Pyunkang Yul skincare was developed by the renowned Pyunkang Oriental Medicine Clinic in Korea and "less is more" is definitely the brand's philosophy. Pyunkang Yul abandons ingredients that are merely added for texture and scent. The carefully chosen ingredients in Pyunkang Yul skincare are gentle and safe for skin. The idea is not correcting the skin but finding the optimal balance of moisture and oil balance for a healthy glowing complexion.
At this point in my life, I am more drawn into powerhouse skincare ingredients such as Vitamin C, Retinoid, Peptides, AHA, etc. And, my skin usually tolerates these with no issues and I find my current skincare regimen (Vitabrid C12, reviewed) works very well for me. I wasn't exactly looking for "gentle" skincare but a simple moisture serum that I could use during the short self facial massages that I have been into lately. I wanted something light but with enough slip and without any potential irritants. Pyunkang Yul Moisture Serum seemed perfect and priced right as well so I purchased a bottle from iHerb a few months ago. It was surprisingly nice so I decided to explore the brand a bit more.
Pyunkang Yul Moisture Serum (100 ml / 3.3 fl oz, $18 on StyleKorean, $24.30 on iHerb)
This is a milky serum that calms and hydrates skin. It feels very comforting and absorbs quite well without leaving any sticky residue. The main ingredients are coptis japonica root extract and olive oil that supposedly restore the moisture balance and soothes irritated skin. I was initially applying this serum before facial massages but soon started using it as a part of my secondary skincare regimen. I love how effectively it hydrates my skin. My only gripe is the pipet applicator which doesn't grab enough serum. A pump dispenser would be better for this milky liquid.
Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner (200 ml / 6.7 fl oz, $13 on StyleKorean, $17.10 on iHerb)
What is interesting about this toner is that it is waterless. 91.3% of this toner is milk vecht root extract that is full of minerals and betaines. This fragrance-free toner feels quite slippery on contact but absorbs quickly leaving the skin calm and soothed. This toner has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and nutrient-boosting properties.
Pyunkang Yul Balancing Gel (60 ml / 2 fl oz, $13.20 on StyleKorean, $18 on iHerb)
This has got to be the most interesting moisturizer that I have experienced. The thick clear gel has a honey-like dense texture. At first, I didn't know how to apply this gel on my skin but finally figured out that it's meant to be applied little by little when the skin is still moist. The sticky feeling goes away in a minute as the gel quickly melts into the skin. My skin feels firmer and deeply drenched with this powerful anti-aging gel.
Pyunkang Yul Peeling Gel (120 ml / 4 fl oz, $17.20 on StyleKorean, $14.40 on iHerb)
One of my favorites from the line and probably the best of its kind. The "peeling" action is almost instantaneous and effortless yet it leaves the skin super clean and soft. No fragrance is added. It rinses very easily as well that I have been using it at least twice a week. I will definitely repurchase this one.
Pyunkang Yul Cleansing Foam (150ml / 5.1 fl oz, $8.90 on StyleKorean, $11.70 on iHerb)
I actually bought this to cleanse my makeup sponge and synthetic brushes. In my experience, densely foaming cleanser like this works better than most brush cleansers. As I expected, this foaming cleanser works so well for that, but to my tiny disappointment, it is scented with a light floral fragrance and can be drying sometimes. I keep it in the shower booth but don't use it on my face that often. If you have normal to oily skin and like a cleanser that makes dense cushy foam, you'd like this one.
Pyunkang Yul Ato Skin Nourishing Baby Oil (190ml / 6.42 fl oz, $21 on StyleKorean, $14.38 on iHerb)
I love this body oil. This is developed for babies with Atopic Dermatitis and safe to use during pregnancy. I just love it because it beautifully moisturizes my skin after a shower. I have other body oils that have fragrances but on most days I reach for fragrance-free lotion or this baby oil. I like wearing perfume on a regular basis and don't want it to clash with other fragrances. It is rich in natural oil such as sweet almond oil, olive oil, sunflower seed oil, jojoba oil, and macadamia nut oil.
Overall, I think Pyunkang Yul offers an excellent skincare range especially suitable for sensitive skin. These products complement my primary skincare with Vitamin C and can be used at any time of the day because it's so gentle and simple to use. I sometimes mix the Essence Toner, Moisture Serum, and a bit of Balancing Gel in a glass bowl and make DIY sheet masks with the mixture. It's wonderfully hydrating and soothing. In fact, my face was a bit irritated from wearing a mask and sweating a few days ago and this DIY mask calmed it down right away. I will continue to use this line as a secondary regimen and will look into other products from the brand in the future. Pyunkang Yul is also a cruelty-free brand for those who care.
Thanks for reading! Have you tried Pyunkang Yul skincare? What do you think of the idea of having a secondary skincare routine?
*The Pyunkang Yul skincare products were purchased by me. This post contains affiliate links. Thank you if you choose to use them.
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