[SKINCARE] dear, Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop 35ml/1.18 fluid oz.

Product's Overview:

Cute hologram box packaging

Holographic design on the serum bottle too

Back view of product details in Korean

Product details & Directions of use in English

Closer look

Ingredients & Directions of use in Korean

A hard plastic bottle, but not light-sealed (not protected from sunlight)
Claimed by dear, Klairs that it's hybrid stabilized so it's more stable & can be stored like this

The opening's design restrict more air entering the bottle to avoid oxidization

Ingredients:

Ingredients in Korean & English

Water, Propylen Glycol, Ascorbic Acid, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Centella Asiatica Extract, Citrus Junos Fruit Extract, Illicium Verum(Anise) Fruit Extract, Citrus Paradisi(Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Polysorbate 60, Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Extract, Chaenomeles Sinensis Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Disodium EDTA, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Camellia Sinensis Callus Culture Extract, Larix Europaea Wood Extract, Chrysanthellum Indicum Extract, Rheum Palmatum Root Extract, Asarum Sieboldi Root Extract, Quercus Mongolia Leaf Extract, Persicaria Hydropiper Extract, Corydalis Turtschaninovii Root Extract, Coptis Chinensis Root Extract, Magnolia Obovata Bark Extract, Lysine HCL, Proline, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Acetyl Methionine, Theanine, Lecithin, Acetyl Glutamine, SH-Olgopeptide-1, SH-Olgopeptide-2, SH-Polypeptide-1, SH-Polypeptide-9, SH-Polypeptide-11, Bacillus/Folic Acid/Soybean Ferment Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caprylyl Glycol, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Limonene

*(from dear, Klairs Official Website)

⭐Ingredients Breakdown:

5% Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) - Brightens dull complexion, fade dark marks/hyperpigmentation, minimise pore appearance;

Centella Asiatica Extract - Soothes & calms any irritation of skin;

Citrus Fruit Extracts (Anise & Grapefruit) - Vitamin C derivatives that adds extra benefit of Vitamin C.

Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract - Indian Lotus Flower, anti-oxidant, soothing, preserve skin moisture from losing to keep it hydrated;

Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract - Peony Root, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, brightens skin tone & complexion;

Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract - Skullcap flower, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, treat/avoid acne;

Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Extract - Anti-oxidant, skin cells regeneration, even out skin tone;

Chaenomeles Sinensis Fruit Extract - Chinese Quince fruit, anti-oxidant, rich in Vitamin C;

Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil - Sweet orange essential oil, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, skin brightener like Vitamin C;

Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer - Product texture enhancer, forms a film on the skin to decrease moisture loss;

Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil - Essential oil that provides moisturising effect, fragrance & acne-reduction

Camellia Sinensis Callus Culture Extract - Green tea, anti-oxidant, reduce wrinkle's appearance, promote skin radiance;

Larix Europaea Wood Extract - Larch tree, humectant, reduce fine line & wrinkle's appearance, promote skin radiance;

Chrysanthellum Indicum Extract - Golden Chamomile, soothing, anti-inflammatory;

Rheum Palmatum Root Extract - Rhubarb root, moisturising, recover skin hydration;

Asarum Sieboldi Root Extract - Anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, skin conditioning;

Quercus Mongolia Leaf Extract - Mongolian Oak, skin conditioning;

Persicaria Hydropiper Extract - Water pepper, anti-oxidant, skin soother, restore skin, promotes skin hydration;

Corydalis Turtschaninovii Root Extract - Anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, even out skin tone, moisturise, anti-blemish;

Coptis Chinensis Root Extract - anti-oxidant, anti-swelling, promotes skin elasticity,

Magnolia Obovata Bark Extract - provide skin relief, anti-inflammatory;

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate - anti-oxidant, reduce free radical damage, slow down fine lines & wrinkles appearance;

Acetyl Methionine - Heal damaged skin, soothing, anti-static;

Theanine - Anti-inflammatory, Emollient, humectant;

Lecithin - Emollient, restore skin hydration & smoothens the skin;

Acetyl Glutamine - Reduce hyperpigmentation;

SH-Olgopeptide-1, SH-Olgopeptide-2 - EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor), peptides with amino acids, anti-oxidant, skin restoring, healing, renewal & provide moisture;

SH-Polypeptide-1 - bFGF (Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor), stimulate collagen synthesis,

SH-Polypeptide-9 - VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor), stimulate blood vessel formation, cell vitalisation, moisturising, anti-aging;

