Honest To Goodness Review of COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

Bought for: P299 (on sale)

Bought from: an online shop

I might bore you with a review of Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser because I'm a hundred percent sure that you've read too much about it already. I got this last month for only P299 from a trusted Korean online shop when 9.9 sale was still ongoing. I have been using it non-stop since then and it seems to go well with other products that I am currently using. Hear me out still because I would like to share what I think about it after a more than a month of test run. There were some things about it that I like and I don't that I want to share with you and maybe you would be interested to know.

Now that I am about to run out of this cleanser, keep reading after the break if you would like to know whether I'm about to repurchase or not.

CLAIMS (AS PER ALTHEA KOREA)

Are you a morning person? Now you can be with CosRX's Low PH Good Morning Gel Cleanser! This specially formulated foaming cleanser is slightly acidic to suit the skin's natural pH level for a healthy environment. It also helps to exfoliate dead skin cells, shrink enlarged pores and treats blemishes for a fresh, flawless complexion. Best of all, it doesn't dehydrate the skin and the formula is super gentle, making it suitable even for those of us with sensitive skins.

PACKAGING

The design and colors are very minimal  yet functional and I like that so much about COSRX. I like that it comes in a travel-friendly tube and the cap closes with a slight reassuring click. Just like other COSRX's products, all necessary information are printed in clear and readable fonts such as claims, direction for use, ingredients, and expiry dates.

SCENT, TEXTURE AND CONSISTENCY

I intentionally didn't read the ingredients prior to using but from the moment I opened it and dispense an amount onto my palms, I knew right then and there that it has a good amount of Tea Tree Oil in it. At first, I find it too strong that if you are overtly sensitive to scents, you'll find it distracting. It was a little bothersome for me not because the scent was strong but because Tea Tree don't usually work on my skin. There were only a handful of products that did and most of them might have only because Tea Tree is (presumably) present in the smallest quantity possible.

The cleanser comes in a clear gel-type formulation that isn't too runny and too thick. Since it's in a gel form, to be honest, I expected that it won't lather as much as foam cleansers do but it's almost as close. And as expected, it still does feel a little stripping on the skin. My face still felt a little taut and dry as opposed to when I use gel cleansers that don't lather as much. See CETAPHIL GENTLE SKIN CLEANSER, CETAPHIL OILY SKIN CLEANSER, PHYSIOGEL HYPOALLERGENIC DAILY THERAPY DERMO-CLEANSER and DERMAID ACNE OIL CONTROL FACIAL CLEANSER for cleansers that do not create foamy lathers and aren't drying.

PERFORMANCE

What I like about this product is that it feels really gentle on the skin when applied and doesn't cause any itchiness or irritation. It cleanses my skin very well with its mildly acidic formula and take with it all gunk and oil that's been stuck on my pores the whole day. Despite the strong Tea Tree formulation, I am happy that this cleanser does not trigger pimples or acne to surface. It does not completely prevent breakouts especially during that time of the month but I appreciate the fact that it's able to control them at the very least. I can tell because I only got about four or five fresh (and tiny) new bumps this month compared to the last. That's already an improvement for someone like me who's got not just oily skin, but is acne-prone too.

I also have to point out that my skin is more balanced now and that it looks fresher after every wash. Although it claims to be for AM use, there's no harm in using it in the evening too as it helps clear out the skin and removes waste on it. I believe our skin produces dead skin cells and sebum any time  it wants which is why cleansing with a low pH product is still necessary. If you wear heavy makeup though, you might want to cleanse with heavy-duty makeup cleanser first then follow it up with Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser.

Overall, I like this cleanser better than the SALICYLIC ACID DAILY GENTLE CLEANSER. If you are looking for a basic cleanser that doesn't irritate even the most sensitive skin, this is perfect for you. This is available in Althea Korea for P600 but you can find this in a lot of Korean online beauty shops for a bit less more money. Let me know what you think about it!

