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If you’ve been around here for a while, you’ll know I have a bit of a thing for the L’Occitane Almond collection. So when I heard about the new L’Occitane Almond (Amande) Resurfacing Body Serum, I was very keen to try it.
I’m firmly in my beach skin era at the moment and I have to pay attention to the performance of my fake tan much more in the summer, and this lightweight overnight body serum turns out to be a really good partner in crime for self tanning. Here’s everything you need to know.
Quick Verdict
Best for:
- Rough or bumpy skin
- Dull summer skin
- Keratosis pilaris
- Ingrown hairs
- Pre-holiday skin prep
- Helping fake tan fade more evenly
Pros
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing gel texture
- Noticeably smoother skin after just a few uses
- Gentle but effective exfoliation
- Hydrates as it resurfaces
- Beautiful signature Almond fragrance
- Perfect addition to a summer body care routine
Cons
- Best used at night because it contains AHAs
- Daily SPF is essential if skin will be exposed the following day
What is the L’Occitane Almond (Amande) Resurfacing Body Serum?
The L’Occitane Almond (Amande) Resurfacing Body Serum is an overnight exfoliating body treatment that combines chemical exfoliation with hydration to improve skin texture without the need for harsh scrubs.
Instead of physically buffing away dead skin, it uses a blend of exfoliating acids and botanical ingredients to encourage skin renewal while keeping skin feeling comfortable and hydrated.
The texture is gorgeous. It’s a lightweight seafoam-style gel that melts into the skin almost instantly and leaves no sticky residue behind.
It’s designed to be used in the evening as the exfoliating ingredients continue to work overnight.
Key Ingredients
5% AHA Complex – 5% blend of glycolic acid and lactic acid that works to dissolve the bonds that hold dead skin cells together, allowing them to shed more easily and reveal smoother, brighter skin underneath.
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid – helps attract and retain moisture, leaving skin feeling soft, plump and comfortable after each application.
Sweet Almond Oil – nourishes the skin while helping to maintain the skin barrier.
Prickly Pear Extract – supports gentle skin renewal and complements the AHA blend, helping skin look smoother and more refined over time.
My Review
The Texture
This was the first thing that impressed me. I was expecting something much richer, but it’s actually an incredibly lightweight gel with an almost whipped, seafoam-like consistency.
It glides over the skin beautifully, absorbs within seconds and doesn’t leave that tacky feeling that some body treatments can. Even on warm summer evenings, it feels wonderfully fresh.
My Evening Routine
I’ve been using this after an evening shower, applying it to clean, dry skin before bed. Although it’s designed to be used nightly, I don’t actually use it every evening, especially if I’ve got a fresh tan. Because it’s an exfoliating serum, I don’t want to accelerate the fading process. Instead, I use it every few nights to keep my skin smooth and help my tan wear off more evenly rather than becoming patchy. I think it’s a really nice balance between maintaining silky skin and getting the most out of your self-tan.
I focus mainly on my legs because that’s the area where I tend to notice roughness and fake tan patchiness, particularly during the summer. Once the serum has absorbed, I follow with a moisturiser before getting into bed.
It’s become one of those little rituals that makes me feel like I’m properly looking after my skin rather than simply throwing on a body lotion.
Does it Actually Make a Difference?
For me, yes. One thing I’ve always found slightly surprising is that my body skin often feels rougher during the summer than it does in winter. Between SPF, sea water, chlorine, shaving and self-tan, everything can start to feel a little congested.
After using this, my skin feels smoother and softer and looks more refined.
I think it’s a great product to have in your arsenal if you are a fake tanner. Because I don’t use it every night, I find it helps my tan fade much more evenly rather than stripping it away too quickly. It helps prevents those patchy feet, ankles and knees that always seem to appear at the end of a tan, so when it’s time to reapply, my skin is in much better condition.
Great for Holiday Prep
If you’re getting ready for a holiday, this will be such a lovely addition to your routine. I think that smooth skin helps everything look better, whether that’s bare legs, a fresh pedicure or self-tan.
If you’re looking for my current favourite fake tan, you can read my Vita Liberata The Express Spritz Tinted Lasting Tan Review, as I am very keen on that one at the moment!!
The Fragrance
If you’re already a fan of the Almond range, you’ll absolutely love this. It has that familiar warm almond scent that’s comforting, luxurious and unmistakably L’Occitane. It’s present while you’re applying it but never overwhelming.
How to Use It
For best results:
- Apply in the evening to clean, dry skin.
- Massage into areas that need smoothing.
- Allow the serum to absorb before dressing.
- Follow with a body moisturiser if desired.
- Use SPF on exposed skin the following day.
L’Occitane Almond (Amande) Resurfacing Body Serum vs a Body Scrub
If you usually rely on a traditional body scrub, this offers a very different experience.
A scrub gives instant smoothness by physically removing dead skin cells, whereas the Almond (Amande) Resurfacing Body Serum works gradually over several nights using chemical exfoliation.
Personally, I think there’s room for both in a routine. I still enjoy using a scrub every now and then, but this has become a lovely maintenance product. It keeps my skin consistently smooth between exfoliating treatments without any effort.
Is It Worth Buying?
For me, absolutely. Luxury body care has become a much bigger part of my routine over the last few years, and this feels like a genuinely worthwhile addition rather than just another step.
The texture is beautiful, the ingredients are well balanced and, most importantly, it actually delivers smoother skin.
If you already love the Almond collection, I think you’ll adore this.
If you’re completely new to body serums, I actually think this is a wonderful place to start. It’s effective without feeling harsh, luxurious without being complicated and fits effortlessly into an evening routine.
Where to buy it
L’Occitane Almond (Amande) Resurfacing Body Serum is £60 for 100ml and available now via the links below:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the L’Occitane Almond (Amande) Resurfacing Body Serum every day?
Yes. It’s formulated for regular evening use. If your skin is particularly sensitive, you may prefer to begin using it a few nights each week before building up.
Does it help with keratosis pilaris?
The combination of glycolic acid and lactic acid can help improve the appearance and texture of keratosis pilaris over time by gently exfoliating the skin.
Can I use the L’Occitane Almond (Amande) Resurfacing Body Serum before applying fake tan?
Yes, but I’d recommend using it as part of your body care routine in the days leading up to tanning rather than immediately beforehand. It helps keep skin smooth and refined, creating a beautiful canvas for self-tan.
If you’re interested in what I am using in terms of fake tan at the moment, read Vita Liberata The Express Spritz Tinted Lasting Tan Review.
Will it remove fake tan?
As it’s an exfoliating serum, it will naturally encourage fake tan to fade over time. That’s one of the reasons I don’t use it every night when I’m tanned. Instead, I reach for it every few nights to keep my skin smooth while helping my tan fade more evenly, rather than all at once or in patchy areas. I find it’s a really good balance between maintaining soft skin and getting the most out of my tan.
Can I use it after shaving?
I’d recommend waiting until the following evening if your skin feels at all sensitive after shaving.
Final Thoughts
The L’Occitane Almond (Amande) Resurfacing Body Serum has quickly become one of my favourite body launches this year.
It’s one of those products that quietly improves your skin without demanding much effort, and I love how seamlessly it fits into an evening routine.
If you’re in your holiday prep era, looking to smooth rough skin or simply want to elevate your body care routine, I think this is a lovely investment. It’s luxurious, effective and exactly what I’ve come to expect from the Almond collection.
