First of all, this brand came to me as I was finishing up my mountain of Western skincare brands. My isolation/lockdown brought out my old Korean fan girl days as I sat and watched a handful of Korean drams (Netflix I blame you). The beauty, the skin, the fashion, the hair, all pulled me into the world of K-beauty.

Korean skincare is no easy feat. The difference between Western vs. Eastern skincare is the cultural buying habits. Western skincare love ingredients and statistical claims, whereas Eastern beauty prefer the layering of multiple products, texture, and packaging. Ingredients have recently become a trend in the Asian market which is why you see more brands using key ingredients to market their products.

All of it is shifting due to an increase in pollution related skin conditions. Including, but not limited to, skin sensitivity and redness due to dense city populations.

Which leads me to this product review. On my quest to start using more Korean skincare, ,I stumbled on a number of brands promoting skin repair and hydration. Pyunkang Yul was one of many that stood out to me due to their philosophy.

The Philosophy

Cruelty -free and birthed from an oriental medical clinic in Korea. With minimum ingredients used to create a maximum rebalancing effect on the skin, these values were music to my ears. They strive to create an oil-moisture balance in the skin which is key to a healthy functioning barrier. Not only do you get the reassurance from the likes of a hospital backing this brand, you also can sleep well at night knowing little bunnies aren't suffering for your skincare. A zero irritation certification (something most K-skincare is tested for these das) is also tested on skin samples/patients by the Korean Dermatology Research Institute - a massive win in my books.

The Product

Known for it's skeleton 7-ingredient list, the essence toner is a highly concentrated viscous product that claims to alleviate dry skin, improve elasticity and give the skin enough nutrients to rest and regenerate. The texture is in-between a gel serum and a toner.

The Application

Highly spreadable, with plenty of slip. Once patted into the skin, there's a plump suppleness to the skin but still requires some sort of barrier on top (like a moisturiser) as it absorbs without leaving a residue. I used it without a cotton pad as I prefer to use less waste when doing my skin routine. Afterwards, my skin felt slightly tight with a slight tack, indicating hydrated skin that is ready to absorb more. Perfect for layering.

The Result

After 3 months, I'm certain this product is going to be my holy grail. Through the shocker of COVID, my skin went through many fluctuations. Allergies and winter weather did not help either, especially around my eyes and nose.

It would take a mere 2-3 days for all my redness to go and for my skin to heal, when it would normally take a week. Where there was heat and itchiness, would be replaced with relief, calmness and hydration.

The spreadability and slip did take some getting used to. I had to pat down the skin multiple times to ensure optimal absorption. But, knowing that a small 10c piece prop can spread so much and hydrate the skin, it's one less financial worry for me.

The Rundown

Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Carbomer, Arginine

• Astragalus Membranaceus Root aka Huang Qi/Milkvetch: an ancient medicinal herb that has been deeply researched for it's healing, immune boosting properties. Concentrated with antioxidants (shields for the skin against pollution and ageing factors) and plenty of saponnins (carbohydrates that soothe the skin), flavanoids (antioxidants) and polysacchiarides (moisturising sugars), you can see this is one powerful ingredient.

• Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane: silicone that can be dispersed in water products which help to keep moisture in the skin without the heavy residue.

• Hydroxyethylcellulose: binder from cellulose, helping all the ingredients stick together.

• 1,2-Hexanediol: an extremely common ingredient used as a humectant (drawing moisture to your skin) and helps to give the product a soft feel.

Low EWG is a measuring standard across the EU which is known to be very vigorous  for testing toxicology and risks in cosmetic use.  This product has 6/7 ingredients with EWG of 1 (lowest) and 1/7 with ranking of 2. Essentially, it’s extremely safe for the skin.

In summary, extremely safe on the skin, hydrating, and essential in my skincare routine from now on.

Great for: all dehydrated skin types, including sensitive

Perfect with: active serums, calming creams

Try it if you’re: dehydrated, sensitive, red, irritated, large pores, overly oily, acneic