Skinpoo

A skincare blog

[skinpoo]

Review: Etude House SoonJung Mild Defense Sun Cream (emptied)

Used: emptied 2x

From: I bought from Etude House shop, Korea

Ingredients: WATER / AQUA / EAU, DIMETHICONE, C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE, ZINC OXIDE (NANO), TITANIUM DIOXIDE (NANO), BUTYLENE GLYCOL, DIPHENYLSILOXY PHENYL TRIMETHICONE, LAURYL POLYGLYCERYL-3 POLYDIMETHYLSILOXYETHYL DIMETHICONE, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, POLYGLYCERYL-2 DIPOLYHYDROXYSTEARATE, DISTEARDIMONIUM HECTORITE, SILICA, TRISILOXANE, PANTHENOL, AMINOPROPYL DIMETHICONE, SODIUM CHLORIDE, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, POLYGLYCERYL-3 DIISOSTEARATE, VINYL DIMETHICONE/METHICONE SILSESQUIOXANE CROSSPOLYMER, ALUMINUM STEARATE, POLYHYDROXYSTEARIC ACID, ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE, STEARIC ACID, ALUMINA, C12-15 ALCOHOLS, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, DISODIUM EDTA, MADECASSOSIDE, SCUTELLARIA BAICALENSIS ROOT EXTRACT, TOCOPHEROL, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT

This physical sunscreen is very thick. It leaves white cast and you have to rub it in for a while for it to blend and spread evenly. It works fine under makeup and I don't mind the white cast too much.

I'm still on the hunt for my holy grail sunscreen, something that is not too heavy feeling and works well under makeup (texture like a makeup primer?).

Rating: 👌 3/5 okay

Repurchase? ✔️ Yes Favourite? ✔️ Yes Holy grail?❌ No

[skinpoo]

Review: COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA+++ (emptied)

Used: emptied

From: I bought from eBay (roseroseau)

Ingredients: Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Isoamyl P-Methoxycinnamate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Alcohol,Dimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate, Butylene Glycol, Titanium Dioxide, C14-22 Alcohols, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Aloe Arborescens Leaf Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Peg-100 Stearate, Silica, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Triethanolamine Sodium Hydroxide, Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium Edta

This sunscreen was nice to apply as it did not feel too thick and uncomfortable. It has a soapy, detergent smell to me, which is not something I particularly like.

I felt like this product was okay, and I did notice that it did not prevent hyperpigmentation for a small pimple, which normally would heal and go away in a few days, instead it left me a dark spot 😕. I'm not entirely sure if it was the sunscreen's fault, but normally with another sunscreen I know this kind of small pimple? (not cystic or deep) does not leave my hyperpigmentation, which leads me to think the COSRX sun cream was not good at protecting my skin from the sun.

After I had emptied this, I read about how the COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream was not allowed to be sold in Sweden as it was investigated and found that it did not fulfill the criteria of protection against UVA necessary to be sold in Sweden.

I live in Australia and we have strict sunscreen regulations and requirements, so this was a bit alarming to me. Sunscreen is a very important step in skincare and I think this product has made me more careful in what sunscreen products to purchase. I'm leaning more to physical sunscreens now and research in Australian or Western brands that are sold in stores in Australia.

Rating: 👎 2/5 nope

Repurchase? ❌ No Favourite? ❌ No Holy grail?❌ No

[skinpoo]

Review: Etude House SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser (emptied)

Used: emptied 2x 70ml, currently on 3rd 150ml

From: I bought from Etude House shop, Korea

Ingredients: WATER, GLYCERIN, SORBITOL, PROPANEDIOL, LAURYL GLUCOSIDE, DISODIUM COCOYL GLUTAMATE, PANTHENOL, MADECASSOSIDE, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, CITRIC ACID, GLYCERYL CAPRYLATE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN

I bought this during my Korea trip in June 2018. It's been on my list since hearing about it from YouTuber Ivan Lam.

I love love love this cleanser! I use this after my DIY Jojoba oil cleansing balm or a makeup wipe as a second step cleanser. It is super gentle on the skin and not stripping at all, which is something I normally find with foam cleansers - where it leaves your skin feeling tight. This foam cleanser does not leave me feeling dry.

