Innisfree is a Korean skincare brand that I’ve had in my peripheral for quite some time. However, I’ve always considered it a beauty brand for the 20-something-year-old. But while in Malaysia, influenced by all the young people walking around with shopping bags printed “Innisfree”, I spontaneously walked into one of their stores to see what the fuss was about. I originally went in just to browse something for myself, however, I instinctually got pulled to one of their shelves with products in purple packaging.
My mother had asked me to find a good eye cream for her. Actually, she asked for an eye serum to be specific. But surprisingly, eye serums didn’t seem to be a thing in Asia yet. I also quickly realized that “good” eye creams for aging skin with lifting and firming properties went from €150 and up. And that was over the budget. I should’ve probably thought of getting her the AHC Eye Cream For Face. But when the sales clerk at Innisfree kindly helped me and affirmed that the Perfect 9-line was a good line for mature skin, in my social awkwardness, I purchased their eye cream right on the spot not having researched anything about the product.
Innisfree Perfect 9
The Innisfree Perfect 9 is their most expensive line of products and seems to only be available in Asia from what I’ve researched. You can get the products through sites like YesStyle and Stylevana if you live elsewhere. The products are quite moisturizing, perfect for dry and mature skin.
Perfect 9 Eye Cream
The Intensive Eye Cream I got for my mom comes in a generous 30ml jar that cost me 190RM. Which I thought was a steal, comparing it to the other high-end eye products I was considering. I did get to test it out before handing it to my mother. And I almost wish I had gotten the eye cream for myself! It has such a nice balmy texture that feels very nourishing without any heaviness. It seemed to smooth out fine lines and was a good base for concealer. 👌🏼 Although I can’t be sure if my mom is just being nice, she comments that she finds the eye cream to better than expected. To be fair, she was missing a regular moisturizing eye cream, and this definitely filled the spot without having intense actives in it but still providing a firming effect.
With my purchase, I also got a little sample kit. Which I thought was quite generous for the amount I paid❣ [I spent double at SK-II counter and got no samples!] I did get to try all the products [with my mom’s permission], and they definitely sparked my interest in trying more from the brand! ✨
Innisfree Samples
Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Serum
Similar to the Sulwhasoo First Care Serum [review here], the Innisfree Green Tea serum is sort of a pre-serum as it’s recommended to use right after cleansing to help your other products absorb better. But if you do use essence or toner, then the serum is supposed to be applied after.
I found it to give a nice hydrating base. It’s sort of a more affordable option to rotate between more expensive prep-serums. I would definitely repurchase a full-size to test it out more!
Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule
Asian skincare seems to have started to adopt some of the Western anti-aging ingredients. Perhaps in order to stay relevant. Many were perhaps drawn to Korean skincare because of their gentler approach to tackling blemishes and signs of aging, in comparison to the Western methods where high-strength retinoids and acids are a staple.
The Retinol Cica Reapir Ampoule serum does come with a punch, which surprised me. I stupidly started using this every evening and it did throw my skin off a bit. Yet, with that said, I do think it’s still a lot more gentle than the retinoids I’m used to be using. And I found the Bija Cica Balm Ex to help with the recovery.
I would compare it to something like Kiehl’s Micro-Dose retinol serum which also has some of the same active components like retinol, niacinamide, vitamin E, ceramides, and glycerine. The only difference is that Innisfree obviously focuses more on centella asiatica extracts, and Kiehl’s does have more moisturizing components. Both offer some peptides too; Innisfree: Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11; Kiehl’s: Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester. If you want a more muscle-relaxing peptide, then go with the retinol from Kiehl’s. If your skin is young and still “flexible”, the Innisfree retinol is a wonderful choice!
Innisfree Bija Cica Balm Ex
The Bija Cica balm is a lovely gel balm moisturizer with quick absorption. It goes on like a primer and the skin feels soft and moisturized without a heavy feel. If your skin is in need of some barrier repair and strengthening, this is a perfect option! I love that the Bija-line is aimed toward troubled skin with a gentler approach than Western products.
It seems like a good balm for oily/combination skin types. I personally still prefer the Bioderma Cicabio Crème [which is a good affordable option here in Europe]. However, the Innisfree Bija balm does feel more like a daily moisturizer although it’s more for spot-treatment.
How do you use Innisfree Perfect 9 Repair Cream?
[Directions] Apply an appropriate amount onto thoroughly cleansed face and neck then gently smooth for better absorption. [Caution] [1] Immediately stop using in case of skin abnormalities after use. [2] Always recap after use. [3] Use as quickly as possible after opening.nullSKINCARE - Perfect 9 Repair Skin EX | innisfreewww.innisfree.com › product › productViewnull
What is Innisfree Perfect 9?
This concentrated repair lotion, containing 9 active ingredients from the Jeju elixir complex™, fights against the 9 signs of aging skin. 2. Solution for 9 signs of aging skin. Perfect repair for dryness, wrinkles, flakiness, darkening, blemishes, enlarged pores, and reduced skin elasticity.nullSKINCARE - Perfect 9 Repair Lotion | innisfreewww.innisfree.com › product › productViewnull
What are the ingredients in Innisfree Perfect 9 Intensive Cream EX?
innisfree Perfect 9 Repair Cream Ex.
Water/Aqua/Eau. ... .
BG's main job is usually to be a solvent for the other ingredients. ... .
Cyclopentasiloxane. ... .
Probably the most common silicone of all. ... .
Squalane - goodie. ... .
Limnanthes Alba [Meadowfoam] Seed Oil - goodie. ... .
Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate. ... .
Cetearyl Alcohol..