This Korean review was translated by AI and may contain inaccuracies.
5 Reviews
- judynimbusFeb 21, 2025 (UTC)Combination SkinSensitive Skin
Review under verification
The content is currently being reviewed by the Hwahae operations team, and the verification will be completed by the next business day (excluding weekends and holidays) from the date the review was written.Reviewed by The Hwahae Testers
This review was written by The Hwahae Testers who received the product for free and evaluated it with a sense of representing Hwahae. The review is completely unbiased and honest, with no guidelines or restrictions. Reviews by The Hwahae Testers undergo the same strict verification process as regular reviews, and if they don't meet our standards, revisions will be requested.ProsAs a 40-something with combination dehydrated skin and super sensitive skin, I've always been concerned about my large pores in the T-zone and sagging cheeks. My complexion is prone to redness, so I typically avoid harsh skincare products. Packaging: The gray and purple design is sleek, and the pump dispenser is well-suited to the product's consistency, making it easy to control the amount. It's quite practical. Texture: While not a runny liquid, it's a typical essence texture but slightly stickier. This slight tackiness actually makes it easier to apply to specific areas. Effectiveness: As it's targeted for pores and firmness, I focused on applying it to my T-zone where my pores are most noticeable. Being new to retinol and having sensitive skin, I used it every other day, applying just one pump to my T-zone for two weeks. I didn't notice much difference in the first week, but by the second week, while my pores hadn't necessarily shrunk, my overall complexion seemed smoother. My makeup also applied better, making me appreciate the power of retinol. Despite some mild irritation (which I'll mention later), as someone just entering their 40s with sagging, large-pored skin from oily 20s, this product gives me hope. Though marketed for pores and firmness, it's surprisingly hydrating too.
ConsTexture: While its viscosity helps with deep dryness, if you have oily skin or dislike sticky products, you might not enjoy the finish. Irritation: Not a major drawback, but when I got confident and used it two days in a row instead of every other day, I felt a slight itching around the application area. While some say this level of irritation is normal for retinol, those with super sensitive skin might find it challenging to use. However, I can't compare it to other retinol products as this is my first.
TipOverall: Despite my sensitive skin making me hesitant about using retinol, I found that using it every other day was manageable. The results were better than expected, so I plan to continue using it.
- 쪼코빔Feb 18, 2025 (UTC)수부지Sensitive SkinAcne Skin
Review under verification
The content is currently being reviewed by the Hwahae operations team, and the verification will be completed by the next business day (excluding weekends and holidays) from the date the review was written.Reviewed by The Hwahae Testers
This review was written by The Hwahae Testers who received the product for free and evaluated it with a sense of representing Hwahae. The review is completely unbiased and honest, with no guidelines or restrictions. Reviews by The Hwahae Testers undergo the same strict verification process as regular reviews, and if they don't meet our standards, revisions will be requested.ProsI've been worried about my T-zone pores becoming more noticeable lately, so I was thrilled to win a chance to try this product as part of The Hwahae Testers. The texture is thick and sticky, similar to mucus, and feels a bit heavy when applied. However, I found it worked well when used as the final step in my skincare routine after toner. After using it every evening for about a week, I noticed my T-zone pores seemed less prominent. Even when I wore makeup, my pores weren't as visible. I believe with consistent use, the pore-tightening effects will become even more noticeable.
ConsDue to its slightly heavy and sticky texture, applying too much can leave residue on the skin and may cause some itching. It's best to use only a small amount at a time.