I would highly recommend this product if you have dry sensitive skin. I will continously use this product until they discontinue it (😱 please dont Etude House). I'm definitely stocking up on this!

Rating: 💎 5/5 holy grail

Repurchase? ✔️ Yes Favourite? ✔️ Yes Holy grail?✔️ Yes

[skinpoo]

DIY Jojoba Oil Cleansing Balm (Batch 1)

I really enjoyed using Banila Co's Clean It Zero balm but unfortunately it caused me to break out. It felt so nice to rub it on and see my makeup melt away. It really did a great job at removing it and left my skin feeling soft.

So after some reading on DIY skincare, I decided to make a cleansing balm, as it is one of the easier skincare products to DIY. I'm basing it on jojoba oil and almond oil since both these oils work fine for my skin. I used to use jojoba oil during highschool (more than 10yrs ago) and loved what it did for my skin. And last winter, when my skin was super dry and nothing was working, I tried almond oil and it restored my skin.

Batch 1 size: 60g

Ingredients 42g of Jojoba oil (70%) 9g of Sweet almond oil (15%) 6g of Polysorbate 80 (10%) 3g of Cera Bellina (5%)

Note: I did not use a preservative since this recipe was a small batch and had no water based ingredients. Also I planned on using this balm with a spatula and ensuring no water will get in.

Method 1. Heat cera bellina to melt (63-73°C) using glass beaker in a water bath. Stir to help it melt. 2. Add polysorbate 80 3. Add the oils 4. Stir through during the cooling phase

Result The consistency was more of a thick, gloopy oil rather than a balm so I ended up putting this inside a silicon squeezy bottle. I think I would need to increase the percentage of cera bellina if I wanted it to be more balm-like. However I actually prefer this consistency since it allows me to use it in the silicon squeeze bottle, which makes it hard for water to get in there by accident. If water got in, it would spoil the cleanser (allow bacteria to grow in there) since I did not add a preservative. Also the squeeze bottle meant I didn't have to use a spatula to scoop out the balm so it is much easier and quicker to use.

For my next batch I would like to increase the polysorbate 80 to 12% or 15%. It didn't feel like all of the oil was being removed on contact with water. It's not too bad since I follow up with a gentle second cleanser (Etude House SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser), but I do want to feel a little cleaner when I wash the oil balm off.

[skinpoo]

Skincare routine [25/04/18 to present]

💠 = If I feel like I need it 🔴 = When I have a lot of pimples

☀️ AM

1. Cleanse: Water 2. Hyperpigmentation: Rohto Melano CC Concentration Measures Essence 2.HA: Hada Labo Goku-Jyun Premium Milk 2.Serum: Skinfood Royal Honey Propolis Enrich Essence 3. Neck: The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA 4. Moisturiser: Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre 5. Sunscreen: Etude House SoonJung Mild Defense Sun Cream

🌜 PM - AHA (Sun, Wed)

1. Cleanse: Shower. 2. Face: Derma E AHA Overnight Peel 3. Arms & Legs: The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% & HA 2% 4. Moisturiser: Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre

🌜 PM

1. Makeup removal: Simple Wipe and my DIY Jojoba Oil Cleansing Balm 1. Cleanse: Etude House SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser or Skinfood Tea Tree soft bubble foam 2.HA: Hada Labo Goku-Jyun Premium Milk 3. Hyperpigmentation: Rohto Melano CC Concentration Measures Essence 4.Serum: Skinfood Royal Honey Propolis Enrich Essence 5. Under Eyes: Derma E Hydrating Eye Creme 💠 The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA 6. Moisturiser: Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre 7. Lips: Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask 💠 Popped pimples: La Roche-posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Soothing Repairing Balm

🌜 PM - ALA (once a week or 2 weeks)

1. Usual PM routine. 2. Mix 4 drops of The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane oil + 2 drops of The Ordinary Alpha Lipoic Acid 5%.

