Review: Skin1004 – Skin Soothing Cream (Is it really soothing?)

Where to purchase: Yesstyle: LINK / Stylevana: LINK / Correelle: LINK

Price: ~£16

Volume: 75ml

Made in: South Korea

What is it?: A Gel-based Moisturiser containing 72% Centella Asiatica to help hydrate the skin and reinforce the skin’s barrier (aided with the use of ceramides). This is meant to soothe and cool-down sensitive + irritated skin.

What does it aim to do?: A Gel-Moisturiser that contains 3 skin-identical Lipids (Ceramides, Fatty Acids + Cholesterol) to help soothe + repair the skin.

Supposedly Good for: All Skin Types.

What I think: Sensitive + Sensitised + Oily Skin > Dry Skins. However I would say, this isn’t intensely hydrating, so dehydrated skins may find that this isn’t enough (I would recommend using a hydrating serum underneath too).

How does this differ from the Skin1004 Centella Cream?: The Cream aims to moisturise the skin (Moisture layer on top of the skin). Whereas the Soothing Cream works to hydrate within the skin. So Oily skins may prefer the Soothing Cream whereas Dry Skins may prefer the Centella Cream.

Youtube Video: Skin1004 – Brand Swatches + Review

Vegan?: Yes.

Cruelty Free?: Yes.

How long does it last after opening?: 12 Months

pH: 6.0 (meant to match or be close to the skin’s natural pH so as not to further aggrevate it).

Packaging: Plastic Squeeze-y tube with a flip-top cap attached. I like this packaging and it’s easy to use and travel with.

Support the Blog / Instagram / Youtube on Patreon! Includes Perks and Benefits such as EXCLUSIVE Content! LINK HERE

Directions: ”At the last step of skincare, apply an appropriate amount on the skin and tap lightly to absorb” (From the Skin1004 Website).

How I use it: I apply this in the PM after my serum stage (as a moisturiser). If my oily-combination skin doesn’t feel dry or too dehydrated, then I will use this Gel Cream (Or I will use the G&G Hydration Station Cream currently) as it’s more Hydrating than it is Moisturising (not creamy). I usually use this / reach for this more, if my skin feels sensitive (i.e. after waxing or shaving or stinging due to retinoid use).

Key Ingredients: 72% Centella Asiatica Extract (Soothing Antioxidant), Ginger Root Extract (Soothing Antioxidant), Coptis Chinensis Root Extract (Soothing Antioxidant), Phytosphingosine (Anti-Blemish), Tranexamic Acid (Brightening), Glycerin + Hyaluronic Acid + Ceramide EOP, NP and AP, Cholesterol (All Moisturising + Hydrating Ingredients), Beta-Glucan + Biosacharide Gum-1 + Liquorice (Soothing).

Is Centella Asiatica (Cica) Soothing?: This has been used traditionally to help with burns and skin irritation as this is an anti-inflammatory ingredient (has many active compounds). These compounds stimulate Glycosaminoglycans which in turn helps increase Hyaluronic Acid creation in the skin (hence why this is also moisturising/hydrating). Note: Another great Cica product (for irritated skin) is the A’pieu Madecassoside 2x Ampoule (Review here) or an even lighter product is the Skin1004 Centella Asiatica Ampoule (Review here).

Full Ingredients: Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) Extract(72%), Glycerin, Propanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Cyclomethicone, Water, 1,2-Hexanediol, Trehalose, Caprylyl Methicone, C12-14 Pareth-12, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, C30-45 Alkyl Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Xanthan Gum, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Tranexamic Acid, Coptis Chinensis Root Extract, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract, Dextrin, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Beta Glucan, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide NS, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Phytosphingosine, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Cholesterol

NOTE: The Incidecoder have a full ingredient breakdown HERE

Texture: This feels more of a Gel > Cream. This doesn’t feel creamy or emollient, but feels more like a gel when rubbing into the skin. It’s lightweight, and has a slight cooling sensation (I would rather call it soothing). But due to the inclusion of emollients, this doesn’t feel as sticky or tacky as other gels (so there is a certain cream aspect to this). I still think Oily + Oily-Combo Skins will enjoy the texture and lightweight, mildly hydrating feel of this gel-cream compared to dry skins. This does form a sort of barrier on top of the skin which could be good for makeup application (like a primer feel).

