This Korean review was translated by AI and may contain inaccuracies.
- Hwahae UserAug 15, 2018Combination SkinSensitive SkinAcne SkinAtopic Skin
Review under verification
The content is currently being reviewed by the Hwahae operations team, and the verification will be completed by the next business day (excluding weekends and holidays) from the date the review was written.Reviewed by Hwahae Trial Reviewers
This review was written by a Hwahae Trial Reviewer who received the product for free and evaluated it with a sense of representing Hwahae. The review is completely unbiased and honest, with no guidelines or restrictions. Trial Reviewers' reviews undergo the same strict verification process as regular reviews, and if they don't meet our standards, revisions will be requested.ProsI've tried many lines of Pola Choice products, excluding the irritating AHA and BHA. However, I've found that Pola Choice has quite a few products with poor ingredients. This product, in particular, has fairly good ingredients, even though it contains phenoxyethanol. Some products claim to be free of 20 harmful ingredients, yet they are still highly irritating and cause various issues. This product is also not as gentle as it could be, even for sensitive skin. When my skin is troubled or extremely dry, I can feel a burning sensation. It also has a sticky surface with a tightening sensation underneath. However, when my skin is in good condition, this product leaves it feeling moisturized, and the whitening effect is surprisingly decent. I enjoyed this product more towards the end of the bottle compared to when I first started using it.
ConsIf you apply too much, it spreads like an eraser. The formula is extremely sticky, and dust can stick to my face. I don't apply just a few drops like others, but use about a 3cm circle in the center of my palm. The product also gets stuck around the bottle opening and hardens like gelatin. This is probably because the dropper design causes some product to accumulate there. Towards the end of the bottle, the dropper button doesn't come up no matter how much I press it. So I have to open the cap completely and pour it out onto my palm, which results in a lot of product spilling out. The dropper function doesn't work well until the very end.
TipFor those with good skin condition, this would be an excellent and effective gentle whitening product. However, for oily skin types, it may clog pores and cause greasiness and acne, so it's best to use only a small amount. For dry skin, it may cause tightness and dryness, so a very robust moisturizing routine is necessary beforehand. For sensitive skin, I would not strongly recommend this, but if used, it's best to apply only a small amount when your skin is in good condition. In terms of whitening effect, the Caudalie serum I used for a long time is better, but this product is gentler. The whitening effect is also decent. An even gentler option would be the Beyond Phyto-White line, which has a weaker effect but is much milder, so you may want to consider that as well.
- Hwahae UserMay 8, 2018Combination SkinSensitive SkinAcne Skin
Review under verification
The content is currently being reviewed by the Hwahae operations team, and the verification will be completed by the next business day (excluding weekends and holidays) from the date the review was written.Reviewed by Hwahae Trial Reviewers
This review was written by a Hwahae Trial Reviewer who received the product for free and evaluated it with a sense of representing Hwahae. The review is completely unbiased and honest, with no guidelines or restrictions. Trial Reviewers' reviews undergo the same strict verification process as regular reviews, and if they don't meet our standards, revisions will be requested.ProsArbutin and niacinamide are highly concentrated in this product, and given the whitening properties, I know the whitening effects on our skin typically appear around a monthly cycle. I've been using it for a month, and the effects are definitely there. Instant, laser-like rapid effects are unrealistic, but I can see a subtle tone-up immediately, and after a month, the brown spots and freckles have faded noticeably. I would repurchase this 500%. I've tried other brands' whitening lines, but haven't really seen any standout effects. In the end, I think it comes down to the formulation technology - how well they've blended the ingredients. For those looking for a whitening line, I'd recommend focusing more on the whitening ingredient blending technology rather than just natural origins. In my case, I use this essence along with a whitening booster, spot treatment, sleeping pack, a high-moisture green tea cream, and products with ingredients like apricot seed oil, AHA, and BHA to maximize the whitening effects within the limits my skin can handle. Whitening products' effectiveness really depends on understanding the usage and product characteristics, as well as your own hormonal cycles as a woman. Applying that knowledge can boost the results 1.5 times. I hope this helps!
ConsThe price is a bit steep, but using only 4 drops at a time, it's not as extravagant as one might think. The formula itself is slightly oily, which gives it a nice, smooth application. However, for those whose skin doesn't agree with arbutin, it's best to start with just one drop and gradually increase, as I did initially experience some breakouts before my skin adjusted. But now, it's working great for me.
