Grown Alchemist Age-Repair Moisturizer- Retail $99

Everyone has different preferences for moisturizers. I have combo-oily skin, but now that it's very dry in OC, I almost feel like I have dry skin. My skincare routine as of right now consists of: double cleansing, exfoliant (2x a week), eye cream, toner, essence (3 layers), serum, marula oil, moisturizer. However, for the sake testing out this product, I opted out of marula oil to see just how moisturizing this product was. Before Grown Alchemist, I was using the Loccitane Shea Light Comforting Cream as my last step. Specifically in a moisturizer, I look for something hydrating that will lock in all of my previous steps. And, of course, something as natural and effective as possible. 

Specs: 

• Size: 60mL
• Applicator: None
• Scent: None
• Finish: Natural
• Texture: Velvety
• No parabens, TEA...etc  (refer to picture above)

Ingredients: 

Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract, Aqua (Purified Water), Camellia Oleifera (Camellia) Seed Oil, Potassium Olivoyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein (and) Cetearyl Alcohol (and) Glyceryl Oleate (and) Glyceryl Stearate (Plant), Aqua (and) Pseudoalteromonas Exopolysaccharides (and) Citric Acid (and) Sodium Salicylate (Polysaccharide Complex), Aqua (and) Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract (and) Salicylic Acid (and) Sodium Hydroxide (Polysaccharide Complex), Cetyl Alcohol (Plant), Glycerin (Plant), Aqua (and) Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract (and) Hydrolized Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Tripeptide-10 Citrulline, Tripeptide-1, Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Caprylyl Glycol (Natural Peptide), Aqua (and) Propanediol (and) Disodium Phosphate (and) Xanthan Gum (and) Saccharide Isomerate (and) Sodium Phosphate (and) Glyceryl Caprylate (Saccharide Complex), Camellia Sinensis (White Tea) Leaf Extract, Glyceryl Caprylate (Plant), Sodium Dehydroacetate (Organic Listed), Xanthan Gum (Polysaccharide), Lactic Acid (Plant), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein (Plant), Petroselinum Crispum (Parsley) Seed Oil, Limonene (Plant), Linalool (Plant).

* Glad they replaced Aloe as the first ingredient instead of water. However, I had to hunt down the ingredient list for this. These aren't listed on their website.

Claims: 

"An advanced moisturiser formulated with bioactive Phyto-Peptides that noticeably restore and visibly reduce the depth and appearance of wrinkles."

Performance: 

The tube comes in a simple Aesop-like hipster packaging that is sealed from the inside. The formula feels like a typical moisturizer, and when applied, I was surprised how fast it was able to sink into the skin with no greasy feeling or scent.  The con is that shortly after application, my skin felt dehydrated again and I wanted to use more. I really was excited about this product because of the ingredients, but at the end of the day, was disappointed with the performance. Even after using so many skincare products, this moisturizer, as nice as it was initially, didn't get the job done. As an additional con, I don't have sensitive skin, but I did experience a slight itchiness on my skin. Not sure if that's a reaction to something in the product or something else-I will have to do some more experimentation to find out! 

Update: I'm pretty convinced it's this moisturizer. I'm thinking I'm actually sensitive to aloe since I remember a long time ago my mom convincing me to put aloe on my face but irritated me. (Wow that was a long time ago!) This caused 4 weeks of contact dermatitis. Sigh.

Verdict: 

I can understand why the price tag is $99 because of the ingredients and aesthetic appeal, but simply put, this just doesn't hydrate at all. This dries up too fast and doesn't feel like it does anything beneficial for the skin despite the natural ingredients. Even other gel moisturizers like the Clinique moisture surge or cheaper Korean brands would far surpass the effectiveness. I have combo skin, but even this didn't do anything for me. $99 is a price to pay for a crazy-transformative essence or serum...but not a moisturizer like this one. Sorry.

FFF members! If this is offered as an add-on item, SKIP IT. Seriously. 

**Update: Because of this product, I'm experiencing allergic reactions for 3 weeks now. I've read that some people have experienced similar reactions so definitely be aware of that. Just because it's all natural doesn't mean it's better/more effective. 

Save Some $:

At the end of the day, Korean skincare is the way to go price and quality-wise. Go for Missha's super Aqua moisturizer or Enature's sleeping pack. Everyone has their on preference on ingredients/texture so check out this blog  post of their topsellers by GlowRecipe (I agree with almost every product except for the Green tea GlowrecipexWhamisa line. I tried their moisturizer, but I don't think it did enough for my skin.)  There are deals everywhere on Korean websites so go check them out! StyleKorean is a good website carrying a variety of K-beauty brands.