Changelog

24/04/18 PM added 2Sol Duna Repairing Ampoule PM added My DIY Jojoba Oil Cleansing Balm

27/04/18 PM removed 2Sol Duna Repairing Ampoule

30/05/18 AM replaced COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA+++ with Etude House SoonJung Mild Defense Sun Cream

01/06/18 PM added Skinfood Tea Tree soft bubble foam

17/06/18 AM & PM added Skinfood Royal Honey Propolis Enrich Essence

23/06/18 AM & PM added Hada Labo Goku-Jyun Premium Milk

25/06/18 AM & PM replaced Dr Jart Ceramidin Cream with Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre (emptied the Ceramidin cream!).

[skinpoo]

Review: Banila Co Clean It Zero

Used: for 2 weeks

From: I bought from iHerb

Ingredients: Mineral oil, cetyl ethylhexanoate, PEG-20 glyceryl triisostearate, PEG-10 isostearate, polyethylene, butylene glycol, water, rubus suavissimus (raspberry) leaf extract, bambusa arundinacea stem extract, aspalathus linearis leaf extract, viscum album (mistletoe) leaf extract, angelica polymorpha sinesis root extract, carica papaya (papaya) fruit extract, malpighia glabra (acerola) fruit extract, epilobium angustifolium leaf extract, BHT, butylparaben, Cl 16255, Cl 15985, fragrance.

This product was my first time using a cleansing balm. The product comes with a small spoon which you use to scoop the balm out. Once you rub it on your face, the balm melts and you can see your makeup come off easily. You then finish by rinsing with water, which emulsifies the balm nicely and washes off cleanly. It isn't too stripping and didn't leave my face dry.

Unfortunately this product make me break out. I tried it for 2 weeks before stopping. 🙁

I really enjoyed using a cleansing balm as it left my skin clean and soft. I'll be on the look out for a new cleansing balm to try.

Rating: 👎 2/5 nope

I chose this rating because my skin reacted to the product. Remember YMMV (your mileage may vary).

Repurchase? ❌ No Favourite? ❌ No Holy grail? ❌ No

[skinpoo]

Review: Dr Jart+ Ceramidin Cream

Used: for 2 months & a half

From: I bought from SweetCorea

I love this cream! It's very creamy, moisturising and applies easily. It keeps my dry patches well moisturised. This cream is great for dry skin types.

I also noticed my face has become a lot brighter overall. I think it is due to the licorice root extract.

This product makes me want to try the Dr Jart+ Ceramidin Liquid next!

Rating: 💎 5/5 holy grail

Repurchase? ✔️ Yes Favourite? ✔️ Yes Holy grail? ✔️ Yes

[skinpoo]

Review: Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop

Used: for 2 months

From: I bought from Wishtrend

Ingredients: Water, Propylen Glycol, Ascorbic Acid(5%), 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, Orange Oil Brazil, 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/Soybean/Folic Acid Ferment Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caprylyl Glycol, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol

I think the best word to summarise my experience with Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop is 'meh'. I used this product twice a week, in the AM right after cleansing (patted face dry) and waited 15 mins before moving on to the next step in my routine. I didn't notice any difference in my hyperpigmentation marks. Only after I introduced my Dr Jart Ceramidin Cream I noticed my face + hyperpigmentation getting brighter.

This product's feels like a light oil, it applies easily and makes your skin a little warm during application.

Perhaps the Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop made no difference to my skin due to it's low amount of vitamin C (5% Ascorbic Acid). Now that I am more familiar with recognising skincare ingredients, I realise this product isn't well suited to people with sensitive skin like me 😐.

If you're looking into trying out vitamin C I would not recommend this product. I am so glad my friend and I decided to buy this product together (I decanted my half into an emptied The Ordinary bottle).

