This Korean review was translated by AI and may contain inaccuracies.
- bu*********Feb 10, 2025Combination SkinAcne SkinBrightening/Dark SpotsSebum/BlackheadsDark CirclesInner DrynessWrinkles/ElasticityEnlarged PoresRednessDead Skin Cells
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 been struggling with enlarged pores as my biggest skin concern, but I've seen great results from using this product. With consistent use, I've noticed a visible improvement in my enlarged pores. Even though it contains 2% retinol, it didn't cause any irritation. Additionally, it's one of the more affordable retinol ampoules, so I'd recommend it as a great entry-level retinol product.
ConsAt first, the fragrance was really disliked. It seems that you need to use it 'consistently' to see the effects. When I stopped using it in the middle, it reverted back to its original state.
TipI did not use it daily, but used it about once every two days along with Riddle Shot (100).
- wl*****Jan 17, 2025Combination SkinBrightening/Dark SpotsSebum/BlackheadsWrinkles/ElasticityEnlarged PoresRedness
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.ProsThe effects - smooths fine wrinkles, instantly improves skin texture, and my freckles have become smaller. Pore-minimizing effect. The formula and application - a light, fluid-like ampoule formula. Moisturization - it takes away moisture from the face, making it slightly dry. This is a characteristic of retinol-based products.
Cons0.2% is intended for intermediate to advanced users, so those with sensitive skin should be cautious as it may cause peeling, flaking, or redness, and should use it carefully.
TipAfter applying a retinol-based product, allow for approximately 2 minutes of absorption, then follow up with a regenerative cream to further support the skin's renewal cycle.
- ca********Dec 7, 2024Dry 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.ProsThe squalane oil containing retinol was too oily and difficult to use. However, as an emulsion, it feels refreshing and does not slide when patted after application, being quickly absorbed. It has a light moisturizing effect. Among retinol products, this one seems to be relatively less irritating.
ConsDue to the characteristics of retinol, it is important to carefully control the amount applied (it should be applied in smaller quantities than one might think). It should be avoided around the eyes and mouth area, as irritation can cause redness that lasts for several days.
- yh****Aug 30, 2024Combination 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.ProsRetinol can be difficult to get used to at first, but when you find a product that is easy to approach but still effective, it's perfect! It's an emulsion, not an oil, so it's moisturizing and bouncy. It absorbs well and you can feel the bounciness right away when you apply it, which I liked.
ConsIf I had to pick something, it's that the effects aren't exactly dramatic, and after applying it, your face is left feeling a bit greasy, beyond just bouncy - more like sticky.
TipIt's fine to use it only at night. Absolutely do not use it when putting on makeup!
- st******Jun 29, 2024Dehydrated SkinDark CirclesEnlarged Pores
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.ProsFirst, there is the Granactive line and then the regular retinol line, and the Granactive line is considered a gentler version. I've tried both lines, and since my skin has already experienced the effects of retinol, any product I use seems to have a similar impact. Once you dip your toes into retinol, it feels like your skin just keeps getting healthier and healthier. ๐
ConsWith retinol products, it's best to gradually increase the percentage of the ingredient. If you start with a higher concentration product, you may experience a lot of peeling. This is because retinol stimulates the cell growth process, leading to the formation of new skin cells and the removal of existing impurities, which can result in significant peeling.
TipStart with a Granactive line product with a lower percentage and gradually increase the percentage!
- df****Mar 3, 2024Oily SkinSensitive 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'm not sure about the effectiveness yet, but there is hardly any irritation that I was worried about when using retinol. Low irritation is the best.
ConsThe smell is a bit strange...? And the fact that it needs to be refrigerated is a bit of a hassle.
- xq********Jan 4, 2024Combination 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 is clear that acne or skin troubles have decreased.
ConsWhile I did not experience any troubles, those with sensitive skin should be cautious as this contains retinol.
- ya*********Dec 26, 2023Combination 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 using it, I can definitely feel the elasticity. At first it was a bit irritating, but now I don't feel anything at all.
ConsThere's nothing disappointing, haha. I'm not sure if it's just me, but my skin feels like it's getting a little thicker? That's the slightest impression I get.
- m1****Dec 19, 2023Oily SkinSebum/BlackheadsEnlarged Pores
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.ProsThe active retinoid ingredient, hydroxypinacolone retinoate (HPR), is a derivative of retinoic acid in the retinoid family. Unlike the typical conversion process from retinol to retinal to retinoic acid, HPR can directly bind to retinoic acid chemically. When used at high concentrations, it can be less irritating than retinal while providing better collagen production results, sometimes even comparable to tretinoin. With consistent use, it can gradually improve skin brightness, even out skin tone, refine texture and pores, strengthen the overall skin, and slightly reduce sebum production, especially on the nose. I've been using it for over a year.
ConsWhile HPR is considered less irritating among retinoids, individual responses can vary. In the beginning, I used it every other day, but experienced redness, peeling, stinging, and breakouts.
TipThe oil-based formula is not very absorbent. Applying it right before bedtime is the most comfortable. If it takes more than 3 months to finish, I mix it into my body lotion and apply it to my body as well.
- ki*****Nov 7, 2023Dry SkinSensitive SkinSebum/BlackheadsInner DrynessDead Skin Cells
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.ProsThe oily formula suited me well as a dry skin type. It also contains squalane, which is similar to sebum components, so it was less drying. I was worried the 2% retinoid might be irritating, but it was fine. I also felt a slight plumping effect on my skin.
ConsThe oiliness meant there was a heavy feeling in the next skincare step. Also, as this was my first time using retinol, I was unsure if I was actually seeing the effects.
TipAfter toner, I apply this ampoule and finish with a moisturizer. (Normally I use a recovery cream as I have acne-prone dry skin, but I was concerned the retinol might be too much, so I just used a moisturizer to finish.)