SH-Polypeptide-11 - aGFG (Acidic Fibroblast Growth Factor), wound-healing, stimulate collagen synthesis, skin regeneration; 

Bacillus/Folic Acid/Soybean Ferment Extract - Moisturising, brightens up the skin, anti-irritant;

Sodium Hyaluronate - Hydrophillic (can bind with water), attracts moisture in skin cells from dermis (2nd layer of skin) to epidermis (top layer of skin), increase skin hydration, better hydration for skin than Hyaluronic Acid as it has smaller molecular weight;

Butylene Glycol - Skin conditioning, softens the skin, improve skin texture;

1,2-Hexanediol - Moisture-binding humectant & preservative;

Limonene - Anti-oxidant, scent from citrus fruits, calms down the skin;

First Impression & Application: ★★★★★

Transparent, non-greasy serum

The packaging is really beautiful & aesthetic. Squeeze the top of the pump & dispense 2 drops of serum onto my palms. Rub both hands gently & slowly pat on face. I use this as the first step of my skincare routine after cleansing, before toner & moisturiser (as it's my first Vitamin C serum). I also ensure that my face's completely dry to prevent the product from penetrating deeper into my skin & caused higher risk of irritation. It feels hot on the face for the first few seconds, then slowly, you can feel it absorbing into the skin nicely, without any greasiness. Then, continue with a toner & moisturiser. After using it for a month, I used it after toner, before moisturiser, but I also made sure that my face's not overly wet, only slightly damp when applying the serum.

Pros:

• Non-irritating Vitamin C serum;
• Has Centella Asiatica ingredient alongside with other root extracts - Very soothing;
• Significantly brightens the dull skin complexion;
• Has peptides in the ingredient list that improves & maintain the skin barrier;
• Reduce post-pimple dark spots/marks;

Cons:

• Hard to get to the bottom of the product when it's almost used up (have to tilt bottle & pour out);
• Not in a light-sealed container (high chance to be oxidised even though the brand claimed to be a hybrid stabilisation technnology serum);
• May be easily oxidized if not kept away from sunlight;
• Has essential oil that may irritate your skin if you're sensitive to them.

Final Thoughts & Conclusion:

The serum became yellowish & has oxidised
after being opened for more than a year
even if it's placed away from sunlight
(PAO - Period-after- opening stated it can last for 6 months only)

As you can see the pipette is a few centimeters away from the last bit of serum,
so it's hard to get out from it & you have to remove the transparent stopper to use till the last bit
(which I didn't do & it has totally oxidised before I figured out there's a way like this)

It's my first Vitamin C serum after watching most of my favorite skincare influencers/YouTubers raved about it. It feels like a normal serum, but a slightly hot sensation exists once applied on face, then slowly it absorbs into the skin & the hotness disappears. Not sure it's because it's my first time using Vitamin C or it's just the product itself. When rubs on the palms, it feels like there's a little oil in its texture, but once pressed onto the face, it's very lightweight. Do not touch the droplet pipette on your face as the products on your face/bacteria will transfer into the serum when it's dipped into it, causing quicker oxidisation. To avoid it accidentally touching my face, I always drop any pipette packaging serum on my hands then pat on my face.

You can always use it in between toner & moisturiser step if you have a sensitive skin. Else, buffer it like how people always do with their retinols, by mixing it with your other serums/creams, then only apply on your face. I've tried using it after moisturiser when face's completely dry & put on sunscreen/sleeping mask after (I started applying twice a day after using it for a month), ended up working effectively too. Layering in different order wouldn't directly affect the effectiveness of product, but only affect the potential irritation risk, so feel free to do it on your personal preference & comfortability.

After using for a month, the hyperpigmentation/post-pimple dark spots are lightened. My face's complexion looks brightened. Also, the pores appeared minimised & my skin's smoother. I don't feel any irritation or break out caused by the serum, due to the Centella Asiatica Extract and other calming extracts in the product that soothes the skin alongside with the Ascorbic Acid that may irritate the skin. It even have peptides that helps restore your skin barrier, despite it being a Vitamin C serum that may irritate your skin.