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A Blemish Cream That Did Not Work For Me: Cosrx Centella Blemish Cream

Cosrx Centella Blemish Cream, 30 ml

Bought for: P650

Bought from: an online shop

I learned about CosRx because of all the rave reviews and comments on how life-changing their products are. I've honestly liked a few from their massive skin care line like like the but this one isn't just for me. I know I gave it a fair try because the moment I saw something's going wrong, I still used it religiously. There was a point when I felt I gotta stop because my skin looked awful and eventually gave it another try after a couple of weeks right after my skin calmed down. To my dismay, my skin got worse  again. I used it in conjunction with a few skincare stuff I trust (Laneige Special Care Water Sleeping Mask and Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser) so I am pretty accurate if I say where I've gone wrong. It was at that point when I knew that I'm gonna have to get rid of this.

Packaging

Just like most Cosrx products, packaging is very minimalist but you get all the information you will ever need like the directions, ingredients, caution, claims and expiry dates. I'm sure that being in a tiny jar type of packaging, it could scare away OC people. I appreciate that it comes with a tiny spatula though so I can avoid using my fingers for application. However, since you need to open the entire tub whenever you use it, the wide brim could still serve as a pathway for bacteria making the spatula useless after all.

The ingredient list is very promising. It has a lot of natural ingredients that are known to battle acne and blemishes. The product could even soothe and calm the skin with the gentlest ingredients you can even think of. I wasn't expecting a lot from it though because it has Tea Tree Oil which my skin didn't like at all. When use in slightly large dosages, instead of calming my skin, it would even cause flare ups. As you can tell, Tea Tree is just a tiny percentage given its almost at the bottom part of the list but using it in conjunction with other Cosrx products infused with Tea Tree as well might be the reason why it fails to do what it's supposed to my skin.

Texture, Consistency and Ease of Application

The cream has sort of like a whipped texture, bouncy and creamy to the touch. I like that its very lightweight and gets absorb by the skin easily. A tiny jar with 30ml of product inside might be impractical for a 600-peso product (or more) but once you get to try it, you'll figure out its worth it. A little of the cream goes a long way. It's even advised to be used as a spot treatment so you don't have to apply it all over your face. I have tried this product for more than a month and I barely made the cream down to three-fourth of the tub.

The creams feels luxurious. If there's such a thing like you're feeling the luxury you paid for a cream, you get that sensation while applying it. It felt so soft and hydrating and the skin will absorb the cream very easily without any greasiness. It just felt so comfortable given that I have oily skin.

This product has a faint scent to it. I can't really describe thoroughly but it has that trademark scent of most Cosrx products, Tea Tree, but it reminds me more of a soda-ish scent.

Now for the verdict, I don't think I'll ever repurchase this cream ever again. It basically claims to be a highly concentrated spot cream that helps lighten post-blemish marks, treating sensitive stressed-out skin. For one thing, it didn't drastically made an improvement on the appearance of my existing and new blemishes. They are still as obvious as ever, probably because I haven't given this cream enough time to lighten them. I could have, believe me. What made me decide to stop was the fact that it causes surface bumps and whiteheads to appear in cluster wherever I apply this treatment. They weren't pus-filled or bigger than usual but breakouts will always be breakouts. Instead of waiting for my blemishes to lighten and eventually become out of sight, don't you think it's crazy to tolerate this cream to create more future blemishes? I wouldn't wait for that to happen.

Just to be fair, a lot of beauty enthusiasts are raving about this product. All of the products I have tried from Cosrx are surely gentle. They don't sting or dry out my skin which is great. I just don't like that most of them has Tea Tree because ever since, most Tea Tree-infused products worsen my skin. I can only count in one hand how many of those with Tea Tree works for me. I haven't found a single product with this particular ingredient that does its job in eliminating breakouts and blemishes completely right up to this date. Maybe Tea Tree is just too strong of an oil for my skin.

Have you tried this Cosrx Centella Blemish Cream? Any thoughts? Did you make it work? Share your thoughts down below!

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COSRX Natural BHA Skin Returning A-sol Review

COSRX Natural BHA Skin Returning A-sol, 100ml

Bought for: P | SRP: P700 and above

Bought from: an online shop

I've always wanted to try COSRX products for a long time so when I ran out of stuff to use in rotation to my skin care routine, I decided to shop a few COSRX products (well, not really few since they are probably more than what my skin needs). One of the stuff I personally picked was this COSRX Natural BHA Skin Returning A-sol which I've read a bunch of positive reviews for. A lot of beauty gurus and enthusiasts are raving about how this product helped with breakouts. As early as now, spoiler alert, this is one of those COSRX products that ain't working hard unlike the Aloe Soothing Sun Cream (ultimate favorite) and AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner. It really is saddening as I was expecting something miraculous about it.

