COSRX

COSRX AC Collection Ultimate Spot Cream - Korean Skincare Shop

Name: COSRX - AC Collection Ultimate Spot Cream - Korean Skincare Shop
Brand: COSRX

Efficacy37/100IrritancyMedium

See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing

Helianthus annuus seed oil, Glycerin + 11 more

Works

What the product description says

“Contains Aloe Vera Leaf Water to provide hydration the skin”

Source: Lila Beauty

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: betaine, glycerin.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: dimethicone, helianthus annuus seed oil.

Helianthus annuus seed oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function~5.6–8.4%

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~3.9–5.8%

Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~2.4–3.7%

BetaineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture~1.6–2.4%

Elaeis guineensis oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~1.4–2.1%

Elaeis guineensis kernel oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~1.1–1.7%

DimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish~0.6–1.35%

AsiaticosideKey activeEffect: HighAn active compound of Centella Asiatica plant extract. In combination with other active compounds of Centella Asiatica extract (madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid), asiaticoside has been shown to be helpful in wound-healing, restoring skin barrier function and supporting collagen production in skin. It can, however, itself be irritating~0.35–0.75%

Asiatic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn active compound of Centella Asiatica plant extract. In combination with other active compounds of Centella Asiatica extract (asiaticoside, madecasosside and madecassic acid) asiatic acid has been shown to be helpful in wound-healing, restoring skin barrier function and supporting collagen production in skin. It can, however, itself be irritating~0.35–0.8%

Madecassic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn active compound of Centella Asiatica plant extract. In combination with other active compounds of Centella Asiatica extract (asiaticoside, madecasosside and asiatic acid), madecassic acid has been shown to be helpful in wound-healing, restoring skin barrier function and supporting collagen production in skin. It can, however, itself be irritating~0.3–0.7%

Aloe barbadensis leaf waterEffect: LowTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but data on its effectiveness is lacking. While the majority of the content is plain water, it can contain some goodies like vitamins, enzymes, minerals, and humectants that help attract water into the skin~23–34%

Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin~5.9–8.8%

Scutellaria baicalensis root extract· HumectantEffect: LowA plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare products is often too low for an effective action. Can be used for its fragrant properties~0.4–0.95%

Anti-blemish

No ingredient credited for this claim

Not delivered

What the product description says

“Product name: AC Collection Ultimate Spot Cream - Korean Skincare Shop”

Source: Lila Beauty

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low.

Anti-oxidation

Side benefit · Asiaticoside, Scutellaria baicalensis root extract

Works well

This product contains antioxidants (asiaticoside) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

Scutellaria baicalensis root extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare products is often too low for an effective action. Can be used for its fragrant properties~0.4–0.95%

Anti-aging

Side benefit · Asiaticoside

May help

This product contains asiaticoside. This ingredient might be able to help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness, but there is not enough evidence that it actually works.

AsiaticosideKey activeEffect: MediumAn active compound of Centella Asiatica plant extract. In combination with other active compounds of Centella Asiatica extract (madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid), asiaticoside has been shown to be helpful in wound-healing, restoring skin barrier function and supporting collagen production in skin. It can, however, itself be irritating~0.35–0.75%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

2 strong irritants: Illicium verum fruit extract, Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil

Medium risk

We flagged 10 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Illicium verum fruit extractAnise fruit extract. Used as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.45–1.05%est.

Scutellaria baicalensis root extractA plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare products is often too low for an effective action. Can be used for its fragrant propertiesHigh~0.4–0.95%est.

Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oilAn essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial propertiesHigh~0.35–0.85%est.

Ethyl hexanediolUsed to dissolve other ingredients. Might be irritatingHigh~0.35–0.85%est.

Aloe barbadensis leaf waterTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but data on its effectiveness is lacking. While the majority of the content is plain water, it can contain some goodies like vitamins, enzymes, minerals, and humectants that help attract water into the skinMedium~23–34%est.

Polysorbate 60Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~1.4–2.2%est.

1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.55–1.25%est.

AsiaticosideAn active compound of Centella Asiatica plant extract. In combination with other active compounds of Centella Asiatica extract (madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid), asiaticoside has been shown to be helpful in wound-healing, restoring skin barrier function and supporting collagen production in skin. It can, however, itself be irritatingMedium~0.35–0.75%est.