Rating: 👎 2/5 nope

Repurchase? ❌ No Favourite? ❌ No Holy grail? ❌ No

[skinpoo]

Review: Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask in Berry

Used: for 3 months +

From: I bought from eBay (beauty2lounge)

Ingredients: Diisostearyl Malate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Phytosteryl / Isostearyl / Cetyl / Stearyl / Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Polybutene, Microcrystalline Wax / Cera Microcristallina / Cire Microcristalline, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Synthetic Wax, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax / Candelilla Cera / Cire de Candelilla, Sucrose Tetrastearate Triacetate, Butylene / Ethylene / Styrene Copolymer, Ethylene / Propylene / Styrene Copolymer, Mica (CI 77019), Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Dimethicone, Fragrance / Parfum, Polyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Methicone, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax / Cera Carnauba / Cire de Carnauba, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Yellow 6 Lake (CI 15985), Red 6 (CI 15850), Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Water, Potassium Alginate, Propanediol, Glycerin, Alcohol, Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract, Fragaria Chiloensis (Strawberry) Fruit Extract, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract, Sapindus Mukorossi Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract, Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Extract, Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Extract, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract, Magnesium Sulfate, Calcium Chloride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Beta-Glucan, Manganese Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Ascorbyl Glucoside.

I have a very bad habit of picking the skin off my lips when I am stressed. My lips are often dry and peely, and with my bad habit I easily peel too much and leave my lips bleeding 😕.

This lip sleeping mask has definitely saved my lips! It has a thick, sticky consistency and smells like a yummy strawberry lolly to me. It comes with a tiny cute spatula to dig out the product however I’m guilty of using my finger on those lazy nights.

I use this on my lips just before I go to bed. For the nights when my lips are exceptionally dry/peely, it doesnt work that well by itself. But for those nights I rub a tiny amount of my face moisturiser on my lips before applying a layer of the Laneige lip sleeping mask on top. I find this combination works perfectly, I wake up the morning with nice, smooth, moisturised lips.

I’ve been using this product generously for over 3 months now and have barely made a dent. I feel like it would last me a long time.

Rating: 💎 4.5/5 holy grail

The reason why I took half a rating off is the cost. It costed me $17.89 AUD for 20g, which I find a little overpriced. Still a HG for me!

Repurchase? ✔️ Yes Favourite? ✔️ Yes Holy grail? ✔️ Yes

[skinpoo]

Skincare routine [7/03/18 to 24/04/18]

💠 = If I feel like I need it 🔴 = When I have a lot of pimples

☀️ AM

1. Cleanse: Water 2. Hyperpigmentation: Rohto Melano CC Concentration Measures Essence 3. Neck: The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA 4. Moisturiser: Dr Jart Ceramidin Cream 5. Sunscreen: COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA+++

🌜 PM - AHA (Sun, Wed)

1. Cleanse: Shower. 2. Face: Derma E AHA Overnight Peel 3. Arms & Legs: The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% & HA 2% 4. Moisturiser: Dr Jart Ceramidin Cream

🌜 PM

1. Cleanse: Simple Wipe (if makeup/bb) & Etude House SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser 2. Hyperpigmentation: Rohto Melano CC Concentration Measures Essence 3. Under Eyes: Derma E Hydrating Eye Creme 4. Neck: The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA 5. Moisturiser: Dr Jart Ceramidin Cream 6. Lips: Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask 💠 Popped pimples: La Roche-posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Soothing Repairing Balm

🌜 PM - ALA (once a week or 2 weeks)

1. Usual PM routine. 2. Mix 4 drops of The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane oil + 2 drops of The Ordinary Alpha Lipoic Acid 5%.

Changelog

14/03/18 - It's been about a week and a half since starting the Rohto Melano CC Concentration Measures Essence. So far I haven't noticed a big difference to my large hyperpigmentation mark, but I think it's too early to tell. I'll be taking a photo on the 2nd week mark. I just wanted to note that, although this product has butylene glycol, I haven't got any new closed comedones. Butylene glycol is 5th last on the ingredient list so maybe my skin is okay when it is a low percentage. - I forgot to include in last month routine's change log, I had switched out Etude House SoonJung Cica Balm for La Roche-posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Soothing Repairing Balm. I use this on my post surgery scars as well as any freshly popped pimples since the ingredients panthenol and madecassoside are great for healing damaged skin. PM replaced Etude House SoonJung Cica Balm with La Roche-posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Soothing Repairing Balm.

