Item: ACICA Stress Relief Cream Essence
Rating: 5
Author: Hwahae User

As a Hwahae Tester, I'm sharing my review. For combination and sensitive skin: I've been using this consistently since I received it. It feels more like an emulsion than an essence. Despite some reviews mentioning dryness, it worked well for my combination skin. The light oiliness is perfect - I apply a thin layer in the morning under my sun cushion with no pilling. At night, I use more, and it doesn't leave my skin greasy. I love that it's fragrance-free, as I'm not a fan of scented products. I'm picky about ingredients, and A'CICA seems to have put thought into theirs. It didn't cause any blemishes on my sensitive skin, which is a big plus! While I didn't notice much effect on small bumps, it was incredibly effective on hormonal acne. I was skeptical, but applying it overnight really calmed the inflammation. If your skin likes cica ingredients, you'll be satisfied! The amount is generous - it should last over a month. The squeeze tube design is hygienic. I usually dispense it onto the back of my hand, but sometimes apply it directly to my face when I'm feeling lazy.

As mentioned, it's closer to an emulsion than an essence. If you use it between your toner and emulsion, you might find it a bit rich. I prefer a simple skincare routine, so it was fine for me, but others might find it less ideal. The absorption might be surprising at first - it takes some getting used to. I recommend spreading it thinly and patting it in. The packaging design is cute, but I wonder if the white, pharmacy-like design is meant to convey a sense of health and efficacy?

In the morning, I use just a small amount. I first prep my skin with The Saem pads, then apply a tiny bit of this, patting it in. At night, I use a more generous amount. If you're applying makeup afterwards, I recommend using only a small amount. It's crucial to spread it thinly and pat it into your skin. Otherwise, you might feel like it's just sitting on top of your skin rather than absorbing properly.