It’s a sad day for the thousands of devoted fans of the cult-classic Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 1970. The beloved toner is being discontinued due to new FDA regulations banning one of its ingredients, phenol. The product has been around for decades, used by influencers and celebrities like Nicole Kidman, as well as everyday consumers alike, and its loyal customers are surely grieving the loss of their go-to staple. Here, we get into the details of why Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 1970 is being discontinued, what you can use instead and more.
What is Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 1970?
So, what exactly is Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 and why is it so popular? The lotion is essentially an exfoliating solution, a “multifunctional lotion that exfoliates, cleanses and purifies the epidermis, helping it maintain its acid pH balance. With daily gentle purification, the skin becomes mattified and revitalized,” the brand’s website says.
Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 1970 came out in 1970 and has been a vital product in many people’s skincare routines for decades. It’s said to help smooth wrinkles, regenerate skin cells for brighter skin, treat acne and more. Some even may refer to it as “Botox in a bottle.”
Why is Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 1970 being discontinued?
Some of the main ingredients found in Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 1970 are niacinamide, glycerin, salicylic acid, sulfur and even vinegar (which helps explain its unpleasant smell). But it’s another one of its ingredients, phenol, that is causing it to be discontinued.
Phenol is an antiseptic, disinfectant and chemical compound used in both household products and some cosmetics like Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 1970. While it’s a beloved ingredient in the lotion, it, unfortunately, does pose safety risks to our skin, according to the CDC: “All forms of phenol cause irritation, and acute toxic effects of phenol most often occur by skin contact. Even dilute solutions (1% to 2%) may cause severe burns if contact is prolonged.”
Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 1970 has less than 1% of phenol in its formula, but the FDA is banning the ingredient from being used in cosmetics and skincare.
When will Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 1970 be discontinued?
The last shipments of Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 1970 to the U.S. were sent in January. This has led to many users of the product to purchase however many they can get their hands on to stock up. Essentially, once each store that sells the lotion runs out, there will be no way to get it again.
Alternatives to Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 1970
If you’re a user of Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 1970 and are now panicking to find an alternative, don’t worry. The brand will still be selling its other lotions, like Lotion P50 (not the 1970 version), Lotion P50W made for those with sensitive skin, Lotion P50V and Lotion P50 PIGM 400, all of which don’t contain phenol.
Other exfoliation lotions we like outside of Biologique Recherche are Prequel Mutli-Acid Milk Peel AHA Exfoliating Solution and Versed Daily Brightening Solution. Both of these drugstore options contain key ingredients of lactic acid and glycerin like Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 1970, without the phenol.
