Or you want a quick look: What Is Centella?
Centella asiatica has most certainly become one of my favorite skincare ingredients so it probably comes as no surprise that I really love the Madagascar Centella Toning Toner and the Madagascar Centella Ampoule from SKIN1004. I was actually surprised though since the toner and ampoule seemed quite light and watery but they really pack a wonderful punch of hydration. Want to learn about SKIN1004 and their Kbeauty products? Here is the review on this Korean skincare company that produces EWG green grade products. Need some centella, or cica, goodness? You need to try these.
Are you ready to dive in to this review? Let’s go!
- What Is Centella?
- About SKIN1004
- SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Toning Toner
- SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule
(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.)
What Is Centella?
Before we get too far into the review, I think it’s important to know what the main ingredient is. Not all of us are super duper knowledgeable K-beauty enthusiasts so just in case, if you’re like me and you’re learning as you go, here are the deets. Centella Asiatica is also known as Cica, so you may have seen it on other products. It is rich in antioxidants so it helps soothe inflammation of the skin which means it’s great if you are trying to combat redness or acne. Centella asiatica extract also has anti-aging powers, is rich in amino acids and helps boost skin elasticity. When you start to read the ingredients lists carefully, you’ll find this all over. It’s in one of my must-have favorite products, the Parsley Seed Energy Serum by AwakeAsleep and in one of my favorite vitamin C serums, the All day Vitamin Brightening & Balancing Serum from Jumiso. It’s really a necessity for my skin and probably for yours too.
About SKIN1004
This Korean skincare brand SKIN1004 first launched in 2012 and they focus on using high-quality raw materials with a focus on the Centella Asiatica sourced from Madagascar. SKIN1004 is passionate about using safe ingredients that are good for people with sensitive or irritated skin. They avoid common irritants like alcohol, parabens, triethanolamine, artificial fragrances and colors.
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Toning Toner
What is it? Toner
The site explains that this is a non-irritating exfoliator for sensitive skin as well as all-types of skin. As dead cells prevent complete absorption of nutrients, this exfoliating toner helps to prepare your skin for the application of other ampoules and serums. The company uses high-quality centella asiatica from Madagascar and the toner is meant to keep skin moist, bright, and free of wrinkles. Other ingredients in the toner include niacinamide which is for reducing blemishes, hyaluronic acid to help with moisturization and hydration, and betaine for balance the waters and oils in the skin. This product is alcohol free and paraben-free.
This is a PHA toner, as opposed to a AHA or BHA which you may have seen before. PHA has a larger molecular structure than AHA, which means it penetrates the skin a bit slower and therefore doesn’t exfoliate as powerfully as acids with a smaller molecular structure. These mild acids are perfect for all types of sensitive and/or dry skin conditions, prone to irritation and/or redness.
When To Use: After cleansing face. Morning and/or evening.
My Thoughts: First of all the packaging is just beautiful. Apparently the company changed their packaging in the autumn of 2019 and seeing what the old bottles looked like compared to this, I can say this is just exquisite. The previous bottles didn’t allow you to see the product but to see this amber gold is just right in my opinion. The simple packaging is elegant, sleek, and minimalistic.
I know you really want to know about the product inside though; the toner has a watery consistency. At first I thought it would probably only be suitable in summer months but as the weather has chilled and winter has arrived, my skin is still loving this and actually maybe a bit more than before. The toner is immediately absorbed into the skin without any oily or tacky residue feeling leftover. It leaves my skin refreshed. I use it both in the morning and in the evening and love how it makes my skin bright and supple after use. There is no discernible scent that I can detect. This is definitely a toner that I will keep in my arsenal. If your skin is like mine and doesn’t react well to AHA toners, then definitely look into this PHA toner. My skin loves it.
Where To Buy: You can buy Madagascar Centella Toning Toner on Amazon.com or on YesStyle.com or here on Gmarket.com
Ingredients: Centella extract (84%), purified water, dipropylene glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, niacinamide, glucono delta-lactone, tromethamine, niacinamide, glucono delta-lactone, tromethamine, carbomer, sodium citrate, adenosine, disodium EDTA, dipotassium glycyrrhizate, betaine, hyaluronic acide, ethylhexylglycerin
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule
What is it? Ampoule
This is a EWG Green 100% Centella Asiatica Extract Ampoule and is certified hypoallergenic so there are no irritants. This is for people with sensitive skin, skin with a weakened skin barrier or unbalanced water-oil ratio, and dehydrated skin that is in need of moisturization. It is made with 100% Centella Asiatica extract which is one of their key selling points. This ampoule should repair the skin barrier, regulate oil, hydrate and soothe. The product has fine micro-sized particles and a low viscosity to allow for instant absorption and works well in conjunction with the Madagascar Centella Toning Toner.
When To Use: After cleansing and toner. I usually use this with the Madagascar Centella Toning Toner.
My Thoughts: The ampoule bottle is huge. I’ve been using it both morning and evening for over two months and there is still so so much left. There is no scent that I can detect. I like the long pipette for application. The ampoule has a watery consistency that absorbs into the skin quickly, comfortably, and leaves my skin refreshed and supple. I’ve applied quite a bit on my face and never found it tacky but really hydrating. My skin is much more supple and clear. I wore it in the morning and it also worked well under make-up. I have dry skin and I definitely found this delivered on the hydrating effects it promises. I have seen great effects and will definitely keep using it.
Where To Buy: You can buy Madagascar Centella Ampoule on Amazon.com or on YesStyle.com or Walmart.com or here on Gmarket.com
Ingredients: Centella Asiatica Extract
I bought both of these products on 0.8L and absolutely love them. I would definitely repurchase these as my skin loves the light feeling that packs a hydrating punch.
