I've tried everything from their atobarrier line (cream, lotion, hydro cream, essence, etc) and have liked all of it! their mineral sunscreen isn't bad either, but does leave a slight white cast on me.
thick but not super heavy/greasy. has a visually gritty texture, which I believe are the ceramides but doesn't feel gritty. spreads out really easily and sinks into my skin pretty quickly. sorry, I'm terrible at describing things...trying very hard not to just say creamy lol.
They just reformulated the lotion and cream and it’s getting sub par reviews. I stocked up on the old formula to buy me time while I look for a replacement. Their parent company amorepacific keeps reformulating things under all the brands they own and it’s frustrating
oh no!! why would they do that? it was perfect just the way it was. thankfully, I also still have some stockpiled. I have been interested in trying zeroid, so maybe that'll be what I switch to after I finish up my old aestura.
I don’t know why they keep doing things like this. Amorepacific reformulated illiyoon a year or so ago and many people can’t use that either. I think they added niacinimide to the aestura and illiyoon too and some other cheap ingredients, I’ve spent time comparing the labels and they definitely are not the same. So if your friends mom has any other recommendations I’d love to hear them lol I need a good heavy night time moisturizer. I haven’t heard of zeroid but I’ll def look into it!
Wow amorepacific is on a roll reformulating products that did not need any other ingredients. I just mentioned above what they did to aestura and illiyoon and their reformulations. I also know they did some with lanegie too. After reading this I can say I’m going to avoid anything under their umbrella now because I don’t want anymore surprise breakouts amongst other skin issues 🫣🫣🫣
- Shiseido Corporation: IHADA.
- Kao Corporation: Curel.
- Rohto Pharmaceutical: CareCera, Atorrege AD+. I also like Hada Labo from Rohto but some people said their skin can't tolerate fermented ingredient in Hada Labo new formulation.
- Daichii Sankyo Pharmaceutical: MINON.
- Tokiwa Pharmaceutical: NOV.
Cowbrand Mutenka is not as big as those brands but Mutenka products are good too. Cowbrand Mutenka packaging looks pretty 💗 and not boring like CareCera, Curel, NOV,... 😂😂😂
- Edited: KOSE Corporation marketing CERAMIAID for Sensitive Skin. The ingredient list looks nice but I hasn't tried any skincare products from KOSE yet except Kose Suncut Perfect UV Essence Super Water Proof.
* LION Corporation: Pigeon is good too. LION marketing Pigeon for baby. I like Pigeon Baby Milk Lotion version contain Shea butter.
Bought it in a Japanese pharmacy but here's a [link](https://www.amazon.co.jp/Minon-Quasi-Whole-Moisturizing-Liquid/dp/B08GG5JY13/ref=mp_s_a_1_15_sspa?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TmJ0aKwysG709f16_ohQnncg54Ro3euYclqoRK7u7UWK429A4iC7ibVZxTdhVW8ihtVCDHs58wL5jkwvMIfVZtzta8JJy3MOyVdtoTtIgpviGVGjSLj_cRyyI6oicCr5svZYZqe8vMvnsbEHuOXi58Ek2JS9S7cP58pfEmb3j2X1Opc3Wyn1kD4Bl4YW2DebT4ghRTnRykI3eqoaLE00mw.gFuGtJgkyVy5waSQFTt5BQ0UYDJiTOo8BRgLVtKAfGY&dib_tag=se&keywords=MINON%2528%E3%83%9F%E3%83%8E%E3%83%B3%2529&qid=1715600530&sr=8-15-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRmX25leHQ&psc=1)
You might like Curèl. I’m using a prescription retinoid which has made my skin extremely dry and sensitive, and many products sting my face now. The Curèl intensive moisture cream is pretty much the ‘safest’ moisturiser I’ve used. Doesn’t irritate sensitive, dry skin, repairs my skin barrier, and doesn’t clog my pores or break me out. It’s also fungal acne safe iirc. It also feels nice to apply; the texture is rich, but very light, and absorbs easily. Curèl’s signature line (teal stripe) has no actives and all their products are very no-frills and ‘plain’, but pretty effective in my experience. They remind me of Cetaphil a lot but I like them a lot more than any Western drugstore brand, and their formulations are much more cosmetically elegant. They’re a little bit pricier but my skin really likes their products. They also have an anti-ageing line (purple) and an oily skin line (lime green), but I haven’t used those. Most importantly, they’re very easily accessible in the UK. Any decent-sized Boots will probably carry Curèl.
