Two K-Beauty ampoules did nothing for me: my K-Beauty buys have been in their flop era lately. More about the why in the following reviews of the Skin1004 Tone Brightening Capsule Ampoule and cosrx propolis light ampoule.
What are ampoules?
Oh K-Beauty and its distinctive terminology! Here’s a recommendation for you, though: no matter what you call it, like a serum an ampoule is to be supposed to be both thicker and more concentrated than a toner/essence. If layering with other products in a routine, it falls between a toner and a moisturizer/SPF. You can easily either swap an ampoule for a serum, or use both in one routine.
In the Western world, though, brands still use the word ‘ampoule’ for little shots of VERY concentrated serums in little glass bottles or gel tablets with just enough in them for a single use application.
K-Beauty ampoules did nothing for my skin
Both Skin1004 and cosrx are K-Beauty brands that I love and that have both produced staples in my routine. From Skin1004, I absolutely love the Centella Ampoule (and many different products), which made me excited to test the Tone Brightening Capsule Ampoule below. Cosrx was one of the first K-Beauty brands I tested and loved, especially the Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner and their Ultimate Moisturizing Honey Overnight Mask. So, buying the Propolis Ampoule seemed kind of a no-brainer, right? But: You’re wrong.
Skin1004 Tone Brightening Capsule Ampoule
This is supposed to be an ampoule targeting hyperpigmentation with a mix of tranexamic acid, niacinamide and vitamin c, on top of the centella asiatica which is the main USP for this brand. It’s a clear serum with funny little white pearls dispersed in it.
Description
An ideal daily-use ampoule with 4% Niacinamide, 2% Tranexamic Acid, and encapsulated Madewhite™ for gentle and effective dark spot correction.
Product Benefits:
Calming, Spot Correcting, Dullness
Skin Type:
Normal, Sensitive, Combination
Ingredients
Water, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Tranexamic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Betaine, Centella Asiatica Extract, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Xanthan Gum, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Mannitol, Panthenol, Pentylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Madecassoside, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Arginine, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Glucose, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Lactobacillus Ferment
Why I didn’t like it
On paper, this reads like a dream. My sensitive skin reacts with hyperpigmentation to everything, which is why I love brightening serums of all kinds, although only little has an effect on my skin. This one fell short on various counts:
First, I hated the application. The pearls felt scratchy and abrasive on my skin and took a long time to dissolve. (I’ve only read about this once – maybe I got a Friday product?!)
Second, I was never completely sure if this ampoule broke me out or not. It seemed that my skin reacted to it every time I used it, but it could also have been hormones and stress.
Third, the ampoule didn’t have any benefits for my skin apart from some basic hydration. Such a shame, it seemed promising. (And will be used up on my decolletage.)
cosrx full fit propolis light ampoule
This ampoule promises all the things I love and want: soothing, hydration and glow. What’s not to like?!
Description
Light texture with heavy benefits! A rich ampoule for glowing skin.
Intensive caring ampule to make your skin glowy and smooth without stickiness. Best selling ampoule that everyone loves, all year long! Add to your routine for extra nourished skin with that healthy glow.
Ingredients
Propolis Extract, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Betaine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cassia Obtusifolia Seed Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Carbomer, Panthenol, Arginine
Why I didn’t like it
The texture is lovely: liquid and feeling rich, but never oily nor sticky. It’s easy to layer under all kinds of skincare products. But still: it left me absolutely cold, because it did nothing. I seldom have felt so gaslighted by a product. It delivers hydration, and that’s it. I really did wonder about that, because I used to love both the toner and the overnight mask so much when I lived in Shanghai. I think my skin has different needs now. Also a good reminder for me that Tretinoin does a lot of heavy lifting when it comes to brightening and glow!
Hey, you can now treat me to a (virtual) coffee that helps to keep the blog going!
Please note that this post is not sponsored in any way! Twindly is an independent blog, and our reviews reflect that. Sometimes we’ll use affiliate links that will be clearly marked. Affiliate links mean that if you choose to buy a product through this link, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost for you. If you decide to do that, thank you for helping to keep the blog afloat! (No matter if the link is affiliate or not, the reviews will always truthfully reflect how any product performed when I tested it.)