- 안정된몽고마Feb 16, 2025 (UTC)수부지Sensitive SkinAcne Skin
Review under verification
The content is currently being reviewed by the Hwahae operations team, and the verification will be completed by the next business day (excluding weekends and holidays) from the date the review was written.Reviewed by The Hwahae Testers
This review was written by The Hwahae Testers who received the product for free and evaluated it with a sense of representing Hwahae. The review is completely unbiased and honest, with no guidelines or restrictions. Reviews by The Hwahae Testers undergo the same strict verification process as regular reviews, and if they don't meet our standards, revisions will be requested.ProsSkin type: Combination dehydrated, sensitive, acne-prone Texture: It has a thin serum-like consistency that absorbs well Application: I liked that it spreads easily, so a small amount is sufficient for full coverage Scent: Initially had a clay scent, but it feels unscented with continued use Packaging: Hygienic with an easy-to-use pump and separate lid It absorbs quickly and has excellent spreadability. I loved how my skin instantly felt firmer after application! I'll need to observe longer for pore-related effects I appreciated that after application, my skin felt firm without any oily residue
ConsWell... My skin is quite sensitive, and I applied the retinol product rather liberally. Now my skin is burning, with flaking, itching, and blemishes appearing. I strongly recommend others to start with a small amount once or twice a week as an adjustment period, then gradually increase usage. Although it's marketed as a gentle retinol, it was too irritating for my skin
TipI recommend applying a pea-sized amount only to problem areas (T-zone, nose) rather than all over the face!
- malaygirlFeb 13, 2025 (UTC)Dry SkinSensitive SkinAcne Skin
Review under verification
The content is currently being reviewed by the Hwahae operations team, and the verification will be completed by the next business day (excluding weekends and holidays) from the date the review was written.Reviewed by The Hwahae Testers
This review was written by The Hwahae Testers who received the product for free and evaluated it with a sense of representing Hwahae. The review is completely unbiased and honest, with no guidelines or restrictions. Reviews by The Hwahae Testers undergo the same strict verification process as regular reviews, and if they don't meet our standards, revisions will be requested.ProsMy skin tends to get particularly dry during seasonal changes, especially in winter. I have large pores but my skin isn't overly sensitive. I happened to try the Real Barrier Pore Tightening Serum and applied it with high hopes. The serum has an amazing texture - it's moisturizing and silky, absorbs well, and doesn't leave a sticky residue. Instead, it leaves my skin feeling deeply hydrated, which I love. Usually, retinol-containing products can cause a tingling sensation, but this one doesn't, which is a big plus. I finished off with a moisturizer after applying the serum. I could feel my pores tightening, and my skin didn't feel overly dry.
ConsLess than a week after using this product, my skin started peeling! My makeup wouldn't stay on, and I experienced flaking skin with redness appearing on my chin and forehead. The itching was intense. My skin isn't typically sensitive, but this serum really didn't agree with me. Even now, my skin hasn't calmed down. If you have skin that's sensitive to retinol, I'd advise avoiding this. If you must use it, try mixing it with another emulsion and only use it at night, as retinol can make skin more sensitive to sunlight. I strongly recommend trying a sample first before committing to the full-size product!
- 귀여운벌73024439Feb 12, 2025 (UTC)Dry SkinSensitive Skin
Review under verification
The content is currently being reviewed by the Hwahae operations team, and the verification will be completed by the next business day (excluding weekends and holidays) from the date the review was written.Reviewed by The Hwahae Testers
This review was written by The Hwahae Testers who received the product for free and evaluated it with a sense of representing Hwahae. The review is completely unbiased and honest, with no guidelines or restrictions. Reviews by The Hwahae Testers undergo the same strict verification process as regular reviews, and if they don't meet our standards, revisions will be requested.ProsThe photos show the first day and after two uses! All were taken in the same lighting and position. Skin type: Dry and sensitive - Originally oily, but became extremely dry with enlarged pores after misusing a skin ointment. Application: The slightly rich texture absorbs quickly and leaves the skin feeling firm after application. Pores: Pore reduction was my main reason for joining The Hwahae Testers, so I focused on this aspect during product use. I noticed an effect on pore size reduction. As you can see in the photos, while not dramatically different, there's a slight reduction in pore size!
ConsDryness: I researched retinol usage extensively before use. However, due to my extremely dry skin, you can see some irritation and scratches in the second photo due to dryness and itching.
TipFor those with super sensitive skin, don't be too eager! Start with once a week for the first two weeks, then twice a week in the third week, gradually increasing usage!