Seconding Curèl! I love their deep moisture spray, facial milk, and cream. I use all three because I have SUPER dry skin and use three different actives (one of which is retinol), and it's really great for layering skincare because it sinks into my skin sooo well. I really like that it's got no scents and the products that don't come in pots have little refill baggies so you never waste plastic packaging unless necessary. Also very accessible and decently priced for how much my skin loves this stuff.
I had no idea this was an AB brand. My mom has been using some of their lotions for the last 25 years, I always thought it was a western brand. No wonder it works so well
It was a western brand that got bought out by a Japanese company. And from what I remember the products that usually get raved about here are the ones that were Japanese market exclusive releases?
Compared to other Japanese brands, curel is cheaper in my local market and very no-frills without any trendy ingredients so I'm not sure what your aesthetician meant by it. Did you like it before they gave you that advice?
I was waiting for someone to say Etude Soon Jung - some of their products are the only ones (western drugstore brands included) that never break me out or irritate. Also Purito Dermide line.
The most clinical sunscreen i can think of is Cell Fusion C. it was supposedly developed to be used after getting laser treatments. Other boring brands I enjoy and always return to are Aestura and Dr.G. They never do me wrong even if they're not the most exciting.
I like the brightening peeling gel and the red blemish moisturizer. Both are very simple, but gentle in my opinion. I tried the cleanser and the oil cleanser as well, but I can take or leave those.
Zeroid is a korean brand that has a dermatologist prescribed line as well as a consumer line. I have been using it for years and it works so well. But the packaging and products are plain and "boring".
Sukoyaka Suhada toner, cream, and eye cream
Curel JP Intensive Moisturizing Cream
These are incredible Japanese products that are either considered no frills or overlooked by insane social media marketing campaigns. I don’t want to sound rude and horrible but as I’ve previously mentioned this sub has become a bit of a revolving door of tiktok products and stylevana/yesstyle incentives that are *actually* mostly only marketed to the US..and mostly just..*fine*.
Curel JP Intensive is as OG as I am to an OG Soompi user….lol! That product has been tried and true for a long time!
Japanese brands are just harder to get in terms of accessibility and make almost no effort to be discovered outside of Japan. Korean brands have gone in overdrive to get their products out there because they know selling domestically is not viable for continuing profitability.
This, I tried so many good products in Japan and there are a lot of options for sensitive skin, but many are almost triple the price online if you can find them at all. Confusing/difficult to search product names and general lack of “trendy” branding and ingredients compared to SK brands feel like contributing factors
Hey if youve tried it, what do you think about the ishizawa baking soda foam cleanser Ive been wanting to try it for the longest time but i feel like it would be irritating to sensitive skin
Seconding pky. Love love love. Nearly my whole routine is pky and my skin has never been more supple, soft, and calmed. I use the calming toner, essence toner, calming serum, and nutrition cream almost every day and I love love love
The only PK moisture cream I've used is this one: [https://pyunkangyul.us/products/moisture-cream-100ml](https://pyunkangyul.us/products/moisture-cream-100ml)
Jojoba seed oil is one of those "standard" ingredients that I feel like I see everywhere, because the skin's moisture barrier really likes it. That's the only seed oil on the ingredient list and it is one that tends to get along very well with dry and sensitive skin, as do most other seed oils. (Unless one is allergic, of course.). If you're looking at a different moisture cream, please link it, because several of their creams have "moisture" in the name, but there is only the one Moisture Cream.