Claims (as per COSRX)

Formulated with 60% Black Bee Propolis and 1% BHA, this toner is designed to prevent further breakouts while soothing and hydrating the applied area. This lightweight toner treats complex skin issues with a combination of propolis, AHA, natural BHA, and natural moisturizing ingredients. This formula has properties that can naturally reduce sebum production and clear impurities. It’s excellent for combination to oily skin types.

How To Use

After cleansing, soak a cotton pad and swipe a thin layer of the A-sol over the skin, avoiding the eye and mouth area. For use during the daytime, follow with a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or greater.

Ingredients

Propolis Extract, Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Lactate, Lactic Acid, water, Glycolic Acid, Betaine Salicylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Allantoin, Cassia Obtusifollia Seed Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethyl Hexan-ediol, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Mekakeuca Alternifolia(Tee Tree) Leaf Oil 

Packaging

I like the durability of the bottle, it's strong enough to withstand a few drops from my vanity. It's opaque white with a combination of red and black colors which is really simple. I think simplicity is really nice and practical as long as they make up for the product's efficiency and quality. The product has that pump that easily dispenses product and make it easy to control the amount to use. More information about the product is printed on the box.

Scent, Texture and Ease of Application

Comes in a clear, runny and water-like consistency, COSRX Natural BHA Skin Returning A-sol reeks of Tea Tree scent. Others find the scent of it off-putting but as long as it's bearable, I could put up with it. I have tried Tea Tree-infused products before so that probably build my tolerance. This solution has a thin consistency that my skin drinks it up with ease. There was no dryness or any stinging sensation whenever I apply it on with a cotton swab. Though it dries matte and despite the BHA/Salicylic Acid and AHA formulas, it still remains to be hydrating on the skin without going a little overboard.

Performance

This product is made up of only a few active ingredients--what's standard amongst all COSRX product so you are safe that you are only putting the right stuff on your skin without any fillers. It's made up of propolis, AHA, natural BHA, and natural moisturizing ingredients which, in a nutshell, is supposed to combat acne, blemishes  and dry skin for a well-exfoliated, clearer complexion.

If I am going to look at its ingredient list, most of them works well for me like the BHA and AHA so what I find really strange is the fact that why is it not working now? I don't know if it makes any sense but I haven't encountered a Tea Tree-infused product that works well for me and because Tea Tree is one of A-sol's ingredient, you're getting the hint now. Maybe I was just mistaken and it might even sound absurd to you, guys, because Tea Tree is even the lowest in quantity! I wouldn't go any further in the explanation of ingredients because I ain't a Science person. However, what really triggered me to stop using this is because it basically does nothing else aside from making my skin look matte (due to alcohol) and hydrated after using it for a month together with other COSRX products.

This treatment solution claims to prevent breakouts or basically be clear from any pesky zits. You know that I have pimple-prone skin, I have overactive sebum glands and my skin's just full of all the disasters you could ever think of. So when a product says it's for breakouts, I can only say it's effective if it does what it claims. Although COSRX Natural BHA Skin Returning A-sol  did not flare up or worsen existing breakouts, it did nothing to calm or dry them either. It's just an unnecessary and futile step to skin care, I would rather say.

Overall Thoughts

As you can tell, I'm not a fan of this. I have a few picks from COSRX that I really love but sad to say this one is an exclusion. I followed the necessary steps to get the most out of it like applying with a cotton swab for physical and chemical exfoliation and not using it in conjunction with a product with high BHA and AHA concentration but to no avail. Though I like that it's not drying on the skin and feels very lightweight and does not trigger any irritation, I have a few toners and treatment solutions in mind that works better. I wouldn't recommend it even with all the hype that's going on but I'm not stopping you too if you would like to give it a shot. Go for it because not everything the didn't work for me will also not work on you. If you have sensitive or normal skin type without much clusters of breakouts, I think this would work as a gentle exfoliator. I just think that a product not doing what it's supposed to do is completely pointless.

