Hello all! I hope you’re well 🙂
I wanted to do another K-pop Skincare Review (My Previous one was Key from Shinee’s Collaboration with Youlief: Their Cleansing Duo Set: LINK), and this time, I was intrigued by NCT’s Jaehyun’s Skincare! In his Relay Cam, he used these two specific products so I purchased them to try out for myself and see if they’re worth it!
I hope you enjoy the video review: I swatch both products and discuss the wearability, texture, formulation and any K-beauty or Western Dupes!
(The Video’s transcript is below if you’re interested as well as product links!)
Youtube Video:
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Transcript:
In this video, we’re doing another K-pop inspired Skincare Review and this time we’re going to be looking at 2 products actually used by Jaehyun from NCT! Yes, he’s a handsome guy but how does he keep his skin so clear and supple? The Dermatologist, it’s the Dermatologist he goes to at least once or twice a month. BUT these 2 products I’m sure were recommended to him by his Derm as they’re gentle, fragrance and essential oil free, to keep his skin in tip top condition as a maintenance!
Jaehyun used these two products in his 127 relay cam Youtube Video during an American Tour and those products were a Toner from Kieh’s and I’m sure you’ve heard of Kiehl’s as it’s quite a popular brand an an iconic product. And, a product from a K-Beauty Brand I hadn’t heard of previously but called Corthe!
I’m sure Jaehyun uses other products in his routine recommended by his dermatologist, but these two were specifically shown in that little routine and I’m intrigued to see how they fair, so let’s get on with the swatches and review!
So, first up is the Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner! Which is aimed at Oily-Combo and Sensitive skin Types.
- Available from the Kiehl’s Website: HERE
It’s a fragrance and essential oil free toner that can be used daily, both in the AM and PM!
It works to soothe Blemish-Prone and irritated skin which of course these days helps with Maskne and helps reduce skin inflammation, improving the look of the skin overall. It avoids using potentially drying ingredients like Alcohol and Witch Hazel, Corn Starch is used to help soak up excess oil, as well as Hedera Helix Extract which is also an astringent as well as being soothing and antimicrobial.
so as not to throw off the skin’s natural sebum production. Instead, it uses corn starch to help soak up excess oil without drying out the skin too much.
This is meant to be used to remove excess dirt and debris from the skin after cleansing. Kiehl’s recommend you swipe the skin first using a cotton pad and then apply more product on problem-prone areas for some extra TLC.
Made of 100% PCR Plastic, the liquid is infused with Calendula Petals; meaning there are actual petals in this product that seep out all their goodness such as antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties into the mixture, which you can see at the bottom; so, you can shake this before using if you want to before applying.
Those petals are Calendula Flower Petals which are also called Marigolds. Marigold Extract contains flavonoids which provide antioxidative properties to the skin and is soothing. It’s been used for centuries to help with skin inflammation and heal wounds. Arctium Lappa Root Extract is also included for its antioxidative benefits. Burdock Root is also included which also provides antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also anti-fungal and tastes really good in Bibimbap.
Other notable ingredients include Allantoin which is both soothing and softening, Chlorphenesin and Ivy Leaf Extract which are both antibacterial.
Allantoin is also included which helps soothe the skin and provides antioxidant properties.
In terms of the texture: This is a very watery and lightweight toner! It simply runs down the hand and face as it’s not thick, it’s not greasy or sticky and actually barely takes any time to absorb into the skin. But yes, this isn’t particularly moisturising or hydrating and works more for those with oilier skins and who produce excess sebum but are also quite sensitive and have irritable skin; this fast-absorbing toner works more for those issues. It’s not going to clog up pores or be too thick and heavy for those in the summertime either.
In terms of Dupes: The Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner uses Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract which is a medicinal herb used previously in Chinese medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial properties. It’s great for restoring the skin’s barrier but is slightly thicker than this toner and is less about sebum regulating and more about hydration. Another good Toner more geared towards oilier and clogged, sensitive skins with a similar watery texture to Kiehl’s is the Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Toning Toner. I swatched and reviewed that in my recent Skin1004 video so I’ll put the link down below!
Overall, I’d recommend this to Sensitive, Oily Skins and those living in hot and humid weathers who want a toner to swipe dirt and debris with while also soothing and reducing any excess sebum. No, it’s not the most hydrating toner but it definitely preps the skin for the next step of skincare without irritating it.
Next up is the Moisturiser Jaehyun used, which is from the K-Beauty brand Corthe: This is the Dermo Essential Moisture RX Recharging Gel (150ml).