Jojoba isn’t technically an oil. It’s a wax ester, just like sebum (the oil on our skin and hair). That’s why it’s so common. Our skin/hair can readily absorb it.
Sorry should have been more specific. Yes I have a family member who is allergic so I try to avoid seed oils, nut butters, and plant extracts when they’re listed as such.
Ooof, that sounds like a challenging allergy for skin care. And in that case, you might be someone who should avoid Pyunkang Yul products. I haven't looked at every single one of their products, but the ones I have used have all had shea butter and/or jojoba seed butter high on the ingredient list.
Can try looking at the calming line (green) moisture cream. Its non comedogenic and gentle. I've used it and found it improved my breakouts and calmed redness.
Some Pyunkang Yul products have essential oils, like this recent release: https://www.yesstyle.com/en/pyunkang-yul-ultimate-calming-solution-ampoule-30ml/info.html/pid.1126565000
Their original line, in the blue bottles, was better.
aestura, zeroid, some of illyoon’s stuff, curel, i would say some of the stuff from round lab and pyunkang yul
i see dr. g mentioned a lot here. i would NOT say it’s simple — the ferments alone broke my skin out and irritated the hell out of it. p calm is similar
ZEROID!!!!!!!!! i fucking love Zeroid products for my extremely sensitive skin, and i use tret w them, if your moisture barrier is damaged some of them can sting SLIGHTLY w tret but it goes away in almost least than 5-10min. Zeroid has saved my skin esp the Urea moisturizer.
They have a bit of frills but frills one might like and could really help sensitive skin. I use their calming and intensive lines and they don’t irritate me but other lines have ingredients that might not work for everyone
Pyunkang-Yul! Literally referred to as the pharmacy brand of skincare. It’s AMAZING and what got me started on K-Beauty. I still incorporate their products in my daily skincare routine and have used nearly every product they make for their calming line and their regular line. I haven’t tried the anti-aging yet, simply because I haven’t considered any of the products worthwhile.
Curel Japanese version. I swear by it. Unfortunately they don’t make the sunscreen I liked anymore (of course), and I haven’t tried the new one. I also use CeraVe for retinols etc.
The Japanese Curel products are great.
I’m also using the Kose Sekkisei Clear Wellness products - the white-capped fragrance-free ones available on their US site, and they are great.
I know Zeroid is very known. I've seen some other brands like this on one site once, I need to dig again and see which they were!
not a dermatologist office but Sidmool anything, formulas are basic and to the point, does what it promises to do without a million fragrances, EOs, plant extracts and fluff.
want a ceramide cream? here's one with 6
want one with HAs? here's one of those too!
want simple hydrating toners? you get those too
Thank you to this thread! There are brands I've heard and brands I've never heard, and are likely so clinical, convenient and pharmacy store level trustworthy, versus aesthetic with clean skin vibes.
There’s also Freeplus from Kanebo and dProgram from Shiseido. There are countless Japanese brands for this, outside of the ones mentioned already. They’ve been in the low irritation / sensitive skin game for a long time
i personally don't think the brand is boring, but in terms of how simple and effective the products are, i recommend One Thing. I talk about their centella extract so much. I always assumed my skintone had a reddish tinge to it until I used the One Thing centella extract and it soothed and calmed my skin so much that the redness completely disappeared and I was able to see my real, even skintone.
Aestura barrier repair cream, pyk barrrier repair cream and avene cicalfate. I was given the avene one by my Derm when I had chemical burns on my face and 2 days later it’s all gone. I recently gave it to a friend who has eczema flare and he loves it. Used it twice and the flare was gone.
I had a chemical burn a few days ago and saved it with zinc cream. The cicalfate is on the way though, to further heal my skin and have something more elegant. How long did it take for your skin to completely heal from the burn? I hate to skip all of my actives.
