermis is fully protected and helps promote the auto-renewing capabilities of the skin.  

Exfoliate skin. Removal of the utmost rough layers of the skin, increasing its radiance and brightening the skin. 

Purify and decongest. Frees the epidermis of impurities that clog the pores. 

Tones, smoothes and tightens. Smoothens the skin's surface through gentle exfoliation and balancing ph levels.

Prepares your skin to better receive and improve the performance of your other skincare serums and face creams..

Each Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 is formulated for a particular skin type and produces a specific result. Each contain common ingredients and a specific and precise combination of AHA, PHA and BHA exfoliating acids along with highly active botanical extracts. Each is cold formulated, enriched with vitamins with no artifical fragrances or preservatives for long lasting results.

There are 5 different Lotion P50 forumlas customized for your individual skin issues and needs. 

Lotion P50 is best suited for combination acne prone skin. Its ingredients include power exfoliators such as vinegar, salicylic acid, and lactic acid. Together, they help resurface the skin. It's most suitable for "tough," acne-prone, or super-oily skin.  Perfect for congested skinand treating blackheads.

Lotion P50V - Bets suited for dull and dehydrated skin. This medium-potency formula is suitable for dry skin types. Apart from containing AHAs, PHAs, and BHAs (unclogging and smoothing acids), these formulas also reduce inflammation and brighten the skin. The "V"stands for vitamin enriched.

Lotion P50W - Best suited for sensitive skin or someone just starting to use exfoliating acids. A mild Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 formula with a precise gentle mix of exfoliating acids that wont irritate skin.

Lotion P50T - The gentlest of formulas. This newly launched forumla is perefct for ultra-sensitive skin that is prone to redness and irritation. The gently mix of exfolaiting acids helps to balance skin's ph levels and exfoliate without causing redness or inflammtion. Perfect for thos just starting their P50 journey.

Lotion P50 Pigm 400- This variant was created solely for anyone who experiences hyperpigmentation such as melasma, sun spots or dark spots. It's gentler than the Lotion P50 but effectively exfoliates dead skin cells to smoothen and even out your skin tone. It also enables your skin to regulate melanin production ot help prevent dark spots from reappearing.

Please note the Lotion P50 1970 formulas with phenol have been discontinued in the USA as of January 2025. They are no longer available or manufactured by Biologique Recherche due to new FDA product regulations.

As you would expect from a luxury skincare product of this caliber, each P50 formula shares some active ingredients. These ingredients exist in categories, namely: 

Exfoliating platform - These include AHA alpha-hydroxy acids (lactic acids, malic acid, and citric acid), cider vinegar, BHA beta hydroxy acid (salicylic acid), PHA poly hydroxy acid (gluconolactone), phytic acid, levulinic acid, and sulfur.  

Purifying platform- The ingredients under this category are magnesium chloride, horseradish extract, vitamin B3 (niacinamide), and burdock extract.  

Sebum regulating platform - The ingredients here are onion extract, thyme essential oil, yeast extract, and capsicum extract.  

Smoothing platform - The ingredients that serve as smoothing agents include soapbark extract, sponge extract, and walnut extract.  

Soothing platform - Arnica extract, a herbaceous perennial plant, provides the only anti-inflammatory ingredient in this category.  

Lightening and anti-dark spot platform- Comprises ingredients like complex fruits titrated in flavonoids and AHAs and Palmaria palmata extract. 

We recommend using Lotion P50 once a day at first until your skin adjusts to the active ingrdeients. Best to use in the evening after thoroughly cleansing. Once your skin adjusts after 1-2 weeks, it can be used morning and night depending on your skin type and tolerance. As a chemical exfoliating toner with active acids, it is important to introduce P50 gradually to avoid irritation while allowing the skin to adapt.

As its name indicates, Lotion P50 gently renews the skin over 50 days – 'P' stands for peeling and '50' stands for 50 days – which represents about two epidermal cycles. The time typically needed for a gentle yet effective exfoliating process to balance and renew the skin. 

You can purchase the full collection of Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 exfoliating toners and skincare at Paul Labrecque Salon & Skincare Spa. Paul Labrecque is the Original Biologique Recherche online retailer and Skincare Spa in the USA since 1998. You can purchase online at www.paullabrecque.com or in spa at their NYC or Palm Beach locations. All orders ship free and include free generous samples.