[skinpoo]

BHA Skincare Routine

I've decided to move my nose routine to a separate post because I don't do it often nor does it change often to have a change log. I only do this if I think the sebaceous filaments on my nose are getting bumpy or noticeable.

This routine is based on Fifty shades of snail's How to shrink pores (temporarily) method.

🌜 PM - BHA

1. PH balancing Toner: COSRX AHA/BHA Toner 2. BHA: COSRX BHA Blackhead Power liquid on nose and any closed comedones ⏰ Wait 20m 3. Clay Mask: Swisse Manuka Honey mask with charcoal & kaolin clay ⏰ Wait 10m then wash off & dry 4. Jojoba oil ⏰ Wait 5m 👐 Massage 2-3m then wash off with cleanser in current PM routine. 5. Continue with usual current PM routine.

[skinpoo]

Review: Innisfree Blueberry Rebalancing 5.5 Cleanser

Used: for 1 week

From: I bought from eBay (roseroseau)

Ingredients: Water, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Diglycerin, Diethylhexyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Benzyl Glycol, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Potassium Cocoate, Citric Acid, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Sodium Chloride, Ethylhexylglycerin, Butylene Glycol, Allantoin, Disodium EDTA, Raspberry Ketone, 1, 2-Hexanediol, Vaaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Polyquaternium-67, Sodium Acetate, Isoporyl Alcohol

I bought the Innisfree Blueberry Rebalancing 5.5 Cleanser and the Etude House Soon Jung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser when I was suspicious of my COSRX Low pH cleanser giving me pimples and closed comedones. I came across the Innisfree Blueberry Rebalancing 5.5 Cleanser on the Hwahae app, a Korean beauty/skincare review app. It came 4th for the 'cleanser foam' category in the Hwahae 2017 awards. As soon as it arrived I replaced my COSRX cleanser.

Despite it being named blueberry, this cleanser has a strong citrus/lemon-y smell that I did not like. It comes out thick, almost creamy and is easy to lather up.

3 days after using this cleanser I got 2 painful cystic acne on my nose and right cheek 😱. Then another 3 days later I got 2 cystic acne on my neck. So I decided to stop using this cleanser after 1 week of use 😢. No new cystic acne since stopping use.

Luckily I had purchased the Etude House Soong Jung Cleanser as a back up. I think I've learnt my lesson to be extremely picky and thorough when choosing cleansers.

Rating: ☠️ 1/5 wtf

Never again.

Repurchase? ❌ No Favourite? ❌ No Holy grail? ❌ No

[skinpoo]

Review: Primera Soothing Sensitive Cream

Used: for 2 months

From: I bought from Jolse

Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Pentaerythrityl tetraisostearate, Butylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate, Squalane, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Dicaprylyl ether, Behenyl Alcohol, Hydroxypropyl Bispalmitamide MEA, Hydroxypropyl Bislauramide MEA, Ceramide NP, Cholesterol, Glycoproteins, Stearic Acid, C14-22 alcohols, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Emulsifier, Arachidyl Glucoside, Arachidyl alcohol, Glyceryl caprylate, Palmitic Acid, Polyisobutene, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sorbitan isostearate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Polyacrylate-13, Polysorbate 20.

This cream feels nice to apply, absorbs well and leaves my skin feeling moisturised.

I first started using this cream twice a day (AM & PM) and noticed a lot of new pimples. When I cut back to using it just at night, I was getting less pimples. I really liked this cream until 2 months later I realised it was one of the few butylene glycol culprits, causing stubborn closed comedones and pimples. After removing products (including this soothing cream) containing butylene glycol my skin cleared up 🙁. So it's time to say goodbye and use this to moisturise my arms and legs.

EDIT: I've emptied this after 3 uses on my arms and legs!

Rating: 👎 2/5 nope

I chose this rating because my skin reacts to the ingredient butylene glycol. Remember YMMV (your mileage may vary).