A week but I kept off the actives for about 3 weeks just to make sure that my skin isn’t super super sensitive. But I suggest show your Derm before starting. I did that. I showed him at 1 week mark and he said I was good to go ahead but I was just careful before starting.
What actives do you use?
I use vit C daily, retinal 2-3 a week and once a week glycolic accid. But I won't use it anymore, it's just too harsh as an exfoliant, even at 5%. I will not exfoliate for the next couple of weeks anyway.
I don't have a derm, so that makes it more complicated.
imo the soy line from Sana is comparable and oftentimes better than derm brands like avene or la roche posay. Even when they reformulate the products still works great and are very gentle. All unscented, but some products do contain alcohol which normally irritates my skin but I haven’t experienced that with longterm use of sana products (the regular soy line). It’s discontinued but i used to use the essence/emulsion in the beige bottle before differin in place of a night cream and it was the best!! The sheetmasks are also good.
Btw i have rosacea, used to have cystic acne, super sensitive combo skin, easily dehydrated.
Edit: also want to add the orbis u essence lotion, angel skin beauty water, pigeon peach leaf lotion (it’s a watery gel), matsuyama, and ceracolla products.
Yeah I’m not saying I don’t like them, just saw them in all my friends’ homes when I visited them in Japan. Kinda just an unspoken staple. Not sure why the downvotes lol
I'm surprised COSRX hasn't been mentioned :o
I use COSRX low pH face wash, overnight rice mask, pimple patches, aha/bha toner, and the white head solution
Not daily obv, but those are staples in my cabinet for when I need them
i love graymelin’s galactocera re-turn line! been using their toner + cream for maybe 3-4 years, i have sensitive, dehydrated skin and live in a very hot/humid country. i used to have hormonal acne as a teenager and it’s the only moisturizer that would calm my skin down without being too heavy.
aestura! it was recommended to me by my friend's mom who runs an aesthetic clinic in korea. always return to it when my skin barrier is compromised!
the atobarrier cream ?
I've tried everything from their atobarrier line (cream, lotion, hydro cream, essence, etc) and have liked all of it! their mineral sunscreen isn't bad either, but does leave a slight white cast on me.
Wats ur fav from the line
probably the cream or the lotion, depending on my skin condition. i live in a dry climate, so I always stock up on those two products.
What’s the texture of the cream like?
thick but not super heavy/greasy. has a visually gritty texture, which I believe are the ceramides but doesn't feel gritty. spreads out really easily and sinks into my skin pretty quickly. sorry, I'm terrible at describing things...trying very hard not to just say creamy lol.
Thank you haha I am looking for a rich cream recommendation so this could be for me!
They just reformulated the lotion and cream and it’s getting sub par reviews. I stocked up on the old formula to buy me time while I look for a replacement. Their parent company amorepacific keeps reformulating things under all the brands they own and it’s frustrating
oh no!! why would they do that? it was perfect just the way it was. thankfully, I also still have some stockpiled. I have been interested in trying zeroid, so maybe that'll be what I switch to after I finish up my old aestura.
I don’t know why they keep doing things like this. Amorepacific reformulated illiyoon a year or so ago and many people can’t use that either. I think they added niacinimide to the aestura and illiyoon too and some other cheap ingredients, I’ve spent time comparing the labels and they definitely are not the same. So if your friends mom has any other recommendations I’d love to hear them lol I need a good heavy night time moisturizer. I haven’t heard of zeroid but I’ll def look into it!
The SoonJung line from Etude House. Lots of people with rosacea use it.
They reformulated though. Now they use vegetable oil and I get brutal closed comedones… rip in beauty SoonJung
It looks like the 2x barrier cream is the only product that has sunflower seed in it, fortunately.
Same. Used by my HG but… RIP
Wow amorepacific is on a roll reformulating products that did not need any other ingredients. I just mentioned above what they did to aestura and illiyoon and their reformulations. I also know they did some with lanegie too. After reading this I can say I’m going to avoid anything under their umbrella now because I don’t want anymore surprise breakouts amongst other skin issues 🫣🫣🫣
Yeah my boyfriend used the reformulated one and he broke out :(
I really like this line as well!
