17 Reviews
- 로로밍Oct 3, 2016 (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.ProsI was happy to buy a large size at a good price, and it even came with a refillable container.
ConsEveryone else seems to love it, but why does it smell like saliva to me? The scent is really unpleasant.
TipNot recommended for those sensitive to fragrances.
- 환해Jul 23, 2016 (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.ProsI bought this product to manage my pores, which tend to enlarge during summer. Witch hazel contains tannins, the same compounds that give grape and chestnut skins their astringent taste. These tannins temporarily tighten pores. This is common in plant skins, including witch hazel. While alcohol isn't directly linked to pores, it can stimulate hormone production, potentially increasing sebum production. This excess sebum might contribute to enlarged pores. So, if possible, it's better to use alcohol-free products. Witch hazel is often paired with alcohol, but I'm satisfied that this one is alcohol-free. It's important to note that this product contains witch hazel extract, not witch hazel water. As advertised, this product is alcohol-free. The witch hazel is obtained through extraction rather than distillation, preserving the tannins. I personally bought it to use as a sub-toner and mist during summer, hoping it would also cool my skin. Despite the tannin content, I didn't experience the tightening sensation I expected (like egg white albumin), nor did I feel any irritation. This suggests the witch hazel concentration isn't too high. While tannins are beneficial and not harmful to the body, they can be irritating to the skin, so I wouldn't recommend overuse. I'm often dissatisfied with INCI labeling by cosmetic companies and raw material suppliers, and some are particularly messy. Oddly, this seems especially true for witch hazel products. (More on the positive aspects in the tips section)
ConsThe fragrance content is higher than the witch hazel content. There's a lavender scent, but you can still detect the unique, slightly medicinal smell of witch hazel. As someone who generally avoids fragrances, I can tolerate this distinctive scent. I didn't buy this for the fragrance; I chose it because the unscented version was out of stock, and this was the cheapest among the alcohol-free options. For reference, the unscented version has only the medicinal smell. Personally, I'm satisfied as I'm using it for my intended purpose. If used extensively, the glycerin might leave a slightly sticky feeling on the skin. However, glycerin is necessary in witch hazel products for hydration. Those with oily skin might find the glycerin content noticeable depending on how it's used. When a product features witch hazel in its name, it should specify the concentration. Unfortunately, this product doesn't list the percentage in the ingredients. We can only estimate based on its position in the ingredient list. It's frustrating for consumers who buy the product specifically for the witch hazel content.
TipContinuing with the positive aspects: Oddly, with witch hazel, both raw material suppliers and cosmetic companies often label it as "extract" instead of "water" in the INCI, even when it's obtained through distillation. While not all products containing extracts are problematic, the positioning in many ingredient lists raises concerns. It's hard to trust raw material suppliers too. This product, however, discloses its extraction method and uses the correct scientific name, which influenced my purchase decision. More details in the tips section... I appreciate the water-like texture. If it were sticky, I couldn't use it as a mist. --- Real tips: Aloe vera itself has moisturizing and preservative properties. Grapefruit seed extract is the main preservative in this product, and citric acid seems to be used for pH adjustment and to prevent harmful bacteria. The pH is around 6. Still, being a natural product, quick use is recommended. Note that the renewed product doesn't contain grapefruit seed extract. I've suggested a correction to Hwahae's admin. Interestingly, when I checked iHerb, this ingredient was still listed for the renewed product. It's frustrating how ingredient lists can be inconsistently displayed. The pre-renewal version included Vitamin E for oxidation prevention, but I'm unsure how it was incorporated without an emulsifier. It's not in the renewed version, which is fine for this water-based product. It's puzzling how a product boasting tradition and trust can have such ingredient inconsistencies. Regarding ingredient omissions, I've seen numerous INCI or ingredient list errors across products. For instance, products claiming 100% galactomyces or bifida ferment filtrate often contain significant amounts of water and synthetic alcohols, with only small amounts of the desired ingredient. This is why I haven't used such products for years. While there might be exceptions, raw material suppliers for specific ingredients are limited, so products tend to be similar. SK-II's strong smell might indicate a high galactomyces content, but that could potentially lead to a very low pH... Anyway, I find it hard to accept using products with undisclosed synthetic alcohols. The most reliable approach is to purchase from raw material suppliers who fully disclose ingredients, but verifying product specifications can be challenging. The situation hasn't improved much over time. I'd advise against buying this product from Olive Young unless it's heavily discounted. Even though I like lavender, I'm unsure about the type of fragrance used. I bought this on sale, but it's still cheaper online even with shipping costs. Making this volume from raw materials would cost around 3,000 won. Thayers' alcohol products differ from other witch hazel products. The alcohol seems to be added separately to the extract for pore-tightening effects, rather than being a result of the distillation process. Witch hazel water is obtained through distillation of witch hazel, alcohol (as a solvent), and purified water. This process removes most or all tannins, leaving about 15% residual alcohol. This is the key difference between witch hazel extract and witch hazel water. If you've experienced pore-tightening effects from a witch hazel product, it's worth considering whether it's due to the alcohol content. While alcohol isn't necessarily bad, excessive use can be harmful. Personally, I sometimes use it on a cotton pad before reapplying sunscreen to provide moisture and remove excess oil. This method might not suit everyone's skin type. Olive Young is good for testing products. Hwahae lists the unscented witch hazel product as not containing grapefruit seed extract, but the US product still includes it. If it were removed, the reduced preservative power could be problematic. The main difference between these products is just the presence or absence of fragrance. --- August 5, 2016 Update: I found something stuck to the bottom of the bottle. When I turned it over, I saw that it listed the concentrations of witch hazel extract (3.6%) and lavender flower water (1%).