Repurchase? ❌ No Favourite? ❌ No Holy grail? ❌ No

[skinpoo]

Review: COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

Used: for 1 month & 2 weeks

From: I bought from iHerb

Ingredients: Water, cocoamidopropyl betaine, sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate, polysorbate 20, styrax japonicus branch/fruit/leaf extract, butylene glycol, saccharomyces ferment, cryptomeria japonica leaf extract, nelumbo nucifera leaf extract, pinus palustris leaf extract, ulmus davidiana root extract, oenothera biennis (evening primrose) flower extract, pueraria lovata root extract, melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) leaf oil, allantoin, caprylyl glycol, ethylhexylglycerin, betaine salicylate, citric acid, ethyl hexanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, sodium benzoate, disodium EDTA.

I quite enjoyed this cleanser until I realised my skin was reacting to the butylene glycol, causing stubborn closed comedones that would not leave me (until I stopped butylene glycol products).

It's a gel consistency that lathers and foams up nicely in wet hands. It has a tea tree smell so keep that in mind if you don't like that. I regularly use tea tree oil on my pimples so the smell doesn't bother me at all. Sometimes the cleanser left my skin feeling dry however I did not mind since my moisturiser was good and got rid of that feeling. I have seen people with dry skin on reddit complain about a 'tight' feeling after using this cleanser so I guess be wary if you have dry skin.

Unfortunately the ingredients do not work for me and causes me to break out with pimples and closed comedones. I'll be using this to clean my makeup brushes and sponges.

EDIT: I suspect the ingredient 'oenothera biennis (evening primrose) flower extract' may have also irritated my skin. In the past I've taken evening primrose supplements and ended up with a lot of new pimples ?

Rating: 👎 2/5 nope

I chose this rating because my skin reacts to the ingredient butylene glycol. Remember YMMV (your mileage may vary).

Repurchase? ❌ No Favourite? ❌ No Holy grail? ❌ No

[skinpoo]

Review: COSRX Propolis Light Ampule (emptied)

Used: all up and emptied

From: I bought online from iHerb

Ingredients: Propolis extract, butylene glycol, glycerin, betaine, 1,2-hexanediol, cassia obtusifolia seed extract, sodium hyaluronate, hydroxyethylcellulose, carbomer, panthenol, arginine.

At first I felt like this product wasn't really doing anything to my skin. It just felt nice to apply as it absorbed well and hydrated my skin.

Then after 2 weeks of consistent use (in PM routine) I was getting a lot of pimples. However not entirely sure if it was this product as I was trying a new vitamin C product and also had a cold. 🤔

3 weeks later I readded it and then eventually removed it again 2 weeks later due to suspicion of it causing pimples again...In the end I used it all on my butt 😂.

I am beginning to think I might be reacting to 'butylene glycol' but not sure, will need to see with other products. So far COSRX products do not work well for me (except for their pimple patches). Overall the product is nice if you do not break out from it and/or are not sensitive to the ingredients.

Rating: 👎 2/5 nope

Remember YMMV (your mileage may vary).

Repurchase? ❌ No Favourite? ❌ No Holy grail? ❌ No

[skinpoo]

Skincare routine [7/02/18 to 6/03/18]

💠 = If I feel like it 🔴 = When I have a lot of pimples

☀️ AM

1. Cleanse: Water 2. Hyperpigmentation: Rohto Melano CC Concentration Measures Essence 3. Neck: The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA 4. Moisturiser: Dr Jart Ceramidin Cream 5. Sunscreen: COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA+++

☀️ AM - Vit C (Mon, Thurs) 1. Cleanse: Water (wait for face to dry) 2. Serum: Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop (face) and TIAM Signature C (neck, arms & legs) - Go eat - 3. Moisturiser: Dr Jart Ceramidin Cream 4. Sunscreen: COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA+++

🌜 PM

1. Cleanse: Simple Wipe (if makeup/bb) & Etude House SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser 2. Hyperpigmentation: Rohto Melano CC Concentration Measures Essence 3. Under Eyes: Derma E Hydrating Eye Creme 4. Neck: The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA 5. Moisturiser: Dr Jart Ceramidin Cream 6. Lips: Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask 💠 Etude House SoonJung Cica Balm

🌜 PM - AHA (Sun, Wed)