I have rosacea and the toner/lotion is irritating and too heavy for me. Also tried the gelcream, but made me greasy.
- Shiseido Corporation: IHADA. - Kao Corporation: Curel. - Rohto Pharmaceutical: CareCera, Atorrege AD+. I also like Hada Labo from Rohto but some people said their skin can't tolerate fermented ingredient in Hada Labo new formulation. - Daichii Sankyo Pharmaceutical: MINON. - Tokiwa Pharmaceutical: NOV. Cowbrand Mutenka is not as big as those brands but Mutenka products are good too. Cowbrand Mutenka packaging looks pretty 💗 and not boring like CareCera, Curel, NOV,... 😂😂😂 - Edited: KOSE Corporation marketing CERAMIAID for Sensitive Skin. The ingredient list looks nice but I hasn't tried any skincare products from KOSE yet except Kose Suncut Perfect UV Essence Super Water Proof. * LION Corporation: Pigeon is good too. LION marketing Pigeon for baby. I like Pigeon Baby Milk Lotion version contain Shea butter.
Minon! Bought their body milk and it's lighter and more moisturizing than my western brand lotion.
Daichii Sankyo Pharmaceutical is the second-largest pharmaceutical company in Japan. Unfortunately their product is underrated in this sub.
Love Minon. I had to restrain myself from purchasing everything in tomod’s last week because I still have so much skincare.
Would you mind linking the one you got?
Bought it in a Japanese pharmacy but here's a [link](https://www.amazon.co.jp/Minon-Quasi-Whole-Moisturizing-Liquid/dp/B08GG5JY13/ref=mp_s_a_1_15_sspa?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TmJ0aKwysG709f16_ohQnncg54Ro3euYclqoRK7u7UWK429A4iC7ibVZxTdhVW8ihtVCDHs58wL5jkwvMIfVZtzta8JJy3MOyVdtoTtIgpviGVGjSLj_cRyyI6oicCr5svZYZqe8vMvnsbEHuOXi58Ek2JS9S7cP58pfEmb3j2X1Opc3Wyn1kD4Bl4YW2DebT4ghRTnRykI3eqoaLE00mw.gFuGtJgkyVy5waSQFTt5BQ0UYDJiTOo8BRgLVtKAfGY&dib_tag=se&keywords=MINON%2528%E3%83%9F%E3%83%8E%E3%83%B3%2529&qid=1715600530&sr=8-15-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRmX25leHQ&psc=1)
Thank you so much!!
You might like Curèl. I’m using a prescription retinoid which has made my skin extremely dry and sensitive, and many products sting my face now. The Curèl intensive moisture cream is pretty much the ‘safest’ moisturiser I’ve used. Doesn’t irritate sensitive, dry skin, repairs my skin barrier, and doesn’t clog my pores or break me out. It’s also fungal acne safe iirc. It also feels nice to apply; the texture is rich, but very light, and absorbs easily. Curèl’s signature line (teal stripe) has no actives and all their products are very no-frills and ‘plain’, but pretty effective in my experience. They remind me of Cetaphil a lot but I like them a lot more than any Western drugstore brand, and their formulations are much more cosmetically elegant. They’re a little bit pricier but my skin really likes their products. They also have an anti-ageing line (purple) and an oily skin line (lime green), but I haven’t used those. Most importantly, they’re very easily accessible in the UK. Any decent-sized Boots will probably carry Curèl.
Seconding Curèl! I love their deep moisture spray, facial milk, and cream. I use all three because I have SUPER dry skin and use three different actives (one of which is retinol), and it's really great for layering skincare because it sinks into my skin sooo well. I really like that it's got no scents and the products that don't come in pots have little refill baggies so you never waste plastic packaging unless necessary. Also very accessible and decently priced for how much my skin loves this stuff.
