k-beauty serums
There is no need to talk about the tradition and effects of Korean care, which is passed down from generation to generation, allowing Korean women to look up to 10 years younger than their biological age.
Since ancient times, Korean women have used only natural, non-aggressive ingredients in their skincare routine: green tea, “snail mucus”, bamboo extracts, propolis, and Centella Asiatica are just some of the ingredients that have been used for generations. From Korea, we received BB creams, sheet (handkerchief) masks, and cushion powders (powders in a pillow)…methods of double skin cleansing, essences, and Korean creams with SPF protection are said to be the best on the market.
In the well-known Korean 10-step care routine, the serum takes center stage. When choosing a serum, pay attention to the fact that it contains natural, soothing, and hydrating ingredients that are gentle on the skin.
1. Purito Centella Green Level Buffet serum
Purito Centella Green Level Buffet serum restores the skin barrier and reduces skin irritations. It contains 49% Centella asiatica plant extract and panthenol, which help soothe the skin irritated by external stressors from the environment and prevent its inflammation. It is intended for skin whose barrier has been damaged due to the use of aggressive ingredients.
Main ingredients:
■ Centella asiatica plant extract
Centella Asiatica is best known for its wound-healing abilities. It is also called “tiger grass” because of the legend that says that after a fight, tigers would roll in the plant in an effort to relieve their injuries. CICA calms the skin and reduces its inflammation.
Centella asiatica
■ Peptides
A peptide consists of two or more amino acids that make up a protein. This ingredient helps to regenerate the skin and reduce wrinkles and increases the elasticity of the skin.
■ Niacinamide
Niacinamide is an active form of vitamin B3 that works to lighten the skin and regulate sebum.
■ Ceramides NP
Ceramides (fats found naturally in our skin) help restore the skin barrier and retain hydration.
■ Panthenol
Panthenol is the perfect active ingredient for sensitive skin. When absorbed into the body, panthenol becomes vitamin B. It soothes and restores tired skin and strengthens its barrier. It helps calm redness and soothes sensitive skin.
Ingredients:
Centella Asiatica Extract (49%), Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycereth-26, Carbomer, Arginine, Sclerotium Gum, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Sodium Hyaluronate, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid , Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Dipeptide-10, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate , Panthenol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Pancratium Maritimum Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Disodium EDTA, Adenosine, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Ceramide NP.
The serum has a transparent and gel-like texture, spreads easily, and is quickly absorbed into the skin. I applied it to clean and dry skin in the morning and evening routine. You can use the serum alone or before the cream. Since I have dry skin, I used it in combination with a moisturizing cream. The smell is mild and herbal, but it does not stay long on the skin. The serum really soothes the skin and hydrates it at the same time. It can be used for any type of skin, especially sensitive, which needs to restore the skin barrier damaged by exfoliation, peelings, and aggressive ingredients from cosmetic products…
I would recommend the introduction of products with the Centella Asiatica plant into the care routine.
Packaging: plastic bottle with a pump of 60 ml
Price: 27 EUR
Rating: 4.5/5
cruelty-free
2. iUNIK Beta-Glucan Power Moisture Serum
Intensive hydration serum with 98% beta-glucan
iUNIK intensive hydration serum contains 98% beta-glucan and 2% sodium PCA. Beta-glucan is a large molecule composed of many smaller sugar molecules (called polysaccharides) and is found in the cell walls of yeast, some fungi, algae, and cereals. Beta-glucan has a soothing and hydrating effect and has a 20% higher hydration capacity than hyaluronic acid.
Topical application of beta-glucan works on wound healing, and is also a mild antioxidant that soothes and hydrates the skin.
A study of the effect of 0.1% beta-glucan on 27 people was recently presented. The results showed that despite its large molecular size, beta-glucan penetrates the skin, even into the dermis (the middle layer of the skin where wrinkles form). After eight weeks, the depth of wrinkles and the roughness of the skin decreased significantly.
Sodium PCA (PCA stands for pyrrolidone carboxylic acid) is a substance that can be found naturally in our skin. The sodium salt form of PCA is an important skin-identical ingredient and an excellent natural moisturizer that helps skin retain moisture and stay hydrated.
Ingredients:
Water, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Beta-Glucan, Sodium PCA.
