I tried the New Ever Bilena Plus Skin Booster Serums and Ceramide Barrier Sealing Cream: Here’s how they fared on my dry, dehydrated maturing skin
Photography by Perkin Gotohio
This story is brought to you by Ever Bilena
Serums are usually counted beyond basic skincare and that’s because they have targeted benefits that add on to a routine. These concentrated boosters are often priced higher but Ever Bilena Plus recently released affordable serums for only P395 each. Let’s see how they fare on my skin!
There's a total of six serums formulated for different skin concerns. They are made in Korea and 100% cruelty-free. Five out of the six serums are also fragrance-free. I tried them out together with the Ceramide Barrier Sealing Cream and here is my experience:
The Basic Boosters: EB Plus Hyaluronic Acid Moisture Boost Serum and EB Plus Ultra Peptide Serum
The EB Plus Hyaluronic Acid Moisture Boost Serum (P395) promises to draw-in and lock-in moisture, making this ideal for dry skin but also suitable for normal and combination skin types. Its main ingredients are Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, and Macadamia Seed Oil. Texture-wise, it is lightweight and easily absorbed though it leaves the skin slightly tacky. I used it in the morning and evening as recommended and while I felt that it added some hydration to my skin, I know that I could get the same effect from hydrating toners. This serum may pair better with an exfoliating toner which I don’t normally use.
Before applying the EB Plus Hyaluronic Serum
After applying the EB Plus Hyaluronic Serum. My skin instantly looks hydrated and less dull, though slightly sticky
The EB Plus Ultra Peptide Serum (P395) is meant to boost collagen production and minimize fine lines and wrinkles which are two common signs of aging. Formulated with nine types of Peptides, Glycerin, and Hyaluronic Acid, this serum is best for dry to normal, mature/aging skin. Its texture is also light and easily absorbed but feels noticeably less tacky than the Hyaluronic one. I like using this morning and evening as instructed because my skin feels somewhat plump and hydrated after.
EB Plus Hyaluronic Serum
EB Plus Ultra Peptide Serum
The “Limit Sun Exposure” Serums: EB Plus 5% Niacinamide + Zinc Refining Serum and EB Plus AHA + Peptide Resurfacing Micro-Peeling Serum
The EB Plus 5% Niacinamide + Zinc Refining Serum (P395) is recommended for normal, sensitive, and oily skin types. I gave it a go with my dry skin since it has skin-brightening and anti-aging benefits. The star ingredients Zinc PCA and 5% Niacinamide help brighten dull skin and refine skin texture. The texture of this is almost like water, you can hardly feel its weight. Also, a little goes a long way as the two drops specified in the usage instructions are truly enough to cover my entire face.
Upon application in the morning and evening, my skin feels taut and somewhat firmer compared to the plumped up feel that the two previous serums gave. I like pairing this serum with a hydrating toner as I feel that my skin needs a moisture boost when using this one. The bottle also came with a warning: sun exposure must be limited or to apply sunscreen when going outside. While I normally apply sunscreen, I didn’t use this serum in the morning when I know I’ll be out in the sun that day. If you're interested in using this serum, the brand also advises to avoid using it with products high in Vitamin C.
I decided to try out the EB Plus AHA + Peptide Resurfacing Micro-Peeling Serum (P395) next. This serum is ideal for combination, sensitive, and oily skin type that is usually acne-prone and has uneven skin texture. The formula utilizes the same nine Peptides as the Ultra Peptide Serum plus Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, and Glycerin for a brightening and smoothing effect. If you're torn between the Ultra Peptide Serum and the AHA + Peptide Serum, the former focuses on the anti-aging benefits while the latter includes micro-peeling to renew the skin. In my case, the Ultra Peptide Serum is more suitable for my skin concerns.
EB Plus AHA + Peptide Resurfacing Micro-Peeling Serum
After Washing Off the EB Plus AHA
Compared to the other EB Plus serums, the AHA + Peptide Resurfacing Micro-Peeling Serum is the only one that has to be rinsed off. The instructions say to leave on skin for a minute before rinsing with water. It is easily absorbed and you can immediately see the effect after as my skin instantly looks brighter. This is recommended to be used twice a week only and best during the evening. Aside from noting to avoid use with products with Vitamin C, there's also a Sunburn Alert on the box stating to "Limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterwards".
The Long-term Serums: EB Plus Vitamin C + CoQ10 Morning Serum and EB Plus Bakuchiol Lifting Night Serum
I used the EB Plus Vitamin C + CoQ10 Morning Serum (P395) and the EB Plus Bakuchiol Lifting Night Serum (P395) during the same period. The Morning Serum is okay for all skin types except sensitive skin, while the Night Serum is noted safe for all skin types.
