Where to purchase: Yesstyle: LINK / Stylevana: LINK / Beauty Within: LINK
Price: ~£23
Volume: 15ml
Made in: South Korea
What is it + What does it do?: An ampoule containing Propolis + Royal Jelly + Vitamin C + Rose water+ Niacinamide + Panthenol + Ethyl Ascorbyl Ether (A Vitamin C Derivative) to relive irritated / sensitive skin, brighten and protect the skin, keeping it hydrated and conditioned.
What’s the difference between an ampoule an an essence?: Ampoules are usually more highly concentrated with their certain active ingredient (made for a specific concern). For example, this Ampoule contains a highly concentrated amount of Propolis Extract (33.5%). Essences are used to prep the skin (they are more like a toner), to ensure the skin is hydrated and able to take in key ingredients in the serum or ampoule (and even cream) stage.
Aims to: Brighten a dull complexion, Condition the Skin and Provide Antioxidative benefits.
Supposedly Good for: Dull-looking + Dehydrated Skin + Sensitive + Irritated skin.
What I think: I would agree. This also suits Oily + Combination + Blemish-Prone Skins.
Vegan?: No.
Cruelty Free?: Yes.
EU-Allergen Suitable?: Yes.
Malassezia Suitable?: No.
How long does it last after opening?: 12 Months.
Packaging: Glass bottle with a rubber-tip dropper. This doesn’t leak all over the place and the dropper dispenses adequate product. This came in a cool box that opens up in quite a unique, origami-like way (kept the bottle in its packaging well).
Directions: ”Apply after using a toner. Apply a good amount to the face and pat gently.” (From the Website).
How I use it: I apply this in the PM after toning and before applying a moisturiser. As this is thin/lightweight, I tend to apply quite a few drops onto the face and neck (I will probably run out of this sample quite quickly).
What do Propolis + Royal Jelly do for the skin?: Both Propolis and Royal Jelly have been used for centuries to treat wounds and burns as they help reduce inflammation and are antibacterial (hence why they’re good for acne-prone skin). There are claims that these ingredients may help with skin elasticity / well-ageing, however more studies need to be conducted (References: 1, 2, 3, 4).
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide (Brightening, Anti-blemish and Skin barrier reinforcing) / Witch Hazel Extract (Antioxidant + Soothing, but also a potential Astringent) / Purslane Extract (Soothing + Antioxidant) / Hyaluronic acid (Hydrating) / Ethyl Ascorbyl Ether (Vitamin C derivative – Brightening + Soothing + Antioxidant) / Arginine (Conditioning) / Cica + Liquorice (Soothing + Hydrating) / Panthenol (Soothing + Hydrating).
[So as you can see, a lot of skin-conditioning, soothing and brightening ingredients]
Full Ingredients: Propolis Extract, Portulaca Oleracea (Green Purslane) Extract, Butylene Glycol, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Fruit Extract, Panthenol, Rosa Centifolia (Cabbage Rose) Flower Water, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethyl Ascorbyl Ether, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) Extract, Royal Jelly Extract, Spirodela Polyrhiza Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Carbomer, Arginine, Water, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Adenosine
NOTE: The Incidecoder have a full ingredient breakdown HERE
Texture: This has a lightweight, almost watery texture to it. Propolis has a distinct feel and this ampoule has that. It’s lightweight and fast absorbing and spreads easily along the skin.
Sticky?: No.
Greasy?: Yes; there is a slight residue on top of the skin. I wouldn’t call it oily, but there’s a slight residue. However, applying some moisturiser helps remove that.
Balls up?: No.
- As you can see this is a lightweight liquid that slides down the hand. It’s almost transparent (slightly yellow tint)
As you can see, this has a very hydrating, shiny look to it. This is fast absorbing and doesn’t leave a sticky or tacky (but slightly greasy) residue.
Swatch Comparison: No Product (Left) VS Product (Right)
Does this Sting if the Skin has been Irritated / Sensitised by Shaving/Heavy Retinol Use?: This did not for me.
Summer or Winter?: Oily + Combination Skins – Both Seasons. Dry Skins: Summer.
Layerable?: Yes.
Video Swatch:
- As you can see, this is not sticky or tacky and absorbs without leaving a greasy finish.
Fragrance?: This is Fragrance + EO Free (No significant scent, although this does smell like propolis.
Good Under Makeup?: Yes.
How long have I been using this?: Just over a month.
Will I use until Completion?: Yes.
How Long will that take?: As this is a mini-size, this will take me just a few more weeks (or less) to finish (if I use this daily).
The Effect?: Short Term: Hydrated skin that feels conditioned and even cooled. Long Term: I’ve noticed an improvement in the skin’s overall brightness i.e. there’s a bit more shine which I’m enjoying (no huge effect on dark spots etc, but moreso, the skin’s radiance).
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What I like:
- Fragrance + EO Free
- Cruelty-Free
- Not sticky / tacky
- Hydrating
- Lightweight
- Plumps up and hydrates the skin
- Did not ruin / aggrevate my skin
- Slight improvement in the skin’s overall radiance
What I don’t like:
- The inclusion of Witch Hazel (potentially drying ingredient long-term as it works like an astringent)
- Slight residue left on top of the skin
Overall Rating and Conclusion: 3.9 / 5 – This is a lightweight, spreadable ampoule that is not sticky, tacky or too greasy. It has a unique propolis texture to it and has helped with the overall tone of my skin. It is definitely conditioning and did not further aggrevate my skin, and I appreciate the inclusion of multiple skin-beneficial ingredients. My one issue is the inclusion of Witch Hazel which can act as an astringent (i.e. slightly drying) so I would recommend this moreso to those with oilier skin types and those living in hot and humid weathers.
Would I repurchase?: Yes (but I would not use this daily and instead would spread out uses as I would not use Witch Hazel everyday).
Dupe?: The COSRX – Propolis Light Ampoule – This is 61% similar in terms of ingredients (Swatches + Review HERE). It is Fragrance + EO Free and contains other hydrating ingredients (slightly more hydrating than the Dr. Ceuracle Ampoule).
Available at: Yesstyle: LINK / Stylevana: LINK / Beauty Bay: LINK
- The Skin Food – Royal Honey Propolis Enrich Essence (Swatches + Review HERE) contains 50% Propolis Extract, Honey and is Fragrance + EO Free.
Available at: Yesstyle: LINK / CORÉELLE: LINK
- The Iunik – Propolis Vitamin synergy serum (Swatches + Review HERE). This is not Essential Oil Free + contains 70% Propolis + has a very similar texture to the Ceuracle Serum.
Available at: Yesstyle: LINK / Stylevana: LINK
- The Beauty of Joseon – Glow Serum: This contains 60% Propolis + Niacinamide and is Fragrance + EO Free + Cruelty-Free.
Available at: Yesstyle: LINK / Stylevana: LINK
- The By Wishtrend – Propolis Energy Calming Ampoule is also Fragrance + EO Free and has a similar, propolis-like texture (Contains 15% Propolis).
Available at: Yesstyle: LINK / Beauty Bay: LINK
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.
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My Skincare Regime 