It is no surprise when one popular brand creates a refreshing philosophy and unique branding, another company would follow.ย With the explosive popularity of the Ordinary worldwide, brands like Good Molecule, Inkeylist, and Naturium soon followed after.ย The only Korean brand I’ve come across that has followed that concept is “the Potion”.ย From my observation, Korea doesn’t have that scientific ingredient focus concept trend.ย Instead, they bring a fresh breath of air by introducing ingredients originating from and popular in Asia, such as would have ingredient spotlight such as Cica, Mugwort/ Artemisia, propolis, and now even retinol! Furthermore, they concentrate on the customization aspect by testing and providing “cocktail recipes” that mix certain “Potions” with others to provide a synergistic solution for skin problems.ย
Slowly but surely, the two worlds of Western and Eastern beauty worlds are colliding with Western having followed a lot of Korean trends like sheet masks, cleansing balms and even getting their products manufactured in Korea, whereas Korean brands are slowly but surely introducing actives like retinol.ย For a long time, there were no online K-beauty stores carrying The Potions, so I wasn’t able to review them.ย But now, we have a savior!
Who are into Coreelle?
Into Coreelle is a relatively new online store with a team of enthusiastic beauty lovers from Korea.ย They have had the opportunity to witness, explore and test out Korean products for the last two decades and found lots of hard to find brands to offer to customers overseas.ย They offer brands like Mellow touch, the Potion, House of Dowha, Swanicoco, Logically skin, Adoreblanc, and chyuRuria.
The Potions does strike a resemblance to the Ordinary but not all at the same time.ย They have a similar lab like glass bottle and dropper and clinical look overall but unlike the Ordinary, these products are slightly more formulated and easier for the newbie consumer to digest.ย Even as a skincare self-taught “expert” (if you can even call me that at all), I get confused still reading and figuring out the Ordinary products.ย With the Potion products, it is very easy to know which products do what at one glance. For instance, their products are split into three categories: silver for their energy ampoule line, gold for their oil serum line, and blue for their water essence line.
The bottle is skinnier and you get 20 mL of product in each bottle.ย I do have a complaint about the dropper.ย I think the dropper needs to have a stiffer or smaller plastic squeezer on top since I don’t feel like there is enough pressure to suck in the product.ย When I do squeeze, there is only about 15% of the product in the glass dropper.ย It isn’t a deal-breaker but I thought I should mention that.
*Edit: I found out I might have gotten a faulty dropper, hence the dropper not having enough pressure to squeeze product upwards. No worries, I can always just tip it over if I’m desperate and let it drip onto my hands :).
I’m also not sure why the bottles aren’t a little more full.ย This isn’t me after using it for weeks and weeks, this is literally what it looked like out of the box.ย Very odd…
*Another edit: So I got in touch with into Coreelle and they said because of the different viscosity of this mugwort essence, it makes it look like there’ is less product but rest assured the weight is still the same (20 mL).
I am happy that there is a stopper on the inside to prevent me from spilling the whole bottle like the fear I have with the Ordinary bottles.ย One tip and yikes!! Game over.
Full name of product:
The potion mugwort essence
Limited edition/ Permanent?:
Permanent
Description of product:
“A light-weight Mugwort water essence to soothe sensitive skin prone to acne and redness with the anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory properties of Mugwort.”
Price:
9,900 won
Amount of product:
20 mL
Duration before expiration:
1 year after opening
2 years if not opened
Country of Manufacture:
Made in Korea
Manufactured by Organic Bridge Co. Ltd
Ingredients:
Artemisia Annua Extract, Water, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol
Texture/ Finish:
The texture of this is very light, almost like water.ย I actually used this the day I waxed my own eyebrow and mustache.ย Every time I wax myself, my face gets red for the next 3-4 days and I get these weird red bumps.ย As for aftercare, I used it for the following days and I definitely saw my skin getting less and less red quickly. Even though it feels watery at first, once it has absorbed into the skin, it leaves a light layer of hydration.ย Also, when it hits the skin, you can immediately feel a cooling sensation which is so nice for a summer’s day.
Fragrance?:
There is a slightly green, earthy scent with a hint of cinnamon?ย I know there isn’t any cinnamon in it but it definitely smells like it. Smell-o-scale: 2/10 in terms of how strong the scent is and it fades after application.
Pro:
-truly calming
-cooling once applied
-light hydration
Con:
-small amount :S
Repurchase?:
No
Stars given out of 5:
โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ
Full name of product:
The potion azulene ampoule
Limited edition/ Permanent?:
Permanent
Description of product:
“An Azulene ampoule to help calm irritated skin and strengthen the skin barrier from environmental aggressors.