- Available from Joom.com
This is a daily-use Gel Moisturiser aimed at Sensitive Skins and can be used both in the AM and PM.
It contains many skin soothing ingredients such as Centella Asiatica or Cica; which is an ingredient that has been used for hundreds of years to treat skin irritation. Purslane extract, which is a bright, yellow flower; is also used as a soothing antioxidant. It helps relieve skin irritation and reinforces the skin’s barrier as it’s loaded with skin-beneficial ingredients like Omega-3 Fatty acids and Natural Moisturising Factors.
Panthenol or Pro-Vitamin B5 is included which soothes and moisturises the skin. Other soothing and moisturising ingredients include Allantoin, protecting the skin from external damage, and Aloe Leaf Extract which also provides that cooling sensation when applying this product on the skin. It also has moisturising and emollient properties.
This also includes Japanese Umbrella-pine Root Extract which is antimicrobial and helps reduce the growth of blemish-causing bacteria on the skin. Betaine and Sodium Hyaluronate both provide humectant properties, drawing moisture into the skin.
So as you can see this has a very anti-inflammatory, soothing and hydrating formula. And in terms of the texture; this is a lightweight silicone-based gel which keeps the product lightweight and smooth, however it still has some weight to it which is nice! As you can see It’s a translucent gel that glides along the skin; feeling instantly cooling to the touch and hydrating, like a burst of water on the skin. The finish of this makes the skin feel soft, it doesn’t have a sticky finish, but I wouldn’t recommend applying a facial oil on top of this as it could ball up. It’s not a very moisturising or oil-loaded product and so works more for oily and combination skins or those living in hot and humid weathers.
Since this product is more hydrating, if you want to add a more emollient cream on top, then the Inkey list omega water cream could be used, and for more combination to normal skin types; the Purito B5 Moisturiser could be used on top; and for even dry-er skins, the COSRX rice mask is good too.
A good dupe for this product that is also hydrating, smooth and is fragrance and essential oil free; is the First Aid Beauty Coconut Water Cream! I have a Video Swatching it and the Review will be linked down below.
So overall, these products Jaehyun used are definitely gentle! Overall they are geared more towards oily and combination skins, so I’m wondering if Jaehyun has more oily skin himself. I do have a similar skin type so that’s why I’ve been enjoying using both these products! I wasn’t hugely interested in Kiehl’s but after using this, I think I will be looking into the brand more and if you have any product recommendations then let me know in the comments below! I was pleasantly surprised by the Gel; I really thought it would ball up and be a nightmare, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how luxurious and soothing it feels on the skin. I will continue to use both products until completion so thanks Jaehyun!
And that’s it for this video! If you would like me to review any more K-pop related skincare, then do let me know in the comments! And If you liked this video then please give it a big old thumbs up and subscribe today for future content.
I’ll see you in the next one, bye!
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Products Filmed:
- Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal Extract Toner: From the Kiehl’s Website: LINK / Look Fantastic: LINK Boots: LINK Ulta: LINK Selfridges: LINK
- CORTHE Dermo Essential Moisture-RX Recharging Joom.com: LINK
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Products Mentioned:
Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner: LINK / My Review: LINK
Skin1004 Centella Toner: LINK
First Aid Beauty Coconut Water Cream: First Aid Beauty: LINK / Look Fantastic: LINK / Dermstore: LINK
The Inkey List Omega Water Cream: The Inkey List Website: LINK / Feel Unique: LINK
Purito B5 Panthenol Cream: Yesstyle: LINK / Stylevana: LINK
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Videos Mentioned:
Moisturiser Recommendation Video: Includes the Purito B5 Panthenol Cream which I stated was a good dupe for the Gel if you wanted something more emollient / creamier! Check out swatches below:
Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner: Mentioned in this Pyunkang Yul Review Video. I included this as a good dupe for the Toner.
First Aid Beauty: The Coconut Water Cream was included as a Dupe to the Corthe Gel, so here is the video to see swatches!
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My Skin Type: I am acne prone and have slightly dehydrated combo skin. My skin is usually tight where the cheeks and eye area is and the outer parts of my face. My T zone is oily. My skin isn’t a fan of thick/heavy formulas so I opt for lightweight formulas to prevent it from clogging up. My skin doesn’t like essential oils either and I try to avoid fragrance when I can.
Disclaimer: I am a skincare enthusiast and not a skin expert. I am not qualified to give out dermatological advice. This type of advice should only be given by a medical practitioner. Upon trying / using any of the reviewed products on the blog, please follow the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings and please seek medical advice if needed.
My Skincare Regime 