Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum 25th Anniversary Limited Edition
Works for
Anti-agingAdenosine, Madecassoside + 1 moreWorks well
“Skin Type Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily Skincare Concerns Fine Lines and Wrinkles, Dryness, and Dullness Highlighted Ingredients , Jaum Activator™ A blend of five precious Korean herbs that helps balance the skin while improving the look of hydration, brightness, radiance, and wrinkles. Ingredient Callouts Free of parabens.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains adenosine.
These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: madecassoside.
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.
MoisturizingMadecassoside, Betaine + 15 moreWorks well
“Skin Type Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily Skincare Concerns Fine Lines and Wrinkles, Dryness, and Dullness Highlighted Ingredients , Jaum Activator™ A blend of five precious Korean herbs that helps balance the skin while improving the look of hydration, brightness, radiance, and wrinkles. Ingredient Callouts Free of parabens.”
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": betaine, biosaccharide gum-1.
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: madecassoside
Anti-oxidationNot advertised by the brand · Madecassoside, Prunus mume fruit extract + 7 moreWorks well
This product contains antioxidants (madecassoside) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy9 strong irritants: Alcohol denat., Parfum + 7 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale2 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
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Water~40–60%
Alcohol denat.~5.2–7.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products
More about Alcohol denat.Butylene glycol~2.8–4.1%
- 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 glycolBetaine~2–3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
More about Betaine2-hexanol~1.3–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane~1.1–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture
More about Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silaneGlyceryl polymethacrylate~0.85–1.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product texture
More about Glyceryl polymethacrylateCarbomer~0.9–1.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerPeg-60 hydrogenated castor oil~0.5–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Peg-60 hydrogenated castor oilTromethamine~0.45–1.1%
Propanediol~0.35–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolGlyceryl caprylate~0.2–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products
More about Glyceryl caprylateJuglans regia seed extract~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Dextrin~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A sugar that is used to stabilize the product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about DextrinTheobroma cacao extract~0.05–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Scutellaria baicalensis root extract~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- High
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 extractParfum~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumEthylhexylglycerin~0.05–0.3%
Adenosine~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 AdenosineLimonene~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
More about LimoneneMethyl trimethicone~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps create a silky product finish and dissolve other ingredients
More about Methyl trimethiconeDisodium edta~0.05–0.1%
Xanthan gum~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumCellulose gum~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create thicker product consistency and stabilize emulsions
More about Cellulose gumCarrageenan~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Helps thicken the product formula and create a nice product formulation
More about CarrageenanHoney~0.01–0.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the skin and might have some anti-bacterial properties. Can be an allergen
More about HoneyMel~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and attract water to it
More about MelHoney~0.01–0.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the skin and might have some anti-bacterial properties. Can be an allergen
More about HoneyMadecassoside~0.01–0.05%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An antioxidant that is typically derived from plant Centella Asiatica. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support skin barrier function. It could, however, itself be irritating. It is often unstable in formulations
More about MadecassosideRehmannia glutinosa root extract~0.01–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Pentylene glycol~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolOphiopogon japonicus root extract~0.01–0.05%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and support skin barrier function, but research on its effectiveness in skin is lacking
More about Ophiopogon japonicus root extractPaeonia lactiflora root extract~0.01–0.05%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the research on its effectiveness in skin is lacking
More about Paeonia lactiflora root extractLilium candidum bulb extract~0.01–0.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Linalool~0.01–0.05%
Lycium chinense fruit extract~0.01–0.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Polygonatum odoratum rhizome extract~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Biosaccharide gum-1~0.01–0.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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-1Propylene glycol~0.01–0.05%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating
More about Propylene glycolZiziphus jujuba fruit extract~0.01–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Nelumbo nucifera flower extract~0.01–0.05%
Pueraria lobata root extract~0.01–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Natto gum~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Glycyrrhiza uralensis root extract~0.01–0.05%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Licorice root extract. Might be helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation
More about Glycyrrhiza uralensis root extractPrunus mume fruit extract~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A plant extract that might have an anti-oxidant effect and help even out skin tone, but solid evidence of effectiveness is lacking
More about Prunus mume fruit extractCitronellol~0.01–0.05%
Citral~0.01–0.05%
Geraniol~0.01–0.1%
Hydrogenated lecithin~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 lecithinBht~0.01–0.1%
Citric acid~0.01–0.05%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidLentinus edodes extract~0.01–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Tocopherol~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 TocopherolHydrolyzed soybean extract~0.01–0.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Paeonia albiflora root extract~0.01–0.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Zingiber officinale root extract~0.01–0.05%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that can contain an irritating essential oil. Might have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence is lacking
More about Zingiber officinale root extractIngredient list view
Water, Alcohol denat., Butylene glycol, Betaine, 2-hexanol, Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane, Glyceryl polymethacrylate, Carbomer, Peg-60 hydrogenated castor oil, Tromethamine, Propanediol, Glyceryl caprylate, Juglans regia seed extract, Dextrin, Theobroma cacao extract, Scutellaria baicalensis root extract, Parfum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Limonene, Methyl trimethicone, Disodium edta, Xanthan gum, Cellulose gum, Carrageenan, Honey, Mel, Honey, Madecassoside, Rehmannia glutinosa root extract, Pentylene glycol, Ophiopogon japonicus root extract, Paeonia lactiflora root extract, Lilium candidum bulb extract, Linalool, Lycium chinense fruit extract, Polygonatum odoratum rhizome extract, Biosaccharide gum-1, Propylene glycol, Ziziphus jujuba fruit extract, Nelumbo nucifera flower extract, Pueraria lobata root extract, Natto gum, Glycyrrhiza uralensis root extract, Prunus mume fruit extract, Citronellol, Citral, Geraniol, Hydrogenated lecithin, Bht, Citric acid, Lentinus edodes extract, Tocopherol, Hydrolyzed soybean extract, Paeonia albiflora root extract, Zingiber officinale root extract
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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.
| SulwhasooFirst Care Activating Serum 25th Anniversary Limited EditionYOUR PRODUCT | SkinRx LabMadeCera Cream | TIRTIRMatcha Calming Cream 50ml | MuldreamVegan Green Mild Intense Facial Cream | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 59% | 57% | 57% |
| Price | — | $1.40 | $23.14 | $24.13 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 3 of 4 | 3 of 4 | 3 of 4 |
| Key difference | — | Niacinamide | Dipeptide-2 | Ceramide Np |
| Irritancy | High | High | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: DEWYCEL Cica Plus BalmVT Cosmetics Garlic AC Reedle Shot Gel Cream 50ml
Product summary
"Sulwhasoo - First Care Activating Serum 25th Anniversary Limited Edition" is a well-rounded moisturizing product. To work well, any moisturizer needs to include a combination of water-binding and emollient ingredients. Sulwhasoo - First Care Activating Serum 25th Anniversary Limited Edition ticks this box. Humectants in this product (betaine, biosaccharide gum-1, honey, mel and bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane) 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 (mel, bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane, glyceryl caprylate, pentylene glycol and glyceryl polymethacrylate) 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
- Adenosine 0.05% - 0.25%. 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).
- Actives derived from an extract of the Centella Asiatica plant (also known as Gotu Kola) - madecassoside 0.01% - 0.05% 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.
Irritation risk
There are quite a few common irritants in this product, including ingredients without particular skin benefits. We would not recommend it for sensitive skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be high. 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.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 24 studies and safety reviews.
- 1Safety Assessment of Tromethamine as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
- 2
- 3Flavonoids in Treating Psoriasissciencedirect.com
- 4
- 5
- 6
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