Sticky?: Not really. But this has that same sort of foundation-grabbing feel/finish to it as a primer would give.

Greasy?: No. This is not an oily formula.

Balls up?: No (unless you apply A LOT and rub the skin or apply an oily product on top).

• As you can see this initially has a brown tint which does disappear once rubbing into the skin. This begins translucent and becomes transparent.

Note:

• This isn’t the most moisturising gel-cream and in terms of hydration, yes this feels somewhat cooling and soothing on the skin, and you do get that initial burst of hydration, once this has dried down completely and forms a film on top of the skin (that feels like when a primer dries down on the skin), it doesn’t feel that hydrating. I think Dehydrated skins would find this uncomfortable unless they apply a hydrating serum and toner underneath so this cream can ”lock it all in”
• However this is great for sensitive skin / when the skin is irritated, and the ingredients do help soothe and restore the skin’s barrier, hence why I like it for that reason.

• I honestly thought this would be a sticky gel that balled up as soon as I touched/rubbed it, but that hasn’t been the case.

Swatch Comparison: Before VS After

• As you can see this has a gel-like, hydrating texture and finish. It softens the skin and is gentle.

• As you can see, this has a lighttweight-gel texture.

Does this Sting if the Skin has been Irritated / Sensitised by Shaving/Heavy Retinol Use?: No. This has been nice to use on the skin if it is irritated/sensitive.

Summer or Winter?: Oily + Combo-Oily Skins = All Year Round. Dry Skins = As a Summer, AM Moisturiser (or under a thicker moisturiser if you want to add an extra step in your routine).

Layerable?: Yes. However, this will start to ball up if you use a lot, and then rub your skin afterwards. Also if I use an oily product on top, this will ball up (so be careful how you layer this).

Video Swatch:

• As you can see, this has a gel-like texture that is both smooth and Hydrating. It’s not sticky or tacky and has a brown tint to it at first (disappears once rubbed in).

Fragrance?: Fragrance + EO Free (no smell to this either).

Good Under Makeup?: Yes (due to the primer-like, foundation-gripping layer this cream provides). Doesn’t ball up under my makeup puff or brushes.

How long have I been using this?: 3 Months.

Will I use until Completion?: Yes.

How Long will that take?: Another 2-3 Months.

The Effect?: Soothed and semi-hydrated skin with a dried-down layer on top. It does help immediately help with redness / irritation.

What I like:

• Fragrance + EO Free
• Lightweight
• Doesn’t ball up
• Cooling / Soothing (helps with redness/irritation)
• Cruelty-Free
• Easy to use packaging (I like when caps are connected)
• Was fine for my skin even when sensitised

What I don’t like:

• Not intensely hydrating or moisturising. Hence why I prefer to use this (I use this more) when the skin is sensitive/sensitised

Overall Rating and Conclusion: 4 (nearly 3.9)/ 5 – So, is this soothing?: Yes. I don’t get that amazing ”wow” cooling sensation upon contact with the skin, BUT this does help relieve skin irritation and did help ease my skin when it was irritated / red. This also didn’t sting or irritate my skin. This feels somewhat (not intensely) hydrating, and feels smooth when applying and soothing. Whether I apply a little or a lot, this never feels heavy. I like the packaging as well, and it’s been good to use alongside retinol use or after shaving/waxing.

Would I repurchase?: For when the skin is irritated / sensitised – yes.

Dupe?: K-Beauty Dupes (In terms of texture and soothing sensation): The Corthe RX Soothing Gel (Review HERE). The Aestura Gel Hydro Barrier Soothing Cream HERE (Slightly more moisturising) or a Western Dupe: The SVR Sensifine Gel (Review HERE) which is great for cooling down irritated/sensitised skin (less moisturising).

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.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Skincare Blogger + Youtuber (@myskincareregime)

Follow me on IG for Updates!

Note: I earn a small commission when you purchase through affiliate links, which helps me purchase products for review + also help improve the Blog! If you would like to support me, thank you ever so much! and if not, that’s fine – I hope you enjoy my posts!