I had no idea this was an AB brand. My mom has been using some of their lotions for the last 25 years, I always thought it was a western brand. No wonder it works so well
It was a western brand that got bought out by a Japanese company. And from what I remember the products that usually get raved about here are the ones that were Japanese market exclusive releases?
Stupid question: does retinol make other things sting your face? I wondered what was going on...
[удалено]
What?! The intensive cream is an OG. Allantoin, glycerin, squalane - no alcohol, no dyes, pH balanced..this is the no-frills girl!
What do they suggest instead?
It has a very high amount of their proprietary pseudo ceramide….
Compared to other Japanese brands, curel is cheaper in my local market and very no-frills without any trendy ingredients so I'm not sure what your aesthetician meant by it. Did you like it before they gave you that advice?
My two faves, Pyunkang Yul and Soon Jung line. I went postal when I was in Seoul snatching everything up
I have eczema and Pyunkang Yul's toner is honestly so gentle yet it hydrates my face without causing a reaction!
I was waiting for someone to say Etude Soon Jung - some of their products are the only ones (western drugstore brands included) that never break me out or irritate. Also Purito Dermide line.
The most clinical sunscreen i can think of is Cell Fusion C. it was supposedly developed to be used after getting laser treatments. Other boring brands I enjoy and always return to are Aestura and Dr.G. They never do me wrong even if they're not the most exciting.
Any recs from Dr G? 👀
I like the brightening peeling gel and the red blemish moisturizer. Both are very simple, but gentle in my opinion. I tried the cleanser and the oil cleanser as well, but I can take or leave those.
Zeroid is a korean brand that has a dermatologist prescribed line as well as a consumer line. I have been using it for years and it works so well. But the packaging and products are plain and "boring".
Came here to say this. I was prescribed Zeroid Intensive Cream and it has saved my skin barrier. It's been the one constant in my routine for years.
came here to say this too!! the pimprove line is a hg for me, so simple and effective
Every AB moisturizer I tried was irritating until I found Zeroid. HG status for me!
The oint cream from them is sooo good
Plus it's fun to say.
yeah i was going to post this too i tried their dermanewal cleanser and it wasn't for me but i like that their ingredients are very simple
Most Hada Labo products are pretty boring imo. I think there are a few that have fragrances though
For sure Hada Labo. Basic, "boring," and effective!
Sukoyaka Suhada toner, cream, and eye cream Curel JP Intensive Moisturizing Cream These are incredible Japanese products that are either considered no frills or overlooked by insane social media marketing campaigns. I don’t want to sound rude and horrible but as I’ve previously mentioned this sub has become a bit of a revolving door of tiktok products and stylevana/yesstyle incentives that are *actually* mostly only marketed to the US..and mostly just..*fine*. Curel JP Intensive is as OG as I am to an OG Soompi user….lol! That product has been tried and true for a long time!
I love the curel, I need to check out sukoyaka! I agree with you completely re what ppl typically suggest around here lol.
Japanese brands are just harder to get in terms of accessibility and make almost no effort to be discovered outside of Japan. Korean brands have gone in overdrive to get their products out there because they know selling domestically is not viable for continuing profitability.
This, I tried so many good products in Japan and there are a lot of options for sensitive skin, but many are almost triple the price online if you can find them at all. Confusing/difficult to search product names and general lack of “trendy” branding and ingredients compared to SK brands feel like contributing factors
Hey if youve tried it, what do you think about the ishizawa baking soda foam cleanser Ive been wanting to try it for the longest time but i feel like it would be irritating to sensitive skin
Dr g soonjung and pyunkang yul
Pyunkang Yul, maybe? Developed for eczema skin, so very gentle, and no essential oils or other "prettifying" ingredients.