The serum has a transparent, non-sticky, and liquid texture that spreads easily and is quickly absorbed. It can be used as part of the morning and evening routine and is intended for all skin types. Due to the minimal list of ingredients and the fact that there is no perfume or alcohol, it is also suitable for sensitive skin.
It will best suit dry and dehydrated skin, because after just a few applications you will notice the elasticity, hydration, and refreshment of the skin. Flaking on parts of the facial skin has stopped and the skin barrier has been restored. An excellent moisturizing serum that won me over with its effectiveness and light, almost liquid texture.
Packaging: 50 ml dropper bottle
Price: 25 EUR (www.notino.hr)
Rating: 5/5
cruelty-free
3. Dear, Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Serum
Dear, Klairs serum provides the skin with a radiant glow throughout the day, replenishing its moisture level and soothing sensitive skin. Like the previous serums and Dear, Klairs moisturizing serum soothes the skin and provides it with hydration.
Hydration is the basis of skin care, and the level of hydration is a key factor for long-lasting, flawless makeup. Well-moisturized skin secretes less oil and thus supports the durability of the makeup.
Ingredients:
Water, Sodium Hyaluronate, Butylene Glycol, Dimethyl Sulfone, Betaine, Natto Gum, Propanediol, Polyquaternium-51, Disodium EDTA, Centella Asiatica Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Carbomer, Arginine, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Lysine HCL, Proline, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Acetyl Methionine, Theanine, Chlorphenesin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Illicium Verum (Anise) Fruit Extract, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Panthenol, Luffa Cylindrica Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract, Beta-Glucan, Althaea Rosea Flower Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Apium Graveolens (Celery) Extract, Brassica Oleracea Capitata (Cabbage) Leaf Extract, Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Extract, Brassica Rapa (Turnip) Leaf Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract, Linalool, Limonene.
The serum has a transparent and gel-like texture, and I applied it twice a day, in the morning and in the evening, an amount of 3-4 pumps with a pump on a clean face. The pressed amount of serum is enough to apply to the entire facial skin. Of all the Dear serums tested, Klairs has the thickest texture, but it spreads extremely easily and is quickly absorbed, leaving no greasy residue on the skin. I don’t know if this serum is suitable for oily skin, but it worked great on my dry and sensitive skin. The skin was hydrated, elastic, and soft with a healthy glow. After applying the serum, I continued the care routine with a moisturizing cream because using it alone was not moisturizing enough.
Packaging: plastic bottle with a pump of 80 ml
Price: 26 EUR (www.notino.hr)
Rating: 4.5/5
cruelty-free
4. Pyunkang Yul Moisture Serum
Pyunkang Yul Hydrating Serum balances, hydrates, and soothes the skin. It is formulated to help the skin find the optimal ratio of moisture and oil for a balanced, healthy complexion. The secret is in the right combination of ingredients; extract of astragalus root (Astragalus membranaceous) and olive oil.
In addition to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, astragalus root extract (Croatian kozlinac) enhances the absorption of the ingredients, and the serum is quickly absorbed into the skin, hydrating it and strengthening its barrier.
Astragalus membranaceous or Huang qi, as the Chinese call it, is one of the most famous Chinese medicinal plants that is traditionally used to strengthen “qi”, i.e. the life force of the body. It has immunomodulating, antihyperglycemic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral properties.
Modern research proves that Huang qi is a medicinal plant that contains an abundance of bioactive compounds, such as saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides.
Typically 1% or lower concentrations are used in most formulations.
Pyunkang Yul Hydrating Serum soothes and cools, providing deep hydration to irritated, sensitive, oily, but dehydrated skin.
The texture of the serum is similar to a lotion, it is milky white in color and is easy to apply and quickly absorbed. I have a complaint about the packaging, the dropper is not practical because the texture of the serum is too thick for this kind of dosage. A solution with a pump would be much better.
Ingredients:
Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract, Butylene Glycol, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, 1,2-Hexanediol, Stearic Acid, Polysorbate 60, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Carbomer, Arginine, Dimethicone.
Packaging: glass bottle with dropper, 100 ml
Price: 26 EUR (www.notino.hr)
Rating: 3.5/5
cruelty-free