A soothing ampoule with Azulene, otherwise known as Guaiazulene, it helps soothe sensitive skin prone to acne and protect against the effects of free radicals.
Due to the nature of Azulene, which has no artificial content and made purely from natural ingredients, exposure to sunlight may cause discoloration, but there is no problem with the product itself and has been verified in all possible tests for safety.”
Price:
12,900 won
Amount of product:
20 mL
Duration before expiration:
1 year after opening
2 years if not opened
Country of Manufacture:
Made in Korea
Manufactured by Organic Bridge Co. Ltd
Where to buy:
Into Coreelle
Ingredients:
Purified water, butylene glycol, propanediol, pentylene glycol, caprylic/capric triglyceride, 1,2-hexanediol, hydrogenated lecithin, dehydroxanthan gum, sodium guaazulene sulfo Nate (0.005%)
Texture/ Finish:
I was first introduced to Azulene as an ingredient by Whalmyung’s minimal line.ย I actually didn’t know it was a well-loved ingredient until recently.ย Azulene has high antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that soothe irritated skin.ย There is also a cooling effect I’ve felt with this ampoule too!ย It has a nice lightweight, somewhat watery texture that takes about a minute to sink into the skin.ย Once it does, your skin is left with a light but noticeable layer of hydration.ย I’m going to save this for the spring and summertime when I’m outside more and need to cool my skin down.ย I also really love this for my cheeks as it seems to reduce the redness down a bit.
The light purple shade is also 100% natural!ย Do keep it out of sunlight as it will discolor.
Fragrance?:
No fragrance detected
Pro:
-calming
-cooling
-light hydration
Con:
No complaints here!
Repurchase?:
Maybe
Stars given out of 5:
โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ
Full name of product:
The potion probiotics ampoule
Limited edition/ Permanent?:
Permanent
Description of product:
“A Probiotic ampoule to enhance and protect your skin’s natural defenses.
A probiotic ampoule with a formula containing bifida ferment filtrate, lactobacillus ferment, and saccharomyces ferment filtrate.
It conditions the skin and improves skin moisturization, soothing, and vitality.
Helps remove overexposed dead skin cells and helps smooth the skinโs texture.
Rich in minerals, vitamins, selenium, and also beta-glucan, an immune-enhancing factor, the ampoule helps maintain overall healthy skin.”
Price:
12,900 won
Amount of product:
20 mL
Duration before expiration:
1 year after opening
2 years if not opened
Country of Manufacture:
ย Made in Korea
Manufactured by Organic Bridge Co. Ltd
Where to buy:
Into Coreelle
Ingredients:
Water, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Pentylene Glycol, Bifida Ferment Filtrate, Lactobacillus Ferment, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Dehydroxanthan Gum, 1,2-Hexanediol
Texture/ Finish:
Lately, I’ve been exploring the new world of probiotics.ย For the last 2 years or so, probiotics have been in the spotlight in Korea, with so many brands coming up with their variation of a probiotic spinoff.ย Probiotic is able to strengthen skin’s surface, enhance hydration, diminish sensitizing and reddening factors as well as restoring the skin’s healthy pH balance.
It has a very milky looking appearance and has a gel-like texture that melts into the skin effortlessly.ย Your skin is left so soft and supple and it almost has the same effect as some rice products I’ve used.ย I kind of want to see if I were to use this religiously, would my skin get brighter as well?ย I haven’t used it religious enough to tell you exactly if I find my skin less sensitive during this cold and dry winter air, but it is definitely more hydrating and I see my skin getting plumper.
Fragrance?:
No fragrance detected
Pro:
-very hydrating
-slight plumping effect
-possible brightening effects too?
Con:
No complaints
Repurchase?:
Maybe
Stars given out of 5:
โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ +0.5
Full name of product:
The potion peptide ampoule
Limited edition/ Permanent?:
Permanent
Description of product:
“A moisturizing Peptide ampoule to help freshen and revitalize uneven skin.
A daily ampoule for sensitive skin that soothes and nourishes exhausted and irritated skin.”
Price:
9,900 won
Amount of product:
20 mL
Duration before expiration:
1 year after opening
3 years if not opened
Country of Manufacture:
Made in Korea
Manufactured by Organic Bridge Co. Ltd
Where to buy:
Into Coreelle
Ingredients:
Water, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Dehydroxanthan Gum, Tranexamoyl Dipeptide-22, Hexapeptide-9, Tripeptide-29, Tripeptide-1, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Nicotinoyl Dipeptide-22, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Copper Tripeptide-1
Texture/ Finish:
Out of all the ampoules, this was the one I was looking the most forward to.ย I’ve been absolutely smitten with amino acids and peptides lately, so I could not pass up the chance to try the Potion’s peptide ampoule out.ย Peptides, for those who don’t know, are short chains of amino acids that are blocks of proteins (collagen, elastin, keratin) which is responsible for your skin’s texture, strength, and resilience.ย With peptides in your skincare routine, helps improve the skin’s barrier, reduce wrinkles, and ease inflammation.