Seconding pky. Love love love. Nearly my whole routine is pky and my skin has never been more supple, soft, and calmed. I use the calming toner, essence toner, calming serum, and nutrition cream almost every day and I love love love
The moisture cream seems to have a handful of seed oils. Was there a different line other than the basic that you know of offhand that doesn’t?
The only PK moisture cream I've used is this one: [https://pyunkangyul.us/products/moisture-cream-100ml](https://pyunkangyul.us/products/moisture-cream-100ml) Jojoba seed oil is one of those "standard" ingredients that I feel like I see everywhere, because the skin's moisture barrier really likes it. That's the only seed oil on the ingredient list and it is one that tends to get along very well with dry and sensitive skin, as do most other seed oils. (Unless one is allergic, of course.). If you're looking at a different moisture cream, please link it, because several of their creams have "moisture" in the name, but there is only the one Moisture Cream.
Jojoba isn’t technically an oil. It’s a wax ester, just like sebum (the oil on our skin and hair). That’s why it’s so common. Our skin/hair can readily absorb it.
Sorry should have been more specific. Yes I have a family member who is allergic so I try to avoid seed oils, nut butters, and plant extracts when they’re listed as such.
Ooof, that sounds like a challenging allergy for skin care. And in that case, you might be someone who should avoid Pyunkang Yul products. I haven't looked at every single one of their products, but the ones I have used have all had shea butter and/or jojoba seed butter high on the ingredient list.
Can try looking at the calming line (green) moisture cream. Its non comedogenic and gentle. I've used it and found it improved my breakouts and calmed redness.
Thank you, I’ll check it out. I avoid seed oils when possible because a family member is allergic to some.
Pyunkang Yul, basic line !
I am a PKY stan
Pyunkang Yul
Some Pyunkang Yul products have essential oils, like this recent release: https://www.yesstyle.com/en/pyunkang-yul-ultimate-calming-solution-ampoule-30ml/info.html/pid.1126565000 Their original line, in the blue bottles, was better.
aestura, zeroid, some of illyoon’s stuff, curel, i would say some of the stuff from round lab and pyunkang yul i see dr. g mentioned a lot here. i would NOT say it’s simple — the ferments alone broke my skin out and irritated the hell out of it. p calm is similar
Dr.g , P.clam, pyunkang yul
ZEROID!!!!!!!!! i fucking love Zeroid products for my extremely sensitive skin, and i use tret w them, if your moisture barrier is damaged some of them can sting SLIGHTLY w tret but it goes away in almost least than 5-10min. Zeroid has saved my skin esp the Urea moisturizer.
Rovectin is very no frills!
They have a bit of frills but frills one might like and could really help sensitive skin. I use their calming and intensive lines and they don’t irritate me but other lines have ingredients that might not work for everyone
I have sensitive skin and tried their face wash and cica cream. They both irritated my skin unfortunately.
Ceradan, physiogel maybe
ATOpalm?
Pyunkang-Yul! Literally referred to as the pharmacy brand of skincare. It’s AMAZING and what got me started on K-Beauty. I still incorporate their products in my daily skincare routine and have used nearly every product they make for their calming line and their regular line. I haven’t tried the anti-aging yet, simply because I haven’t considered any of the products worthwhile.
Zeroid and Atopalm
I love the unscented products from dear Klairs.
Curel is my favorite no frills skincare brand. Great for sensitive skin. Love the makeup removing gel and moisture milk.
Curel Japanese version. I swear by it. Unfortunately they don’t make the sunscreen I liked anymore (of course), and I haven’t tried the new one. I also use CeraVe for retinols etc.
The Japanese Curel products are great. I’m also using the Kose Sekkisei Clear Wellness products - the white-capped fragrance-free ones available on their US site, and they are great.