Let me know how COSRX Natural BHA Skin Returning A-sol performs on you! Id love to hear your thoughts about this product. Happy blogging!

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Holy Grail: COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ Review

COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++

Bought for: P408 | SRP: P550 and above

Bought from: an online K-beauty shop

Way back in college when I wasn't a huge fan of sticky sunblocks yet, I had encountered a sunscreen mishap where my face became sort of darker than the rest of my body. I couldn't tell the whole story anymore since what I remember was the fact that I was always commuting without bringing any umbrella or putting any sunscreen on. It was when I noticed the significant difference in my skin tone that I decided to never go out without any sun protection on. Gone are the days though that I had to bear sticky sunscreens that aside from protection, would give my skin a strong layer of white cast. In my few years of blogging, I discovered a few sunblocks that combat sun's harmful rays and do more than shielding the skin from any damages.

Claims (as per COSRX)

Formulated with 5,500ppm of Aloe Leaf Extract, this sun cream protects skin against UVA & UVB rays while hydrating skin. This Aloe Soothing Sun Cream not only improves the skin’s moisture barrier, but also protect skin against UVA and UVB rays. This sun cream has light-weight texture, which absorbs quickly and leaves skin feeling intensely hydrated. It’s suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin.

How To Use

Apply a generous amount on over face 30 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply throughout the day as needed, especially during prolonged sun exposure.

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

Packaging

I've always find products in a tube so convenient to use because you don't have to shake or do a lot of tapping motions in order for you to make the cream come out. With this, you can also control the amount you want to use for your face. I like the white and green combination of design though what I find off about it is the lack of other necessary information. Though the claims, ingredients and everything are written on the accompanying box, once I throw it out, I wouldn't know what this product is for or rather what's in it for me.

Texture, Consistency and Ease of Application

This sunscreen is creamy white in color and thick in texture but once you apply it on, it gently penetrates the skin. There's something about the cream that makes me think it's one of those sunscreens with the best formulas because the product itself is so soft and cushiony. It dries semi-matte (but still moisturizing) so it's perfect for this tropical weather. The scent is very mild with a hint of citrus.

Performance

Upon drying, it gives skin a healthy glow and a surge of moisture. I don't need to layer a moisturizer under because this sunscreen does more than what it's suppose to. It hydrates the skin without the greasy feel or shiny look so I think it would look perfect even to those with oily skin. Add the fact that it does not clog the skin and cause major breakouts. It's also hydrating enough to soothe those with dry skin especially that it has Aloe Vera for its main ingredient. Once applied, you'll feel that it's really mild, non-sting and soothing. True to its word that it can be for sensitive skin too.

Another thing I notice whenever I'm wearing this on is that my skin seem to get rid of dullness. It gives a teeny bit of white cast that seem to brighten the skin and does not make my skin look grayish. You can top it off with your favorite foundation and it wouldn't turn it patchy. Or if you opt for a natural look, you can just simple dust some powder and your skin would still look so radiant and glowing at the end of the day. In fact, my skin looks better and better as time passes by whenever I have this one!

If you are looking for an affordable sunscreen that protects the skin with a punch of SPF while still doing more than it's supposed to like hydrating the skin and keeping it healthy, look no further. This ain't sponsored but I tell you, this is one of the best CosRX products for me and something that I couldn't trade for anything else at the moment!

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Cosrx AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner Review

Cosrx AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner

Bought for: Sale at P500/150ml

Bought from: an online shop

I'm pretty sure I need not to have an extravagant opening lines to introduce the Korean brand, COSRX. Most, if not all, beauty enthusiasts rave about how efficient their products are with the use of minimal but of course, clinically-tested ingredients that caters everyone's need for good skin care. And mostly because of curiosity, I had to use them myself to gauge whether they are really worth the hype or not. I have already reviewed three Cosrx products by this time (Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser, Mela 14 White Ampule and One Step Original Clear Pads) but have tried a lot--overall, I do think they are just average products with only a few standouts.