❗NOTE: Any percentage of Ascorbic Acid from 1% to 20% is considered effective. However, this doesn't mean that the higher the concentration, the better or faster you'll see the result. This rule applies on all active ingredients. A higher percentage can also mean higher risk of irritation. Remember to put on sunscreen after using any Ascorbic Acid/Vitamin C/anti-oxidant actives/active ingredients as it'll make your skin more sensitive to the sun even though it acts as a very effective anti-oxidant during the day (although it's advised that you should wear sunscreen daily no matter what skincare routine you have). Also, avoid using any Ascorbic Acid products with your retinols, after any AHA/BHA or any forms of chemical exfoliation in the same routine as your skin's still sensitive after the period ❗

Price vs. Value: ★★★★★

RM76.70 35ml, lasts for 7 months;

1-2 drops every application face to neck,

used only in AM routine for 1st month, then twice a day everyday

(I skip it on the days when previous night was a chemical peeling/exfoliation, I'll write the blog post about it soon & link it here)

Repurchase? ★★★★★

Looking at the pros & the non-irritation it caused, considering it's my first Vitamin C serum,

it's definitely always worth the purchase when it's on sales price.

Where to Get It On Your Hands：

^Amazon Klairs Official Shop US$22 = RM91.56

Shop at ^YesStyle with my rewards code JAYNELIM20 to enjoy up to 5% off - RM113.01

Shopee k-beauty ready stock shop with products directly shipped from Korea RM76.70

Shopee Natta Cosme shop that sells mostly Wishtrend Website's products RM89.90

Shopee Klairs Official Shop RM94 (Sales price RM77)

Wishtrend Official Website US$23 = RM95.73

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^affiliated store link, which I will earn a little commission if you use the link I provided to purchase the product

Disclaimer: All the products are purchased with my own hard-earned money and every photos are strictly owned by me. The opinions are on my own, unbiasedly & truthfully, but it could vary depending on individual. I'm not an expert in any field nor a licensed individual. Every review is based on my personal preference & for entertainment purpose only. What works for me may not work for you because skincare is personal. I have dry-combination skin (oily T-zone, dry U-zone) but it doesn't mean that you'll have the same experience as me if you have the same skin type as we have different lifestyle and living environment. Try everything at your own risk.

*Kindly refer to the packaging for the latest & most accurate ingredient list when you purchase the product.

[SKINCARE] Tony Moly From Ganghwa Clear Mugwort/Pure Artemisia First Essence 150ml

Product's Overview:

Ingredient list & product details in Korean

Ingredients:

Artemisia Princeps Extract 100%

*From the studies, it is impossible for a product to contain only 1 ingredient because during the extraction, other ingredients are involved and preservatives will be added to extend the shelf-life of the product, considering the contact with air, microorganisms and other substances from the environment that may affect its effectiveness. Korea's Cosmetic regulation stated that only ingredients exceeds a certain amount has to be listed in the ingredient list. So, Tony Moly's not showing the full ingredient list, but only their main active ingredient

First Impression & Experience: ★★★★☆

Slight yellowish color, watery essence

The bottle is made with hard plastic instead of glass. Like how the usual essence product, pouring out from the bottle onto the palms, but it's watery & has a slight yellowish color. The smell is not pleasant. 

The essence is watery, but hydration-wise, it's not really enough for my skin if I only apply 1 layer. Layering a few times wouldn't make my dry-combination face oily at all. Because it's a first essence, I use it after my cleansing, before my toner.

However, every time I use this essence, it stings my outer lips, then slowly it calms down. It happens no matter my lips are in good condition or it's flaking dry. I use it on the days when my face has breakouts & irritated, sometimes 2-3 layers if in PM routine.

Pros:

• Soothing & calms the skin
• Anti-inflammatory (great for acne-prone skin/sensitive skin)

Cons:

• Has a strong smell of Artemisia/Mugwort
• Not enough hydration
• Stings my lips for a few seconds once applied

Final Thoughts & Conclusion:

It's stated by Tony Moly that the artemisia (mugwort) of this essence is fermented for 3 years. It's a first essence, so it should be used on the first step of skincare routine after cleansing (before toner, if you use both toner & essence in your routine), to make the skincare products afterwards penetrates better into the skin. This method doesn't cause any changes or effect to my skincare routine because I either have toner or essence in my routine, unless I have to use them both on the days when I have very dry skin.

As mentioned previously, the smell is unpleasant. I've used Missha's Artemisia Treatment Essence & it doesn't smell as bad as this. Nonetheless, it doesn't affect the usage as the smell will go away when it has dried/after you put on other skincare products.

