Bio-Maple Vitamin Face Cleanser ($42 for 8.5oz)
I selected this product for dry to normal skin based on its description "ultra-gentle skin lotion that thoroughly cleanses and removes residues from the skin's surface without irritating or depleting moisture content" - imagine my surprise when I discovered "refined nut shells" listed on the ingredient label! This exfoliating cleanser is not my idea of ultra-gentle, which is too bad because the lotion aspect of it is very nice. The nut shells are rough and make it impossible to use this cleanser around your eyes. For my sensitive skin, I am disappointed. I can't imagine who would be happy with this, since it's too thick and rich for an oily skin type that might not mind the scrub grains, and it's too scratchy for anyone with dry or sensitive skin.

Bio-Maple Revitalizing Booster Concentrate ($59 for 1.7oz)
This is the closest thing I have found to duplicate the great results I got from La Mer Moisturizing Lotion, and it's half the price! This lotion is specified for sensitive, irritated and reddened skin, and/or skin that needs relief from AHA irritation, microdermabrasion, rosacea, or related conditions or trauma. The main active ingredient in this and all B. Kamins products is their Bio-Maple compound, described on their site as a "naturally occurring balance of anti-oxidants, vegetable hormones, polysaccharides, minerals and AHA acids extracted and purified from selected Canadian maple trees." I can't speak to all those claims, but I can say that the redness in my skin from blemishes or general irritation looked better after applying this lotion. Revitalizing Booster is lightly moisturizing (for dry skin, just layer a heavier cream over it) and contains vitamin E, vitamin A, and chamomile, and is fragrance free. If you find you are constantly battling redness and irritation, this is a nice lotion to try for some relief.

Bio-Maple Cellular Renewal Serum ($59 for 1.7oz)
I was hopeful for the same success with this product as I had with the Revitalizing Booster, but I had no such luck. For some reason, every time I used this serum, it made me breakout. First, it was just an over-abundance of very clogged pores. Then, as I continued to use it, the pimples got larger. I stopped using it altogether, waited for my skin to clear up, then tried it again to be sure that this serum was the culprit and not something else. Again, more acne, and I honestly have no idea why. This serum is designed for sun and environmentally damaged skin and is supposed to act like an AHA to exfoliate damaged skin and encourage the growth of new cells for a fresher, healthier looking complexion. The only thing I can think of that caused the reaction for me is the bilberry, lemon, sugar maple, sugar cane and orange extracts right at the beginning of the ingredient list - maybe the botanicals were too strong for me? Cellular Renewal Serum also contains marine protein and their Bio-Maple compound. I am hoping to get more opinions of this product from our Panel because I think my skin's reaction was strange at best...

I've gotten my B. Kamins products from Beautydoor.com. You can also get more information on B. Kamins Chemist at their website, bkamins.com.

review: 9/00