I had been using, and loving, the SN-T Plant Stem Cell Goddess Cream (reviewed here) that was part of my Memebox from Nature. That cream stopped my skin from the crazy acne breakouts and also helped in healing the existing acne scars.When it was about to get over, I was thinking of stocking up more jars of it but decided to use up the other serums and creams already in my stash. I had to choose between the Chanel Hydramax + Active Gel Cream and the Prevage serum.
Having used a sample of the Prevage serum earlier, I knew that it was quite rich and moisturising (yes, the serum is very moisturising) and so, I decided to leave that for winter and to start with the Chanel. The SN-T cream also had a gel-creme texture so this would be a good continuation…
About Chanel Hydramax + Active Gel Creme:
“At the heart of the HYDRA BEAUTY range: Camellia Alba PFA (Polyfractioned Active) , an active ingredient that promotes optimal moisture retention within skin cells. When combined with an improved, more powerful version of Blue ginger PFA, a powerful antioxidant, the perfect synergie of ultimate hydration and perfection is created. A light, fresh, cooling texture bathes the skin in comfort, protection and increased radiance.”
Texture
The Chanel Hydramax + Active Gel Creme has quite a unique texture. It’s like a gel-creme but with a more whipped, airy texture. Not making much sense, am I? Well, the texture is really light weight, like a mousse, but feels like a less sticky version of a gel. Plus it is very moisturising and feels deliciously cool on the skin on application. The Gel Creme gets absorbed immediately and doesn’t feel greasy nor sticky. Like the SN-T cream, this doesn’t give a totally matte effect either, but a soft, dewy, radiant look. It also has a very pleasant, mild citrusy fragrance that smells like a blend of kiwis and lemons to me.
Ingredients:
Yes, unfortunately, it has parabens and phenoxyethanol though the jury is out on the potential harmful effects of those two.
Efficacy
The Chanel Hydramax + Active Gel Creme hydrates and moisturises the skin without making it look greasy. It doesn’t give a matte look either, just a soft, healthy, dewy look. My T-zone does get a bit oily after about 3-4 hours.
Another thing that I liked about the Hydramax + Active is that it didn’t break me out except for a couple of small ones around that time of the month. A moisturiser that doesn’t break me out is keeper for sure. Also, I need just a pea-sized amount for the entire face and the same quantity for the neck, so I feel, this cream will surely last me for around 3-4 months.
Price
The Chanel Hydramax + Active Gel Creme comes in a 50ml (1.7oz) jar and is priced at a whopping Rs. 4700. I was lucky enough to have won this in a twitter contest. Had I used this before the SN-T Plant Stem Cell Cream, I would have definitely been tempted to repurchase this because it is really wonderful for combination / oily skin. Now, however, I know that there is a similar cream available, without parabens, that has worked wonderfully on my skin at one fourth the price so I don’t think I will be re-purchasing this.
While the Chanel Hydramax + Active Gel Creme is discontinued internationally, it is still available in India. Even their Asia website shows just a mask in this range but not this cream, which, I feel, is a bit strange. However, the SA at the Chanel store told me that it isn’t discontinued or old stock. I have my doubts, however.
Anyway, have you used any Chanel skincare before? What’s your personal favourite moisturiser?
I live in the USA and can no longer purchase the discontinued Chanel Hydramax + Active Creme. This product was perfect for my extremely dry skin. Does anyone know something that feels similar and moisturizes as well?
The skincare is nice, but there are other better and more affordable options 🙂
Same here. I’ve used Chanel makeup before but not skincare. With Lancome too, I realised their makeup is fab but skincare doesn’t agree with me. I want to try out Innisfree but they haven’t opened a store in Bombay yet.
Absolutely. I’m glad won this in a contest 🙂
This is my first skincare from Chanel too 🙂
I have used Chanel makeup earlier but this is my first Skincare product from Chanel.
I have never used Chanel skincare before. Their makeup yes but skincare definitely not. I prefer to use skincare of the brands who specializes in skincare. Makeup brand’s skin care products usually doesn’t justify the prices they charge and are not up to the mark. Right now I am using Innisfree Green tea seed cream. I love it. 🙂
the price is OUCH
all i have used from chanel is their perfumes, skincare i want to try!
I have never used chanel skincare before and i dont want too..becoz of price 😀😇…anyways loved ur review dollie
Woah the price!
I have never used Chanel Skincare before. My fav moisturizer is from Just Herbs.
Hope I can give Chanel a try someday 🙂
Thank you for the review Dollie. 😀