Works for
MoisturizingNiacinamide, Betaine + 2 moreWorks well
“Contains natural AHA and BHA ingredients Formulated with 80% Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Water which helps to create a strong barrier on the skin to prevent moisture loss Improves skin complexion”
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": betaine, sodium hyaluronate.
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. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide
Evens skin toneNiacinamide, Glycolic acid + 1 moreWorks well
“Cosrx Mela 14 White Ampule is a whitening ampoule that helps to fade dark spots and blemishes to balance skin tone.”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: betaine salicylate, glycolic acid, niacinamide
The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually can help even out the skin tone: phenylethyl resorcinol.
Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.
Anti-blemishNiacinamide, Glycolic acid + 1 moreWorks well
“Cosrx Mela 14 White Ampule is a whitening ampoule that helps to fade dark spots and blemishes to balance skin tone.”
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
In addition, this product contains betaine salicylate. It can help in reducing blemishes, even though it is less effective.
The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: glycolic acid
Anti-agingSide benefit · Niacinamide, Glycolic acidWorks well
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains glycolic acid, niacinamide.
Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.
ExfoliationSide benefit · Glycolic acid, Betaine salicylateWorks well
This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: betaine salicylate, glycolic acid.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy1 strong irritant: AlcoholMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Pyrus malus fruit water~25–37%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Butylene glycol~6–9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 glycolNiacinamide~4.3–6.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
More about NiacinamideAlcohol~3.4–5.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties
More about AlcoholBetaine~2.4–3.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
More about Betaine1,2-hexanediol~0.2–0.7%
Glycolic acid~1.2–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- High
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid
More about Glycolic acidBetaine salicylate~0.9–1.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Exfoliating acid, a "relative" of salicylic acid
More about Betaine salicylatePhenylethyl resorcinol~0.45–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- High
Might help reduce hyperpigmentation in skin and help neutralize free radicals
More about Phenylethyl resorcinolSodium hyaluronate~0.4–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateAllantoin panthenol~0.2–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Hydroxyethylcellulose~0.35–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to thicken product formulations and create gel-like textures
More about HydroxyethylcelluloseXanthan gum~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumPeg-60 hydrogenated castor oil~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Peg-60 hydrogenated castor oilSodium hydroxide~0.05–0.15%
Ingredient list view
Pyrus malus fruit water, Butylene glycol, Niacinamide, Alcohol, Betaine, 1,2-hexanediol, Glycolic acid, Betaine salicylate, Phenylethyl resorcinol, Sodium hyaluronate, Allantoin panthenol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Xanthan gum, Peg-60 hydrogenated castor oil, Sodium hydroxide
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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.
| COSRXMela 14 White Ampule 20mlYOUR PRODUCT | TOUN28AHA + BHA + PHA Serum | APOTCAREHYALU REPAIR - Deep Hydration Serum | Tru AlchemySpot Check | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 87% | 87% | 85% |
| Price | — | $37.90 | — | $35.00 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 4 of 6 | 4 of 6 | 4 of 6 |
| Key difference | — | Salicylic Acid | Lactic Acid | Lactic Acid |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Collistar Anti-Dark Spot Concentrate Glycolic Acid and NiacinamideNuture Facial Treatment Serum
Product summary
"COSRX - Mela 14 White Ampule - Korean Beauty and Skincare Australia" is effective for: Moisturizing, Evens skin tone, Anti-blemish, Anti-aging and Exfoliation
Ingredient callouts
- A good concentration of Niacinamide (4.30% - 6.50%). Niacinamide is a well-studied multi-tasking active. It is stable, and can work well in almost any hydrating formulation. There is solid evidence that Niacinamide can help support skin barrier, regulate oil production and reduce acne and clogged pores. It also helps to fight photodamage and improve the skin tone, reducing pigmentation marks.
- This product contains acids (glycolic acid 1.20% - 1.80%). Their concentration is low, and they will not have a strong exfoliating effect. Instead, they work to support the skin natural acid mantle and to attract water (as humectants).
- Humectants (sodium hyaluronate 0.40% - 0.95% and betaine 2.40% - 3.60%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
Price
The product retails for 29.00A$ 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 8 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 6
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