1. Cleanse: Shower. 2. Face: Derma E AHA Overnight Peel 3. Arms & Legs: The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% & HA 2% 4. Moisturiser: Dr Jart Ceramidin Cream

Changelog

07/02/18 - I put extra Primera Soothing Cream on my neck last night (usually use leftovers on my finger) and noticed a new big pimple on my neck today. I did notice this cream giving me pimples when I used to use it twice a day (AM & PM) and now thinking of trying a different moisturizer as I prefer a cream that doesn't make me break out. - I also wanted to note that the Etude house soon jung cleanser is good (doesn't make me break out) in comparison to the Innisfree Blueberry cleanser, which I suspect was the culprit of the cystic acne (they have stopped since replacing cleansers). I think i'll use the Innisfree to clean my makeup brushes and sponges. -I've been stressed the last week and not sleeping well so that may also be contributing to the new pimples today (nose, right cheek cc - this one keeps reoccuring ever since I started BHA, above right eyebrow).

08/02/18 I want to see if butylene glycol is the cause of all my CCs and pimples so will cut down on products that contain it in the top of the ingredients list. The COSRX Sunscreen and Dr Jart cream have it but mid to low on the ingredient list. I also want to introduce only one product at a time so I'll be starting with moisturiser. Fingers crossed! 🤞 AM: replaced Nature Republic Aloe Vera 92% with Dr Jart Ceramidin Cream. PM, PM - AHA, AM - Vit C: replaced Primera Soothing Cream with Dr Jart Ceramidin Cream.

16/02/18 PM: added La Roche-Posay Anti-dark spot concentrate serum.

22/02/18 It's been 2 weeks since I stopped products containing butylene glycol (listed early in ingredients list). There has been a massive improvement: less number of pimples (and with the odd few they are small, disappear quick and aren't cystic) and no new CCs. I've got one last, old CC on my jawline that is on it's way to disappearing. I can tell because it's becoming hard and the others became hard and dropped off. It's a shame, I quite liked the Primera Soothing Sensitive Cream but butylene gylcol is listed second on the ingredients. 😥 I'll use it on my arms and legs, although it wasn't cheap I rather not get anymore closed comedones -shudder- so glad they're going away. I'm going to go through my wishlist and remove any products I added impulsively, and any that contain butylene glycol in the top 5 of the ingredients list. Avoiding butylene gylcol will greatly reduce what Korean skincare products I can use as a lot of Korean companies use butylene gylcol. I also have noticed my face has become a lot brighter and I think its the combined use of the Dr Jart Ceramidin (licorice root) and vitamin C. ✌️ AM: replaced The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% & HA 2% with Derma E AHA Overnight Peel. I'll use TO Lactic Acid on my arms and legs.

23/02/18 Just wanted to note that I have not touched the 2 Sol Duna Tiger Repairing Ampoule since dropping high butylene glycol products (8/2/18) because it also contains it. It's listed 7th on the ingredients list but I've been too scared to use the ampoule, which is a shame because I like the benefits of Centella Asiatica. I've noticed my neck has been getting wrinkles 😱 I feel like I have excess skin there so it looks saggy..I've decided to use TO Matrixyl on my neck and use the Derma E eyecream I got during Priceline's 40% off skincare sale. PM: added Derma E Hydrating Eye Creme. PM: removed 2 Sol Duna Tiger Repairing Ampoule

26/02/18 After watching this video on 'How to read skincare ingredients by Dr Dray' I've decided to stop using the Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop & TIAM Signature C due to their ingredients. I had also read more than once, about these products on blogs, about their ingredients. I've used both for about 1 month now and haven't really noticed any benefits from using them (only noticed brightening in my face from starting Dr Jarts Ceramidin cream). I'm not sure where i'll use these products, maybe on my arms and legs if im bothered. I'm considering trying my Rohto Melano CC next (spotted only on hyperpigmentation) however am a little scared as it contains butylene glycol. I think I might try it next week. AM - C: removed vit C routine.

