K-SECRET

K-SECRET SEOUL 1988 CREAM : RETINAL LIPOSOME 1% + FERMENTED RICE

Name: K-SECRET - SEOUL 1988 CREAM : RETINAL LIPOSOME 1% + FERMENTED RICE
Brand: K-SECRET

Efficacy100/100IrritancyMedium

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Works for

4 of 4 advertised claims delivered

Anti-aging

9 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

What the product description says

“Formulated with Bakuchiol, Vitamin C, E and 3 types of Peptides that support Collagen production to provide anti-wrinkle effect.”

Source: Lila Beauty

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains retinal, adenosine, bakuchiol, niacinamide.

These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: sh-oligopeptide-1, sh-oligopeptide-2, sh-polypeptide-1.

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.

BakuchiolKey activeEffect: HighA plant extract that is, though different in chemical structure, acts similar to retinoids. First studies show that it can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone, reduce clogged pores and blemishes, and reduce inflammation. There is no conclusive evidence that bakuchiol is as effective as retinol however. The study that directly compared retinol with bakuchiol used bakuchiol applied twice daily compared to once per day for the retinol. According to this study, bakuchiol is less irritating than retinol. Bakuchiol is extracted from seeds of Babchi plant. Other parts of the plant contain coumarins that could cause allergic and irritant reactions. These compounds should be removed in the extraction process when bakuchiol is produced, but it is a good idea to be cautious and stay away from products that include the Babchi plant extracts other than purified bakuchiol to avoid irritation~0.1–0.45%

NiacinamideKey activeEffect: HighIs 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~1.7–2.5%

RetinalHeroEffect: HighOne step removed from the biologically active in skin form of vitamin A. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinal is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. Concentrations of 0.05% and 0.1% are shown to be effective. It can, however, be irritating~0.1–0.3%

AdenosineKey activeEffect: HighMight help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)~0.1–0.3%

Sh-oligopeptide-1Key activeEffect: MediumA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.1–0.35%

Sh-polypeptide-1Key activeEffect: MediumA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.05–0.2%

Sh-oligopeptide-2Key activeEffect: MediumA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.05–0.25%

3-o-ethyl ascorbic acidEffect: Low, below effective doseA vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products~0.1–0.35%

TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.1–0.35%

Moisturizing

18 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

What the product description says

“Features a smooth and creamy texture and offers instant absorption, and provides moisture without stickiness, leaving a smooth finish.”

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: glycerin, glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer.

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: cholesterol, brassica campestris sterols.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide, sh-oligopeptide-1, sh-oligopeptide-2, sh-polypeptide-1

Sh-oligopeptide-2HeroEffect: HighA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.05–0.25%

Sh-polypeptide-1HeroEffect: HighA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.05–0.2%

CholesterolKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that is naturally found in skin~0.1–0.45%

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~3.3–5%

Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymerKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and provide a longer-lasting hydration. Can create a thicker product consistency~0.1–0.35%

NiacinamideHeroEffect: HighIs 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~1.7–2.5%

Sh-oligopeptide-1HeroEffect: HighA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.1–0.35%

Brassica campestris sterolsKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelp soften the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.4%

Polyglyceryl-10 oleateKey activeEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.35%

Macadamia ternifolia seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumPlant oil from nuts that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Contains a high concentration of oleic acid that can weaken skin's barrier function and increase water-loss while enhancing penetration of other ingredients~0.15–0.6%

Lactobacillus/soybean ferment extractKey activeEffect: MediumA fermentation product created by bacteria Lactobacillus out of soybean. The fermented product helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and has anti-bacterial properties. It might be helpful in calming down inflammation and could be helpful in evening out skin tone, but studies are lacking~0.1–0.45%

AdenosineKey activeEffect: MediumMight help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)~0.1–0.3%

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~2.6–3.9%

Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.1–0.4%

Cetyl ethylhexanoate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that helps soften the skin and creates a thicker product texture~3.7–5.6%

Caprylic/capric triglycerideUnder-dosedEffect: HighA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~0.2–0.75%

AllantoinUnder-dosedEffect: HighHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.05–0.3%

Evens skin tone

4 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

What the product description says

“•Concerns Wrinkles, pigmentation, skin texture, trouble skin.”

Source: N/A

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: retinal.

In addition, this product contains bakuchiol, niacinamide. This ingredient (ingredients) might help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the effect, if any, is likely to be small.

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.

