Even if you barely dabble in beauty, odds are something from Lancôme has lived on your vanity at one point or another—maybe that instantly recognizable blue bottle of eye makeup remover your mom swore by, a delightfully shiny Juicy Tube you may have hoarded in middle school (as a millennial, I practically squealed when it made its glossy comeback), or the waterproof mascara that gives the entire Allure office the fluttery, lifted lashes of our dreams. Lancôme has always been an iconic brand that’s found that sweet spot between classic and current, offering elegant formulas and sensorial textures that nail it from the very first swipe.
So, it’s no surprise that when the brand launched Rénergie H.C.F. Triple Serum, a 2024 Best of Beauty Award winner, it immediately stood out from the crowd. By housing three potent face serums in one bottle, it tackles several of the biggest aging-skin concerns at once: hydration loss, dark spots, fine lines, and overall firmness. “H.C.F.” stands for hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and niacinamide, and ferulic acid, which are some of the most tried-and-true ingredients when it comes to proven actives. But to make things even more effective, each serum actually lives in its own chamber, staying stable and preserved until the moment you pump them out. (More on that very cool bit of engineering in a bit.)
After hearing so much buzz about the triple-chamber system and the claims around plumping, brightening, and smoothing, I decided to put this multitasker to the test. Here’s everything that happened during my four-week experience with the serum, and why it has a strong shot at becoming one of those rare beauty products you actually finish.
My Skin Goals
I have sensitive skin that’s unpredictably reactive to ingredients. Plus, postpartum melasma has also been an ongoing project. I see the biggest improvement with prescription tretinoin, but since it’s only recommended for short stretches (and definitely not during summer, thanks to the sun sensitivity), I rely heavily on gentler brighteners like niacinamide and vitamin C to keep my skin looking even-ish and less dull. And because dryness shows up first as fine lines under my eyes and across my cheeks, I’m always reaching for formulas that hydrate deeply without upsetting my barrier. Seeing that this serum promised hydration, brightening, and antioxidant support—without being aggressive—felt like it checked every box my sensitive skin has right now.
First Impressions
Here’s a humbling moment for someone who tests beauty products for a living: I didn’t read the directions. You’re meant to hold the bottle horizontally and pump until all three chambers kick in together. Once I did that (after a few priming pumps), the serum released exactly as it should with three pretty little ribbons of different textures and tones.