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I was first introduced to Guerlain Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil quite a few years back, and although I wasn’t sure about the name, I fell in love with the texture (and eventually the name!). It’s a stunning formula and the good news is that it has had an upgrade and a shiny new formulation for 2025. Here is everything you need to know.
What is Guerlain Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil?
The new version of the Youth Water Oil is the result of 15 years of research and the formulation is backed by 9 patents and 9 publications:
- Uses 3 honeys and royal jelly produced by the black bee to repair
- Features a deep diffusion texture to target the epidermis
- Works to multiply the skin’s self-repair mechanisms by 9 times
- Promotes plumpness and radiance
- Increases firmness and elasticity
- Visibly smooths wrinkles
- Strengthens the skin’s barrier
- Boosts hydration by 124% in one hour
- Contains 99% naturally-derived ingredients
- Infused with melt-in micro-beads that instantly fuse with the skin for deep repair
If you shop via my Sephora link*, you can get 15% off with code REALLYREESPH
My Review
If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll know that I have a serious soft spot for luxury skincare. Guerlain has always been one of my favourite brands so, when I heard they had reformulated the Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil Serum, I couldn’t wait to try it and see if it still delivered that iconic glow! Here’s everything you need to know about the new formula.
I remember being baffled by the name of this product when I was first introduced to it, but I have to say, it’s a pretty spot on description and I have grown to love the name. Did you know that Guerlain sell a Youth Watery Oil worldwide every 26 seconds?
Guerlain has dramatically amped up the repairing properties with the release of the new version of Youth Watery Oil and I have been absolutely loving it. It is super hydrating, smoothing and calming and it just makes my skin look so healthy. I love it as a first step after cleansing, as it feels so quenching and is super light. It layers really well under other serums.
What’s New?
Guerlain has taken its already beloved Youth Watery Oil and given it a high-performance upgrade. The formula still harnesses the power of BlackBee Repair Technology, but it now boasts 99% naturally derived ingredients.
They’ve also introduced a new dynamic black bee honey ferment, designed to boost skin repair even further. This means better hydration, improved elasticity, and a plumper, more youthful-looking complexion. The inclusion of royal jelly and other potent natural ingredients enhances the skin’s resilience, making it more resistant to daily stressors and environmental damage.
Another exciting change is the improved micro-encapsulation technology, which allows the tiny golden bubbles of oil suspended in the serum to deliver active ingredients deep into the skin more efficiently. This ensures maximum absorption and efficacy, giving you noticeable results in a shorter time frame.
Texture & Application
The thing I have always loved about Youth Watery Oil is its dreamy texture – and I’m happy to report that it remains just as lightweight, silky, and fast-absorbing as ever! It has a unique oil-in-water consistency that glides onto the skin, sinking in instantly without any greasiness.
The oil micro-droplets literally melt on the skin but the formula never feels oily. It is super nourishing like an oil but it has that real freshness of a lotion and the power of a serum, all in one.
After cleansing, I press it gently over my face and my skin just drinks it up. It leaves a soft and dewy finish on my skin and it layers seamlessly under other skincare products and makeup, making it a perfect addition to both morning and evening routines.
Results & Performance
Now, onto the part that really matters – does it work? I’ve been using the new formula for two weeks, and my skin is absolutely loving it. It has really helped to boost hydration and glow, and gives my skin a lovely plump and smoothed out appearance. It has been a while since I used the original formula, so it is hard to compare, but I have been super impressed with how this updated product has performed.
Who Is It Best For?
This serum is ideal for anyone looking to restore radiance, deeply hydrate, and improve the resilience of their skin. It’s suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin, thanks to its naturally derived ingredients and ultra-gentle formulation. If you’re someone who wants the benefits of an oil without the heaviness, this is a perfect match for you.
If you have dry skin, you’ll love how nourishing and hydrating it feels, while those with oily or combination skin will appreciate the non-greasy, fast-absorbing formula. Plus, the added resilience against environmental aggressors makes it a great choice for city dwellers exposed to pollution and stress.
Final Thoughts
Guerlain has absolutely nailed this reformulation. The new Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil Serum delivers immediate hydration, amped up radiance, and visible skin repair.
Whether you’re new to this cult-favorite or a longtime fan, I definitely think this is an investment that you won’t regret.
If you are still looking for a serum, check out my round up of Best Serums for all skin types and budgets. Also, this Youth Watery Oil pairs perfectly with the new Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP serum*. Read more about that in Medik8 Review: My Top Picks 2025.
