French Radiance, Reviewed: The Guerlain Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil Serum
I didn’t know what to expect from Guerlain’s Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil Serum (P6,600 /30ml and P9,350 / 50ml). As someone who’s long been loyal to Japanese skincare—formulations that tend to be elegant, no-nonsense, and quietly effective—integrating a French luxury serum into my routine is fairly new to me. I imagined it would be a pleasant enough hydrating product, given the honey and royal jelly marketing, but nothing particularly transformative. I was wrong.
Over the past three months, I’ve been on isotretinoin, a potent acne treatment known for its rather enthusiastic side effect of stripping the skin of moisture. It’s been the driest my skin has ever been—and, hopefully, will ever be. In this context, I needed products that could offer deep hydration without triggering sensitivity or congestion. The Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil not only met these demands, it surpassed them in ways I didn’t anticipate.
This serum has a curious, almost contradictory texture. Though it's classified as an oil serum, it feels more like a watery essence upon application. It absorbs quickly and completely, leaving no film, no tackiness, and—get this—no oiliness. For something that’s marketed with “oil” in the name, that’s saying something. My skin feels immediately hydrated, with a suppleness that lasts through the day. It doesn’t just sit on top of dryness, as it seems to soften and soothe from within.
Let’s talk about the ingredients, because that’s really where the formulation shines. Honey is the star here—not just any honey, but a blend that includes Ouessant Black Bee honey, prized for its purity and regenerative properties. Honey is naturally humectant and antimicrobial, which helps retain moisture and soothe inflammation. Royal jelly, another bee-derived extract, is rich in amino acids and B vitamins, offering anti-aging and revitalizing benefits. Together, these two ingredients form the core of Guerlain’s Abeille Royale line, promising repair and radiance.
The formula also contains glycerin and polyglycerin-3, both of which act as humectants to draw moisture into the skin. There’s adenosine, a well-researched ingredient known to support skin’s smoothness and elasticity by encouraging collagen production. Tocopheryl acetate (a form of Vitamin E) adds antioxidant protection, and Commiphora Mukul Resin Extract—an Ayurvedic ingredient—helps plump the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
One subtle yet significant feature is the presence of golden microbeads suspended in the serum. They melt upon application, adding a soft-focus luminosity to the skin thanks to their fine shimmer. It’s not something you’d necessarily notice unless you’re looking for it, but under makeup, it gives a lit-from-within effect.
Over several weeks of testing, I noticed my skin tone becoming more even, less reactive, and visibly brighter. It’s so soothing and moisturizing that my skin feels it when I’m not using it. I have to mention that this has a floral scent, and it can be a bit strong if you’re sensitive to fragrances but I personally don’t mind.
Of course, this is Guerlain. It’s priced accordingly. But in my view, the luxurious texture, high-performing ingredients, and noticeable results justify the cost. I don’t say that lightly as I finish very few serums to the last drop. This one, I definitely will. If you’ve been looking to add a deeply hydrating, glow-boosting serum to your routine, especially if your skin is compromised or dry, this is a formula that delivers.