3-o-ethyl ascorbic acidUnder-dosedEffect: MediumA vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products~0.1–0.35%

Anti-blemish

4 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide, retinal. These ingredients is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.

In addition, this product contains bakuchiol. It can help in reducing blemishes, even though it is less effective.

AllantoinEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.05–0.3%

Anti-oxidation

Not advertised by the brand · 6 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

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

AdenosineEffect: LowMight help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)~0.1–0.3%

Arctium lappa root extractEffect: LowPlant extract. Has some anti-microbial and anti-oxidant properties. Can be irritating~0.1–0.3%

Paeonia suffruticosa root extractEffect: Low~0.1–0.4%

TocopherolUnder-dosedEffect: HighPure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.1–0.35%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

1 strong irritant: Retinal

Medium risk

We flagged 16 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

RetinalOne step removed from the biologically active in skin form of vitamin A. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinal is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. Concentrations of 0.05% and 0.1% are shown to be effective. It can, however, be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.3%est.

Arctium lappa root extractPlant extract. Has some anti-microbial and anti-oxidant properties. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.3%est.

Paeonia suffruticosa root extract—High~0.1–0.4%est.

3-o-ethyl ascorbic acidA vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in productsHigh~0.1–0.35%est.

Cetyl ethylhexanoateAn emollient that helps soften the skin and creates a thicker product textureMedium~3.7–5.6%est.

1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~1–1.6%est.

Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~0.2–0.75%est.

Macadamia ternifolia seed oilPlant oil from nuts that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Contains a high concentration of oleic acid that can weaken skin's barrier function and increase water-loss while enhancing penetration of other ingredientsMedium~0.15–0.6%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.1–0.4%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.35%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.1–0.4%est.

Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymerHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and provide a longer-lasting hydration. Can create a thicker product consistencyMedium~0.1–0.35%est.

Caprylyl/capryl glucosideHelps oil and water mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agentMedium~0.15–0.5%est.

Sorbitan oleateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.1–0.35%est.

Potassium cetyl phosphateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.1–0.4%est.

BakuchiolA plant extract that is, though different in chemical structure, acts similar to retinoids. First studies show that it can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone, reduce clogged pores and blemishes, and reduce inflammation. There is no conclusive evidence that bakuchiol is as effective as retinol however. The study that directly compared retinol with bakuchiol used bakuchiol applied twice daily compared to once per day for the retinol. According to this study, bakuchiol is less irritating than retinol. Bakuchiol is extracted from seeds of Babchi plant. Other parts of the plant contain coumarins that could cause allergic and irritant reactions. These compounds should be removed in the extraction process when bakuchiol is produced, but it is a good idea to be cautious and stay away from products that include the Babchi plant extracts other than purified bakuchiol to avoid irritationMedium~0.1–0.45%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

Sorbitan oleateHelps oil and water mix together2/5~0.1–0.35%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Cetyl ethylhexanoate~3.7–5.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and creates a thicker product texture

More about Cetyl ethylhexanoate

Glycerin~3.3–5%

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

Butylene glycol~2.6–3.9%

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

1,2-hexanediol~1–1.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol

Niacinamide~1.7–2.5%

Hero · Moisturizing, Anti-blemish

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-blemishMoisturizingReduces irritationAntibacterialAnti-inflammatoryReduces redness

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 Niacinamide

Propanediol~1.4–2.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol

Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~1.2–1.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions

More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer

Carbomer~1–1.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations

More about Carbomer

Tromethamine~0.55–1.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps adjust pH in products

More about Tromethamine

Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.45–1.05%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer

Polyisobutene~0.35–0.85%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to improve the product consistency

More about Polyisobutene

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.2–0.75%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride

Lactobacillus/panax ginseng root ferment filtrate~0.1–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Lactobacillus/panax ginseng root ferment filtrate

Lactobacillus/rice ferment~0.1–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Lactobacillus/rice ferment

Lactobacillus/soybean ferment extract~0.1–0.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A fermentation product created by bacteria Lactobacillus out of soybean. The fermented product helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and has anti-bacterial properties. It might be helpful in calming down inflammation and could be helpful in evening out skin tone, but studies are lacking

More about Lactobacillus/soybean ferment extract

Macadamia ternifolia seed oil~0.15–0.6%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Plant oil from nuts that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Contains a high concentration of oleic acid that can weaken skin's barrier function and increase water-loss while enhancing penetration of other ingredients

More about Macadamia ternifolia seed oil

Saccharomyces/coix lacryma-jobi ma-yuen seed ferment filtrate~0.1–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Saccharomyces/coix lacryma-jobi ma-yuen seed ferment filtrate

Saccharomyces/potato extract ferment filtrate~0.15–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Saccharomyces/potato extract ferment filtrate

Xanthan gum~0.1–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Hydrogenated lecithin~0.1–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.