The EB Plus Vitamin C + CoQ10 Morning Serum is a skin brightening and anti-aging serum that uses Vitamin C, Coenzyme Q10, Arganine, and Glycerin. This serum helps hyperpigmentation, collagen production, as well as protecting the skin with the CoQ10 antioxidant. As per the instructions, I used two drops in the morning and topped off with sunscreen because of the Vitamin C. The texture is like a milky gel that is easily absorbed into the skin. This is the only serum in the line that is lightly fragranced so do note in case you don’t like fragrance in your skincare. Since I normally use some form of Vitamin C in my morning skincare, this serum provides an affordable option. Another note: It's recommended to avoid using this with the following: Benzoyl Peroxide, Retinol, AHAs/BHAs, and Niacinamide.
The last serum I tried is the EB Plus Bakuchiol Lifting Night Serum (P395). It's an anti-aging serum containing the ingredient Bakuchiol, a natural alternative to Retinol that's ok for sensitive skin. Together with Glycerin and Hyaluronic Acid, this serum "increases skin firmness and reduces the appearance of pores, fine lines and wrinkles." However, this does not mix well with Benzoyl Peroxide, Vitamin C, and AHAs/BHAs so check your other skincare products.
EB Plus Vitamin C
EB Plus Bakuchiol
The recommended usage is 2 drops in the evening, but they advise to start with using 3 times a week before using daily. This serum feels like nothing on as it absorbs almost instantly. There’s also no irritation or sensitivity caused by it. I do feel though that I have to use this longer to really see the effects so I just have to remember to use it on certain days of the week.
It's tempting to mix serums but watch out for active ingredients that might be too potent. They can make your skin become too sensitive so read up on this article on how to use actives safely.
The Daily Driver: EB Plus Ceramide Barrier Sealing Cream
Throughout this serum testing process, I always sealed everything with the EB Plus Ceramide Barrier Sealing Cream (P395). This moisturizer uses Shea Butter, Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol, and Ceramides to create a cream that moisturizes as well as strengthens the skin barrier. This is suitable for all skin types, particularly dry/damaged skin, and can be applied in the morning or evening. It has a light, creamy texture that is easily absorbed on the skin.
I didn’t notice any noticeable scent so it truly does feel like nothing on. But I know that it’s helped out my skin in terms of sensitivity considering I’ve been trying multiple serums continuously. There are times before that the area around my mouth and nose gets prone to redness but this has not occurred especially towards the end of my testing period.
I also found an Instagram post where the brand shared other uses of the Ceramide Cream. This can also be used as an eye cream, a hand cream, a moisturizing hair cream, and to treat eczema so this cream earns plus points for being multi-use. I like how I can use it on top of my Vitamin C under eye treatment to help add moisturization.
Overall, the newly released EB Plus serums and Ceramide Barrier Sealing Cream deliver on what they set out to do. Some effects are immediately obvious while others will take some time, but I’m willing to wait and see at the price point they’re offering. My personal favorite is the EB Plus Ultra Peptide Serum because of the anti-aging benefits sans the sun exposure warning. I also like the EB Plus Vitamin C + CoQ10 Morning Serum as it feels like a good alternate to other more potent Vitamin C serums.
While the brand does not disclose the percentage of their actives, the serums provide a good jump-off point for those wanting to start incorporating them into their skincare routine. The EB Plus Bakuchiol Lifting Night Serum and EB Plus Ceramide Barrier Sealing Cream are also worth mentioning as they are on trend in terms of skincare ingredients. You can see more bakuchiol products in the market these days and ceramides are also getting their share in the skincare spotlight.
The Ever Bilena Plus products I tried are available in Watsons and leading department stores nationwide. They also have online stores in Shopee and Lazada.
Hyaluronic Acid Moisture Boost Serum Ingredients:
Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Polysorbate 60, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Carbomer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Sorbitan Isostearate, Cyclohexane
Ultra Peptide Serum Ingredients:
Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Trehalose, Carbomer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Cyclohexane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Acetyle Octapeptide-3, Copper Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Tripeptide-1, Tripeptide-2, Tripeptide-3
5% Niacinamide + Zinc Refining Serum Ingredients:
Water, Methylpropanediol, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Dipropylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Zinc PCA, Xanthan Gum, Gellan Gum, Disodium EDTA
AHA + Peptide Resurfacing Micro-Peeling Serum Ingredients:
Water, Lactic Acid, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Lactate, Glycolic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Gluconolactone, Disodium EDTA, 1,2-Hexanediol, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Copper Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Tripeptide-1, Tripeptide-2, Tripeptide-3
Vitamin C + CoQ10 Morning Serum Ingredients:
Water, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Glycereth-26, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Cetearyl Alcohol, BIS-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Cetearyl Olivate, Arginine, Sorbitan Olivate, Carbomer, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance, Xanthan Gum, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cyclohexane, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ubiquinone (CoQ10)
Bakuchiol Lifting Night Serum Ingredients:
Water, Methylpropanediol, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Carbomer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hydroxide, Bakuchiol, Disodium EDTA, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Cyclohexane, Acid Violet 43 (CI 60730)
Ceramide Barrier Sealing Cream Ingredients:
Water, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Dipropylene Glycol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Polysorbate 60, PEG-100 Stearate, Carbomer, Panthenol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, Potassium Hydroxide, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Ceramide NP, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cyclohexane