Considering the soothing & anti-inflammatory of artemisia ingredient, this essence did calms my redness especially after my pimple has popped (or sometimes when I squeezed them myself *guilty*). However, it stings those inflamed/irritated part first, then slowly calms down.

Also, it stings my lips every time I applied this essence, no matter my lips is in good condition or flaking dry. After a while, it's back to normal again & doesn't hurt or even have any redness.

Compared to the Missha's Artemisia Essence, this doesn't calm down my inflamed pimples straight away, but it doesn't worsen it & will do it slowly if you use it consistently for AM & PM routine.

Comparison with MISSHA Time Revolution Artemisia Treatment Essence (check out my blog post here)

BOTTLE:
Missha's made with glass, cylindrical edge
Tony Moly's made with hard plastic & like a typical essence bottle, it's round edge

INGREDIENTS:
Missha: Artemisia Annua Extract (Chinese Artemisia);
TonyMoly: Artemisia Princeps Extract (Japanese Artemisia),
Both artemisia/mugwort are from Ganghwa Island, Korea

Product details in Korean

    

Comparison of their box packaging

From just the packaging, Tony Moly's may look like it has more yellowish color of essence compared to Missha's, but actually the color are almost similar, just that the former's packaging has ombre color that makes the illusion.

Missha's may look like it's taller than Tony Moly's & has bigger volume, but in fact, they're both 150ml. This is because Missha's bottle is more thin, while Tony Moly's more round.

From the look & weight of the bottle, Missha's definitely looks more luxurious. Which brings to the next point, that ^Missha's RM20+ more expensive than Tony Moly's (based on YesStyle's price point).

Price vs. Value: ★★★★★

RM25.50 150ml, bought on April 2021, with only 6 months time left till the expiry date;

lasts for 5 months (Only used in AM routine for last 2 months);

The link & shop that I bought from is currently out of stock, more links are listed below

Original price may vary from RM89-180

Repurchase? ★★☆☆☆

2★: Cheaper price than Missha's treatment essence but still gives a soothing effect (although not as hydrating) ;

3☆: Would prefer using Missha's treatment essence or try out other brands' as this stings my face before it even calms it

Where to Get It On Your Hands:

Shop at ^YesStyle with my rewards code JAYNELIM20 to enjoy extra discounts - RM152.06

StyleKorean Official Website US$21.99 = RM91.43

Shopee K-beauty Products Shop Directly Shipped from Korea RM89

💖NOTE: Looking for artemisia essence? You can also check out my blogpost about Missha's Time Revolution Artemisia First Treatment Essence here to decide which brand's you should get!

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^affiliated store link, which I will earn a little commission if you use the link I provided to purchase the product

Disclaimer: All the products are purchased with my own hard-earned money and every photos are strictly owned by me. The opinions are on my own, unbiasedly & truthfully, but it could vary depending on individual. I'm not an expert in any field nor a licensed individual. Every review is based on my personal preference & for entertainment purpose only. What works for me may not work for you because skincare is personal. I have dry-combination skin (oily T-zone, dry U-zone) but it doesn't mean that you'll have the same experience as me if you have the same skin type as we have different lifestyle and living environment. Try everything at your own risk.

*I cannot guarantee that the ingredient list from this website are 100% accurate, as it's not the official ingredient list given by the brand. Kindly refer to the packaging for the latest & most accurate ingredient list when you purchase the product.

[SKINCARE] Face Republic Purity Sun Essence SPF50+ PA++++ 50ml

Product's Overview:

Semi-opaque container that light can go through it

Ingredient list in Korean

Ingredients:

Water (Aqua), Zinc Oxide, Propanediol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Methylpropanediol, Niacinamide, Caprylyl Methicone, Butyloctyl Salicylate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, T-Butyl Alcohol, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Butylene Glycol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract

*(from Hermo website & same as the packaging)

⭐Ingredients Breakdown:

Propanediol - Moisturising, increase absorption of ingredients;

Coco-Caprylate/Caprate - Ingredient derived from coconut, emollient that helps with skin barrier, leaves velvety smooth finish;

Methylpropanediol - Solvent, enhances absorption of ingredients into the skin;

Niacinamide - Vitamin B3, skin brightener, sebum-control, maintain skin barrier;

Butyloctyl Salicylate - Helps with smooth application of sunscreen & moisturisation;

1,2-Hexanediol - Moisture binding humectant & preservative;