More about Hydrogenated lecithin

Disodium edta~0.1–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.1–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Allantoin~0.05–0.3%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryMoisturizingReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-blemishExfoliation

Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated

More about Allantoin

Caprylyl glycol~0.1–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol

Adenosine~0.1–0.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-agingMoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Might help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)

More about Adenosine

Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer~0.1–0.35%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and provide a longer-lasting hydration. Can create a thicker product consistency

More about Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer

Caprylyl/capryl glucoside~0.15–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agent

More about Caprylyl/capryl glucoside

Cholesterol~0.1–0.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that is naturally found in skin

More about Cholesterol

Polyglyceryl-10 oleate~0.1–0.35%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Polyglyceryl-10 oleate

Sorbitan oleate~0.1–0.35%

Comedogenic 2/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sorbitan oleate

Brassica campestris sterols~0.1–0.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Help soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Brassica campestris sterols

Phytosteryl/behenyl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate~0.1–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Phytosteryl/behenyl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate

Retinal~0.1–0.3%

Hero · Anti-aging, Evens skin tone, Anti-blemishIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Evens skin toneAnti-agingAnti-blemish

One step removed from the biologically active in skin form of vitamin A. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinal is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. Concentrations of 0.05% and 0.1% are shown to be effective. It can, however, be irritating

More about Retinal

Silica~0.15–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica

Aluminum/magnesium hydroxide stearate~0.1–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Aluminum/magnesium hydroxide stearate

Tocopherol~0.1–0.35%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself

More about Tocopherol

Potassium cetyl phosphate~0.1–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Potassium cetyl phosphate

Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate~0.1–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to increase stability of product formulations

More about Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate

Arctium lappa root extract~0.1–0.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

Plant extract. Has some anti-microbial and anti-oxidant properties. Can be irritating

More about Arctium lappa root extract

Cnidium officinale root extract~0.1–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Cnidium officinale root extract

Dioscorea japonica root extract~0.1–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Dioscorea japonica root extract

Paeonia suffruticosa root extract~0.1–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

More about Paeonia suffruticosa root extract

Rehmannia chinensis root extract~0.1–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Rehmannia chinensis root extract

3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid~0.1–0.35%

Under-dosedIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidationEvens skin toneAnti-aging

A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products

More about 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid

Bakuchiol~0.1–0.45%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-blemishEvens skin toneAnti-aging

A plant extract that is, though different in chemical structure, acts similar to retinoids. First studies show that it can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone, reduce clogged pores and blemishes, and reduce inflammation. There is no conclusive evidence that bakuchiol is as effective as retinol however. The study that directly compared retinol with bakuchiol used bakuchiol applied twice daily compared to once per day for the retinol. According to this study, bakuchiol is less irritating than retinol. Bakuchiol is extracted from seeds of Babchi plant. Other parts of the plant contain coumarins that could cause allergic and irritant reactions. These compounds should be removed in the extraction process when bakuchiol is produced, but it is a good idea to be cautious and stay away from products that include the Babchi plant extracts other than purified bakuchiol to avoid irritation

More about Bakuchiol

Sh-oligopeptide-1~0.1–0.35%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-aging

A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Sh-oligopeptide-1

Sh-oligopeptide-2~0.05–0.25%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-aging

A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Sh-oligopeptide-2

Sh-polypeptide-1~0.05–0.2%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-aging

A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Sh-polypeptide-1

Ingredient list view

Water, Cetyl ethylhexanoate, Glycerin, Butylene glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, Niacinamide, Propanediol, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Polyisobutene, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Lactobacillus/panax ginseng root ferment filtrate, Lactobacillus/rice ferment, Lactobacillus/soybean ferment extract, Macadamia ternifolia seed oil, Saccharomyces/coix lacryma-jobi ma-yuen seed ferment filtrate, Saccharomyces/potato extract ferment filtrate, Xanthan gum, Hydrogenated lecithin, Disodium edta, Ethylhexylglycerin, Allantoin, Caprylyl glycol, Adenosine, Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer, Caprylyl/capryl glucoside, Cholesterol, Polyglyceryl-10 oleate, Sorbitan oleate, Brassica campestris sterols, Phytosteryl/behenyl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate, Retinal, Silica, Aluminum/magnesium hydroxide stearate, Tocopherol, Potassium cetyl phosphate, Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Arctium lappa root extract, Cnidium officinale root extract, Dioscorea japonica root extract, Paeonia suffruticosa root extract, Rehmannia chinensis root extract, 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, Bakuchiol, Sh-oligopeptide-1, Sh-oligopeptide-2, Sh-polypeptide-1