This peptide ampoule has almost a slick, slippery texture and slowly absorbs into the skin, leaving a gorgeous layer of hydration.ย Out of the four ampoules, this is definitely my favorite one.ย My skin feels hydrated in the morning, less dull looking and plumper as well.ย I wasn’t surprised this had a good effect on my dry skin, peptides and amino acids just tend to do that ;).
Fragrance?:
No fragrance detected
Pro:
-hydrating
-plumping
-gorgeous texture
Con:
No complaints!
Repurchase?:
Maybe
Stars given out of 5:
โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ
Full name of product:
The potion cream mixer cica moisturizer
Limited edition/ Permanent?:
Permanent
Description of product:
“A nourishing Cica-based cream moisturizer is suitable for all skin types. Use it as a base with your favorite Potions.
A Centella Asiatica based moisturizer combines a carefully selected assortment of ingredients including kelp, ginseng, squalane, and niacinamide to intensely hydrate and improve the appearance of skin’s tone, texture, and firmness.
Specially formulated to mix and match with your favorite Potions to deeply deliver and lock in the good stuff.”
Price:
22,000 won
Amount of product:
50 g
Duration before expiration:
1 year after opening
2 years if not opened
Country of Manufacture:
Made in Korea
Manufactured by Organic Bridge Co. Ltd
Where to buy:
Into Coreelle
Ingredients:
Water, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Hydrogenated Polydecene, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Dimethicone, Vegetable Oil, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Acmella Oleracea Extract, Piper Methysticum Leaf/Root/Stem Extract, Panax Ginseng Berry Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, Behenyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Cetearyl Glucoside, Dimethiconol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Squalane, Methylpropanediol, Betaine, Cholesterol, Cellulose Gum, Adenosine, Fructooligosaccharides, Beta-Glucan, Ceramide NP, Disodium EDTA, Polyquaternium-51, Sorbitan Isostearate, Butylene Glycol, Panthenol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Glucose, Raffinose, Folic Acid, Tromethamine, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Polysorbate 60, Ethylhexylglycerin
This moisturizer comes in those tin type packaging which I’m the most afraid of LOL.ย Luckily, this isn’t tightly packaged like most tint tubes so the product doesn’t squirt out.
Texture/ Finish:
The Potion offers two types of moisturizers, aqua gel cream mixer, and this cica complex cream mixer.ย I was quite afraid both would be too light for my dry skin, but my gut was telling me the cica one is the one.ย I mean, it’s cica so I couldn’t really say no.ย You are supposed to be able to mix your ampoules/ serums into the moisturizer and use it that way, but I actually find that to waste more product and I’m too lazy to do that extra step.
I definitely picked right because this cica cream is one of the best Centella creams I’ve tried.ย It is a cross between light but somewhat balmy and very emollient.ย It leaves a very dewy look and there’s a visible layer of oil which makes me and my dry skin happy.ย The formula absorbs into the skin slowly, like an IV dripping into my skin throughout the night and I wake up to a refreshed and glowing complexion in the morning.ย You really can’t tell in the picture up above, but my skin is shining like I have a highlighter all over my face (in a good way of course!ย Not like an oil slick).ย This moisturizer would work best for those with dry, normal, and combination skin.ย I would suggest those with oily skin or those who prefer a lighter, less dewy-looking moisturizer to check out their aqua gel cream mixer instead.
Fragrance?:
No fragrance detected
Pro:
-contains great cocktails of oils in ingredient list
-super hydrating
-glowy complexion
-great mixing moisturizer
Con:
No complaints!!
Repurchase?:
Yes!!
Stars given out of 5:
โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ
_____________________
I think this was a very interesting experience to see what Korea’s take on the Ordinary-esque skincare line would be like.ย Although on the surface it feels familiar, it isn’t at all the same.ย The Potion is definitely a lot more newbie-friendly as it specifies one key ingredient which we would be able to identify easily rather than tons of scientific names to scare the mass away.ย Overall this was an experience and I didn’t think I would find a holy grail product from the bunch, especially not the moisturizer of all products.ย That is one thing the Ordinary lacks for me, a good moisturizing cream that isn’t super lightweight and blah.ย The cica moisturizer is stellar and I can’t recommend it enough.ย You need to try this baby out if you are in a stump looking for a beautifully formulated moisturizer.
*PR sample, not sponsored.*