Today, I'll be talking a few things about Cosrx AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner which is something that never left my vanity. It took me a while to get ready and say something sensible about it just because I couldn't believe I'd like it after being disappointed with the aforementioned products. It does not do much, to be honest, but no matter how I think about what made me like it so much, it just leads me to the fact that everything about it is simple yet it works behind the scenes. Does it makes sense? Well, it probably should as you read on!

Claims (as per Beautymnl)

A gently clarifying and exfoliating toner for a healthy complexion. Natural AHA and BHA content clears away dead skin cells; mineral water boosts skin health; allantoin hydrates skin and keeps it moist and smooth; helps prevents whiteheads and blackheads caused by lack of moisture and slow cell turnover. Perfect for coarse, flaky skin.

Ingredients

Mineral Water, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Water, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Water, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Lactate, Glycolic Acid, Water, Betaine Salicylate, Allantoin, Panthenol, Ethyl Hexanediol

Packaging

Comes in a simple spray type bottle, this product displays minimal information on the bottle as minimal as its ingredient list. Good thing, it came in a box that you can read beforehand to gain more information about the product. Check the bottom of the bottle and you will see that it has a long shelf life. The packaging diffuses the product easily on the skin especially if you use it as a mist.

How I Use It

I mostly dispenses the product on a cotton pad and then apply gently on the skin in an upward motion. This 'double cleanse' the skin and removes any residue of dirt and oil. I can also spray it directly on my face a few inches away and use an instant refresher for a hydrated and balanced complexion. Since I am using an acid product, I make sure to slather a generous amount of sunscreen to prevent any adverse reaction.

Texture, Scent and Ease of Application

Water-y and clear in texture, this product smells barely anything too. I thought it would reek of something strong but thinking about how it was made of only a few ingredients now, I think silly of myself. It's quick-drying and is lightweight on the skin with a hydrating feeling.

Overall Performance

In a nutshell, this product does what it was labeled for. This is the very first product I have tried from Cosrx and it's just among the few I picked to remain. I have been using this toner longer than a month and the longer I use it, the more I appreciate how effective of a skincare product it is. I'm sure I've mentioned that this product gets  absorb by the skin pretty easily making it suitable for us with oily skin. It doesn't leave any sticky residue, however, there's the good feeling that it's there giving your skin a hydrated layer.

I had a chickenpox infection a few weeks ago and this was the only product I use to moisturize my skin when I was on my 'healing' stage. Since the bumps are quite sensitive, I only have to spray it on my face and voila, I'm instantly hydrated. It doesn't sting as well even I had chicken pox on and this just proved how mild this toner is. I thought that being an exfoliant with AHA and BHA acids on, it will tend to create some tingling effects but guess what, I was mistaken.

With its low pH formula, this toner balances the skin and prep it for the next skin care step. I noticed how my skin gradually felt so smooth and soft and free from any flakiness and roughness and all the moisturizers I put on seem to get absorbed even better even makeup. It helps reduce the cakiness of any foundation which is a big deal. With religious use, I also noticed a big difference in my overall complexion. After my chickenpox infection, my skin is now clearer-looking and my complexion seem to improve a lot. The AHA and BHA exfoliants in it really work hard.

BHA a.k.a Salicylic Acid (acne-fighting products mostly has it!) is usually friendly on my skin so I trust most of the products that is infused with this acid. The best part is that I get less and less breakouts and clogged pores with continuous use. I still get them once in a while but they were tiny and that is mainly because I have lousy eating and sleeping habits.

Overall Thoughts

This product is gentle enough that it's probably suitable for any skin type whether you have dry, sensitive or combination skin. If you have super dry skin though, it's hydrating properties wouldn't be enough. It does not change your skin a great deal as well for it certainly does not contain a strong concentrated formula of both AHA and BHA. However, it's best to use for mild exfoliation and preparation before putting on your beloved treatments.

This has become a holy grail product for me and I would surely repurchase. I think patience and religious use are needed to make this product work best. If you expect an overnight miracle, this isn't for you.

Have you tried Cosrx AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner? How do you find it?