Pentylene Glycol - Humectant, water & oil-soluble that can bind moisture together, a solvent, anti-microbial & preservative;

Polyhydroxystearic Acid - Coating on physical sunscreen (Titanium Dioxide/Zinc Oxide) for sun protection;

Triethoxycaprylylsilane - Helps with the smooth application of sunscreen;

Ethylhexylglycerin - Hydration booster & preservatives;

Adenosine - Soothing, skin-restoring, reduce wrinkle appearance;

Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil - Sebum-control, soothes & moisturising;

Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil - Vitamin E, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammation, calms redness, emollient that maintain skin moisture;

Butylene Glycol - Conditioning agent, softens & improve skin texture;

Centella Asiatica Extract - Skin healer, improve skin hydration & skin barrier, anti-inflammation;

Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract - Skullcap plant, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial;

Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract - Japanese knotweed/Fallopia japonica plant, anti-oxidant, skin soother, heal skin barrier, anti-inflammatory;

Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract - Skin soother, improve skin texture/uneven skin tone;

Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract - Skin healer, improve skin hydration & skin barrier, anti-inflammation;

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract - Tea plant, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, soothes & calms redness/inflammation;

Sodium Hyaluronate - Hydrophollic (attracts water), humectant that draws moisture from dermis (2nd layer of skin) to epidermis (top layer of skin), improve skin hydration, has greater hydrating effect than Hyaluronic Acid as it has smaller molecular weight that can penetrate deeper into the skin;

Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract - Anti-inflammation, soother, reduce skin redness & puffiness;

Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract - Softens the skin & helps with moisturisation;

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract - Aloe Vera, skin soother, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, itch reliever.

Sunscreen Type: Physical sunscreen

UV Filters: Zinc Oxide - physical block that reflects UV rays & prevent skin-burning + aging,

First Impression & Experience: ★★★★☆

    

The sunscreen has a milky, essence texture (as its name called), which smells like milk too & there's no other fragrance at all even though it has a few plant extracts in the ingredient list. It glides on face easily due to its consistency. It feels sticky & has a film on the face at first, but after a few minutes & dried, there's no feeling at all. It doesn't have the heavy & white cast that a physical sunscreen typically has.

Pros:

• Hydrating & moisturising
• Lightweight
• No white cast
• Milky essence & no tugging motion during application
• Has soothing plant extracts ingredients (Centella, jojoba, green tea & etc. refer to ingredient list)
• No fragrance

Cons:

• Has a weird milky(?) smell
• Has plant oil that may trigger your acne if you're sensitive to it
• Stings my face when it's still drying

Final Thoughts & Conclusion:

Purity Sun Essence is a non-nano mineral filter sunscreen, means that the ingredients are not that small so they can't penetrate into the skin, which also means that it's a physical/mineral/inorganic sunscreen that sits on top of your skin, to physically block the UVA & UVB rays. In my opinion, I don't think that the ingredients absorbs into the skin is anything worse than not wearing a sunscreen & let the UV rays damage your skin. So, I personally don't mind whether it's a physical or chemical sunscreen, as long as they doesn't irritate my skin & is lightweight. If you prefer physical sunscreen more, this is a great option, additionally it doesn't have any white cast, unlike most of the physical sunscreen in the market.

I applied this sunscreen daily (3 finger method, enough for my face & neck), even if I don't go out at all because in my opinion, there will still be UV rays from my laptop/smartphone & light rays can enter through the windows of my house. Always remember to wear the sunscreen on your last step of skincare routine, after any moisturiser/spot treatments. After applying the sunscreen on your face, it'll have a film when it's drying that feels sticky & it stings my face during that period. When it's dried, there's only a slight stickiness to touch, lightweight feeling, but doesn't stings anymore.

Water-proof wise, I didn't test it because the whole time until I've emptied it, I was in a lockdown & not going outdoors.

