Hey guys! Welcome to Part 2 (Watch Part 1 HERE) of the swatching and reviewing of Skincare from the K-beauty brand Mixsoon, following the steps of a complete skincare routine!
- The skincare reviewed in this video include the Galactomyces Ferment Essence, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Hyaluronic Acid Serum, Bean Essence and Centella Sun Cream.
Note: Mixsoon is a Cruelty-Free K-beauty brand that aligns with Vegan standards.
If you missed the first part where we covered cleansers and toners, be sure to check that out to see the full routine from the beginning! You can watch part 1 here: LINK
Mixsoon Part 2 Review here:
Subscribe to the Channel for Future Reviews!
Panax Ginseng Root Essence
Available at: Yesstyle: LINK / Stylevana: LINK
Price: £25.28
Volume: 100ml
Malassezia Suitable?: Yes
EU-Allergen Free?: Yes
Vegan-friendly?: Yes
This contains simply, Red Ginseng Extract which, according to these studies (Here, Here and Here), Ginseng is supposed to help reduce the formation of wrinkles by stimulating collagen production in the skin, help brighten the skin and reduce skin damage (reduce UVB damage). [It provides antioxidative properties].
In terms of the texture: this is a lightweight, watery essence that simply sinks into the skin. It’s breathable, not sticky or tacky and is comfortable to wear.
This has a subtle scent of ginseng, but no where near as strong as the Beauty of Joseon Ginseng water which is a potential dupe of this product as both are lightweight and watery.
Note: This suits all skin types, even sensitive skins.
In terms of an alternative; if Ginseng Extract is what you’re after, then Ma:nyo’s Bifida Complex Ampoule contains this, along with a plethora of skin-barrier repairing and protective ingredients (reviewed in this Soobin Skincare video).
This video includes a review of the Ma:nyo Bifida Complex Ampoule.
Galactomyces Ferment Essence
Available at: Yesstyle: LINK / Stylevana: LINK / Soko Glam: LINK
Price: £25.28
Volume: 100ml
Malesezzia Suitable?: No
EU-Allergen-Free?: Yes
Fragrance + EO Free?: Yes
This is a lightweight and watery Essence, containing Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, a yeast-derived ingredient [a key component of SK-II’s products]. It is rich in vitamins, amino acids and minerals to provide skin-nourishing properties to the skin [helps increase hyaluronic acid production in the skin, leading to better hydration]. It may help with skin pigmentation and reduce the formation of fine lines.
Note: This suits all skin types, even sensitive skins.
In terms of a dupe: The Missha Time Revolution First Treatment Essence [Rx Pro Ferment] contains Galactomyces Ferment in a high concentration and is also watery (Swatches + Review HERE).
- The COSRX Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence is another hydrating dupe. It is fragrance and essential-oil free.
- The Numbuzin No. 3 Skin Softening Serum is another alternative. It too contains Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate [Review here] and is unscented.
Glacier Water Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Available at: Yesstyle: LINK / Stylevana: LINK / Face the Future: LINK
Price: £20.22
Volume: 300ml
Fragrance + EO Free?: Yes
Alcohol Free?: Yes
Vegan friendly?: Yes
Fungal-acne suitable?: Yes
Cruelty-Free?: Yes
EU-allergen-free?: Yes
This contains hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate the skin. Sodium Hyaluronate holds water and keeps the skin elastic. It forms a film over the skin to prevent water evaporating. Furthermore, Hyaluronic Acid is famous for its ability to bind up to 1000 times its weight in water.
Texture: this does not feel sticky or tacky. It’s lightweight and watery and absorbs easily into the skin.
Note: This suits all skin types, particularly dehydrated skins.
In terms of a dupe: The Ordinary’s Marine Hyaluronics Serum (Review HERE) is lightweight, vegan and fast absorbing.
- The Ordinary also offers a thicker Hyaluronic Acid and B5 serum as well. It is also fragrance and essential oil-free, vegan and cruelty-free.
- The K-beauty brand One Thing, also offer a simple Hyaluronic Acid Essence, which is slightly thicker (this is unscented).
Bean Essence
Available at: Yesstyle: LINK / Stylevana: LINK / Soko Glam: LINK
Price: £34.99
Volume: 50ml
Fungal-acne suitable?: Yes
EU-allergen-free?: Yes
Cruelty-Free?: Yes
This is an essence that contains fermented soybean extract to moisturise the skin and control excess sebum production. It does this using fermented pomegranate extract to gently exfoliate the skin (gentler alternative to acid exfoliation, although less effective than glycolic acid) and Barley Seed Ferment Filtrate to hydrate, soothe and protect the skin. This also helps improve moisture retention and improves the skin’s barrier.
In terms of the texture: This is gloopy (almost like snail mucin), but it is thinner in texture and almost feels like a dry oil, but isn’t [isn’t greasy]. This feels hydrating and takes a moment to absorb. It’s unscented, so it doesn’t really smell of anything.
Note: This suits all skin types, particularly combination skins.
- In terms of a textural dupe; the COSRX Advanced Snail Power Essence (Which I’ve reviewed here) has that same gloopy texture, but feels even more hydrating and is slightly thicker in texture.
- Furthermore, the Numbuzin Number 3 Skin Softening Serum (review here) also contains Bifida Ferment Lysate and Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate (21%) along with a plethora of other skin-beneficial ingredients to hydrate and protect the skin (Niacinamide, Adenosine, Squalane, Panthenol + Hyaluronic acid, among others).
Centella Sun Cream
Available at: Yesstyle: LINK / Stylevana: LINK
Price: £19.75
Volume: 50g
Fungal-acne Suitable?: No
EU-Allergen-Free?: No
Cruelty-Free: Yes
Fragrance + EO Free?: No
This is a chemical [organic] sunblock with a high sun protection of SPF 50+ PA++++
Sunscreen filters: Ecamsule (UVA), Uvinul T 150 (UVB), Parsol SLX (UVB), Uvinul A Plus (UVA), Tinosorb S (UVA + UVB).
The key ingredient in here is Centella Asiatica (980Ppm) which is a moisturising humectant that is also anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, soothing and provides antioxidative properties.
Note: This contains denatured alcohol which helps improve the absorption rate and overall finish of this sunblock.
This does contain fragrant ingredients like Lavender Oil, Linalool and Geraniol, so this smells floral.
Note: This does not produce a white cast on the skin.
In terms of the texture: this feels like a moisturising cream. It absorbs easily into the skin and does not leave a greasy finish. I don’t look very shiny when wearing this [not mattifying]. This glides onto the skin with ease. It is creamy, so those with combination, normal and dry skins could enjoy this in the summer.
In terms of a dupe: The Round Lab Birch Moisturising Sunscreen (which I have reviewed here in this blog post) is very similar in both texture, moisturisation and finish.
- The Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum is a favourite, it’s lightweight, hydrating and moisturising with no white cast and is unscented (Swatches + Review here in this blog post).
- If you want something even dewier, then the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: (Rice and Probiotics) Sunblock is an alternative (it is unscented). Review HERE.
Conclusion
Overall, I’ve liked using all these products. Ultimately I’d recommend the sunblock to combination and dry skin types and enjoy that it leaves no white cast (although I’d prefer it unscented).
The ginseng essence was hydrating, but I didn’t notice much of a difference using it.
The Bean essence has an interesting texture, but I would prefer to use the COSRX Snail Mucin Essence, as I find it even more hydrating.
The Hyaluronic acid essence is comfortable and easy to use, but I might recommend The Ordinary’s Marine hyaluronics serum (Or the NIOD Multimolecular Hyaluronic Complex, reviewed below and HERE) moreso than this.
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 