This is the story of a Korean cosmetic product… Initially known to be a dupe of Estée Lauder ANR serum [yes, another one!], it gradually became a cult K-Beauty product. Today, I’m introducing you to the Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Probio Ampoule serum [which has changed quite a bit over the years!].
Previously known as the “Borabit Long Name” Ampoule [Borabit means “purple bottle” in Korean, and “long name” because its complete name used to be “Time Revolution Night Repair Science Activator”], the brand reformulated the serum a few months ago. The name is still fairly long, but the formula has changed quite a bit since the beginning.
This is the fourth reformulation since it was first launched.
At first, the formula was very close to the ANR serum, and now it distances itself from it even if you can still find ingredients and claims that are quite similar [= anti-aging and soothing]. The price has also increased a bit with the reformulations, but Missha is still much more affordable than the Estée Lauder ANR.
Personally, I never had the opportunity to test the previous formulas of this product. The Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Repair Probio Ampoule serum is the first version I’m trying. So I’m not going to be able to compare it with the older versions.
However, I had heard a lot about it, and the reformulation that focused on probiotics clearly made my mouth water, I’m not gonna lie! So I decided to order it this summer, and I’ll tell you about my experience with it below! 🙂
Product presentation: Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Probio Ampoule
The Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Probio Ampoule is an anti-aging serum, with some Bifida Ferment Lysate as a key ingredient. It’s a fermented yeast extract that is supposed to help reduce the signs of skin aging. It’s indeed very antioxidant and would also be able to help the skin to regenerate, and in particular, to repair the effects caused by excessive exposure to UV rays.
Since its launch in Korea a few years ago, it has often been compared to Estée Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair. Indeed, there are many common ingredients in both products, such as the Bifida Ferment Lysate, but also hyaluronic acid.
The skincare claims are also quite similar to the ANR ones, with a Missha Probio serum that is supposed to be effective on:
- skin repair, for a soothed skin that is more resistant to the aggressions that make it age faster,
- deep and long-lasting hydrating effect,
- antioxidant effect [and therefore anti-aging] and protection against free radicals that can accelerate premature skin aging.
What’s new is that this latest version of the Missha Probio Ampoule contains 10 probiotic ingredients to moisturize and strengthen the skin barrier. In the formula, you can also find a patented ingredient, Pro ferment α™, an enzyme that boosts the penetration of the other active ingredients in the formula.
To strengthen the “Borabit”/small purple bottle marketing claims, the brand has also added plant extracts of purple fruits and vegetables for their antioxidant effects [blueberry, beetroot, red cabbage, aubergine…]. Why not? 😉
Just a warning, Missha also added essential oils in the formula for fragrance purposes whereas the previous version did not contain any from what I have read… I’m not sure I really understand their point, especially for a product that aims to reduce inflammation.
My experience:
I started using the Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Probio Ampoule serum about 2 months ago, after finishing the ma:nyo Bifida Complex Ampoule, and after I tested Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair a few months earlier. I wanted to compare all of these products and share my experience with you.
So I introduced this Missha serum into my evening routine, which has been mainly about soothing and moisturizing for quite some time now.
I use it just before my retinol product, to properly prepare and moisturize my skin.
Its texture is like a liquid gel, rather silky and pleasant. It absorbs quickly into the skin, without leaving a sticky effect. It’s perfect in this cooler season of the year [don’t laugh, yes it does get cooler here in Dubai during wintertime], because it gives a lot of comfort without being too rich.
Result:
I must admit that I wasn’t really convinced by this product.
I find it super effective on the hydration, clearly, and it’s also very nice to use. Its texture definitely reminds me a lot of the ANR serum. The experience when using it is also really really close.
But I was disappointed with its soothing effect. I find that the ANR and the ma:nyo serums are way more effective on this point. It’s such a shame because, considering the formula and the amount of soothing ingredients, I expected a lot from it!
It’s complicated to judge in a few months about its anti-aging action on my skin, because it’s mainly an anti-oxidant effect, therefore rather preventive and not really visible in the short term.
I’m not sure I’ll see it anyway, because I don’t think I’m going to keep using it on my face. I still have half of the bottle left, but I’ll probably finish it on my decolleté [lol, that’s what I do with my “meh” products; my decolleté routine is quite sophisticated 😉].
Fortunately, I didn’t pay the price of the ANR serum, the Missha one is much more affordable! It retails between $20 and $35 for 50ml.
In conclusion:
The Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Probio Ampoule serum is not a bad product. It’s a great hydrating product, has antioxidant effects that are always interesting but I wasn’t impressed by its soothing effect that is a key criteria for me in my current routine.
Clearly, if you’re interested in this type of product, I would recommend the ma:nyo Bifida Complex Ampoule serum, which I found much more effective!
The retails between $20 and $35 for 50ml depending on retailers.
Reviews comparison:
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II
“Tested and proven, Advanced Night Repair dramatically reduces the look of all key signs of aging. It maximizes the power of skin’s natural nighttime renewal with the brand’s exclusive ChronoluxCB™ Technology. It’s also formulated with hyaluronic acid, nature’s moisture magnet, to help lock in hydration. Lines and wrinkles look significantly…