Althea is always one of my fav online shop to shop for Korean products. I was so excited when I heard that Althea is launching Bare Essentials! So today, I am going to share my thoughts about them!
Just look how pretty the packaging is <3
I was happy to see the packaging. so minimal, so pretty. I even tweeted about it.
Previously, Althea already launched the Petal Velvet Powder, a mattifying, translucent powder that sets makeup and leaves behind a silky satin finish. I've reviewed about it here: Althea Petal Velvet Powder Review
The new Althea skincare line focuses on three skincare fundamentals steps which are:
1. Cleansing
2. Toning
3. Moisturizing
The Contour Cleanser (150g RM23.00)
What it claims?
It contains ice plant to hydrates and calms redness, and lemon myrtle which is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants to strengthen the skin. It also contains densely filled with micro capsules that burst upon contact with water to gently cleanse, exfoliate, and detoxify skin. The Contour Cleanser helps to promote blood circulation, and reduces bloating and swelling for a defined, enviably slim face shape.
Ingredients:
Glycerin,Water,Myristic Acid,Stearic Acid,Potassium Hydroxide,Palmitic Acid,Lauric Acid,PEG-32,Glyceryl Stearate,PEG-100 Stearate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine,Glyceryl Stearate SE,Microcrystalline Cellulose,Zea Mays (Corn) Starch,Lactose,Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Polyquaternium-67,Sodium Chloride,Disodium EDTA,Menthol,Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Polyquaternium-7,Fructooligosaccharides,Saccharide Hydrolysate,Pullulan,1,2-Hexanediol,Tocopheryl Acetate, Mesembryanthemum Crystallinum Extract,Sodium Benzoate,Sodium Acetate,Butylene Glycol, Lippia Citriodora Leaf Extract,Ethylhexylglycerin,Fragrance
My thoughts:
It has a refreshing scent and the texture is cream which is good for my dry skin. The ingredients does not contains SLS and alcohol which I would normally avoid, however it does have menthol and fragrance in it, which may not be suitable for sensitive skin. Luckily, my skin didn't experience any irritation or discomfort. I also didn't feel any tightness or dryness after using this cleanser.
I also tested the pH of this cleanser since I believe that a good cleanser should have a low pH so it will not disrupt our skin barrier. The average pH of human skin is pH4-6 so it is best to make sure we use a pH balanced skincare. Based on my test paper, this cleanser turns out to be around pH8 which is quite high. This cleanser also contains micro beads to exfoliate our skin, which makes me feel scared to use this daily as I'm afraid my skin will be over-exfoliate since I have dry skin. For oily skin, I think it's okay to use this daily.
Who will love this?
People with not so sensitive skin and love refreshing scent
The Primer Water (200ml RM43.00)
What it claims?
Both a hydrating toner and a primer in one, the Primer Water contains patented dewdrop technology (Macro Fluidic Dispersion technology) that gently fills the gaps between pores and allows hydration to penetrate deep within the layers of the skin. Made with Snow Lotus extracts, this skincare heavy hitter has an incredibly smooth and silky texture that enhances the skin’s natural glow, leaving you with the perfect canvas.
Ingredients
Water,Propanediol,Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone,Alcohol,1,2-Hexanediol,Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract,Centella Asiatica Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract,Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer,Tromethamine,Betaine,Fructooligosaccharides, Saccharide Hydrolysate,Xanthan Gum,Ethylhexylglycerin,Pullulan,Butylene Glycol,Dipropylene Glycol,Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Saussurea Involucrata Extract,Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract,Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Origanum Vulgare Extract,Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract,Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Sclerotium Gum,Agar,Polysorbate 20,PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil,Fragrance
My thought:
As usual, the scent is really refreshing which I really love. The texture is quite thick, not like your regular watery toner. I like the texture. It absorbs beautifully on my skin and doesn't leave a sticky or greasy feeling. I feel my skin is well hydrated enough and soft.
However, I do notice that alcohol is the forth ingredient on the list. Surprisingly, it didn't cause me any irritation or redness. I guess there's a lot of moisturizing ingredients so macam tak rasa sangat the drying effect of alcohol which is good because normally I'll avoid any toner with high level of alcohol. If you have very sensitive skin, you might want to consider this.
I tested the pH value and the pH value is around pH6 which is suitable for our skin. I also love the ingredients. It contains centella which is good for soothing, especially if you have redness or red acne scars. Chia Seeds (Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract) is a rich source of fatty acids and a good antioxidant. Sometimes I enjoy using this toner for the 3 skin methods, which means you apply this toner for 3 layers. I love the hydrating effect!
Who will love this?
No matter what your skin type is, you will love this priming water!
The Fixer Cream (50g RM50.00)
What it claims?
This non-oily, quick-absorbing formula harnesses the power of Trehalose, an ingredient found in the cactus plant that prevents its moisture loss, to provide the skin with 24-hour hydration. This ultra-nourishing wonder cream is also rich in antioxidants derived from Camellia Sinensis (green tea) seed oil, and helps to promote collagen regeneration using Baobab Tree extracts. Upon application, your skin is left looking great and feeling bouncy to the touch.
Ingredients
Water,Glycerin,Methylpropanediol,Dimethicone,Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil,Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin),Cyclopentasiloxane,Glyceryl Stearate, 1,2-Hexanediol,Cetearyl Alcohol,Polysorbate 60,PEG-100 Stearate,Cyclohexasiloxane,Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract,Centella Asiatica Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract,Carbomer,Tromethamine,Polyacrylate-13,Fructooligosaccharides, Saccharide Hydrolysate,Polyisobutene,Propanediol,Ethylhexylglycerin,Pullulan,Disodium EDTA,Polysorbate 20,Butylene Glycol, Sorbitan Isostearate,Trehalose,Sodium Hyaluronate,Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract,Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract,Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract,Adansonia Digitata Seed Extract,Fragrance
My thought?
I love the ingredient lists, there's a lot of emollients which is good for drier skin. The texture is quite thick since it's a cream. If you have oily skin, you may want to apply this very thinly to avoid any greasy feeling. I love how this product absorbs into my skin, and it makes my skin feels really soft and smooth. Although it contains fragrance, (all three products contains fragrance but it's very low), it didn't cause any irritation or discomfort.
However, I don't really fancy jar packaging. All the antioxidants will be unstable once exposed to light and air. So macam, sayanglah moisturizer ada banyak antioxidants tapi dah tak powerful sangat. Plus. it is unhygienic to dip your fingers inside the product. Please use a spatula, okay? I don't remember whether they provide a spatula or not. Kalau ada, maybe I dah hilangkan kot haha so kena cari spatula baru. This is just my personal preference.
Who will love this?
People with drier skin type.
Overall
I did enjoy using this Bare Essentials because the scent is very refreshing, the design is very pretty and minimal. I like looking at it and it looks nice on my vanity hehehe. However, I do hope that Althea will come out with a sunscreen as well since I believe sunscreen is also a very important step in our skincare routine. Overall, worth to try! My fav is the Priming Water <3
You can get your Bare Essentials from https://my.althea.kr/. Althea is also giving out an additional 10% off with a free special edition mirror if you purchase now so head on over to www.althea.kr today!