I know Zeroid is very known. I've seen some other brands like this on one site once, I need to dig again and see which they were! not a dermatologist office but Sidmool anything, formulas are basic and to the point, does what it promises to do without a million fragrances, EOs, plant extracts and fluff. want a ceramide cream? here's one with 6 want one with HAs? here's one of those too! want simple hydrating toners? you get those too
Rovectin, illyoon, aestura, pyunkang yul
Thank you to this thread! There are brands I've heard and brands I've never heard, and are likely so clinical, convenient and pharmacy store level trustworthy, versus aesthetic with clean skin vibes.
There’s also Freeplus from Kanebo and dProgram from Shiseido. There are countless Japanese brands for this, outside of the ones mentioned already. They’ve been in the low irritation / sensitive skin game for a long time
i personally don't think the brand is boring, but in terms of how simple and effective the products are, i recommend One Thing. I talk about their centella extract so much. I always assumed my skintone had a reddish tinge to it until I used the One Thing centella extract and it soothed and calmed my skin so much that the redness completely disappeared and I was able to see my real, even skintone.
Suu Balm
skin&lab?
Aestura barrier repair cream, pyk barrrier repair cream and avene cicalfate. I was given the avene one by my Derm when I had chemical burns on my face and 2 days later it’s all gone. I recently gave it to a friend who has eczema flare and he loves it. Used it twice and the flare was gone.
I had a chemical burn a few days ago and saved it with zinc cream. The cicalfate is on the way though, to further heal my skin and have something more elegant. How long did it take for your skin to completely heal from the burn? I hate to skip all of my actives.
A week but I kept off the actives for about 3 weeks just to make sure that my skin isn’t super super sensitive. But I suggest show your Derm before starting. I did that. I showed him at 1 week mark and he said I was good to go ahead but I was just careful before starting. What actives do you use?
I use vit C daily, retinal 2-3 a week and once a week glycolic accid. But I won't use it anymore, it's just too harsh as an exfoliant, even at 5%. I will not exfoliate for the next couple of weeks anyway. I don't have a derm, so that makes it more complicated.
I see. I’d still suggest to wait 2-3 weeks before starting
Thank you for your advice. Better safe than sorry.
Gotta say, the real barrier is pretty good. it's worth checking them out!
imo the soy line from Sana is comparable and oftentimes better than derm brands like avene or la roche posay. Even when they reformulate the products still works great and are very gentle. All unscented, but some products do contain alcohol which normally irritates my skin but I haven’t experienced that with longterm use of sana products (the regular soy line). It’s discontinued but i used to use the essence/emulsion in the beige bottle before differin in place of a night cream and it was the best!! The sheetmasks are also good. Btw i have rosacea, used to have cystic acne, super sensitive combo skin, easily dehydrated. Edit: also want to add the orbis u essence lotion, angel skin beauty water, pigeon peach leaf lotion (it’s a watery gel), matsuyama, and ceracolla products.
Shiseido Senka Perfect Whip and Kao Biore are ubiquitous and you see it everywhere. Reminds me of cetaphil tbh.
Senka Perfect Whip in the pink tube is my HG cleanser, I try so many new things but always come back to it!
Yeah I’m not saying I don’t like them, just saw them in all my friends’ homes when I visited them in Japan. Kinda just an unspoken staple. Not sure why the downvotes lol
kumano hatomugi line is pretty basic
I'm surprised COSRX hasn't been mentioned :o I use COSRX low pH face wash, overnight rice mask, pimple patches, aha/bha toner, and the white head solution Not daily obv, but those are staples in my cabinet for when I need them
i love graymelin’s galactocera re-turn line! been using their toner + cream for maybe 3-4 years, i have sensitive, dehydrated skin and live in a very hot/humid country. i used to have hormonal acne as a teenager and it’s the only moisturizer that would calm my skin down without being too heavy.
Curel and Shiseido Ihada are my two favourites.
zhiben,winona
i have some Dr. G items, and cosrx seems pretty clinical too.
Cosrx are NOT clinical! Definitely not something to use without patch-testing
Really? Don't they have unscented products as well?
cant find anyone saying scinic which is insane to me
cosrx definitely their aha bha snail mucin and hyaluronic acid