This product is my first foray into the Hanbang world and is one
of the more expensive items I own. Luckily for my wallet it was sent to me by
Kerry of Skin and Tonics as part of the AB Reddit Secret Santa. It’s packed
full of Hanbang ingredients such as soybean, red bean, mung bang. Basically all
the Asian beans habitat in this one sleek bottle.
Brand Statement:
“The extracts of beans, black beans, carob beans, mung beans,
peanuts, red beans, kidney beans that contain rich isoflavone and phosphatide
necessary for collagen and skin film gives elasticity to the skin. In addition
these beans contain 100% natural sugar elasticity ingredient Polysaccharide,
which improves the skin tone and skin texture to thin wrinkles and lines. The
white beads, derivatives of vitamin E, can be broken immediately and penetrate
deep into the skin through body heat.”
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract (22.844%) – An
amazing 22% of this product is Soybean extract! Can all the Hanbang fans put
their hands up! Soy contains the anti-oxidant genistein which has been shown to
have a collagen stimulating effect, which reduces the appearance of fine lines
and wrinkles.
Arachis Hypogaea (Peanut) Fruit Extract (9.665%) – Peanuts!
Be wary of this if you have a nut allergy. For those who don’t, rejoice in the
fact that peanuts have anti-inflammatory properties for the skin.
Lens Esculenta (Lentil) Fruit Extract (9.665%) – Lentils
are known as a skin-conditioning agent, and they’re packed with anti-oxidants.
Simple and classy frosted glass container. I do find that you have to shake the bottle in order to get enough product out.
Product & Scent: The scent really reminds me of old Chinese
medicine shops, though this wasn’t overly strong. It’s a soft serum and my skin
drinks this up. You do have to lightly pat this in in order to break the Vitamin E capsules onto your skin.
The mini Vitamin E capsules
Directions of Use:
I use this after toning in my routine. I take a small amount in
my hand and then gently pat onto my face using a circular motion.
This is enough for my whole face
Review:
I’ve used this serum for over a month now, and I’ve found it pretty
average to be honest. The ingredients list is like a who’s who of the bean
world, and there are very few irritants or acne triggers in there. It hasn’t
irritated my skin at all, or resulted in any acne. It’s a great moisturiser and
doesn’t feel greasy, which is good for my oily skin. I do find myself reaching
for it in the morning as well as the evening. Another positive of this product is that I've used it for approximately 5 weeks now every evening and occasionally some mornings and there's still plenty left in the bottle as you can see:
But it also hasn’t done much
else. It’s worth keeping in mind though that I’m fortunate enough not to suffer from
any fine lines yet, and that’s what this product aims to target. You can tell
this with the fact that the star ingredient is Soybean whose main skincare benefit
is reducing the appearance of fine lines. I’m just the wrong demographic for
this product, currently. Sadly I know in the future I’ll be perfect for this,
just not yet.
For the price tag I wouldn’t be able to justify re-purchasing, I’m going to
look into all in one ampoules first.
Pros:
+ Moisturising
+ Good for Oily Skin
+ Long Lasting
Cons: - Expensive - No Other Benefits
Rating:
Rating System:
1/5 = Should be taken off the market \and the
product designer sent to the corner
2/5 = Does not live up to it's claims and would
not buy or recommend
3/5 = Decent product, no miracle worker but a
closet placeholder until a better one is found
4/5 = Now we're talking! Lives up to it's claim
and would buy again
5/5 = We have a Holy Grail people. This is not a
drill. Will buy till the end of time.
Final
Thoughts:
Despite the negatives I’m really pleased that
this was part of the amazing present I received from Kerry. I’ve really enjoyed
my first foray into the Hanbang world and this is also my first serum. It’s
moisturising and hasn’t caused me any problems. I’m just afflicted with that
curse so many of my fellow Asian Beauty lovers have, and that’s the urge to go
out and find the Holy Grail.