This Korean review was translated by AI and may contain inaccuracies.
- ar********Apr 1, 2025Combination SkinSebum/BlackheadsWrinkles/ElasticityEnlarged 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.ProsSkin type: Combination Purchase motivation: It's my own money. I've always used 1% retinol products to prevent wrinkles, but I wanted to try a higher concentration since I've been using them without any side effects like becoming more sensitive to 1%. I usually use other brands, but Hwahae seems to have the highest concentration, so I bought it. Texture: It's a cream that's slightly less thick than an ointment. It has a yellowish tint and can separate into cream and water when used for a long time. It has more of a balm-like feel than an oily one. User experience: While the goal is wrinkle prevention, it seems to be a case of too much of a good thing. Using this product for 2-3 days in a row causes my skin to peel. Applying it around the eyes makes the skin there rise up, deepening wrinkles, and using it on the 8 area causes peeling and worsens wrinkles, making makeup application difficult. So I've adjusted to using it only once a week, but I think using 1% daily would have been better. Don't blindly trust your own skin - using it once a week may be fine, but I'm doubtful it's effective for wrinkle prevention when used so infrequently. Price: I got it on sale for around 50,000 won, which was a great deal for such a good product, but I'd recommend testing it first before purchasing. Packaging: The plastic packaging is UV-protected, and the pump works well, making it convenient to use. However, those with truly healthy skin may see good results. For me, the concentration is too high... Oh well...
ConsThose who claim that high concentrations are not irritating really need to be tested.
- pz***Jul 22, 2024Combination SkinSensitive SkinAcne SkinBrightening/Dark SpotsEnlarged 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.ProsStable and user-friendly retinol! I brought the Clinicial 1% Retinol Treatment from Paula's Choice to introduce it to you. It is a night treatment that contains stabilized, highly concentrated retinol ingredients to help prevent and manage skin's firmness and wrinkles. When you use it directly, it feels moisturizing and soft in a lotion form. It has minimal stickiness and absorbs quickly, making it a very convenient retinol to use. I didn't experience any irritation when I first started using it, and I still don't feel any irritation even with continued use. Everyone has been raving about retinol, as it's been a trendy ingredient for a long time, and I've tried countless retinol products. But using the Paula's Choice retinol is the first time I've seen effects on my dark spots. I'm not sure if retinol really helps with dark spots, but personally, I feel like my dark spots have faded a bit. Also, after using it at night and waking up in the morning, my skin feels quite smooth, so I'm satisfied with how it improves skin texture.
ConsPaula's Choice always makes high-quality products... I have no complaints!
- fl*****Jun 10, 2024Oily 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.ProsAmong retinols, this cosmetic product seems to be the most stable. However, I don't think it's necessary to apply it at such a high concentration. There was a time when I was obsessed with wanting to see dramatic effects, but after using this, my face would be peeled and shiny the next day. For some reason, the effects seem to have diminished now.
ConsThe high price is its biggest selling point... But they also say that those in their early 20s shouldn't use retinol. When my face was a mess, using this made it go completely haywire. It should only be used when your skin is healthy. Even when I first started using it, it was a nightmare, but now I've adapted to it, so it's not effective anymore... What am I going to do, I spent a lot of money on this headache.
TipStart with a lower concentration first. Don't use it together with anything too stimulating... Only use it with gentle products... Use it together with the Bring Green ampoule.
ka**********May 18, 2024Combination SkinBrightening/Dark SpotsInner DrynessWrinkles/ElasticityReview 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.ProsAs a person adapted to retinal, I was curious about retinol and tried it out. I immediately applied it to my face, and it caused a huge exfoliation party. It seems like an adaptation period is necessary. ㅠㅠㅜㅜ
ConsPersonally, I think retinal works better for me than retinol.