02/03/18 I have a large hyperpigmentation mark left by the cyst I had on my right cheek (was it last month? It started after I tried the Innisfree Blueberry Cleanser). Since I'm dropping my old vit C routine I want to test out my Rohto Melano CC Concentration Measures Essence. I'll be taking weekly photos and if this works, it'll be in my mini review for it 😊. AM: added Rohto Melano CC Concentration Measures Essence. PM: replaced La Roche-Posay Anti-dark spot concentrate serum with Rohto Melano CC Concentration Measures Essence.

04/03/18 I've decided to move my PM BHA routine (for my nose) to a separate post since I don't do it often or change it often.

[skinpoo]

Skincare routine [7/01/18 to 6/02/18]

💠 = If I feel like it 🔴 = When I have a lot of pimples

☀️ AM

1. Cleanse: Water 2. Moisturiser: Nature Republic Aloe Vera 92% 3. Sunscreen: COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA+++

☀️ AM - Vit C (Mon, Thurs)

1. Cleanse: Water (wait for face to dry) 2. Serum: TIAM Signature C (neck) and Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop (face) - Go eat - 3. Moisturiser: Primera Soothing Cream 4. Sunscreen: COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA+++

🌜 PM

1. Cleanse: Simple Wipe (if makeup/bb) & Etude House SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser 🔴 2 Sol Duna Tiger Repairing Ampoule 3. Under Eyes: The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA 💠 ➕ The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 4. Moisturiser: Primera Soothing Cream 💠 ➕ ALIVELAB Centella Dressing Powder 💠 Etude House SoonJung Cica Balm

🌜 PM - AHA (Sun, Wed)

1. Cleanse: usual PM routine. 2. AHA: The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% & HA 2% 3. Moisturiser: Primera Soothing Cream

🌜 PM - BHA (When needed)

1. PH balancing Toner: COSRX AHA/BHA Toner 2. BHA: COSRX BHA Blackhead Power liquid on nose and closed comedones ⏰ wait 20m 3. Clay Mask: Swisse Manuka Honey mask with charcoal & kaolin clay ⏰ wait 10m then wash off & dry 4. Jojoba oil ⏰ wait 15m 👐 massage 2-3m then wash off with cleanser 5. Continue with usual PM routine.

Changelog

07/01/18 AM: added Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner.

10/01/18 PM: added COSRX Propolis Ampoule.

19/01/18 I'm suspcious of my COSRX Low PH cleanser causing closed comedones - I see a new one almost every day. PM: replaced COSRX Low PH cleanser with Innisfree Blueberry Rebalancing 5.5 Cleanser.

21/01/18 I decided to only do my BHA routine when my nose blackheads & sebaceous filaments are really bad. If they're not that bad I will just use the Swisse Manuka Honey mask with charcoal & kaolin clay. Doing the BHA routine weekly made me feel like I was cleaning my sebaceous filaments too often. Also adjusted frequencies for my AHA and Vit C routine so that my Vit C is applied the morning after AHA, allowing it to penetrate better through the layer of dead skin. PM - AHA: changed frequency from 'Sat, Wed’ to 'Sun, Wed’ AM - Vit C: changed frequency from 'Mon, Wed, Fri’ to 'Mon, Thurs’. PM: added 2Sol Duna Tiger Repairing Ampoule.

22/01/18 I woke up with a few painful cystic acne (nose and right cheek) so I skipped my vitamin C routine today. I'm unsure if the acne is from my new cleanser, am thinking of switching to the Etude House Soon Jung cleanser. PM & AM: removed Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner.

25/01/18 The cystic acne on my nose and right cheek have calmed down a little. Today my right cheek has been flakey/dry, so I decided to take a break from vitamin C today. I also got 2 new cystic acne on my neck! I had used 3 products on my neck last night: the innisfree blueberry cleanser, cosrx propolis serum and the secret key galactomyces essence rose. 😅 That's my bad for going off routine but I wanted to test the propolis serum and secret key essence on my neck. I should only test one product at a time. For now I will remove the propolis serum as I only have a little bit left - I think I will use it on my bottom 😂 PM: removed COSRX Propolis Ampoule.

26/01/18 PM: replaced Innisfree Blueberry Rebalancing 5.5 Cleanser with Etude House SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser.