Sulwhasoo

Sulwhasoo Essential Refining Eye Cream

Name: Sulwhasoo - Essential Refining Eye Cream
Brand: Sulwhasoo

Efficacy58/100IrritancyHigh

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Works for

1 of 3 advertised claims delivered

Moisturizing

26 ingredients credited for this claim

Good support

What the product description says

“Essential Refining Eye Cream”

From product name

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, biosaccharide gum-1.

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: cocos nucifera oil, dimethicone.

Cocos nucifera oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic~1.3–1.5%

Jojoba estersKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier function~3–3.7%

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~0.55–0.8%

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~1.9–2.3%

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~1.1–1.3%

Beta-glucanKey activeEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.2–0.35%

BetaineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture~4.1–5%

Biosaccharide gum-1Key active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and is claimed to provide a longer-lasting hydration because of its ability to create a water-binding film on the surface of the skin~0.2–0.35%

Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~0.45–0.65%

MelKey active· Humectant, EmollientEffect: MediumHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin and attract water to it~0.2–0.4%

CyclopentasiloxaneKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin~0.5–0.7%

GlucoseKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function~0.15–0.25%

HoneyKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the skin and might have some anti-bacterial properties. Can be an allergen~0.2–0.35%

Hydrogenated poly(c6-14 olefin)Key active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture~1.5–1.8%

Palmitic acid· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it~0.2–0.4%

Behenyl alcohol· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: LowNon-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient~0.25–0.4%

Portulaca oleracea extract· HumectantEffect: LowA plant extract that has some anti-oxidant activity, but solid research is lacking. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.35%

C12-16 alcohols· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and improve the product's texture~0.2–0.4%

Peg-75· HumectantEffect: LowHelps create a nice product texture and soften the upper layer of the skin.~2.2–2.7%

Arachidyl alcohol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency~0.25–0.4%

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~5.7–7%

Polyglyceryl-10 stearateEffect: LowHelps water and oil mix together and softens the upper layer of the skin~0.35–0.65%

CyclohexasiloxaneEffect: Low, below effective doseA silicone that serves as an emollient. Helps create a nice non-greasy feels~0.3–0.6%

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~0.15–0.25%

Nelumbo nucifera flower extractEffect: Low, below effective dose~0.2–0.35%

Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: Low, below effective doseCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.2–0.4%

Evens skin tone

2 ingredients credited for this claim

Limited support

What the product description says

“Fine Lines and Wrinkles, Dryness, and Dullness and Uneven Texture Formulation.”

Source: Sephora CA

This product contains ingredients (glycyrrhiza uralensis root extract) that could help reduce hyperpigmentation (for example, post-acne marks or age spots) in theory, but there is not enough evidence that they actually work.

Glycyrrhiza uralensis root extractEffect: LowLicorice root extract. Might be helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation~0.15–0.3%

Anti-aging

4 ingredients credited for this claim

Limited support

What the product description says

“About Essential Refining Eye CreamKorean red ginseng saponin effectively diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, while Yai Jiu Hua and honey help rejuvenate the skin’s appearance.”

Source: Beautylish

This product does not contain ingredients that are able to reduce fine lines and wrinkles or help with skin elasticity, but it can improve the look of the skin temporarily through moisturization. Well-moisturized skin might also be able to repair the sun damage better.This ingredient - beta-glucan - could be helpful for preventing or repairing signs of aging in theory, but there is no evidence that it actually works.

This ingredient ginkgo biloba leaf extract might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin and help it fight off some of the sun damage.

Beta-glucanEffect: LowHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.2–0.35%

Hydrolyzed ginseng saponinsEffect: LowPlant extract that might help calm down inflammation in skin and neutralize free radicals, but effectiveness of topical application is not confirmed. Can be an allergen~0.2–0.35%

Anti-oxidation

Not advertised by the brand · 7 ingredients credited for this claim

Moderate support

This product contains antioxidants (ginkgo biloba leaf extract) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.

Ginkgo biloba leaf extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation in skin. It can be irritating~0.15–0.3%

Portulaca oleracea extractEffect: LowA plant extract that has some anti-oxidant activity, but solid research is lacking. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.35%

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~0.15–0.25%

Camellia sinensis leaf extractUnder-dosedEffect: MediumCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.2–0.4%

Nelumbo nucifera flower extractEffect: Low, below effective dose~0.2–0.35%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

7 strong irritants: Parfum, Nelumbo nucifera flower extract + 5 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 18 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Ginkgo biloba leaf extractA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation in skin. It can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.3%est.

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.2–0.35%est.

Hydrolyzed ginseng saponinsPlant extract that might help calm down inflammation in skin and neutralize free radicals, but effectiveness of topical application is not confirmed. Can be an allergenHigh~0.2–0.35%est.

Nelumbo nucifera flower extract—High~0.2–0.35%est.

LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.15–0.3%est.

LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.2%est.

Alpha-isomethyl iononeA fragrance. Potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.2%est.

CitronellolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.1%est.

Butylphenyl methylpropionalA fragrance. Can trigger allergic reactions and be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.1%est.

Jojoba estersAn emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier functionMedium~3–3.7%est.

Polyglyceryl-10 stearateHelps water and oil mix together and softens the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.35–0.65%est.

C12-16 alcoholsHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and improve the product's textureMedium~0.2–0.4%est.

Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerMaintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.2–0.4%est.

Ci 14700A colorantMedium~0.2–0.4%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.2–0.35%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.2–0.4%est.

Portulaca oleracea extractA plant extract that has some anti-oxidant activity, but solid research is lacking. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.2–0.35%est.

Glycyrrhiza uralensis root extractLicorice root extract. Might be helpful in reducing hyperpigmentationMedium~0.15–0.3%est.

Comedogenic

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

2 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

Cocos nucifera oilAn emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic3/5~1.3–1.5%est.

Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~0.45–0.65%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Butylene glycol~5.7–7%

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

Betaine~4.1–5%

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

Jojoba esters~3–3.7%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier function

More about Jojoba esters

Peg-75~2.2–2.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps create a nice product texture and soften the upper layer of the skin.

More about Peg-75

Glycerin~1.9–2.3%

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

Hydrogenated poly(c6-14 olefin)~1.5–1.8%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture

More about Hydrogenated poly(c6-14 olefin)

Cocos nucifera oil~1.3–1.5%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic

More about Cocos nucifera oil

Dimethicone~1.1–1.3%

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

Hydrogenated olive oil lauryl esters~0.75–1.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Hydrogenated olive oil lauryl esters

Helianthus annuus seed oil~0.55–0.8%

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

Cyclopentasiloxane~0.5–0.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingMattifying

A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin

More about Cyclopentasiloxane

Polyglyceryl-10 stearate~0.35–0.65%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps water and oil mix together and softens the upper layer of the skin

More about Polyglyceryl-10 stearate

Cetearyl alcohol~0.45–0.65%

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

Peg-40 stearate~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Peg-40 stearate

Cyclohexasiloxane~0.3–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A silicone that serves as an emollient. Helps create a nice non-greasy feels

More about Cyclohexasiloxane

Methoxy peg-114/polyepsilon caprolactone~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Methoxy peg-114/polyepsilon caprolactone

Phenoxyethanol~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Hydrogenated lecithin~0.25–0.4%

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

Arachidyl alcohol~0.25–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency

More about Arachidyl alcohol

Propanediol~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Propanediol

C12-16 alcohols~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and improve the product's texture

More about C12-16 alcohols

Ginkgo biloba leaf extract~0.15–0.3%

Key activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterialAnti-blemish

A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation in skin. It can be irritating