Asiatic acidAn active compound of Centella Asiatica plant extract. In combination with other active compounds of Centella Asiatica extract (asiaticoside, madecasosside and madecassic acid) asiatic acid has been shown to be helpful in wound-healing, restoring skin barrier function and supporting collagen production in skin. It can, however, itself be irritatingMedium~0.35–0.8%est.

Madecassic acidAn active compound of Centella Asiatica plant extract. In combination with other active compounds of Centella Asiatica extract (asiaticoside, madecasosside and asiatic acid), madecassic acid has been shown to be helpful in wound-healing, restoring skin barrier function and supporting collagen production in skin. It can, however, itself be irritatingMedium~0.3–0.7%est.

Comedogenic

1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

1 flagged

These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.

IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount

Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~2.4–3.7%est.

Alternatives

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Dr. Barbara Sturm The Ultimate Stinky Pimple Treatment

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Aloe barbadensis leaf water~23–34%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but data on its effectiveness is lacking. While the majority of the content is plain water, it can contain some goodies like vitamins, enzymes, minerals, and humectants that help attract water into the skin

More about Aloe barbadensis leaf water

Butylene glycol~5.9–8.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol

Helianthus annuus seed oil~5.6–8.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function

More about Helianthus annuus seed oil

Glycerin~3.9–5.8%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin

Zinc oxide~4.1–6.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Sun protection

A broad spectrum sunblock (protects from both UVA and UVB rays). Is suitable for most sensitive skins. In small concentrations, can be used as a colorant

More about Zinc oxide

Cetearyl alcohol~2.4–3.7%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture

More about Cetearyl alcohol

Dimethyl sulfone~1.9–2.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps dissolve other ingredients

More about Dimethyl sulfone

Betaine~1.6–2.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture

More about Betaine

Polysorbate 60~1.4–2.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 60

Elaeis guineensis oil~1.4–2.1%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Elaeis guineensis oil

Elaeis guineensis kernel oil~1.1–1.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Elaeis guineensis kernel oil

Cetearyl olivate~0.95–1.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Cetearyl olivate

Sorbitan olivate~0.8–1.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sorbitan olivate

1,2-hexanediol~0.55–1.25%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol

Calamine~0.6–1.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Calamine

Dimethicone~0.6–1.35%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingMattifying

A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish

More about Dimethicone

Illicium verum fruit extract~0.45–1.05%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Anise fruit extract. Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Illicium verum fruit extract

Scutellaria baicalensis root extract~0.4–0.95%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

AntibacterialAnti-oxidationMoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-inflammatory

A plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare products is often too low for an effective action. Can be used for its fragrant properties

More about Scutellaria baicalensis root extract

Xanthan gum~0.4–0.95%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil~0.35–0.85%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Antibacterial

An essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial properties

More about Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil

Ethyl hexanediol~0.35–0.85%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Used to dissolve other ingredients. Might be irritating

More about Ethyl hexanediol

Asiaticoside~0.35–0.75%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidationReduces irritationAnti-aging

An active compound of Centella Asiatica plant extract. In combination with other active compounds of Centella Asiatica extract (madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid), asiaticoside has been shown to be helpful in wound-healing, restoring skin barrier function and supporting collagen production in skin. It can, however, itself be irritating

More about Asiaticoside

Asiatic acid~0.35–0.8%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-inflammatory

An active compound of Centella Asiatica plant extract. In combination with other active compounds of Centella Asiatica extract (asiaticoside, madecasosside and madecassic acid) asiatic acid has been shown to be helpful in wound-healing, restoring skin barrier function and supporting collagen production in skin. It can, however, itself be irritating

More about Asiatic acid

Madecassic acid~0.3–0.7%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingReduces irritation

An active compound of Centella Asiatica plant extract. In combination with other active compounds of Centella Asiatica extract (asiaticoside, madecasosside and asiatic acid), madecassic acid has been shown to be helpful in wound-healing, restoring skin barrier function and supporting collagen production in skin. It can, however, itself be irritating