Cut open the tube to use till the last bit

Leaves a shine on my face & feels like there's a film on my skin

Finishing off with a glowy look, with slight stickiness

Price vs. Value: ★★★★★

50ml RM38.45 bought on May 2021

lasts for 2-2.5 months, daily application, 3 finger rule (face + neck amount)

Repurchase? ★★★☆☆

3★: Physical sunscreen that doesn't have any white cast & fragrance

2☆: Stings my face & feels uncomfortable when waiting for it to dry

Where to Get It On Your Hands:

Shop at ^YesStyle with my rewards code JAYNELIM20 to enjoy extra discounts - RM87.84

Shopee Guardian Shop RM54.90

Shopee Face Republic Official Shop RM52.16

Lazada Face Republic Official Shop RM52.20

Hermo Official Website/App RM39

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^affiliated store link, which I will earn a little commission if you use the link I provided to purchase the product

Disclaimer: All the products are purchased with my own hard-earned money and every photos are strictly owned by me. The opinions are on my own, unbiasedly & truthfully, but it could vary depending on individual. I'm not an expert in any field nor a licensed individual. Every review is based on my personal preference & for entertainment purpose only. What works for me may not work for you because skincare is personal. I have dry-combination skin (oily T-zone, dry U-zone) but it doesn't mean that you'll have the same experience as me if you have the same skin type as we have different lifestyle and living environment. Try everything at your own risk.

*I cannot guarantee that the ingredient list from this website are 100% accurate, as it's not the official ingredient list given by the brand. Kindly refer to the packaging for the latest & most accurate ingredient list when you purchase the product.

[SKINCARE] Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum 30ml/80ml

Product's Overview:

Has a lid that fits perfectly to the pump
to prevent dust getting into the dispenser

Ingredients:

Water / Aqua / Eau, Propanediol, Alcohol, Glycerin, Betaine, 1,2-hexanediol, Saccharide Isomerate, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Cetearyl Olivate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sorbitan Olivate, Acrylates/c10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Fragrance / Parfum, Panthenol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Tromethamine, Ceratonia Siliqua Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium Edta, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Dextrin, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Sucrose

(latest ingredient list from Innisfree Official Website)*

⭐Ingredients Breakdown:

Propanediol - Humectant, solvent, emollient, provides moisture to skin & retain moisture loss;

Alcohol - Enhance smoothness of outer layer of skin, improve the absorption of product into your skin, enhance penetration of other ingredients, may damage your skin barrier if you have a weak/irritated one;

Glycerin - Moisturising humectant, pulls hydration from deepper layer of skin/air to outer layer, works best with occlusives (moisturising agent that traps moisture from losing from skin);

Betaine - Increase hydration, protect skin barrier, enhance product's texture;

1,2-Hexanediol - Moisture-binding humectant & preservative;

Saccharide Isomerate - Improves skin hydration, helps with dehydrated skin barrier, skin soother;

Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Seed Oil - Antioxidant, improve texture & tone of skin by providing hydration, anti-aging;

Cetearyl Olivate - Olive oil, fatty acids & waxy ester of cetearyl alcohol, mix with Sorbitan Olivate can bind ingredients together, skin, gives smooth skin texture;

Hydrogenated Lecithin - Emollient, emulsifier, makes ingredients to penetrate into skin better;

Sorbitan Olivate - Olive oil fatty acids plus Sorbital (dehydrated sugar), mix with Cetearyl Olivate can bind ingredients together, moisturising, softens the skin, provide smooth finish;

Acrylates/c10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer - Improve product texture, thickener;

Panthenol - Humectant that attracts water from the dermis (2nd layer of skin) & environment's humidity, then retains moisture on the epidermis (top layer of skin). Also acts as skin soother for redness & blemishes;

Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer - Stabilizer, texture enhancer, thickener of product;

Tromethamine - Maintain product's pH level & improve stability;

Ceratonia Siliqua Gum - Locust bean gum/Carob tree, product thickener;

Ethylhexylglycerin - Mild humectant, softens the skin, improve skin hydration, preservative;

Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract - Antioxidant, skin soother & hydrator, anti-aging;

Dextrin - Stablises water insoluble compounds, making the product to have stable & uniform texture;

Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract - Soothes redness & blemishes;

Sorbitan Isostearate - Made up with fatty acids, emulsifier, thickens & stabilises product;

Sodium Citrate - Maintain product's pH level, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, preservative;

Citric Acid - Antioxidant, anti-aging, an AHA that gently exfoliate the top layer of skin

Sucrose - Natural exfoliant, humectant, a monosaccharide that provide hydration to the skin;

First Impression & Experience: ★★★★☆

Semi-white opaque runny consistency

My first Innisfree product & first serum with Green Tea extract ingredient. Pumping out from the bottle, it's semi-white opaque color, medium runny consistency. It has a somewhat strong fragrance. Once glides on face, it absorbs very quickly into the skin, without any stickiness. One full pump is enough for my face & neck. Sometimes when I feel like my skin is more hydrated, I'll only use half pump. Because it's quite watery, it glides onto skin easily & the amount is enough for me.