- 쿠웅지Apr 24, 2016 (UTC)Combination 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.ProsWhat I noticed while using this is that it's gentle, so I feel comfortable applying it. The generous amount and affordable price make it even better.
ConsThe artificial fragrance is a bit... off-putting. The scent seems to fade gradually as you use it.
TipI found it works even better when chilled on hot days!
- 빼요Mar 31, 2016 (UTC)Oily 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.ProsAlcohol-free... Large size... Great value for money... Attractive packaging...
ConsI bought it for the lavender scent, but it's overwhelmingly strong (I have to hold my breath when applying). I transferred it to a spray bottle for easier application, but it only provides temporary hydration and doesn't help with my deep dryness. Sometimes I feel like tossing it out just looking at it.
- yeah0801Jan 24, 2016 (UTC)Combination 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.ProsIt is important to thoroughly soak the cotton pad, as this makes it less irritating. I used it for a little less than two months, and the amount was just right for my needs.
ConsI bought the Lavender Saewooseu because it's so well-known, but the fragrance... I carefully selected the Lavender, which seemed the best option, but the fragrance became strange as it was absorbed. They say Saewooseu has a unique scent, but personally, I have no intention of repurchasing due to the fragrance.
TipBe sure to smell the fragrance before buying.
- onejiJan 16, 2016 (UTC)Dry Skinproduct.Atopy 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.ProsIt's great to use as a toner to wipe off after cleansing. The volume is generous and it doesn't burden the skin.
ConsThe fragrance... it's supposed to be lavender, but there's something off about it..
- yy37Nov 1, 2015 (UTC)Normal 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.ProsI've been using it for 5 years because it fits me so well and I really like it. It's very gentle and has good moisturizing power. The amount is a lot, so I can use it generously for a long time. I would apply it to cotton pads and use it like a toner, and sometimes I would put it in a spray bottle and use it like a mist. It's good no matter how you use it.
ConsWhen I first bought and opened it, the fragrance was too artificial, too strong. It felt like the lavender scent was forcibly created. It was a bit unpleasant. But after using it for a while, I got used to it and the scent became more subtle and nice. When I was in the US, I bought it really cheaply and used it well, but the price in Korea is so expensive ㅠㅠ
- 제이나비Sep 30, 2015 (UTC)Dry 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.ProsIt's great for generous use as it's a large volume. My skin isn't particularly sensitive, but I'm quite weak when it comes to having even a little bit of something in my eyes, and I was impressed that when I soaked a cotton pad and wiped my face, it didn't sting my eyes at all, so it seems gentle.
ConsThe smell is too unpleasant. The lavender I'm familiar with didn't have this kind of fecal odor... I've tried various lavender-scented products from iHerb, but this is the first time I've encountered such a rancid smell. Is this the kind of stench that comes with witch hazel?
TipSoaking a cotton pad and placing it on dry areas makes the dryness disappear.
- 본드강Jun 24, 2015 (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.ProsThe quantity is generous and it does not irritate the skin at all, making it very suitable for sensitive, acne-prone skin.
ConsAt first, the unique cinnamon-like scent may not be very appealing to some.
- 피부이제죠음Apr 23, 2015 (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.ProsFor normal/combination skin, this product is recommended. Those with dry skin may not necessarily need to use this.
ConsEven though it's alcohol-free, it has a slightly harsh feel / It seems a bit pricey. It gets used up quickly.
TipIt's great to put in a mist bottle and spray it on.