TipI'm currently using a more comprehensive whitening routine, so I'll share the products I'm using in order: - Apricot Seed Oil - Polcho Skin Balancing Mild Acidic Foam Cleanser - Iseul Tree Hyaluronic Acid Toner - Polcho BHA 0.5% Liquid (Korean) - Polcho AHA 8% Exfoliator - Nature Galac Tonic Essence - Polcho Niacinamide 10% Booster - Migabee Broccoli Extract Booster - Polcho Whitening Essence (current review product) - Hanyul Young Artemisia Fluid - Tony Moly Green Tea Moisture Cream - Polcho Whitening Mask Pack - Char&Park Propolis Mist - Polcho Resist Vitamin C Spot Treatment I adjust this routine during more sensitive periods, removing the exfoliating steps. The broccoli extract booster is high in vitamin C without the irritating lemon extracts. I hope you achieve that 'skin goddess' glow! A few additional tips on whitening: - Exfoliation pairs well with whitening, but go slow with sensitive skin, gradually increasing usage. - Sunscreen is essential for whitening - I even block blue light to avoid sun exposure. - Summer's heightened sun and oil production may make spring, fall, and winter better times for whitening. I plan to pause in the peak summer months.
- Hwahae UserFeb 10, 2018Combination SkinSensitive SkinAtopic Skin
Review under verification
The content is currently being reviewed by the Hwahae operations team, and the verification will be completed by the next business day (excluding weekends and holidays) from the date the review was written.Reviewed by Hwahae Trial Reviewers
This review was written by a Hwahae Trial Reviewer who received the product for free and evaluated it with a sense of representing Hwahae. The review is completely unbiased and honest, with no guidelines or restrictions. Trial Reviewers' reviews undergo the same strict verification process as regular reviews, and if they don't meet our standards, revisions will be requested.ProsThis is truly an amazing product. The whitening essence I've been using so far has never been as gentle as this one. It has absolutely no irritation whatsoever. And even after about 3 days, I can gradually feel my skin getting brighter. I've finally found my holy grail product. My skin feels so moisturized and glowy when I use just this alone.
ConsThere wasn't really anything disappointing, but... the price is a bit steep? Also, it felt a bit heavy to use in the morning... I'd recommend it more as a night care product.
TipDon't be too greedy, about 4 drops seems to be the right amount. When you drop it and gently pat it in, you can feel it rising up from within.
- hj*******Jun 29, 2017Combination Skin
Review under verification
The content is currently being reviewed by the Hwahae operations team, and the verification will be completed by the next business day (excluding weekends and holidays) from the date the review was written.Reviewed by Hwahae Trial Reviewers
This review was written by a Hwahae Trial Reviewer who received the product for free and evaluated it with a sense of representing Hwahae. The review is completely unbiased and honest, with no guidelines or restrictions. Trial Reviewers' reviews undergo the same strict verification process as regular reviews, and if they don't meet our standards, revisions will be requested.ProsI came across this whitening serum while searching, and decided to use it because the reviews were good and the price was relatively affordable. In conclusion, it seems to be a cost-effective product, so I recommend it. I apply this product first thing after my morning and evening cleansing routine, and I noticed my complexion improving after the first week of use. As is typical of whitening products, there is no sudden whitening effect, but with consistent use, my skin appears more radiant. While my skin tone is not particularly dark, it does have a yellowish undertone. Using this serum, I feel the yellowish cast has reduced, and there is a slight pinkish base to my skin. Recently, during a trip, I was exposed to a lot of sunlight, and I didn't have my usual face mask with me, so I applied a generous amount of this serum, and it seemed to help.
ConsAs is common with whitening products, there is a tendency for the skin to become dry. When I didn't follow up with thorough moisturization in the beginning, I noticed an emphasis on blackheads on my nose area. I would recommend using this serum along with a moisturizing cream or serum.
- Hwahae UserMay 2, 2017Combination SkinSensitive SkinAcne Skin
Review under verification
The content is currently being reviewed by the Hwahae operations team, and the verification will be completed by the next business day (excluding weekends and holidays) from the date the review was written.Reviewed by Hwahae Trial Reviewers
This review was written by a Hwahae Trial Reviewer who received the product for free and evaluated it with a sense of representing Hwahae. The review is completely unbiased and honest, with no guidelines or restrictions. Trial Reviewers' reviews undergo the same strict verification process as regular reviews, and if they don't meet our standards, revisions will be requested.ProsAfter seeing fullbuster's review, I purchased this product. Even with my sensitive skin, there is no irritation and the appropriate viscosity allows for quick absorption. It's been just under a month since I started using it, and I feel like my overall skin tone has become brighter compared to before. The reddish blemishes and the freckles that recently appeared around my eyes have also faded a bit.
ConsIt lacks moisture, so it's best to apply a cream on top after absorbing it.
TipI'd recommend using it only at night before bed, if possible. If you do apply it during the day, be sure to thoroughly apply sunscreen as well.
- Hwahae UserApr 9, 2017Dry SkinSensitive SkinAcne Skin
Review under verification
The content is currently being reviewed by the Hwahae operations team, and the verification will be completed by the next business day (excluding weekends and holidays) from the date the review was written.Reviewed by Hwahae Trial Reviewers
This review was written by a Hwahae Trial Reviewer who received the product for free and evaluated it with a sense of representing Hwahae. The review is completely unbiased and honest, with no guidelines or restrictions. Trial Reviewers' reviews undergo the same strict verification process as regular reviews, and if they don't meet our standards, revisions will be requested.ProsI purchased it for 58,000 won and it seems to be quite moisturizing and suitable for dry skin. I plan to repurchase it once I finish the current one.
ConsIt was satisfactory and seemed to suit my dry skin well.
ob******Apr 1, 2017Oily SkinSensitive SkinAcne SkinAtopic SkinReview under verification
The content is currently being reviewed by the Hwahae operations team, and the verification will be completed by the next business day (excluding weekends and holidays) from the date the review was written.Reviewed by Hwahae Trial Reviewers
This review was written by a Hwahae Trial Reviewer who received the product for free and evaluated it with a sense of representing Hwahae. The review is completely unbiased and honest, with no guidelines or restrictions. Trial Reviewers' reviews undergo the same strict verification process as regular reviews, and if they don't meet our standards, revisions will be requested.ProsWhen you look at the ingredients, other cosmetics talk about whitening and whatnot, but after trying this, you'll realize that this is the one you have to buy. The whitening and moisturizing combination is also well-formulated. However, no matter how good the ingredients are, you shouldn't use too much. The ingredients towards the end can be sensitive, so a little goes a long way. This is the best whitening essence.
ConsSince I haven't been using it for very long, it's difficult to judge if there are any issues like trouble, itchiness, or redness.
TipWhile there are moisturizing ingredients, it can be drying, so it's best to seal it in with an oil or cream.
- Hwahae UserMar 1, 2017Combination SkinSensitive SkinAcne Skin
Review under verification
The content is currently being reviewed by the Hwahae operations team, and the verification will be completed by the next business day (excluding weekends and holidays) from the date the review was written.Reviewed by Hwahae Trial Reviewers
This review was written by a Hwahae Trial Reviewer who received the product for free and evaluated it with a sense of representing Hwahae. The review is completely unbiased and honest, with no guidelines or restrictions. Trial Reviewers' reviews undergo the same strict verification process as regular reviews, and if they don't meet our standards, revisions will be requested.ProsIt has good spreadability and even better absorption. It doesn't cause any breakouts, and most importantly, my skin has become brighter.
ConsThose with extremely dry skin may find it drying.
Hwahae UserJan 20, 2017Oily SkinReview under verification
The content is currently being reviewed by the Hwahae operations team, and the verification will be completed by the next business day (excluding weekends and holidays) from the date the review was written.Reviewed by Hwahae Trial Reviewers
This review was written by a Hwahae Trial Reviewer who received the product for free and evaluated it with a sense of representing Hwahae. The review is completely unbiased and honest, with no guidelines or restrictions. Trial Reviewers' reviews undergo the same strict verification process as regular reviews, and if they don't meet our standards, revisions will be requested.ProsThe brightening effect has been noticeable to others since I've been using it for about 5 days!!!!!! It's non-irritating and absorbs quickly as it's lightweight. I can apply other base products right after using it without any issues. (Update 3.5: I'm still using it, but I'm not sure if I'm using too little or if the volume is just large ㅋㅋㅋㅋ Anyway, the areas on my skin with blemishes and pigmentation have faded significantly. I also feel like it's helping to even out my skin tone. About 0.5 tone difference! Overall, my complexion looks more uniform and not blotchy.)
ConsThose who dislike lightweight/watery textures may not like it....I guess? But I love it ㅋㅋㅋ
