Cosrx PHA moisture renewal power cream review

Cosrx, a long time boyfriend to say the least, had news that they were coming out with a new moisturizer. Actually they told me they were coming out with around 20 new items this year, which is amazing news but I don’t see how they will be coming out with that many products since it is almost the middle of the year.  Anyways, I was watching Joan on Youtube and she was at the Cosrx headquarters and gave us a sneak peek of the moisturizer.  Looking more into it, the moisturizer sounded like Mr. Rx sat me down in a room, asked me what my needs are and specifically made a cream just for me, being the romantic guy that he is.  Now that I have tested this cream out, I can tell you my experiences with it :).  Let’s go!

Full name of product:
Cosrx PHA moisture renewal power cream

Limited edition/ Permanent?:
Permanent

Description of product:
“PHA Moisture Renewal Power Cream designed for dry skin is formulated with PHA to help your skin appear smooth, dewy, and moisturized.”

For those of you who aren’t familiar with PHA, PHA stands for Poly Hydroxy Acids.  It functions the same as AHA in a sense that it gently exfoliates the skin but is less irritating then AHA since it has a larger molecular size.  Those with more sensitive skin that can’t use AHA could use PHA due to this face.  PHA also provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits through gluconolactone which is used in this cream.

Price:
23,000 won

Amount of product:
50 mL

Duration before expiration:
1 year

Country of Manufacture:
Made in Korea

Where to buy:
Amazon
Jolse

Ingredients:
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Gluconolactone, Niacinamide, Betaine, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, 1,2-Hexanediol, BeesWax, Elaeis Guineensis(Palm) oil, Elaeis Guineensis(Palm) Kernel Oil, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin  

Gluconolactone(PHA)
Gently exfoliate skin & Smoothen skin texture

Niacinamide
 Helps fading out dark and red spots

How to use:
Use the cream as the last step of skin routine to treat dry skin area. Gently spread and massage over face. It’s suitable for dry to normal skin types.

Product packaging:
Since Cosrx sent me this as a PR sample, they told me they weren’t going to give me the box because they didn’t want to reveal the ingredients list.  Understandable but then, I’m not the type to like to read the ingredients list anyways since I like to base my review on how it reacts to my skin.  I believe if you were to buy this cream, it would come in a box and a tiny plastic spatula.  For me, since I didn’t have the box, I didn’t get the spatula (obviously).

The packaging is very standard, very Cosrx.  Simplistic, usually white or clear packaging.  The whole look is very clinical looking, just like their name (Cos= cosmetic Rx= prescription, countermeasure, treatment).  Screwing off the lid, you’ll see that there is another plastic lid keeping the product in and keeping air and bacteria out.  Although it is kind of a pain in the butt to have to have another step to get to your moisturizer, but I do like having it since it keeps my jars clean.

Texture/ Finish:
Texture of this moisturizer at first, it looks like it would be a cream texture, but it is more of a thicker end of a gel if that makes any sense.  Like if you were to flip the jar upside down, the moisturizer will not plop out.  Massaged into the skin, the moisturizer takes about 20 seconds for it to fully absorb into the skin and it leaves the skin feeling very hydrated, soft and silky. It also leaves the skin a subtle glow, but not to the point it where your face looks shiny/ dewy.

Moisture level measurements:Please note, I used this moisturizer after I applied a serum. 

pH level:
This moisturizer has a pH level of 5, meaning it is as close to the human skin pH level as possible so it most likely won’t irritate the skin.

Fragrance?:
This moisturizer does not have a fragrance.  All of Cosrx products don’t have fragrances actually.

Effects/ Results:
So I’ve been using this cream for about a month now and I do have to say, I really like this cream.  Because it is a more lightweight cream, I’d have to layer a serum or emulsion and top it off with a facial oil during the fall and wintertime.  But using this during the spring and summertime is perfect for me since it isn’t too oily or heavy but still hydrating enough for my dry skin.  Now do I think it kept my dry patchy skin at bay, in a sense yes and no.  Yes because throughout the month, I did see a difference in my dry skin and not having to exfoliate as much as before.  No because I still have to use my peeling gel/ scrubs about once a week but that is half the amount I normally would need to get rid of my dead skin, so that is a pretty good result if you ask me.

Pro:
-hydrating lightweight cream
-justifies its claims

Con:
Nothing really!

Repurchase?:
High chance of repurchasing and also a high chance of getting my friends to buy this cream for themselves when they are looking for a moisturizer.

Stars given out of 5:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Overall thoughts:
Cosrx is a very simple brand.  Simplistic, nothing too exciting but because it works so well, that is what gets me excited.  Like their moisture up pads, this product is also here to stay.  I do like the fact that it has peeling properties to it which makes it a great pairing for my very dry skin as well as being hydrating.  Overall this cream delivered what I expect from Cosrx and I’m happy to recommend this cream for those of you who are looking for a mild exfoliating and hydrating moisturizer.