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$14.90

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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
	K-SECRETSEOUL 1988 CREAM : RETINAL LIPOSOME 1% + FERMENTED RICEYOUR PRODUCT	KsecretSEOUL 1988 Eye Cream : Retinal Liposome 4% + Fermented Bean	SCINICCicanoid Retinal Cream	Whitesilk (Derma)Retinal Wrinkle
Match	—	84%	68%	67%
Price	$14.90	$9.84−$5.06	$22.30+$7.40	$33.05+$18.15
Shared key ingredients	—	11 of 12	7 of 12	5 of 12
Key difference	—	Sodium Hyaluronate	Madecassoside	Centella Asiatica Extract
Irritancy	Medium	Medium	High	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

Judging from the ingredient list, "K-SECRET - SEOUL 1988 CREAM: RETINAL LIPOSOME 1% + FERMENTED RICE" works well for improving skin hydration This moisturizer uses a good combo of humectants and emollients. These both types of ingredients are essentials for improving the skin hydration and keeping the skin barrier healthy. Humectants in this product (glycerin, glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer, butylene glycol and caprylyl glycol) help to increase the water content in the upper layer of the skin. (These ingredients do so by "capturing" water molecules from the outside air or from within the deeper layers of the skin). Emollients in this formulation (cholesterol, brassica campestris sterols, macadamia ternifolia seed oil, caprylyl glycol and cetyl ethylhexanoate) help to reduce the moisture loss from the skin. They also soften the skin surface and relieve the feeling of dryness and tightness.

Ingredient callouts

We love that this moisturizer contains a good concentration of niacinamide 1.70% - 2.50%. Niacinamide is a perfect active in a moistruizer because it helps calm down inflamation in skin and support the skin barrier. More than that, it is helpful for most common skin concerns: it helps regulat oil production, help reduce acne and clogged pores, improve skin tone and prevent pigmentation marks. It also helps fight photodamage.
Bakuchiol in this moisturizer (the concentration is about 0.10% - 0.45%). Helps fight photodamage (wrinkles, elasticity loss and pigmentation) and can reduce clogged pores and blemishes. Bakuchiol is a compound extracted from a plant Babchi. It acts similar to retinoids, but with less irritation risk.
This moisturizer contains an effective form of Retinoids (vitamin A): retinal 0.10% - 0.30%. Retinoids are potent multitasking actives. They work to improve and prevent early signs of aging, reduce hyperpigmentation (age spots and post-acne marks), and prevent inflamed blemishes and clogged pores. The downside of Retinoids is that they can be irritating. If you are not already using a Retinoid in your routine, it is best to start slowly and apply the Retinoid product only a few times per week. If your skin tolerates it well, you can gradually increase the frequency to daily. Because of the irritation risk of Retinoids, we recommend to have another, retinoid-free moisturizer in your routine to use on the alternate days or when your skin feels dry.
This moisturizer also contains Peptides (sh-polypeptide-1 0.05% - 0.20%, sh-oligopeptide-2 0.05% - 0.25% and sh-oligopeptide-1 0.10% - 0.35%). Peptides are a very big group of ingredients. They all consist of a different combination of aminoacids. Our skin produces Peptides naturally. Some of them work as natural antibiotics, promote wound-healing and production of collagen. The scientists are still studying how effective the topical application of Peptides is, but it is very likely that they are helpful. Peptides might be able to support skin barrier restoration and even have an anti-aging benefit. At the very least, they certainly help attract water to the skin and support the hydration in this way.
Adenosine 0.10% - 0.30%. It is a compound that in involved in many biological processes inside the skin cells. According one high-quality clinical trial, topical Adenosine in low concentrations can somewhat help improve "deep wrinkles" - the wrinkles that appear with age in places where our faces are most dynamic (for example, on the forehead or in the corners of the eyes).

This product contains ingredients that could be beneficial, but their concentrations are too low in this formulation: vitamin e, allantoin and caprylic/capric triglyceride

Irritation risk

There are actives in this product that can be irritating. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be medium. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here

You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.