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Gallinée is a French skincare range that focuses on supporting the microbiome of the skin. Their products are full of prebiotics and postbiotics which help to balance your skin’s natural ecosystem. As a microbiologist as well as a skincare addict, I find the concept and the microbiome promoting ingredients to be very well researched and effective. I am keen to explore what this brand has to offer and what their most popular product, the Face Vinegar could do for my skin.
About Gallinée
Founded by Marie Drago, a French Doctor in Pharmacy and a member of the French Society of Cosmetic Science, with over 15 years’ personal experience in the skincare industry. Marie is a skin specialist, who primarily focuses on the skin’s microbiome. She discovered how a prebiotic and probiotic diet could improve the symptoms of her gluten intolerance. This led her to the idea of applying this concept to skin. Gallinée was created to harness the enormous benefits of good bacteria on the microbiome
What is the Microbiome?
The microbiome is the name for the community of micro-organisms that live in harmony on and in your body. They play a protective role on the skin and are an integral part of the barrier function and the overall health of the skin. When the level of the good bacteria is altered, either due to pH imbalances, pollution or overuse of antibacterial products and detergents, this causes dry, irritated and sensitive skin. Gallinée products help regulate the microbiome, helping to nourish sensitive skin back to good health.
Below is a useful overview of definitions:
- Probiotic – any micro-organism that can confer a benefit to us
- Prebiotic – the nutrition source that helps the growth of probiotics
- Postbiotic – the dead (lysed) bacteria that conditions the skin and feeds the probiotic bacteria
Gallinée Face Vinegar
Gallinée Face Vinegar is a toner that refreshes and rebalances the microbiome in preparation for receiving the subsequent product in your skincare routine. It contains hibiscus-infused Apple Cider Vinegar, and has two patents and has a large fan base.
Who Would Benefit From This Product?
People with combination to oily skin. Suitable also for sensitive skin.
How to Incorporate into Your Routine:
To be used morning and night. Drop the face vinegar on a cotton pad or directly on your fingers, and swipe across, dry cleansed skin, avoiding the eyes.
INCI List:
Aqua (Water), Propanediol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Pentylene Glycol, Inulin, Lactic Acid, Acetum (Vinegar), Maris Aqua (Sea Water), Arginine, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Saccharide Isomerate, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenethyl Alcohol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate.
Key Ingredients:
- Hibiscus Vinegar. Formulated from the Hibiscus flower that’s native to Central America, in which the vinegar improves skin by acting as a natural and gentle exfoliate to stimulate cell renewal and improve the appearance of the skin. It is known for its astringent and soothing properties.
- Actibiome, a prebiotic from extracts of green and brown algae, seawater and marine polysaccharides that calms irritated skin and prevents further irritation, as well as postbiotics that ensures the good bacteria protects the skin from free radicals and oxidative stress.
- Prebiotics, are a mix of ultra-gentle fibres and sugars that feed your skin’s good bacteria and help support the skin’s barrier, with an antibacterial action against bad ones.
- Lactic Acid helps the skin to stay at its optimal pH level and has hydrating and softening properties. Gallinée uses a slow-release form to suit even sensitive skin.
Gallinée products don’t contain soap, colourants, parabens, mineral oils, silicones, microbeads, phenoxyethanol or methylisothiazolinone.
pH Testing:
All Gallinée products are made to match the optimal pH of the skin and the microbiome. I got a pH result of 4.6. The pH of this toner is within the pH of the skin (range 4.0-6.0, average 4.7). This will assist the skin in returning to its optimal acidity level after cleansing and ensure it maintains its optimal moisture balance and overall health. Learn why the pH of skincare products is so important here.
My Experience:
The toner has a mild vinegar scent that is not overpowering. It feels soothing upon application and the toner absorbs quickly without leaving any residue.
I definitely feel this toner helps calm the skin. I have found after a few days of use redness starts to decrease and my skin doesn’t feel so inflamed and irritated. While my skin looks brighter and my overall skin tone is more even.
Final thoughts:
If you’re looking for a toner that works effectively on acne-prone or sensitive skin, this will be a welcome addition to your routine.
Gallinée Face Vinegar (US$33.90/200ml).