I use it like my normal serum stage, after cleansing > toner/essence, before moisturiser > sunscreen/sleeping mask.

Pros:

• Provides great hydration for dehydrated/flaky skin
• Hygienic pump serum bottle
• Big volume
• Non-sticky serum

Cons:

• Grows milia/broke out around my cheeks
• Has a strong fragrance

Final Thoughts & Conclusion:

One of the first serum with green tea ingredient in it (or it's the only one?), with the Green Tea naturally hand-plucked from Jeju Island in Korea & double squeeze extraction (according to Innisfree). It's a large pump volume serum packed with loads of hydrating & soothing ingredients which are great for sensitive skin & if you have damaged skin barrier.

Despite being a great antioxidants & hydrator, my dry-combination skin doesn't like it at all. It doesn't affect my oily T-zone, but my dry U-zone. When I used this on my face when it's not having any problems of dehydration, but just wanted for an extra boost of hydration, it grows tiny little bumps (milia) around my cheeks & above my Nasolabial folds (smile/laugh lines) after a week of using.

The good thing about this serum is that even if it caused milia on my face, it still doesn't grow too huge until it became inflamed pimples, unlike the Innisfree Jeju Orchid Gel Cream that I've used & reviewed in my previous post. I've tried using only half pump, then to once a day, but it still doesn't get any better. After stopping it, they're no longer growing more, even magically disappeared by themselves after a few days.

Seeing many skin-fluencers rave about how much of a boost of hydration it provides, it's true that I never face any dryness after using this serum. When I was having a damaged skin barrier caused by an Australian sunscreen, using it back for twice a day saved my dry patches around the mouth, pairing with Laneige Sleeping Mask overnight, for 2 weeks. This serum provides immediate hydration & soothing effect on my dry patches despite I was in Melbourne's driest climate of the time + winter season.

However, when I came back to Malaysia (humid climate & hot weather all year long), I had a time when I faced a damaged skin barrier again due to over-exfoliation & mask-wearing (covid came). I didn't get to try this serum because I've used it all up on my face & body (because I don't wanna grow any more milia) before my skin barrier is compromised, so I couldn't guarantee will it work if you're in the same climate as me & faced a damaged skin barrier/dehydration.

❗ NOTE: The ingredient list provided above is the latest one from their official website. After I've bought the serum, before I started to use it back in 2019, they've reformulated it with extra ingredients like Tri-biotics (Prebiotics, Probiotics, Postbiotics), even came out with JUMBO size (160ml RM165). So, the review I gave is based on 2018's version & Melbourne's dry climate + winter season ❗

Price vs. Value: ★★★★★

Bought on 2018 Christmas sale from Innisfree @ KL Pavilion, RM207 for twin pack + gift sets

(which is not even discounted, but they gave u free gifts)

RM103.50 80ml lasts for more than 6 months-almost a year, using half to one pump, twice a day

Repurchase? ★★☆☆☆

2★: Very hydrating & big volume of serum

3☆: Grows tiny bumps (milia), too moisturising to my face. Would like to try other brands' serum

Where to Get It On Your Hands:

Innisfree Shopee Official Shop 80ml RM118

Innisfree Shopee Official Shop 30ml RM60 (online exclusive product)

Innisfree Lazada Official Shop 80ml RM118

Innisfree Lazada Official Shop 30ml RM60 (online exclusive product)

Shop at ^YesStyle with my rewards code JAYNELIM20 to enjoy extra discount - 80ml RM119.79

^Amazon Innisfree Shop 80ml US$27 RM113.90

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^affiliated store link, which I will earn a little commission if you use the link I provided to purchase the product

Disclaimer: All the products are purchased with my own hard-earned money and every photos are strictly owned by me. The opinions are on my own, unbiasedly & truthfully, but it could vary depending on individual. I'm not an expert in any field nor a licensed individual. Every review is based on my personal preference & for entertainment purpose only. What works for me may not work for you because skincare is personal. I have dry-combination skin (oily T-zone, dry U-zone) but it doesn't mean that you'll have the same experience as me if you have the same skin type as we have different lifestyle and living environment. Try everything at your own risk.

*Kindly refer to the packaging for the latest & most accurate ingredient list when you purchase the product.