More about Ginkgo biloba leaf extract

Behenyl alcohol~0.25–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient

More about Behenyl alcohol

Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together

More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer

Palmitic acid~0.2–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it

More about Palmitic acid

Arachidyl glucoside~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Arachidyl glucoside

Honey~0.2–0.35%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAntibacterial

Helps attract water to the skin and might have some anti-bacterial properties. Can be an allergen

More about Honey

Mel~0.2–0.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and attract water to it

More about Mel

Honey~0.2–0.35%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAntibacterial

Helps attract water to the skin and might have some anti-bacterial properties. Can be an allergen

More about Honey

Parfum~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Hydrolyzed ginseng saponins~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

Plant extract that might help calm down inflammation in skin and neutralize free radicals, but effectiveness of topical application is not confirmed. Can be an allergen

More about Hydrolyzed ginseng saponins

Ci 14700~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A colorant

More about Ci 14700

Ginseng

Not recognized

Saponins~0.4–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

More about Saponins

Tromethamine~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps adjust pH in products

More about Tromethamine

Lilium candidum bulb extract~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Lilium candidum bulb extract

Paeonia albiflora root extract~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Paeonia albiflora root extract

Rehmannia glutinosa root extract~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Rehmannia glutinosa root extract

Nelumbo nucifera flower extract~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

More about Nelumbo nucifera flower extract

Polygonatum officinale rhizome/root extract~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Polygonatum officinale rhizome/root extract

Camellia sinensis leaf extract~0.2–0.4%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

AntibacterialAnti-oxidationAnti-agingMoisturizingAnti-blemishEvens skin tone

Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation

More about Camellia sinensis leaf extract

Biosaccharide gum-1~0.2–0.35%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and is claimed to provide a longer-lasting hydration because of its ability to create a water-binding film on the surface of the skin

More about Biosaccharide gum-1

Disodium edta~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Limonene~0.15–0.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene

Portulaca oleracea extract~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A plant extract that has some anti-oxidant activity, but solid research is lacking. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Portulaca oleracea extract

Beta-glucan~0.2–0.35%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationAnti-blemishAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Beta-glucan

Glycyrrhiza uralensis root extract~0.15–0.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Evens skin tone

Licorice root extract. Might be helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation

More about Glycyrrhiza uralensis root extract

Linalool~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool

Tocopherol~0.15–0.25%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-agingMoisturizing

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

Glucose~0.15–0.25%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function

More about Glucose

Alpha-isomethyl ionone~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Alpha-isomethyl ionone

Citronellol~0.05–0.1%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Citronellol

Butylphenyl methylpropional~0.05–0.1%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can trigger allergic reactions and be irritating

More about Butylphenyl methylpropional

Ingredient list view

Water, Butylene glycol, Betaine, Jojoba esters, Peg-75, Glycerin, Hydrogenated poly(c6-14 olefin), Cocos nucifera oil, Dimethicone, Hydrogenated olive oil lauryl esters, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Cyclopentasiloxane, Polyglyceryl-10 stearate, Cetearyl alcohol, Peg-40 stearate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Methoxy peg-114/polyepsilon caprolactone, Phenoxyethanol, Hydrogenated lecithin, Arachidyl alcohol, Propanediol, C12-16 alcohols, Ginkgo biloba leaf extract, Behenyl alcohol, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Palmitic acid, Arachidyl glucoside, Honey, Mel, Honey, Parfum, Hydrolyzed ginseng saponins, Ci 14700, Unknown, Saponins, Tromethamine, Lilium candidum bulb extract, Paeonia albiflora root extract, Rehmannia glutinosa root extract, Nelumbo nucifera flower extract, Polygonatum officinale rhizome/root extract, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Biosaccharide gum-1, Disodium edta, Ethylhexylglycerin, Limonene, Portulaca oleracea extract, Beta-glucan, Glycyrrhiza uralensis root extract, Linalool, Tocopherol, Glucose, Alpha-isomethyl ionone, Citronellol, Butylphenyl methylpropional