- 39*******Apr 19, 2024Combination SkinSensitive SkinAcne SkinInner DrynessEnlarged 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.ProsTo begin with, it is certain that this product is effective in improving skin texture and pore size. Retinol tends to cause irritation and dryness of the skin (as it promotes exfoliation), but even at 1%, this product seems to cause less irritation and dryness in the beginning compared to other products, which made me initially doubt its effectiveness. Nevertheless, the product has the advantage of feeling moisturizing and causing minimal irritation. The effects started to appear around the 2-3 day mark. On the first day, there was no noticeable reaction, but from then on, peeling started to occur in the applied areas (you should account for this when applying makeup). The skin gradually started to look more radiant. Do not pick at the peeling skin (Trying to improve the skin by using retinol can end up damaging the skin). Strangely, even though the retinol concentration is high and the peeling is visible, I'm not sure if it's as effective in improving reddish blemishes as other retinol products. However, the effect on pores is definite. I have unusually large pores on my nose, so I applied a small amount periodically and was surprised to notice the contours and area of the pores reducing at some point. I wish I had taken before and after photos. The pores are now much less noticeable when I apply makeup.
ConsThere's nothing disappointing. It's understandable that the price is high since it contains expensive ingredients, and it would be great if it were more effective in improving red scars.
TipDon't apply it every day, only use it as much as a pea-sized amount at night, and sunscreen is a must. For those with weak skin barriers, first focus on repairing the barrier before applying. Those with dry skin who slather on retinol may suffer from unresolvable dehydration. For such people, I recommend the Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Balm 👍 I've tried many famous moisturizers, but this one has a rich, cushiony texture without any greasy or slippery feel. After using it, my skin's barrier has recovered, and I can now apply retinol without any issues. This is not an advertisement disguised as a review, but a product I personally recommend based on word-of-mouth.
- la*********Feb 22, 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.ProsI've been using 0.5% retinol for a long time, so I tried 1% and the effects are visible, which I'm happy about!
ConsThere may be some irritation, and I've decided to use it 3 times a week!
ci******Jan 12, 2024Dry SkinSensitive SkinBrightening/Dark SpotsInner DrynessWrinkles/ElasticityReview 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 Polachoice Niacinamide 20% is a complete recommendation. With the incredible 1% ingredient, the effects are dramatic. Rather than dramatically changing, the subtle effects are dramatically apparent. This is a bit pricey, so I've tried various other products and completed my retinol adaptation. Unlike the cost-effective retinols, the difference is noticeable as soon as you apply it. Since it's 1%, the ingredients are 100-10 times more potent than regular products, so I gradually adapted it over about a month, starting with once a week and working up to daily, mixing it into a cream and applying it very slowly. When I started applying it directly and using two pumps daily, my skin started peeling white. During those times, I just supplemented my skin barrier for 3-4 days before applying it again. Going forward, I plan to use it every other week. The fine lines haven't completely disappeared, but my skin texture is now smooth and supple, with an overall improved complexion.
ConsEven though it's expensive and has a high concentration, you can use it sparingly, so it ends up being cost-effective.
TipDon't be overeager and jump right in. Gradually work your way up, starting with more affordable retinols to build up your tolerance.
- hy*******Dec 14, 2023Combination 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 chose a retinol serum to replace the Stiva A ointment. I'm using it carefully as it contains 1% retinol... So far, I'm using it without any trouble. It seems much gentler than the ointment. I'm currently using the low-concentration retinol serum on alternate days. I plan to gradually increase the frequency of use.
ConsThe high price and fragrance! It has a faint medicinal-like scent, rather than a typical cosmetic fragrance. I find that scent slightly bothersome.
TipBe cautious with the high retinol concentration! When I was adapting to the Stiva A ointment, I used a low-concentration retinol serum on alternate days... If this is your first time using retinol, it would be a good idea to start with a low-concentration product and use it on alternate days as well.
- to********Dec 1, 2023Normal 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 this product to improve my overall skin condition, including recurring skin troubles, pigmentation, and enlarged pores. While there is definitely an adjustment period, and my skin seemed to get worse at first, after adapting, it has been great. When I apply it and wake up, I can really feel the difference in my skin.
ConsI don't have any particular negatives. I plan to repurchase and continue using it. The only thing is that it was a bit too stimulating at the beginning.
TipInstead of being overeager and applying it too frequently from the start, taking it slow and allowing an adjustment period is key to experiencing the full benefits.
- un***********Nov 28, 2023Oily SkinSensitive SkinAcne SkinSebum/BlackheadsEnlarged 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 product had good moisture and hydration, and also applied well. I recommend it.
ConsThe volume is a bit disappointing. I think it's better to buy it when it's on sale.