More about Madecassic acid

Ingredient list view

Aloe barbadensis leaf water, Butylene glycol, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Glycerin, Zinc oxide, Cetearyl alcohol, Dimethyl sulfone, Betaine, Polysorbate 60, Elaeis guineensis oil, Elaeis guineensis kernel oil, Cetearyl olivate, Sorbitan olivate, 1,2-hexanediol, Calamine, Dimethicone, Illicium verum fruit extract, Scutellaria baicalensis root extract, Xanthan gum, Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil, Ethyl hexanediol, Asiaticoside, Asiatic acid, Madecassic acid

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🇦🇺 Lila Beauty (AU)30 g

≈ $12.63 Out of stock

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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
	COSRXAC Collection Ultimate Spot Cream - Korean Skincare ShopYOUR PRODUCT	Dr. Barbara SturmThe Ultimate Stinky Pimple Treatment	BeplainCicaterol Spot Treatment	VT CosmeticsGarlic AC Reedle Shot Patch
Match	—	50%	49%	47%
Price	—	—	$16.50	$4.88
Shared key ingredients	—	5 of 8	5 of 8	4 of 8
Key difference	—	Panthenol	Madecassoside	Madecassoside
Irritancy	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	Contains drying alcohol	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"COSRX - AC Collection Ultimate Spot Cream - Korean Skincare Shop" could be helpful for: Anti-aging and Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Ingredient callouts

Actives derived from an extract of the Centella Asiatica plant (also known as Gotu Kola) - madecassic acid 0.30% - 0.70%, asiatic acid 0.35% - 0.80% and asiaticoside 0.35% - 0.75% The Centella Asiatica Actives help strengthen and restore the skin barrier, decrease inflammation in skin and neutralize free radicals. They also can help to reduce scarring. The good news is that these actives work even in low concentrations.
Humectants (betaine 1.60% - 2.40% and glycerin 3.90% - 5.80%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.

Price

The product retails for 18.30A$ in Australia.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 25 studies and safety reviews.

1
Effect of Olive and Sunflower Seed Oil on the Adult Skin Barrier: Implications for Neonatal Skin Careonlinelibrary.wiley.com
2
Topically Applied Sunflower Seed Oil Prevents Invasive Bacterial Infections in Preterm Infants in Egyptjournals.lww.com
3
Effect of topically applied lipids on surfactant-irritated skinonlinelibrary.wiley.com
4
Impact of topical oils on the skin barrier: possible implications for neonatal health in developing countriesonlinelibrary.wiley.com
5
Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
6
A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxideonlinelibrary.wiley.com
7
Risk assessment of zinc oxide, a cosmetic ingredient used as a UV filter of sunscreensncbi.nlm.nih.gov
8
Characterization of the UVA protection provided by avobenzone, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide in broad-spectrum sunscreen productsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
9
Ultraviolet Protection Properties of Commercial Sunscreens and Sunscreens Containing Zno Nanorodsiopscience.iop.org
10
ZnO nanoparticles and organic chemical UV-filters are equally well tolerated by human immune cellsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
11
Genetic Architecture of Palm Oil Fatty Acid Composition in Cultivated Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) Compared to Its Wild Relative E. oleifera (H.B.K) Cortésjournals.plos.org
12
Nutrient composition of Nigerian palm kernel from the dura and tenera varieties of the oil palm (Elaeis guineensis)sciencedirect.com
13
The influence of alkane chain length on the skin irritation potential of 1,2-alkanediolsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
14
Dimethicone as a protective ingredient in topical medicationsjaad.org
15
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
16
Scutellaria baicalensis, the golden herb from the garden of Chinese medicinal plantsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
17
Flavonoids in Treating Psoriasissciencedirect.com
18
Improvement of skin barrier dysfunction by Scutellaria baicalensis GEOGI extracts through lactic acid fermentationonlinelibrary.wiley.com
19
Safety Assessment of Scutellaria baicalensis-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
20
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Ethyl Hexanedioljournals.sagepub.com
21
Centella asiatica in cosmetologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
22
Contact dermatitis due to Madecassolonlinelibrary.wiley.com
23
Centella asiatica in Dermatology: An Overviewonlinelibrary.wiley.com
24
Contact dermatitis due to Madecassolonlinelibrary.wiley.com
25
Centella asiatica in Dermatology: An Overviewonlinelibrary.wiley.com

COSRXAC Collection Ultimate Spot Cream - Korean Skincare Shop

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As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.