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Cosrx Mela14 White Ampule Review

Cosrx Mela14 White Ampoule, 20ml

Bought for: P1,100 | SRP: Prices ranges usually P950-above

Bought from: Beautymnl

I never got rid of my pimple and acne scars I've long developed ever since I hit puberty. I couldn't blame it solely for my lousy sleeping nor eating habits because genes, that's why. Even in my early 20s, I keep on fighting probably all types of skin problems and they just seem to resurface nonstop.  I know prevention is better than cure but seems like it's against me so I'd rather cure them than do nothing at all. While I'm into trying out different acne-fighting products, I'm also on the lookout for effective products that targets dark spots and hyperpigmentation. In a way, I'm treating breakouts and prevent them from leaving disgusting marks on the skin.

Cosrx is a Korean skin care brand that has gone popular nowadays. They are widely known to use safe and natural ingredients and they offer variety of functional products for any skin types and problems. To test their efficacy (more like because I'm so intrigued), I tweaked 70-80% of my routine for Cosrx products. One of which is this Cosrx Mela14 White Ampule which I'm going to review today!

Claims (as per Beautyml)

A gel-type whitening ampule that transforms skin in 14 days; lightens skin for a radiant, lustrous complexion; infused with apple water for maximum hydration and nutrition; brightens overall complexion and prevents dark spots; comes with a convenient and hygienic dropper; perfect for dull, blemished, lackluster skin

Ingredients

Pyrus Malus(Apple) Fruit Water, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Alcohol, Betaine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycolic Acid, Betaine Salicylate, Phenylethyl Resorcinol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Panthenol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Xanthan Gum, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Hydroxide 

How To Use

Cleanse and tone your skin. Place 1-2 droplets on your hand or at the tips of your fingers and gently pat product onto face.

Packaging

The product comes in typical bottles of ampules with a dropper and an outer plastic cap. It looks like it just came out straight from a lab haha! Though it's made of fragile glass, I love the overall packaging, there's no way it would ever look cheap as it has a weight to it. I find it very sanitary to use too because of the cap which at first I didn't know the purpose of. Later on, I figured out probably it's intended to protect the rubber (dropper handle) inside from any dust and dirt. Quite a small detail but very useful indeed. Also, unlike any other serum or ampule in a dropper bottle, it has an extra rubber seal on its crater which probably helps to prevent air from coming through. The product does not have much information printed on it but thankfully, the accompanying box has it all and they are even written in English!

Texture, Consistency and Ease of Application

COSRX Mela14 White Ampule comes in a clear white, a bit runny, gel-type ampule with a scent that's barely there. Once applied, you'll have to bear with its tacky formula for quite a few minutes before the product gets absorbed completely. That saying, I would advise to use only a small amount of this product so you won't get dewy all over. Since I have super oily skin, I make it to a point to limit application with just at least less than a pump, just enough to give my skin a very thin layer of ampule. Then, I'll just dab some more on areas which needs extra attention.

After a few minutes, you'll notice that your skin is really hydrated and the tackiness seem to fade a bit. I would say this makes it suitable for those with dry and even those with sensitive skin as well. Although, I would suggest that you do a patch test first, because the first three days that I used this, there was a bit of a tingling sensation. It goes away after a few seconds though.

Performance

I like the fact that this is hydrating enough for my skin but it comes with some cons too. I couldn't use any other creams or moisturizers on top of it because it's too moisturizing for my oily skin. I even stopped using most of my Cosrx moisturizers just because. I even oil up quite fast even when using this alone. And during the times I'd like to put some makeup on, I could only apply a teeny bit of foundation because my base tends to look cakey. After two uses, I had to limit my usage just every night.

I appreciate that Cosrx uses minimal ingredients onto their products, gets rid of anything unnecessary, but those alone didn't make quite significant changes on my skin. I know miracle does not usually happen overnight but this product didn't make my skin bright or radiant at all. What it does is just over-moisturize my skin and nothing else. Although it did not break me out, it did not do much on my dark spots and uneven skin tone. Considering the price tag, I expected a lot from this product only to figure out it just doesn't work.

