Where to purchase: Yesstyle: LINK / Stylevana: LINK
Price: £14.39
Volume: 40ml
Made in: South Korea
What is it?: A watery, hydrating serum containing 7 types of hyaluronic acid (targeting multiple skin layers) and 5 types of Cica to hydrate, plump and soothe the skin, as well as Panthenol, Beta-Glucanl and Ceramide NP to support the skin’s barrier.
Aims to: Hydrate + Plump the skin + Form a moisture barrier.
Supposedly Good for: All Skin types (Especially Dry + Sensitive Skins).
What I think: It also suits Oily + Combination skin (I have oily-combo skin – UK weather).
Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Formulations vs Singular Hyaluronic acid formulations – Which is best?
Vegan?: Yes
Cruelty Free?: Yes
How long does it last after opening?: 12 Months
pH: [Not specified].
Packaging: Plastic bottle with a dropper (didn’t leak and wasn’t messy for me).
Directions: ”Apply a moderate amount evenly over the face and pat lightly for better absorption.” (From the Website).
How I use it: I apply this in the PM after toning (prior to a moisturiser). I don’t need much of this to spread along the skin.
What are the 7 Types of Hyaluronic Acid? [Note: These Provide multi-layer hydration].
- Sodium Hyaluronate – Deep hydration
- Hydrolysed Hyaluronic Acid – Penetrates deeper layers.
- Hyaluronic Acid – Surface hydration.
- Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer – Forms a moisture-locking film (Also antioxidant)
- Potassium Hyaluronate – Supports elasticity.
- Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate – Enhanced skin adherence.
- Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate – Long-lasting hydration.
Other Key Ingredients: Madecassoside, Centella Asiatica, Asiaticoside (Antioxidants + Soothing) / Arginine, Ceramide NP (Barrier-reinforcing) / Allantoin, Panthenol, Beta-Glucan, Aloe Leaf Extract (Soothing + Hydrating).
NOTE: The ”Technology” that this serum uses to hydrate the skin is basically ”Activating aquaporins” which means: enhancing the skin’s natural water channels (gates) to improve hydration i.e. allow hydration in.
Full Ingredients: Water(Aqua), Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glyceryl Glucoside(6,000ppm), Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Betaine, Allantoin, Arginine, Carbomer, Trehalose, Panthenol, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Madecassoside, PVM/MA Copolymer, Disodium EDTA, Beta-Glucan, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate(100ppm), Anastatica Hierochuntica Extract(100ppm), Ceramide NP, Asiaticoside, Dextrin, Rhizobian Gum, Acacia Senegal Gum, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate(10,000ppb), Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Tremella Fuciformis (Mushroom) Extract, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate(1,000ppb), Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid(1,000ppb), Hyaluronic Acid(250ppb), Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer(100ppb), Potassium Hyaluronate(20ppb)
NOTE: The Incidecoder have a full ingredient breakdown HERE
Texture: This has a surprisingly lightweight texture – I really thought it was going to be thick, sticky and gloopy. But to my surprise (see swatch video below), this is a comfortable hydrating serum that absorbs relatively quick.
Sticky?: No.
Greasy?: No.
Balls up?: Did not for me (do not apply a facial oil on top to avoid any balling up).
- As you can see, this is a lightweight, watery-looking serum
Does this Sting if the Skin has been Irritated / Sensitised by Shaving/Heavy Retinol Use?: This did not for me (includes Centella Asiatica, Madecassoside, Ceramide NP, Panthenol, and Beta-Glucan to soothe the skin).
Summer or Winter?: Oily Skins: Winter. Dry Skins: Summer.
Layerable?: Yes (I don’t seem to get balling up – just don’t use a facial oil on top).
Video Swatch:
- As you can see, this is a lightweight serum that isn’t totally watery (there is some viscosity there), it doesn’t take long to absorb. It isn’t sticky or tacky.
Fragrance?: This is Fragrance + EO Free (I don’t get a strong scent from this).
Good Under Makeup?: Seems to be fine.
How long have I been using this?: 2-3 Months.
Will I use until Completion?: Yes.
How Long will that take?: Another 2 Months.
The Effect?: Hydrated skin overall. It doesn’t feel irritated or sticky.
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What I like:
- Fragrance + EO Free
- Hydrates the skin (does what it says on the tin) – includes 7 types of hyaluronic acid (i.e. they didn’t just use 1)
- Lightweight (not sticky or tacky – easy to layer)
- Didn’t irritate my skin
- Cruelty-Free
- Fine for sensitive skin
- Fast-absorbing
What I don’t like:
- May not be suitable for Malesezzia-prone skin (i.e. fungal acne).
- Limited moisture for Extremely Dry skin (Apply a heavier moisturiser on top). Note: The Isntree Green Tea Fresh Serum may be more suitable – Review HERE.
- I would have preferred an even thinner texture like The Ordinary’s Marine Hyaluronics serum or NIOD’s MMHC serum (I have oily-combination skin)
Overall Rating and Conclusion: 4 (nearly 3.9) / 5: This is a reasonably priced serum that provides a blend of hydrating (7 types of Hyaluronic acid – they didn’t just use 1) and soothing ingredients. It did not irritate my skin and I’m happy it’s not sticky. It is just slightly thicker than I would prefer (I like very thin formulas – but this is still thinner than a lot of hyaluronic acid serums), but I’m happy it isn’t gloopy or too viscous. It’s unscented, it’s cruelty-free, and it does what it says on the tin; it hydrates. Combination skins and dry skins may prefer this, but oilier skins could use this in dry-er months.
Would I repurchase?: If I needed a Hyaluronic acid serum, yes – I would repurchase this (Although overall, I would still go for my OG: Niod MMHC Serum (See below).
Dupe?: The Hada Labo Premium Lotion (Swatches + Review HERE) – contains 5-7 types of hyaluronic acid to provide multi-layer hydration. It is unscented and is suitable for sensitive skins. It is slightly gloopier than the TIA’M serum. it comes in a larger bottle (more cost-effective).
Available at: Yesstyle: LINK / Stylevana: LINK
Youtube Review: Hada Labo Gokyujin Premium Essence
- The Ordinary’s Marine Hyaluronics (Swatches + Review HERE) is Fragrance + EO free, Vegan + Cruelty-Free. It doesn’t contain Hyaluronic acid but uses marine-derived hydrators like algae extracts and amino acids to attract moisture and to hydrate the skin. It’s so lightweight and mimics the effects of hyaluronic acid, without being sticky (however, it doesn’t penetrate the skin as deeply as the TIA’M serum does.
Available at: The Ordinary: LINK / Sephora: LINK / Cult Beauty: LINK
- The NIOD MMHC is expensive, but a high-end formulation with long-term skin benefits. Like the TIA’M, it too combines low, medium and high molecular weight HAs (although it contains not 6, but 15+ types), precursors and peptides, and targets hydration. Swatches + Review HERE. (It is Fungal acne suitable).
Available at: Deciem: LINK / The Ordinary: LINK
- The Torriden DIVE-IN Low Molecule Hyaluronic acid serum (Review HERE) is a nice alternative. It contains 5 types of Hyaluronic acid, Panthenol and a Centelloside (Soothing).
Available at: Stylevana: 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 