Overall Thoughts

If you wanted something to keep your skin hydrated, this product is for you. It's one whitening product that isn't drying on the skin. I wouldn't recommend it though for the reason that it does not suit my skin and it's quite pricey for all it claimed that aren't true. I won't discourage you to try this because not everything that does not work for me will yield you the same result. We all have different skin type and reactions may vary too.

Have you tried Cosrx Mela14 White Ampule? How was it?

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Cosrx One Step Original Clear Pads Review

CosRx One Step Original Clear Pad

Bought for: P650 | SRP: P650-above

Bought from: an online shop

How's your holiday so far? Mine's always like this--sitting in front of my computer, blabbling some useless stuff and to make it worse, I'm sick and internet sucks. You kinda have to bear it with me because my mind got stuck somewhere else (I'm itching to get to a Mac kiosk lol) but believe me, I'm sane enough to tell you what I think of the famous CosRx One Step Pimple Clear Pad. Spoiler alert: I didn't like it very much.

I haven't used any peeling pad yet other than the underarm peeling pad I got from Althea Philippines way, way back and the pads look very much the same but are soaked with totally different solutions of course. They are not something to compare with for they are for different purposes so let's just forget about what I said and stick with my CosRx. Woah, do they rhyme? They do, right?

The reason I got this thing right here is because of all the rave reviews I read and even most of the bloggers whom I knew and been following for a long time, said that it is quite something. When I saved enough money, I gave it a go and without further ado, let's start!

Claims

Oil and excess sebum control just got easier. The award-winning COSRX One Step Original Clear Pads are pre-soaked in betaine salicylate and willow bark water to chemically exfoliate without drying out your skin. Active ingredients penetrate deeply into pores to dissolve oil and dead skin cells, which help in controlling breakouts. Not only are they good for the face but also recommended for blemishes on the chest and back.

Packaging

It is housed in an animated packaging which is I kind of like. The tub has 70 pads inside which makes it a better value than what I think is Cosrx's greatest opponent, the one from Neogen with only 40 pads. The only thing is the tub is quite spacious and bulky which I kind of hesitate to bring to overnight or travel. But think of it, Hanna, you rarely travels. In fact, you only travel with Adrian. Oh, right! I'm just concerned about your size preference? That doesn't sound right.

Anyway, let me just share a tip if you would like to save more. The pads are really soaking wet that you can even use a clean scissors to divide a pad into two, use the other one for the whole face and keep the other one for later.

Scent

I don't know why but I kept on thinking it somehow smells like cola with a bit of citrus. I love it and I don't think anyone would find it off-putting unless of course you don't like the scent of colas.

Texture of The Pads

You are supposed to use the pads in two ways. The pads has double sides--the other one is softer-looking and the other side looks a bit more textured with bigger circles. It is instructed to use the textured one to slough off dead skin cells on the skin and the soft side to remove them completely if there's any. To be honest, I think the idea is ridiculous. I can't even distinguish which side I'm using when I'm actually using them on the face. They feel quite the same so I don't bother sparing a moment to think about which side to use first. Oh good gracious, just smoothe it and get over with.

Performance

I use the product twice a day, in the morning and before I sleep. I would say that it does not dry easily on the skin and felt a bit sticky and tacky, the reason why I even agreed dividing a pad into two. The solution is just overwhelming and too moisturizing for me and since they don't dry fast, I have to wait for approximately 10 minutes before I proceed with my next skin care. I mean if you don't mind that, then you could go on. But I personally prefer low maintenance and convenient skin care and this product failed to tick that off.

If you are looking for something so moisturizing, this product is for you. Those with drier skin may love this because it's gentle enough, it does not sting and gives skin good moisture.

This product claims to exfoliate the skin and as we all know, exfoliation means better absorption of the next skin care step, but it doesn't feel that way at all. This product claims that it can also be used on the chest and back but I didn't get to that part 'cause there's no need to. My breakouts, even whiteheads and blackheads were not reduced, my skin doesn't look brightened at all. To be honest, I didn't see much improvement on my skin during the time that I had this in my skin care. I'm not saying that this won't work for you, I don't criticize the people who said this product worked for them but as much as I want this to work for me, it just won't. At the end, it just boils down to what is suitable for your skin type and what your skin prefers.

Do let me know down below if CosRx One Step Pimple Clear Pad works for you! Or not? Anything under the sun! Happy holidays, everyone!

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CosRx Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser Review

CosRx Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser (150ml)

Bought for: P269 | SRP: Others sell it around P300-500

Bought from: an online shop

It's pretty much impossible not to get to know the brand CosRx right now when almost every one gushes about them and every k-beauty sellers online used to stock up on these. Almost every fellow bloggers I know, if not all, have at least one CosRx products incorporated in their skincare routine, no wonder because after trying out a few products from them, I can now swear by their effectiveness. They are the perfect arsenal of skincare pieces which always pop up in my mind every time I hear gentle-yet-tough-for-breakouts products. The first product from their skincare line which I'm going to talk about right now is the reformulated CosRx Salicylic Acid Daily Gently Cleanser.

Based on my [not so] research, this is a reformulated product since 2017. The former cleanser was too drying on the skin and had it not been redeveloped, this product wouldn't have been so enticing, at least for me. I do have super oily skin, but I now tend to bypass almost anything that is too drying because they worsen sebum production. The reason behind this is because when your skin is dehydrated, it compensates by producing more sebum. Your skin has instincts, y'know! :)

Claims

A Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser helps to rduce breakouts and promotes clear skin. Ideal for all skin types including sensitive. It gently removes impurities and excess sebum while fighting pimples and blemishes, leaving skin soft and smooth without the stripping feeling.

Ingredients

Water, Glycerin, Myristic Acid, Stearic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Lauric Acid, Butylene Glycol, Glycol Distearate, Polysorbate 80, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Salicylic Acid, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Fragrance, Sodium Chloride, Melaleuca Alternigolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Water, 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 Lobata Root Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethyl Hexanediol, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA

The product's main ingredient is Salicylic Acid which comprises 0.5% of the product. It may be in small quantity, but it's tough enough to reduce pimples and breakouts already. If you are acne prone, you must be already acquainted with this chemical as most of your acne-fighting skin care products is infused with Salicylic Acid. Generally, this ingredient is used to treat mild to moderate acne and helps to exfoliate the top layers of the skin, decrease swelling and hasten the healing process.

Packaging

It comes in a large tube, pretty much the standard packaging of cleansers and has a very simple clinical design. Product is easy to control and dispense as well. It displays all necessary information--features, ingredients, caution and expiry dates.

Texture and Consistency

It comes in a white, foam-like cleansers that doesn't feel stiff when touched (unlike other foam cleanser) and that dissolves in a soft texture. For me, usually foam cleansers seem to connote dryness as it gives skin that tight, matte finish and strips off any traces of dewiness. There must be something included on their ingredient lists that tend to dry the skin whenever they create foam cleansers. In general, foam cleansers and gel cleansers give off a different finish on the skin. What made CosRx Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser a cut above the rest is that it's fairly mild on its own. It does look like it strips the skin off any traces of moisture but your skin doesn't feel too tight at all. Usually, my skin can't survive without any moisturizers afterward every time I use a foam cleanser, but it's a whole lot different case with Cosrx. It's drying compares to gel cleansers but its tolerable and a bit of moisturizer could solve that.

Performance

What I like about this product is that the fact that even it dries the skin a bit, it also dries up existing breakouts and they don't come out as often now. My skin looks brighter, smoother and fresher as well after every use. A little goes a long, long way, and believe me, a really small amount does lather richly so you don't need to dispense a lot. Take this as an advice so we can ward off too much dryness as well. One tube has 150ml of product on it so I'm pretty sure it would take months before it hits my product empties, making it a good value for money too.

Overall Thoughts

This product does feel mild and does not sting the skin but I don't think those with dry skin would prefer this. I mean, you might want to give it a try if you can endure dryness for a few moments but make sure to lather a huge amount of moisturizer afterwards. Overall, I would recommend it to you, guys who have oily combination and acne-prone skin to reduce breakouts, sebum and dirt and clarify the skin. It works better with CosRx products, offers a good value for money and surely worth the repurchase!

have you tried CosRx Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser? What about the Low ph Cleanser? My eyes are locked on that! Let me now your thoughts down below!

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